KNX vs. Loxone: Which Smart Home System for Which Project?
KNX and Loxone are the two leading smart home systems in the German-speaking market — with fundamentally different philosophies. KNX is an open standard, Loxone proprietary. This comparison shows which system fits when.
Architecture compared
The central difference lies in the structure — and that determines almost everything.
KNX
Decentralized, bus-based (TP, IP, RF). Each actuator and sensor has its own logic. Configured via ETS. Components from 500+ manufacturers, compatible via KNX certification.
Loxone
Centralized via Miniserver. Actuators and sensors are decentralized, logic runs centrally. Configured via Loxone Config. Components mostly from the manufacturer, some third parties.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | KNX | Loxone |
|---|---|---|
| Standardization | Open standard (EN 50090) | Proprietary |
| Manufacturers | 500+ | 1 (Loxone) |
| Entry cost | Medium-high | Medium |
| Full build-out | Higher (more components) | Cheaper |
| Learning curve | Steep (ETS) | Medium (Loxone Config) |
| Scalability | Very large (including industry) | Residential focused |
| Complex logic | Logic modules required | Directly in Config |
| Long-term availability | Very high (standard) | Manufacturer-dependent |
When KNX, when Loxone?
KNX is the better choice when …
- Major project (multiple buildings, commercial)
- Long-term availability critical (public buildings)
- Homeowner wants manufacturer independence
- Integration with building management required
Loxone is the better choice when …
- Single-family home, fast commissioning
- Logic (scenes, audio) important
- Budget tightly calculated
- Audio and multimedia integration desired
Hybrid (rare, but possible)
- Loxone as visualization over KNX
- KNX gateway for actuators, Loxone for logic
- Rarely useful, often complexity without gain
Cost example: SFH 150 m²
Rough reference values for a standard single-family home.
| Position | KNX | Loxone |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | 8,000 - 12,000 € | 5,000 - 8,000 € |
| Configuration / commissioning | 3,000 - 5,000 € | 2,000 - 3,500 € |
| Visualization | 1,000 - 3,000 € extra | Included |
| Total | 12,000 - 20,000 € | 7,000 - 11,500 € |
Tips for the decision
Talk to end customers
Nobody buys bus technology. What sells is comfort scenarios: 'when I leave everything switches off'. Speak that language.
KNX-ready cabling
When unsure, always lay a KNX bus cable alongside the 230V — costs little, opens options.
Service aspect
Loxone: what happens when the Miniserver fails? KNX: who services it after 10 years? Clarify both.
Conclusion: both have their place
KNX is the more robust choice for demanding, long-term projects. Loxone is cheaper and faster to commission. For a budget single-family home, Loxone is often more attractive — for homeowners with manufacturer-independence demands, KNX is set.
💡 Tip: Laying a KNX bus cable alongside the 230V costs a few hundred euros in new builds — and keeps options open.
Smart home concept in the plan
myElectricPlan supports KNX and Loxone directly in the plan — actuators, sensors and group addresses can be pre-planned per room.
Plan smart home now