Deciding to automate your home is exciting but choosing the right system can be daunting. As a directory of professional installers, we recommend using experts for smart home setup. This article compares two top systems – Savant and Control4 – to inform your search for the best installer.
While Savant and Control4 achieve similar functionality, their approaches differ significantly. Considering your needs and priorities will help match you to the right installation pro.
Overview of Savant and Control4
Savant and Control4 are exclusively available through professional installers in Australia. DIY installation is not possible. Budget accordingly and let’s explore what certified dealers for each system offer.
Savant
Founded in 2005 in the USA, Savant aims to make smart homes achievable without custom complex solutions.
With certified dealers worldwide, Savant seamlessly integrates over 10,000 devices and services. Savant offers intuitive, long-lasting products designed for whole home control.
Control4
Established in 2004 in the USA, Control4 partners with authorised dealers globally to automate homes and businesses.
Control4 systems are bespoke based on clients’ needs. Dealers integrate lighting, AV, climate, security and more for complete customisation.
Control4 operates in over 100 countries with hundreds of thousands of clients.
| Feature | Control4 | Savant |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd party product support | Supports more 3rd party products than Savant1 | Supports fewer 3rd party products than Control4 1 |
| Price | Cheaper than Savant 1 3 | Can cost up to 25% more than Control4 1 |
| Hardware quality | Uses lower-quality hardware than Savant 1 | Uses higher-quality hardware than Control4 1 |
| Integration | Can integrate nearly all parts of your home 1 | Can integrate nearly all parts of your home 1 |
| A/V solutions | Fantastic with businesses, including conference room solutions1 | N/A |
| Personal preference | Choosing between Savant and Control4 comes down to personal preference2 | Choosing between Savant and Control4 comes down to personal preference2 |
How Savant and Control4 Professional Installation Works
Savant and Control4 take different approaches to home automation requiring different installation methods.
Savant Installation
Savant systems provide advanced yet simple programming. Certified dealers install and configure the system to control heating, security, lighting, entertainment, and more from any device.
The combination of wired and wireless gives flexibility for smarter placement. With tuned performance and aesthetics, Savant empowers next gen home control.
Control4 Installation
Control4 predominantly uses wired devices installed and connected by professionals. But system control is wireless.
Dealers seamlessly integrate wireless peripherals like Sonos into Control4 too. With custom programming, certified installers tailor the system to each client’s property and preferences for unmatched reliability.
Control4 technicians will consult to create a truly bespoke automated home.
Are Savant and Control4 DIY Installations?
Neither system permits DIY installation. Engaging certified professionals is strongly advised.
Savant
Savant requires certified dealers for design, installation and configuration. This increases costs but guarantees proper setup.
Purchasing individual parts online is possible but won’t result in a complete working system. Overall, Savant suits those willing to hire professionals.
Control4
As a complex wired system, Control4 demands installation by experts only. The wiring and programming involved make DIY impractical.
You must purchase through Control4’s certified dealers to receive a total customised system. Attempting to self-install simply won’t cut it.
Control4 insists on certified pros handling your project start to finish.
Savant and Control4 Products Installed
Professional dealers can install a wide range of integrated products with both systems.
Savant Products Installed
Savant enables control over security, temperature, lighting, window shades, speakers and video distribution.
With renowned brands like GE Lighting, Savant installers provide smart lighting solutions for any budget.
Control4 Products Installed
Control4 offers lighting, power, security, home theatre, video distribution and full home automation.
Certified dealers also integrate third-party products like Sonos speakers or Nest thermostats into Control4 systems.
Potential Downsides to Consider
There are some potential downsides to weigh up when installing either system:
Savant Considerations
- Professional installation increases project costs
- Wired systems have higher labor costs
- Ongoing maintenance may incur hidden fees
- Not all devices are compatible
Control4 Considerations
- Rewiring for Control4 wiring is very expensive
- Closed dealer system can limit price negotiation
- Control4 products come at a premium price
- Dealers required for all software and firmware updates
Key Differences – Savant vs Control4
The main differences between the systems include:
Savant
- Sleek Apple-inspired interface
- Very reliable with lower maintenance
- Users can program scenes themselves
Control4
- Integrates more third-party devices
- Massive dealer network provides support
- Manages more electronic locks
Which is Best – Savant or Control4?
The optimal smart home system depends on your priorities.
For an intuitive and robust experience, Savant excels. If you like Apple products, Savant’s interface feels familiar.
But Control4 integrates more outside devices. Their vast certified dealer network also aids ongoing support.
Security focused clients may prefer Control4’s wider electronic lock options.
Ultimately, connect with certified dealers of both systems to obtain quotes and recommendations for your property. This will help identify the top solution based on your budget and smart home needs.
The key is partnering with professional smart home installers.
