Those who follow SmartHomeScene, are already aware that we are huge supporters of Apollo Automation here. Apollo is a fan-favorite brand which produces ESPHome-based devices that work with Home Assistant out of the box.
Apollo devices are fully local and open-source by design, eliminating the cloud from the equation and giving privacy back to the users. This fact alone is held in the highest regard on this website, as we believe a smart home can be truly your own only when it’s completely run locally and detached from any type of dependency.
Apollo Automation Certified Devices
Apollo Automation has officially joined the Works with Home Assistant program, certifying three of their devices. Interestingly, these Apollo devices are the first-ever ESPHome-based devices to receive Works with Home Assistant certification.
- MSR-2 mmWave Presence Multisensor (LD2410B) – The smallest presence sensor ever made, based on the Hi-Link LD-2410B mmWave radar.
- MTR-1 Multi-Target Tracking Radar Multisensor (LD2450) – A small multi-target tracking radar with zone support based on the Hi-Link LD-2450 mmWave radar.
- AIR-1 Air Quality Sensor For Home Assistant – The most feature rich air quality monitor with a huge variety of sensors.
We have reviewed each and every Apollo Automation sensor from the very beginning, testing and examining each feature with Home Assistant. You, as an end user, will rarely find such feature-rich smart devices packed in such small cases. Read our reviews to learn more and decide for yourself.
What’s the Works with Home Assistant program?
The Works with Home Assistant program is a partnership that is designed to be beneficial to Home Assistant, its partners and its users. The goal of the program is for Home Assistant to work together with manufacturers and build the best experience for the shared user base.
The program has the following requirements:
- Integration must be configurable via the user interface
- Devices tested and approved by Nabu Casa
- Integration Quality Scale requirement of Gold or better
- Easy firmware updates from within Home Assistant
- Support contact and integration maintainer must be listed
Each partner must keep their integration working properly. This means fixing bugs and keeping things up-to-date directly through Home Assistant. Further, Home Assistant expects all partners to follow best practices that do not violate the Home Assistant community guidelines.
The “Works with Home Assistant” program stands out by rigorously testing products in-house. This ensures devices work smoothly out of the box. Partners are also required to promise long-term support and regular firmware updates, and they commit to being positive members of the Home Assistant community. The Open Home Foundation runs this program, and it’s entirely funded by Home Assistant Cloud subscribers.
