Control4 vs Crestron vs Savant: Which Smart Home System Is Best?

When comparing home automation systems like Crestron vs Control4 vs Savant, there are specific features to consider. The system should be compatible with your home’s existing smart technology. It should also meet your performance needs. Here are the features most homeowners consider in a smart home automation control system.

When comparing Control4 vs. Crestron vs. Savant, all three platforms offer whole-home audio control and customization. However, Crestron edges the other two out by offering from-the-ground-up customization.

Crestron systems are built to be deeply customized at a programming level, allowing thoughtful tailoring of nearly every aspect of the audio experience. Programming can include how each zone behaves as well as how sources are routed and controlled. This flexibility and customization make Crestron the better choice for complex, large-scale, or highly specific music requirements.

Control4 also delivers strong multi-room audio control and customization. It allows users to easily create zones, group rooms, set scenes, and manage different streaming sources. However, it tends to be more standardized than Crestron, as customizations typically occur within a defined ecosystem. So programming is user-friendly but slightly less flexible for complex sound setups.

Savant also offers a customizable audio experience and works very well when paired with Savant’s own hardware, i.e., Smart Audio. While users can enjoy zone control, scene creation, and high-quality playback, the system doesn’t lean into a fully open-ended system design like Crestron.

The ability to unify and control a home’s lighting is one of the most popular features in smart home automation, as it is not only convenient but also a safety and energy-saving feature. As a long-time expert Lutron lighting automation installer, we understand and appreciate how automated lighting control can transform living experiences. Control4, Crestron, and Savant all support dimming, scheduling, and scene-based control with some slight variations in customization capabilities.

When it comes to Control4 vs. Crestron vs. Savant for lighting automation control, Crestron offers the most advanced, highly customizable capabilities. Their systems, such as Crestron Home or Crestron Lighting, support everything from simple room-based automation to complex, whole-home lighting control featuring zones, scenes, and integration with shading and daylight sensors. However, deep customization is typically only as successful as the expert programming behind it, so ensure your installers have experience with the system’s capabilities.

Savant’s automated lighting solutions are more design-forward, offering a series of Savant Smart Lighting hardware. With Savant, you also get color tuning and energy monitoring. Their lighting control delivers as much polish as it does function, making it a preferred choice for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics as much as function.

Control4 lighting is easy to use and customizable, and it offers unique features like an ambient light sensor built into its keypads that adjusts the backlighting based on the room’s lighting. They can also be programmed to turn a specific color if your alarm is set or your garage is left open.

The ability to remotely arm or disarm security systems is a huge benefit of smart home automation. Control4, Savant, and Crestron are all security-ready and can easily integrate with existing security systems. They all support critical system features like cameras, camera DVRs, sensors, and electronic door locks. However, some platforms may require a subscription for remote access, so it’s a good idea to check this before making a decision.

Comfort with any control system, whether Control4 vs Crestron vs Savant, is about much more than just automatic thermostat adjustment. These systems all prioritize steady, efficient climate control over reactive automation, which improves energy management. Although each is compatible with third-party thermostats like Nest, using the control system’s native thermostat can provide a better integrated experience. When properly integrated, these systems provide time- or occupancy-based temperature automation, as well as integration with other systems such as lighting and shading.

Of the three, Crestron offers a higher level of precision in comfort control thanks to its deep integration capabilities with high-end HVAC systems. Advanced automations can include humidity control, air quality, and ventilation. It can also incorporate outdoor weather data, sun position and automated shading, and multi-zone, multi-system HVAC logic for larger estates.

Intercom functionality makes it easy to communicate throughout the home and manage access at entry points. In a Control4 vs Crestron vs Savant comparison, all three check this box, supporting intercom capabilities with in-wall touchscreens and mobile apps.

Intercom features typically include:

When evaluating the UI of Savant vs Crestron vs Control4, ease of use, app quality, and remote access are factors to consider. For the aesthetically conscious, panel design is another important distinction.

Savant offers a visually rich and luxurious interface that feels high-end. Most users experience a bit of a learning curve to master its features. The app includes TrueImage, which uses actual room photos over icons to control devices. From a handheld standpoint, the Savant Pro Remote X2 features both a touchscreen and tactile buttons. Remote access is available through the app and requires a subscription plan.

As the higher-end solution among Control4 vs Crestron vs Savant, it’s no surprise that Crestron offers premium touchscreens, dedicated remotes, and stylish built-in keypads designed for luxury residential environments. Crestron systems include custom-tailored UIs that require integrator programming, as the layout, graphics, and system/workflow programming are designed specifically for each property. Crestron Home offers control through both an app and touchscreen, and remote access is available through Crestron’s cloud service or custom network setups.

Control4 offers a clean, structured interface that provides a consistent experience across its app, touchscreens, remotes, and other control interfaces. Its When >> Then feature also allows homeowners to create and modify basic automations themselves after professional installation. Remote access, personalized notifications, and other connected features are available through Control4’s subscription services.

Control4 appeals to homeowners looking to simplify their lives with essential automation of their lighting, music, entertainment, security, and shades. Control4’s broad device compatibility makes it a strong fit for homeowners who want to integrate devices they already own, and their system preferences do not require an exceptionally complex installation. We find Control4 to be a good fit for the small- to medium-sized homeowner wanting to balance budget, practicality, and ease of use.

The Crestron user wants deep customization, has complex requirements that extend beyond basic automation, or both. Its high level of customization creates flexibility, making it a great choice for large or high-end homes and estates where lighting, climate, entertainment, security, shades, networking, and other systems need to work together in highly specific ways. However, that level of customization comes at a steeper system cost (typically the most expensive of the three) and high installer engagement, as the installation team essentially custom-designs the system to fit the home.

The Savant automation control system is a good fit for homeowners who are comfortable investing in a professionally designed and aesthetically integrated smart home. Its sleek, polished interface and thoughtfully designed controllers appeal to homeowners who value both sophisticated automation and a refined user experience. Savant may also appeal more to Apple households because of its deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem and native Siri/Shortcuts support. However, it’s important to note that Apple devices aren’t required to use the system.

If you’re trying to decide between Control4 vs Crestron vs Savant for your home automation, the choice will likely come down to budget and customization needs. Existing smart device integration may also come into play. System costs for any choice can add up depending on the extent of features and functionality, even with lower entry-priced systems.

However, the most important consideration isn’t whether you want Crestron vs Savant vs Control4. It’s picking the right team to install the system, no matter which you choose. These aren’t do-it-yourself projects, as all three require professional installation and programming. However, any system will likely glitch or fail with poorly executed installations. Professional installers also provide long-term support and maintenance, ensuring the system runs smoothly as new devices are added or existing ones are updated.

MIR Audio Video has extensive experience with home automation systems like Crestron and Control4. Our end-to-end smart home automation installation begins with a comprehensive project consultation to ensure the design meets your home automation requirements. We can also make suggestions to help you get the most out of your home automation. After design and system selection, our team will do the rest. Our focus is always on seamless installation and integration that is mindful of your aesthetics and preferences.

At MIR, we always prioritize outstanding customer service and will ensure you and your family are thoroughly trained on the new system. Plus, we’re always available for questions and support. Also, we are proud to be bonded, insured, and licensed contractors serving the Greater Los Angeles metro, which ensures your installation project is handled with professionalism, compliance, and financial protection.