eWeLink releases a Home Assistant add-on for SONOFF devices

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In a world where smart home devices reign supreme, the recent announcement of an official Home Assistant add-on for eWeLink, the app used to control SONOFF's Wi-Fi devices, was met with a mix of excitement and caution. While this development signifies the growing interest of companies to officially integrate their smart home products with Home Assistant, there are valid reasons to hold off on embracing this new integration – at least for now.

A tale of two SONOFF integrations

Current users of Home Assistant and SONOFF Wi-Fi devices, such as smart switches, bulbs, and breakers, have two dominant methods of integration: either flashing their devices with an alternative firmware such as ESPHome or using the SonoffLAN custom component. Flashing ESPHome on SONOFF a smart switch can be an intimidating process for some, while the custom component depends on the goodwill of developers offering their expertise for free. In light of these predicaments, the official add-on might appear as the answer to every Home Assistant user's prayers. But is it really the panacea it claims to be?

A tale of two SONOFF integrations

Current users of Home Assistant and SONOFF Wi-Fi devices, such as smart switches, bulbs, and breakers, have two dominant methods of integration: either flashing their devices with an alternative firmware such as ESPHome or using the SonoffLAN custom component. Flashing ESPHome on SONOFF a smart switch can be an intimidating process for some, while the custom component depends on the goodwill of developers offering their expertise for free. In light of these predicaments, the official add-on might appear as the answer to every Home Assistant user's prayers. But is it really the panacea it claims to be?

Proceed with caution

Despite the anticipation surrounding this official integration, it is crucial for users to exercise caution before diving head first into this new territory. The integration might not live up to its hype, or worse, it could introduce unexpected complications for users down the line.

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of the official eWeLink Home Assistant add-on, it's essential to address a crucial concern: the requirement to register for an account. For many Home Assistant users, protecting their privacy from the prying eyes of tech giants like Google and Amazon and murky entities such as ITEAD Studio is of paramount importance. Consequently, this registration mandate raises a red flag and may deter potential users from adopting the add-on.

Moreover, the official add-on features a sidebar-menu entry that redirects users to a web dashboard displaying their devices, accompanied by a conspicuous link to the SONOFF store. Home Assistant users generally appreciate Sonoff products and do not require such blatant advertisements within the add-on itself.

The allure of cloud-free alternatives

The existence of alternatives like the SonoffLAN custom component and flashing SONOFF smart switches with ESPHome or Tasmota further diminishes the appeal of the official add-on for Home Assistant. These options allow devices supporting DIY mode to integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant without relying on cloud services, providing users with the privacy and peace of mind they seek.

In conclusion, while the official eWeLink Home Assistant add-on represents a milestone in the collaboration between SONOFF and Home Assistant, its disregard for user privacy and unnecessary advertising may hinder its potential for widespread adoption. Users seeking a more privacy-focused solution might find solace in the likes of the SonoffLAN custom component or flashing their devices with ESPHome or Tasmota.

When it comes to insightful opinions on Home Assistant, there are few voices more authoritative than that of its founder, Paulus Schoutsen. In a Reddit thread announcing the eWeLink official add-on for SONOFF devices, he did not hesitate to express his disapproval, stating that “the eWeLink Home Assistant add-on is a big hack and I would not recommend using it.” Coming from the creator of Home Assistant, this critique should not be taken lightly.

The add-on conundrum

Another issue that arises with the official SONOFF integration from eWeLink is the choice to implement it as an add-on. For individuals who host Home Assistant in a Docker container, this decision complicates the installation process considerably. A custom component would be more fitting for such an integration, streamlining the user experience and making it more accessible to a broader range of Home Assistant enthusiasts.

Advice for SONOFF owning Home Assistant users

Given the shortcomings of the official eWeLink add-on for SONOFF devices, what should Home Assistant users who own SONOFF devices do? The answer is simple: carry on with your current setup. There's no need to fix what isn't broken.

For those using flashed SONOFF devices, rest assured that your current setup is likely to serve you well, and you can continue to flash future purchases as needed. Meanwhile, if you're employing the SonoffLAN custom component, sticking with it is the wisest course of action. As it stands, this custom component outperforms the official add-on in terms of user-friendliness and privacy.

Ultimately, the adage rings true: “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Home Assistant users can continue to enjoy the benefits of their current Sonoff setups without the need to explore the uncharted territory of the official eWeLink add-on.

A portrait photo oif Liam Alexander Colman, the author, creator, and owner of Home Assistant Guide wearing a suit.

About Liam Alexander Colman

is an experienced Home Assistant user who has been utilizing the platform for a variety of projects over an extended period. His journey began with a Raspberry Pi, which quickly grew to three Raspberry Pis and eventually a full-fledged server. Liam's current operating system of choice is Unraid, with Home Assistant comfortably running in a Docker container.
With a deep understanding of the intricacies of Home Assistant, Liam has an impressive setup, consisting of various Zigbee devices, and seamless integrations with existing products such as his Android TV box. For those interested in learning more about Liam's experience with Home Assistant, he shares his insights on how he first started using the platform and his subsequent journey.

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