Control4 vs. Savant: Which Home Automation Platform Is Right for Your Project?

The Similarities and Differences Between These Two Leading Smart Home Systems

You're ready to automate your home, and you've narrowed it down to two of the industry's most respected platforms: Control4 and Savant. Both deliver whole-home control over lighting, entertainment, climate, and security. Both require professional installation and programming. And both have passionate advocates who'll tell you their platform is the clear winner.

Here's the truth: they're both excellent systems. The real question isn't which one is "better"—it's which one fits your specific project, priorities, and lifestyle. Let's examine how each platform addresses the key elements of home automation, so you can make an informed decision.

SEE ALSO: Why Your Home Automation System Needs an Energy Efficiency Upgrade

First, the Similarities

Before diving into differences, let's acknowledge what these platforms have in common. Both Control4 and Savant offer comprehensive whole-home control with custom scenes that orchestrate lighting, climate, and entertainment together. Both provide whole-home audio distribution, multi-room AV control, and integration with motorized shading systems. You'll get professional installation and programming with either choice, along with ongoing support from certified integrators – like us. Where they truly differ is in their approach to interface design, lighting control, energy management, and security integration.

Lighting & Shading Control

Control4 takes a flexible approach to lighting. You can use Control4's native lighting control—including Vibrant Linear Lighting, which offers layered accent lighting with tunable white and color options that support circadian rhythms—or integrate seamlessly with premium Lutron systems like RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS. The platform excels with occupancy sensors and automated scheduling, giving you the choice between Control4's architectural lighting solutions or Lutron's specialized expertise. Control4 also offers Lux, their own elegant line of lighting keypads.

Savant also integrates beautifully with Lutron for high-end lighting projects, but brings additional firepower through its acquisition of GE Lighting. The platform offers Savant's own smart lighting fixtures and LED solutions, plus TrueImage software for advanced color control that displays real-time lighting changes on-screen. Savant's luxury keypads are known for their extensive customization options and elegant aesthetic appeal—perfect for design-focused projects.

Energy Management & Power

Control4 offers smart energy efficiency through thermostat integration and automated scheduling. The platform intelligently manages lighting and climate control to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort—straightforward energy management that works seamlessly with your automation.

Savant elevates energy management to the next level with its Savant Power System. This is a major differentiator: circuit-level energy monitoring with revenue-grade accuracy, real-time power usage visibility, and integration with solar panels, battery storage, and generators. The system manages load priorities during outages, optimizes EV charging schedules, and provides detailed insights into exactly where your home consumes power. For eco-conscious homeowners or properties with renewable energy systems, Savant Power delivers unmatched control.

User Interface & Control Options

Control4 features an icon-based, intuitive interface that's consistent across touchscreens, mobile apps, and the Halo and Halo Touch remotes. These remotes include backlit buttons, touchscreens, and push-to-talk voice control (Siri with Apple TV, Xfinity voice). With the latest X4 operating system, homeowners can create and modify Routines directly in the app—personalized automated actions they can adjust themselves without needing to call their integrator. It's a great feature for families with varying comfort levels when it comes to technology.

Savant delivers a sleek, Apple-inspired aesthetic with photographic scenes and highly customizable interfaces. The Pro Remote X2 offers touchscreen control plus integrated Siri voice commands. With strong Apple ecosystem integration (Apple TV, HomeKit) and the ability to personalize with your own photos and graphics, Savant appeals to design-conscious users who want a luxury interface experience.

Security & Smart Lock Integration

Control4 offers broader compatibility with third-party smart locks and features a robust built-in intercom system (Intercom Anywhere) with excellent video doorbell integration. Savant integrates with smart locks and cameras (including Ring), but has more limited lock compatibility compared to Control4.

Which Platform for Your Project?

Either platform is excellent, but here are some recommendations:

Choose Control4 if you need broad third-party device compatibility, have family members with varying levels of tech comfort, or want flexible wireless retrofit options.

Choose Savant if you're an Apple ecosystem enthusiast, energy management and solar integration are priorities, design aesthetics are paramount, or you want advanced entertainment experiences, such as multiple video feeds on one screen. 

Both platforms deliver exceptional whole-home automation—the right choice depends on your priorities. At Summit Technology Group, our team has deep expertise with both Control4 and Savant systems. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover which platform fits your home and lifestyle.