Best Z-Wave Hub Reviews and Buying Guide
Introduction
Home automation and security are made possible by Z Wave’s interoperable, two-way RF mesh networking technology. The wireless communication protocol runs on a compact, low-cost chip that may be integrated into any product. We have compiled a list of the best z-wave hub.
Furthermore, because Z Wave functions on a mesh network, several Z Wave devices can connect with one another via a Z Wave hub. As a result, in order to control Z-wave devices, you do not need to keep your phone or tablet connected to the internet.
Z Wave uses low-energy radio waves to connect your devices (lighting, thermostats, window shades, door locks, and more) wirelessly and with a Z Wave smart hub.
Z-Wave is a wireless communication technology that allows household electronics to be controlled wirelessly, typically for energy and security management. A Z Wave Controller, a software application on a computer or smartphone, or a separate hardware device is used in Z Wave devices.
Z Wave devices can also communicate with one another. For example, if a door/window sensor detects motion, it can send this information to the Z-Wave hub, which would respond appropriately (for example, by sending a text message).
Before you can use any Z Wave device or controller in your house, you must first establish a Z Wave network. And for that, you’ll need something like the top Z Wave hubs listed below, which provide the user with the following benefits:
Compatibility:
Because there are two types of Z Wave devices available, Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices, ensuring that your Z Wave hub is compatible with them is critical. As a result, you can find Z Wave hubs that solely support Z Wave devices or those that support both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices.
Range:
You would want to be able to connect Z Wave items over a great distance. Checking the range of your Z Wave hub might be a terrific alternative for the same. Although not all of them have a range rating, those that do can have ranges of up to 150 feet, 200 feet, and even 500 feet for great performance.
Smart Assistants:
Because a Z Wave hub connects your Z Wave devices to other smart devices, support for other smart assistants is also quite useful. Fortunately, nearly all of them are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other smart assistants.
Even though these qualities are critical, there is much more to consider before purchasing the best Z Wave hubs. In reality, all of the finest Z Wave hubs presented below have their primary factors and options well discussed, as well as a full “Buying Guide” that will allow you to choose the best Z Wave hub before the end of this listicle.
Best Z-Wave Hub of 2023
Securifi Almond 3 Smart Home Hub & Router
Samsung SmartThings Z-Wave Hub
Hubitat Elevation Z-Wave Hub
Zooz Z-Wave Plus S2 USB Stick for Home Assistant
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Home Z-Wave Hub
Ezlo Plus Smart Home Hub
August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen)
Nexia BR200 Home Bridge
Securifi Almond is a low-cost yet effective Z-wave controller. It offers two distinct characteristics that are not available in the top home WiFi systems: an integrated smart home hub and a full touchscreen.
It’s also uncommon in the way in which it includes routing operations. In an era when many producers demonstrate their efficiency in concealing the majority of the internal functioning of user-friendly routers under the guise of comfort and convenience, Securifi gives router enthusiasts complete access to all of its dials and levers.
However, one does not have to be a zealot to recognize the significance of the Almond 3. It is extremely simple to set up via the web interface, the router’s 2.8-inch touchscreen, the Securifi smartphone app, or a combination of the three.
It includes a ZigBee HA 1.2 radio that may be utilized with sensors for motion, door/window, smoke, and flood detection, as well as smart devices like as thermostats, lighting controls, and smart entry locks.
Securifi produces some of its own compatible smart home devices, such as smart plugs and flood, door/window, and motion sensors, and it works with any ZigBee device.
This device can communicate with ZigBee and Z-Wave-compatible smart home gadgets after connecting to WiFi. The Securifi Almond iOS and Android apps offer remote access to the router and accompanying sensors via Almond 3.
One of the best z wave controllers available is the Samsung SmartThings Hub. The important thing to remember about this device is that it actively provides fantastic connectivity and interoperability, which means you can use it in your home without any issues. The gadget has an excellent communication range, typically operating at up to 130 feet with controlled smart devices.
It just makes it much easier to have everything under one roof, and the outcomes can be extremely nice as a result. It is compatible with almost all brands, and they are continually releasing new updates to improve functionality.
The Amazon Alexa integration is one of the most noticeable aspects here. You will be able to manage anything in your smart home with your voice with little to no effort!
To make the Samsung SmartThings Hub work, you’ll need a home router that’s linked to the internet and has WiFi capability.
Only a wired Ethernet cable could connect the prior SmartThings 2nd generation hub to the Internet router (WiFi connection to the home router was not supported).
The product also has a mobile app, which is excellent. The app engine is designed to provide rapid performance, and you can even process data when offline. The Samsung SmartThings z-wave Hub is one of the best solutions if you require a dedicated controller in your house because it supports over 200 devices.
The Hubitat Elevation Hub has elevated home automation to new heights. This one, too, works with practically every common protocol, including Zigbee and Lutron.
It also has internal radios for Z-Wave and Zigbee, as well as a 5 Volt @ 1 Amp US 120V power supply and Ethernet cable.
Users can sign up for Hubitat Elevation Hub using their Amazon or Google accounts. Once the sign-up process is complete, all management chores can be completed using the web-based interface.
