Compare Crestron vs Control4 vs Savant vs Josh.ai
Crestron vs Control4 vs Savant vs Josh.ai: A Comprehensive Home Automation Comparison
Smart home automation is a premium upgrade for any residence, and four brands dominate this luxury market: Crestron, Control4, Savant, and Josh.ai. These systems are professionally installed and capable of integrating lighting, climate, entertainment, security, and more into one seamless experience. Each platform has its own strengths in user experience, features, integrations, cost, reliability, and customization. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down how Crestron, Control4, Savant, and Josh.ai stack up across seven key dimensions to help you decide which fits your home and lifestyle best.
We’ll cover: (1) User Interface (ease of use, app quality, remote access), (2) Features and Capabilities (lighting, AV, climate, security, shades, automation routines), (3) Integrations (third-party device compatibility and voice assistants), (4) Pricing (hardware and installation, subscription if applicable), (5) Reliability (system stability, support, firmware updates), (6) Customization (configuration flexibility and automation), and (7) Use Case Support (voice control, home theaters, lighting, climate, security, remote access).
1. Compare User Interface (UI) and Ease of Use
Crestron
Crestron’s interface can be fully custom or standard, depending on the installation. Crestron systems often feature bespoke UIs (user-interfaces) programmed by an integrator, with tailored layouts, graphics, and workflows that can be as simple or as sophisticated as you want. Quality depends on the programmer’s skill. Crestron Home provides a modern, standardized app and touchscreen experience out of the box for faster deployment. Remote access is available through Crestron’s cloud service or custom network setups. The result is ultimate flexibility with ease of use tied to smart design and personalization.
Control4
Control4 offers a consistent, user-friendly interface across touchscreens, mobile apps, and remotes. The icon-based UI is easy to learn, and features like When >> Then let homeowners create simple automations without calling a programmer. Remote access and alerts are available through the 4Sight subscription, making it straightforward to monitor and control the home from anywhere. For most families, Control4 feels intuitive and approachable.
Savant
Savant is known for a luxurious, visually rich interface. The app’s TrueImage feature lets you control devices by tapping actual room photos. Paired with the Savant Pro Remote X2 (a premium handheld with a touchscreen and tactile buttons), Savant offers both beautiful touchscreen control and convenient hard buttons. Remote access is built in via the Savant app (enabled by a service plan). The overall feel is sleek and high-end with a mild learning curve that most users master quickly.
Josh.ai
Josh.ai is voice-first. You speak to small microphones (Josh Micro or Nano) placed in rooms, or use the Josh app when away. It understands natural, compound commands. For example: “Dim the living room lights, lower the shades halfway, and play jazz in the kitchen.” A clean Josh app dashboard provides touch control and a history of spoken commands. There’s also an optional Josh Remote for tactile control. Remote access lets you “talk” to your home from anywhere. For households comfortable with voice technology, Josh.ai delivers hands-free ease that feels futuristic.
2. Compare Features and Capabilities
Crestron
Crestron provides virtually unlimited control. It offers native lighting, shades, thermostats, distributed audio, and industry-leading video distribution (DigitalMedia and NVX). Complex conditional sequences and bespoke logic are Crestron’s hallmark, making it ideal for large estates and unique workflows. Voice control integrations exist (Alexa/Google), though touch and tactile controls remain primary. Crestron’s scalability and custom programming enable one-of-a-kind solutions.
Control4
Control4 delivers comprehensive whole-home control with excellent value: lighting (native or Lutron), multi-room audio with built-in streaming services, climate, security, locks, cameras, and intercom. Its Intercom Anywhere feature shines with seamless room-to-room paging and door station integration. Scenes and schedules are easy to use, and When >> Then empowers homeowners to create basic automations themselves. Voice works via Alexa and Google for straightforward commands.
Savant
Savant is strong in whole-home entertainment and energy management. Its integrated music server, flexible multi-zone audio, and IP-based video distribution support premium AV experiences. Unique touches include scene capture and a cohesive energy ecosystem (smart panel, battery storage, energy monitoring) that can visualize and optimize home power usage. Savant integrates closely with Lutron for lighting and shades and emphasizes polished, unified experiences across the home.
Josh.ai
Josh.ai can run many devices directly and also layer on top of Crestron, Control4, or Savant. It excels at AI-driven scenes and complex multi-step requests expressed in natural language. You can create or modify routines by speaking or typing what you want. Josh discovers many devices automatically (Sonos, TVs, streamers, Lutron, etc.) and can pass commands through another system when needed. It brings cutting-edge AI features to everyday control.
