I have tried Home Assistant several times. Each time I try it, I get it installed on a VM under my Proxmox hypervisor and start configuring my devices. I'll use my most recent try as an example. I have several Wyze WiFi power switches, and two "Smart Life" (Toya internally) combination thermometer/switch devices. The Toya devices integrated with HA after I signed up for a Toya developer account and did a bunch of configuring. I was able to read the temperature values, but switching the devices on/off did absolutely nothing. I didn't even try the Wyze devices; apparently Wyze doesn't integrate with HA.
I'm not opposed to buying new "smart home" devices, but I want something that actually works properly. What I'm looking for are:
- Devices that don't require internet access and an external API; I want to control them directly over my LAN.
- Devices that have built-in integration with HA.
Is there a list of devices that just "work" with HA? I've looked at the list of available integrations that "technically" work, but they often require signing up for API access with a 3rd-party company and jumping through hoops to get the devices working. I want something where I can assign it a static IP or DHCP lease and HA just talks to it. I was able to get my BlueIris DVR integration working, and it can double as a motion sensor, so I'm specifically looking for plug-in switches, thermometers, sensors, etc.
Nearly all Zigbee and Z-wave devices JUST WORK or are very close as long as you just double check they are on the compatibility lists. They are also fully local, mature and have devices from switch / hardware makers that are reputable in making switches and outlets. (unlike most wifi devices)
I would also suggest matter devices but that is still beta in home assistant and too EARLY to say anything about the quality of devices that support the limited 1.0, 1.1 specs.
What compatibility lists? That's what OP is asking for.
Zigbee via Zigbee2MQTT: https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/
Zigbee via ZHA: https://zigbee.blakadder.com/zha.html
Zwave via Z-Wave JS: https://devices.zwave-js.io/ ( I will note that even if a Z-wave device is not on the official known supported list most will work if they are basic devices like a switch)