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Virtual Smart Home
Virtual Smart Home
cloud Freemium 6 devices
VS
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo
local Free 2 devices

Node-RED Alexa integration comparison · 217 combined weekly downloads

Feature Comparison

Feature Virtual Smart Home Amazon Echo
Deployment cloud local
Pricing Freemium Free
Setup Difficulty easy easy
Alexa Skill Required Yes No
Device Types 6 2
Weekly Downloads 59 158
License MIT MIT
Last Updated 2025-05-15 2026-01-13

Supported Devices

light
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✓ Amazon Echo
switch
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✓ Amazon Echo
thermostat
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo
lock
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo
blind
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo
fan
✓ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo
tv
✕ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo
garage door
✕ Virtual Smart Home ✕ Amazon Echo

Virtual Smart Home

node-red-contrib-virtual-smart-home

A Node-RED node that represents a 'virtual device' which can be controlled via Alexa. Requires the virtual smart home skill to be enabled for your Amazon account.

PricingFreemium
Setupeasy
Weekly downloads59
Last updated2025-05-15
LicenseMIT
Deploymentcloud
Alexa SkillYes
Supported Devices:
light switch thermostat lock blind fan

Pros

  • Clean, intuitive interface
  • Good device type support (6 types)
  • Active community and updates
  • Easy setup process

Cons

  • Cloud dependency
  • Limited free tier
  • No garage door or TV support
Visit Website
npm GitHub

Amazon Echo

node-red-contrib-amazon-echo

Alexa-controlled Node-RED nodes for the latest Amazon Echo devices.

PricingFree
Setupeasy
Weekly downloads158
Last updated2026-01-13
LicenseMIT
Deploymentlocal
Alexa SkillNo
Supported Devices:
light switch

Pros

  • Fully local - no cloud dependency
  • Free and open source
  • Easy setup, no Alexa skill needed
  • Zero latency (local network)

Cons

  • Limited to on/off and brightness
  • Only 2 device types
  • Emulates Philips Hue bridge (may conflict with real Hue)
  • Less actively maintained
Visit Website
npm GitHub

More Comparisons

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