3. Compare Integrations and Third-Party Compatibility
- Crestron: Integration powerhouse. Programmable to talk to virtually any third-party device with an API or control protocol. Great for unusual gear or bespoke subsystems.
- Control4: Extremely broad driver library and “Works with Control4” ecosystem. Plays nicely with a huge range of locks, thermostats, cameras, AV gear, and lighting systems.
- Savant: Curated compatibility with premium partners (e.g., Sony, Lutron, Ring). Works best with recommended devices; still supports most major residential categories.
- Josh.ai: Auto-discovers many IP devices and can bridge through Crestron/Control4/Savant to reach everything else. It replaces generic assistants rather than relying on them.
RELATED: What Is a Smart Home Integrator and What Do They Do?
4. Compare Pricing: Hardware, Installation, and Subscriptions
- Crestron: Typically the highest upfront cost due to premium hardware and custom programming time. No mandatory recurring fees from Crestron. Excellent longevity helps offset investment.
- Control4: More affordable for similar scope, often a fraction of fully custom systems. A modest 4Sight subscription provides remote access and cloud features.
- Savant: Premium pricing that often sits between Control4 and Crestron. Requires an ongoing software/service plan for updates, cloud backup, and remote features.
- Josh.ai: Add-on cost for AI voice control. Hardware ranges from entry processors to robust core units, plus microphones. Software is licensed monthly or as a lifetime option.
Rule of thumb: For a mid-to-large luxury home, Control4 generally lands at the most approachable price for a full suite. Savant is higher, Crestron highest. Josh.ai adds a few thousand dollars to bring best-in-class voice to any of them (or to a smaller, carefully chosen device set).
5. Compare Reliability and Support
- Crestron: Rock-solid enterprise-grade hardware and mostly local control for mission-critical stability. Reliability correlates with programming quality. Long lifespans are common.
- Control4: Very reliable day-to-day with a massive install base. Dealer remote monitoring and frequent OS updates support long-term stability.
- Savant: Stable and polished once configured, especially with recommended hardware. Continuous updates and cloud backups via subscription.
- Josh.ai: Fast and resilient with local voice processing for in-home control. Frequent software improvements and attentive dealer support.
6. Compare Customization and Automation Flexibility
- Crestron: Unlimited customization, from UI design to deep conditional logic and unique integrations. Best for distinctive requirements and complex estates.
- Control4: Structured flexibility with a standardized UI. Dealers craft scenes, and homeowners can adjust basics via When >> Then.
- Savant: Design-forward personalization, TrueImage, easy scene capture, and elegant profiles. Less open-ended than full custom coding, but highly refined.
- Josh.ai: Natural-language customization. Speak or type how you want a scene to behave and let the AI build it. Adapts to routines and aliases you define.
7. Compare Use Case Support and Special Applications
Voice Control
- Leader: Josh.ai, with conversational, multi-action commands and room awareness.
- Others: Alexa/Google/Siri integrations for straightforward scene or device control.
Home Theaters and Media Rooms
- Crestron: Ideal for bespoke home theater installations and complex video distribution.
- Control4: Strong universal control with excellent remotes and on-screen UI.
- Savant: Premium AV and multi-room experiences with a designer touch.
- Josh.ai: Voice-driven scenes and queries that complement any theater.
Lighting and Shades
All platforms support whole-home lighting scenes and shade control.
- Crestron and Control4: Offer native lighting ecosystems.
- Savant: Often paired with Lutron for top-tier results.
- Josh.ai: Adds intuitive, natural voice control (“make it a bit brighter,” “close shades halfway”).
Climate and Security
Each home automation control system integrates thermostats, locks, cameras, and alarms with scenes and schedules. Control4 is often praised for broad device support, Savant for a polished entry and intercom experience, and Josh.ai for easy status questions like, “Are any doors unlocked?”
