As mentioned in the topic’s name, is there a reason why I should add my Govee devices (mainly lights) through Govee2MQTT?
If I add the devices directly to HA through Matter, there’s almost nothing I can control. On-Off and some colors, no scenes etc.
By using the Govee lights integration with the API from the Govee’s app, I can see LAN Control enabled devices. I can also select some scenes and colors, so it’s a bit better, but it’s really simple.
I read that with G2M I could fiddle with Dreamview and almost all functionallity.
I guess the main benefit would be, that the MQTT would still be able to control them if HA is down, but it’s running on my HA Green, so…
Also, I can always control the devices through bluetooth, if I seldom want some extra function.
Would the normal integration enough, or is there something with G2M that would worth it?
As a rule of thumb, third-party integrations usually offer wider functionality. Unfortunately, I would say.
While G2M is an app (formerly an add-on), there are at least two custom integrations.
They all looked to me like not super-actively maintained. Seems like Govee is kind of an unwanted child. I guess that Govee is responsible for this situation partially. It’s because of their inconsistent APIs. Yes, they have several APIs, and it seems that none of them provides complete control over devices.
Hopefully, it will improve; at least because the Govee is more and more active, especially during Christmas, Easter or other holidays.
Back to the topic: you can install G2M in parallel with native integration and test it on its own. G2M supports multiple APIs, thus it looks like the most flexible. And possibly the only one that supports local connectivity.
Be no surprised by its very functionality-limited GUI (if you used to something like Z2M). I’s limited to show the basic info about recognized devices only. Full control is provided on HA side.
Note, I have only a few lights, including TV backlight. I cannot confirm support for other devices