Self-host smart home + media server for privacy. Tested over 90 days.
Hardware
Synology DS923+ NAS ($599) + Home Assistant Yellow ($199 with PoE) · No cloud subscriptions ever.
Software
Home Assistant (free OSS) + Plex Server (free + Plex Pass $4.99/mo) + Photoprism (free).
Y1 ROI
$0 cloud subscriptions saved · $20-50/mo. Plus complete privacy + ownership.
AI-assisted research synthesis · human-edited by SUJI KIM · EU AI Act Art. 50 transparency
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By SUJI KIM · 30-day refund Gumroad standard