In my recent X10 Home Automation review, one of our readers (Ray) asked for a more detailed comparison of prices for typical scenarios using X10, Insteon and Z-Wave.  It's a good question, and one that others have likely thought about as well when debating the merits of spending the extra on a second-generation system such as Insteon or Z-Wave versus the cheaper X10.  

I've created a couple of plausible scenarios below, however it would be great if this was more of a collaborative effort so if you have been doing some research yourself and have information to share (or have any questions) please post in the comments section below.  

Scenario 1:
We would like to automate a handful of overhead lights, ceiling fans and table lamps.  A wireless remote control will be used as the primary control mechanism, with the potential for computer control later.

Item	Quantity	Insteon	X10	Z-Wave
Wireless Base Module	2	$39.99	$26.79	Not Required
Remote Control	1	$49.99	$18.31	$135.52
Dimmer switches	6	$45.99	$22.50	$93.99
Non-dimming switches	2	$45.99	$34.25	$80.97
Plug-in modules	1	$34.99	$12.50	$62.12
Total	12 Items	$532.88	$287.89	$923.52

Scenario 2:
We would like the majority of lights and fans to be centrally controllable, with motion sensing for certain rooms and control over the gas fireplace.  Computer control is desired, with remote web access for when the owner is away from home.

Item	Quantity	Insteon	X10	Z-Wave
Wireless Base Module	2	$39.99	$26.79	Not Required
Remote Control	1	$49.99	$18.31	$135.52
Dimmer switches	12	$45.99	$22.50	$93.99
Non-dimming switches	4	$45.99	$34.25	$80.97
Motion Sensors	1	$34.99	$15.71	$54.99
Outdoor Floodlights	1	$58.48	$49.61	$38.95  + $29.95
Universal Low-Voltage Module	1	$45.99	$19.29	$65.95
Computer Interface	1	$69.99	$48.95	$39.95
Automation Software	1	$208.95	$208.95	$208.95
Total	24 Items	$1,284.21	$821.40	$2,026.02

From the above scenarios we can see that while Z-Wave and Insteon cost more than X10, the difference in cost is reduced as a more intricate system is formed - Insteon costs approximately 85% more than X10 in scenario 1, but drops to 56% more in scenario 2. Another interesting point from this analysis was the variance of price points between Insteon and Z-Wave items, with some differences as much as 77% on individual modules.  

Summary: 

The above comparison was created to give those looking at the various home automation technologies an idea of the cost of an equivalent setup on each platform.  Due to Z-Wave's wireless communication, a base station isn't required to send the signal to the powerline as it is with Insteon and X10, hence the N/A in that column.  I was also unable to locate a native Z-Wave floodlight, however one can be functionally created with the two items listed.  For software, Homeseer is well rated and supports all three protocols so it seemed like the best fit to keep the comparison consistent.  All of the items are linked to the full details for that item for further investigation if desired.  If this is useful or would benefit from improvements, please let me know!

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Tom   |January-28 13:00:30 The "Z-Wave" dimmer you linked to is a Vizia dimmer, not a Vizia RF one. It's not Z-Wave. Reply | Quote 0   0

Peter   |January-28 14:38:42 Fixed! Thanks for catching that, not sure how I overlooked the lack of "RF". Prices and totals have been updated accordingly. Reply | Quote 0   0

Carl  - Irrigation   |November-18 06:59:23 I am brand new to this game. This is the most informative content that I have found. Nobody seems to talk about architecture much so I've been struggling. I really want to start my system with irrigation control first. I have 4 acres to water and need at least two separately located irrigation controllers. I'd like to do both from a PC in the house BUT they should also function if the home automation fails or computer is off. Any recommendations there? Reply | Quote 0   0

John   |February-21 03:17:00 Most informative material on DIY home automation out there. Reply | Quote 0   0

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