Introduction
The ComfortClick bOS Server (often referred to as ComfortClick or simply bOS) is one of the most powerful KNX servers in the market. Unlike traditional KNX visualization servers that only focus on KNX, bOS takes a universal approach to smart home automation, offering multi-protocol integration in a single platform.
It is a software-first server, meaning it can run on dedicated ComfortClick hardware like Jigsaw, Grinder, Colibri, or even on standard Windows/Linux PCs and virtual machines. This flexibility makes it very popular among integrators who want a single server that handles KNX, Modbus, BACnet, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Sonos, Philips Hue, Nest, Alexa, Google Home, and many more.
In this review, we’ll cover the features, setup, integrations, pros & cons, and comparisons of bOS for KNX projects.
What is ComfortClick bOS KNX Server?
The ComfortClick bOS (Building Operating System) is an open integration platform that supports KNX and dozens of other smart home and building protocols. It allows:
- Visualization – Fully customizable dashboards.
- Automation – Advanced logic and event handling.
- Integration – Connect KNX with third-party IoT and building systems.
- Voice & Cloud Control – Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri shortcuts.
- Energy Monitoring – Real-time data collection and reports.
This makes ComfortClick a Swiss Army knife of servers, suitable for residential, commercial, and even hospitality projects.
Key Features
1. Multi-Protocol Integration
- Native TP/IP support with ETS project import.
- Supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT, Sonos, Philips Hue, IP cameras, Spotify, Nest, Lutron, Crestron, AV receivers, and more.
- Can act as a bridge between KNX and other systems.
- Open API for custom integrations.
This is where ComfortClick outshines servers like Gira X1 or ABB ControlTouch, which are more KNX-focused.
2. Fully Customizable Visualization
- Drag-and-drop editor to create custom dashboards.
- Supports floorplan-based visualization (2D or 3D).
- Works on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and web browsers.
- Can match corporate branding for commercial projects.
Luxury projects often choose ComfortClick because it allows a personalized control interface beyond standard KNX visualizations.
3. Advanced Automation & Logic
- Unlimited IF/THEN logic conditions.
- Schedules, timers, and event triggers.
- Presence simulation.
- Complex multi-condition logic (e.g., weather + time + occupancy).
- Supports scripting for advanced users.
This makes ComfortClick suitable for smart hotels, offices, and complex homes.
4. Energy Management
- Monitors energy meters, Modbus power analyzers, and smart plugs.
- Generates reports, graphs, and consumption patterns.
- Helps in optimizing building efficiency.
5. Voice & Cloud Services
- Native support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- Works with Siri Shortcuts on iOS.
- Cloud-based remote access.
Unlike ProKNX Aragon (which is offline voice), ComfortClick is cloud-enabled for flexibility.
ComfortClick Server Hardware Options
Server offers multiple hardware variants running the same bOS software:
- Jigsaw – Compact, DIN-rail server for homes.
- Colibri – Entry-level, cost-effective version for small projects.
- Grinder – Professional-grade server for large residential & commercial projects.
- Sledgehammer – Enterprise-level server for hotels, offices, and smart buildings.
This hardware scaling makes ComfortClick adaptable from small apartments to multi-floor commercial complexes.
Installation & Setup
- Hardware Selection – Choose Jigsaw/Grinder or install bOS on a PC/VM.
- ETS Import – Import KNX project to link group addresses.
- Dashboard Design – Build visualization screens (floorplans, icons, controls).
- Logic Setup – Define automation rules and conditions.
- Integration Setup – Add non-KNX devices (e.g., Sonos, Hue, Z-Wave).
- Testing & Deployment – Ensure smooth operation across devices.
⚠️ ComfortClick requires more setup effort than simpler servers like Gira X1, but offers greater flexibility.
User Experience
- For Homeowners – Rich, fully customizable app experience across devices.
- For Integrators – A powerful tool to unify KNX with other systems.
- Performance – Stable and scalable, especially on high-end hardware.
- Flexibility – Ideal for projects where KNX alone is not enough.
Pros & Cons
Pros ✅
- Multi-protocol integration beyond KNX.
- Fully customizable dashboards (unique visualizations).
- Scalable hardware options (small homes to large hotels).
- Supports both residential and commercial projects.
- Strong energy monitoring & reporting.
Cons ❌
- More complex setup compared to plug-and-play servers.
- Requires training for integrators.
- Cloud dependency for Alexa/Google voice.
- Can be overkill for simple residential KNX-only projects.
ComfortClick vs Other Servers
- Vs Gira X1 – Gira is simple and KNX-only; Comfort-Click supports multi-protocol integration.
- Vs Basalte Core – Basalte focuses on luxury UI; Comfort-Click focuses on customizability and flexibility.
- Vs Thinka – Thinka is strong in KNX-to-HomeKit/Alexa integration; Comfort-Click is a full building OS.
- Vs ProKNX Aragon – Aragon is offline voice-first; Comfort-Click is cloud-enabled and multi-protocol.
- Vs BAB EIBPORT – EIBPORT is powerful in professional automation; Comfort-Click has a friendlier UI with wider integrations.
Best Use Cases
- Residential luxury homes – Custom visualization, integration with AV and IoT.
- Commercial offices – Energy monitoring, KNX + Modbus + BACnet integration.
- Hotels & hospitality – Scalable server (Grinder/Sledgehammer) for room control + guest experience.
- Hybrid projects – Where KNX must connect with IoT (Hue, Sonos, Spotify, Nest, etc.).
Conclusion
The ComfortClick bOS Server is not just a KNX server – it is a complete smart building platform. If you want multi-protocol support, customizable dashboards, and scalability, ComfortClick is one of the best choices available.
For pure KNX-only projects, simpler servers like Gira X1, ABB ControlTouch, or Iddero may be easier and cheaper. But if you want a future-proof, highly flexible, and integrator-friendly solution, ComfortClick is an excellent investment.
One thought on “ComfortClick bOS KNX Server – Review & Set”
Comments are closed.