Special Systems
Pools and spas, irrigation, wine cellars, energy storage, and more can all be integrated with these top-of-the-line smart home controls. Crestron is unmatched for truly unique systems. Control4 and Savant cover the most common special integrations cleanly. Josh.ai layers voice convenience over any of the above.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Crestron (Custom Luxury) | Control4 (User Friendly) | Savant (Luxury Experience) | Josh.ai (AI Voice Layer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Custom interfaces or Crestron Home app; very flexible. | Consistent icon-based UI; easy to use with 4Sight remote access. | Sleek, photo-based control (TrueImage) with premium remote. | Voice-first with clean app; natural, conversational control. |
| Features | Unlimited scalability, advanced automation, great for estates. | Comprehensive: lighting, audio, climate, security, intercom. | Premium AV and energy management with easy scene capture. | AI-driven scenes and multi-step natural language commands. |
| Integrations | Integrates with virtually any device via custom drivers. | Largest driver ecosystem; excellent for mixed-brand homes. | Curated premium partners like Lutron and Sony. | Auto-discovers devices; layers over Crestron, Control4, or Savant. |
| Pricing | $$$$ Highest upfront cost; no recurring platform fees. | $$ Moderate; small annual fee for remote/cloud features. | $$$ Premium; subscription needed for updates and remote access. | $$ Add-on hardware; monthly or lifetime software license. |
| Reliability | Enterprise-grade stability; very long lifespan. | Highly reliable; large dealer support network. | Stable and polished; subscription ensures updates. | Fast, private, and local processing; frequent improvements. |
| Customization | Unlimited UI and logic customization. | Structured flexibility with homeowner-friendly automation. | Design-forward with easy scene capture and personalization. | Customizable with natural language and adaptive learning. |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Automation Control System for Your Home
All four platforms can deliver a true luxury smart home. The best choice depends on your priorities:
- Choose Crestron for limitless customization, complex estates, and long-term, mission-grade stability.
- Choose Control4 for the best balance of features, ease of use, vast compatibility, and value.
- Choose Savant for a design-forward, entertainment-focused experience with innovative energy options.
- Add Josh.ai to any of the above (or to a carefully selected set of devices) for the smartest, most natural voice control and AI-driven automation.
Many homeowners combine strengths. For example, Control4 or Crestron for core control with Josh.ai layered on top to create a system that feels both powerful and effortless in daily life.
Why Choose Definitive Electronics to Integrate Your Smart Home in Florida
When investing in a premium system like Crestron, Control4, Savant, or Josh.ai, the platform you choose matters, but just as important is who installs and programs it. That’s where Definitive Electronics makes the difference.
Decades of Experience in South Florida Luxury Homes
Our team has spent years designing and integrating smart technology into some of the most exclusive residences along Florida’s coast. From Palm Beach to Jupiter Island, we understand the expectations of discerning homeowners who demand both performance and elegance.
White-Glove Service
Every project we take on receives our VIP consultation and service approach. From the first conversation, you’ll work with professionals who listen carefully to your needs and tailor solutions to your lifestyle. Our clients count on us for discretion, reliability, and follow-through.
Comprehensive Smart Home Control Solutions
We specialize in a full range of residential technologies:
- Home theaters and media rooms designed for an immersive cinema experience.
- Lighting and shading systems that balance comfort, security, and luxury.
- Networking and IT infrastructure built for performance and reliability.
- Security, cameras, and access control to protect what matters most.
- Energy management and smart power systems for efficiency and resilience.
Exclusive Partnerships
Definitive Electronics is a trusted dealer and integrator for Crestron, Control4, Savant, and Josh.ai, as well as premium brands like Lutron, Sony, and RoseWater Energy. This means your system is built with top-tier products and supported by factory-trained experts.
Florida Expertise
The Florida lifestyle is unique, with luxury estates, waterfront homes, and multi-residence properties. We design systems that work seamlessly in these environments, including marine electronics for yachts and outdoor entertainment systems for year-round enjoyment.
South Florida Locations We Serve
We proudly serve luxury homes across Palm Beach, Martin, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties… the heart of South Florida’s affluent corridor. Our focus areas include esteemed communities such as Boca Raton, Jupiter Farms, Pinecrest, Fisher Island, Indian Creek, and Golden Beach, among others. Whether you live in a grand waterfront estate or an exclusive gated enclave, our expertise ensures seamless integration of your smart home vision.
| County | Municipalities (Alphabetical) |
|---|---|
| Palm Beach | Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Gulf Stream, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Wellington, Westlake, West Palm Beach |
| Martin | Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, Ocean Breeze, Palm City, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewall’s Point, Stuart |
| Broward | Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lazy Lake, Lighthouse Point, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, West Park, Weston, Wilton Manors |
| Miami-Dade | Aventura, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Biscayne Park, Cutler Bay, Doral, El Portal, Florida City, Golden Beach, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Homestead, Indian Creek, Medley, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, Surfside, Sweetwater, Sunny Isles Beach, Virginia Gardens, West Miami |
Don’t see your community listed? Chances are we still serve it. Contact us to confirm. Odds are, your neighborhood is within our luxury smart home service radius.
Schedule Your VIP Consultation
Ready to bring your smart home vision to life? Contact Definitive Electronics today to schedule your VIP in-home consultation. Our team will walk you through options, create a tailored plan, and deliver a seamless integration that makes your Florida home smarter, safer, and more luxurious.
