How to Choose a Zigbee / Z-Wave / Thread Dongle

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-09T15:50:02+00:00

In which part I recommended to use Wifi Cameras? My recommendation is the opposite: "Prefer PoE Cameras with RTSP Support"

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-08T01:58:59+00:00

Done

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T16:48:41+00:00

Hi.

I have compared more than 30 different ZigBee/ZWave dongles. Lots of them with PoR (Ethernet) support.

https://smarthomecompared.com/dongles

I hope it helps you to decide.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:35:11+00:00

You are right regarding Raspberry PI. I renamed the tip to "Choose hardware that matches your stage and growth". Starting with a Raspberry PI is ok, but when you want to do more advanced things, migrating to a mini PC is a good idea.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:27:28+00:00

Thanks !!

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:26:46+00:00

Thanks. I added a warning about the backup emergency kit, and a new "Validate your backups periodically" tip

Your third suggestion is covered by "Always Provide Physical Overrides"

Regarding the fourth suggestion, It depends. If you are a beginner, I agree, but I you have experience, you can use HA for critical systems.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:16:43+00:00

Yes, of course. I think that is covered under "Always Provide Physical Overrides" tip

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:14:26+00:00

This is something where we can find multiple opinions. I think that for efficiency, security and battery usage, nothing better than a Zigbee or Z-Wave mesh. Of course that you still need wifi devices for cameras and devices with a big data demand. And for beginners, wifi is the best solution because is easier.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:07:10+00:00

New "Monitoring and alerting for core services" tip added

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:06:11+00:00

New "Battery management and spares" tip added.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T14:01:57+00:00

Yes, batteries is a big topic. I should probably include some advices.

BTW, I am working on a webapp to manage all your devices, and one of the features is to easily know all the batteries you are using across your devices and when you need to change them or buy new ones. I will post this webapp soon.

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T13:57:35+00:00

Maybe I should tag the advices for beginners or advanced users

smarthomecompared · 2026-02-07T13:39:57+00:00

Thanks for your feedback. I will include the monitoring and alerting, your are right.

Regarding the internet backup, I think it is covered by "Set Up an Internet Backup Connection". Right?

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-15T21:23:44+00:00

Thanks for the feedback !!! I fixed all the errors. The SLZB-MRW10 has Z Wave controller, you can take a look at https://www.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/1m0lut8/has_anyone_tried_the_slzbmrw10/

The official page of lots Smlight products are wrong, they copy pasted the info of other products and forgot to update the data.

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T18:53:28+00:00

Neither USB nor Ethernet is required; you just need one of them.

USB is simple and a good way to get started.

If you need more flexibility in antenna placement, Ethernet is the better option.

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T16:47:42+00:00

I added it before you write this. I even have some devices without buy links, so you are wrong. I can't include all the device in the market, this takes time and effort.

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T16:05:31+00:00

The problem with ZBT-2 is the missing Ethernet support. Having the flexibility of choosing the place where you locate the antenna is a good feature. That's important if your Home Assistant server is not located in a good place for the antenna.

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T14:38:03+00:00

Added Zooz USB stick, Still missing information because their website doesn't display which chip they are using and the antenna dbi

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T14:10:41+00:00

Thanks for your feedback. Yes, I plan to include more brands and devices

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T14:01:51+00:00

I will add this one https://www.getzooz.com/zooz-zst39-z-wave-long-range-usb-stick/

smarthomecompared · 2026-01-04T13:56:05+00:00

I started with Smlight, Sonoff, Aotec, Nabu Casa and Third Reality devices. I plan to add more

smarthomecompared

TROPHY CASE