Futurehome Shifts to Subscription Model for Smart Home Hub

Smart Home Stalwart Futurehome Locks Features Behind Annual Subscription, Angering Users

Oslo, Norway – Smart home device manufacturer Futurehome has ignited a firestorm among its customer base by implementing a mandatory annual subscription fee, effectively locking essential functionalities of previously purchased devices. The move, which took effect after a recent grace period, transforms devices that once offered a one-time purchase model into reliant subscription services, sparking widespread user discontent.

Launched in 2016, Futurehome’s Smarthub, along with its associated smart thermostats, lighting, and safety alarms, was marketed as a thorough solution for connected homes. For years, customers paid a single fee, gaining access to the companion app and cloud platform for control and automation. Though, as of June 26th, access to these core features now demands an annual payment of 1,188 Norwegian Kroner (approximately $116.56 USD).

A company FAQ page confirms the impact: “You lose access to controlling devices, configuring; automations, modes, shortcuts, and energy services.” Moreover, the company states that without a subscription, users will not be eligible for customer support, and the majority of paid features will be inaccessible. futurehome, which claims to be present in 38,000 households, indicates that this policy change impacts a meaningful portion of its user base.

The sudden shift has left many customers feeling betrayed,particularly those who invested in the technology under the assumption of perpetual access.Advanced users have also voiced concerns about the potential demise of local control functionalities, with Futurehome stating in its FAQ that it “cannot guarantee that there will not be changes in the future” regarding local API access. This implies a continued reliance on cloud services, which are now tied to the subscription.

The backlash is palpable online, with users expressing their frustration. One reddit user, quoted in a translated Norwegian post, articulated a common sentiment: “I can understand to some extent that they have to do it for services that have ongoing expenses, like servers (even though I actually think it’s their problem, not mine, that they didn’t realize this was a bad idea when they sold me the solution), but a local function that only works internally in the equipment I’ve already paid for shouldn’t be blocked behind a paywall.”

Despite the new subscription requirement for core features, Futurehome clarifies that users without a subscription can still manage household creation, deletion and switching, edit user permissions, and perform updates and factory resets on their Smarthubs.Though, the inability to control devices or leverage automation effectively renders the “smart” aspect of these homes considerably diminished without the paid subscription.

What are teh key differences between Futurehome’s Basic, Premium, and Pro subscription tiers?

Understanding the Change: From Purchase to Access

Futurehome, a prominent player in the smart home automation market, recently announced a meaningful shift in its business model.Moving away from the customary one-time purchase of its smart home hub, the company is now embracing a subscription-based service. This transition impacts both existing and prospective customers, altering how they access and utilize the core functionality of their smart home system. The change,effective August 15th,2025,aims to provide continuous updates,enhanced features,and dedicated support,but also raises questions about long-term costs and user ownership.

Subscription Tiers and Pricing

Futurehome is offering three distinct subscription tiers, each catering to different user needs and the size of their connected home:

Basic ($9.99/month): Includes core hub functionality,remote access,and standard security features. Supports up to 50 devices. Ideal for smaller apartments or users with limited home automation needs.

Premium ($19.99/month): Adds advanced features like custom automation routines, energy monitoring, and priority customer support. Supports up to 100 devices. Suited for families and those seeking more control over their smart devices.

Pro ($29.99/month): Offers all premium features, plus integration with professional monitoring services, advanced analytics, and dedicated account management. Supports unlimited devices. Targeted towards larger homes and users prioritizing comprehensive home security.

These prices are subject to change, and Futurehome has indicated potential discounts for annual subscriptions. Existing hub owners will receive a complimentary 6-month Premium subscription to ease the transition.

Impact on Existing Futurehome Hub Owners

The shift to a subscription model has understandably sparked debate among existing futurehome customers. Those who purchased the hub with the expectation of lifetime ownership now face recurring monthly fees to maintain full functionality.

Grace period: As mentioned, a 6-month Premium subscription is being offered to all current hub owners.

Hub Functionality Without Subscription: After the grace period, the hub will continue to function, but with severely limited capabilities. Local control of devices will remain, but remote access, cloud-based features, and software updates will be unavailable. This effectively turns the hub into a basic, non-smart controller.

Trade-In Options: Futurehome is offering a limited-time trade-in program for those who wish to discontinue service.The value offered is significantly less than the original purchase price.

Benefits of the subscription Model for Futurehome & Users

While the change isn’t without its drawbacks, Futurehome argues the subscription model offers several benefits:

Continuous Innovation: Recurring revenue allows for sustained investment in research and growth, leading to faster feature updates and improved smart home technology.

Enhanced Security: Regular security updates are crucial in the IoT (Internet of Things) landscape. A subscription model ensures ongoing protection against vulnerabilities.

Dedicated Support: Subscription tiers include varying levels of customer support, providing users with quicker access to assistance.

Scalability: The tiered pricing allows users to pay only for the features and device support they need, making smart home solutions more accessible.

Integration with Emerging Technologies: Futurehome can more readily integrate with new platforms and protocols, such as Matter, ensuring compatibility with the latest smart home devices.

The Broader Trend: Subscription Models in Smart home

Futurehome’s move isn’t isolated. Several companies in the smart home industry are adopting subscription models. This trend is driven by the need for recurring revenue to support ongoing development and maintenance in a rapidly evolving market.

ADT: Offers professional monitoring services on a monthly subscription.

Ring: Provides cloud storage for video recordings through a subscription service.

Simplisafe: Similar to ADT, relies on monthly monitoring fees.

This shift reflects a broader industry trend towards “Software as a Service” (SaaS) in the home automation space.

Alternatives to Futurehome: Exploring Other smart Home Hubs

For those hesitant about the subscription model, several choice smart home hubs are available:

Hubitat Elevation: A locally-controlled hub with no mandatory subscription fees. Offers strong privacy and customization options.

Home Assistant: An open-source platform providing maximum flexibility and control. Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.

SmartThings: Samsung’s hub offers a balance of features and ease of use,with optional cloud services.

Apple HomeKit: Integrated with Apple devices, offering a seamless experience for Apple users. Requires an Apple HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad to act as a hub.

When evaluating alternatives, consider factors like device compatibility, ease of use, privacy concerns, and long-term costs.

Practical Tips for Futurehome Users

Evaluate Your Needs: Determine which subscription tier best aligns with your current and future smart home requirements.

Explore Alternatives: Research other hubs to see if a one-time purchase option is more suitable.

* Maximize the Grace Period: Utilize the 6-month Premium subscription to fully explore the