This hub includes a simple on-time installation configuration. The smart hub no longer requires an internet connection after the design is completed.
This feature provides a faultless performance output with no lags.
The Hubitat Elevation Hub makes it simple to automate your house to your liking and convenience.
In this regard, the Hubitat Elevation hub is compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, Rachio, Life360, and Nest.
You may connect the gadget to several smart devices like Phillips, Samsung SmartThings, Zen, Aeon, and many others. The Hubitat Elevation Hub is capable of supporting hundreds of unique devices, allowing you to automate even the most insignificant tasks.
The premium in-class Zooz S2 USB Stick for Home Assistant is one of the greatest Z-Wave controllers for this year. This device connects effortlessly to a laptop or PC and allows you to quickly establish a home automation system for your smart home.
The Zooz S2 USB Stick helps you to create an effective foundation for your smart home by providing you with a perfect blend of hardware and software to provide the most smooth control.
It can be connected to your laptop or PC and includes Z-most Wave’s recent improvements.
The powerful S2 security protocol is used in this gadget. It also uses the SmartStart function for integration, so no additional drivers are required on Linux, macOS, or Windows PCs.
The Zooz S2 USB Stick, like the smart home controllers described in this list, supports a wide range of smart home devices.
This gadget incorporates a highly efficient and fast 500 series Z-Wave Plus chip, giving you a range of around 500 feet in open settings and 130 feet indoors.
Simply attach the USB stick to your Raspberry Pi, PC, or laptop’s USB connection and specify a home automation program with an open source of your choosing.
Some of the most popular software devices compatible with the S2 USB Stick include Home Assistant, OpenHAB, HomeSeer, and Domoticz.
Although the installation procedure differs based on the system, i.e., Linux, Windows, and macOS, it is recommended to completely read the instruction manual.
For the best performance, we recommend installing a tried-and-true open smart home solution on your S2 Stick.
An intelligent smart home hub that is highly compatible with a wide range of smart devices and will also support various connection properties.
The Aeotec Smart home hub supports Samsung SmartThings and can also serve as a SmartThings hub.
The Z-Wave Aeotec is the smart home’s primary hub, controlling all intelligence and automation.
It enables you to systematize your daily routines, be fully aware of what is going on in your home, and remotely operate numerous smart devices.
Many items, ranging from an air purifier to light, can be effortlessly connected to the Aeotec Home Hub. Furthermore, you may create automation that will allow you to significantly reduce your electricity expenditure.
In terms of interoperability, this device is very easy to create an automation structure with because it is compatible with smart home products from a variety of other brands on the market.
It works with any device that supports Zigbee 3.0, Z-Wave Plus, APIs, or WiFi.
Installing the Aeotec home hub is a simple process. Install the SmartThings app on your smartphone and then just follow the on-screen instructions.
These smart home hubs also support voice control systems such as Samsung Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Users are offered many capabilities and can handle all smart home gadgets by merging speech protocols with the seat.
Ezlo is a relatively new and entry-level Z Wave product brand that can be a wonderful alternative for individuals searching for something incredibly sturdy and reliable.
The Ezlo Plus smart home hub is one of the most dependable solutions available, making it ideal for long-term use. It is not only dependable, but it is also rather adaptable since it supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi devices. It also works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Android, and iOS, making it even more adaptable.
Because of its small size, it is not the most powerful option and does not have a range rating. Having said that, it is still a wonderful choice for many people due to its 3-year warranty, which is far longer than most other models.
Unlike the other Z Wave hubs on this list, August is a smart lock brand that offers a complete kit that includes a lock and a hub that both works on Z Wave and can be used with other devices.
Smart Lock Pro with Connect Hub for August The only combo option available here is the Z Wave hub. Not only do you receive a smart lock with this combo, but you also get a Z Wave hub that supports both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices. These are also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making them quite versatile.
However, in order to keep the lock safe and secure, the range of this Z Wave hub is limited to only 15 feet. Fortunately, as you would expect from a lock, it is rather dependable, with a 1-year warranty and a quite robust build quality.
Nexia is a highly reliable and well-known brand of smart home products, so they also provide a rather powerful Z Wave hub that can be useful in your house.
For many customers, the Nexia BR200 Home Bridge Z Wave hub might be an excellent high-performance solution. While it provides excellent performance, it only works with Z Wave devices and not Z Wave Plus devices. Furthermore, it does not support any smart assistants like as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Moving on to the performance of this Z Wave hub, you will be pleased to learn that it has a fairly long range of up to 200 feet. Another excellent advantage of purchasing this Z Wave hub from Nexia is that it comes with a 1-year guarantee.
What Makes Z-Wave Good for Smart Hubs?
What makes Z-Wave an excellent choice for smart hubs? The solution resides inside Z-Wave technology’s most fundamental features and capabilities. These characteristics make Z-Wave ideal for smart home systems.
Interoperability
The smart controller can still communicate with and connect to smart devices, such as smart doorknobs, even if their brands and versions differ.
The smart controller is compatible with a wide range of other smart devices thanks to Z-Wave. Because of the Z-Wave Alliance’s certification.
Multiple Devices Connection
The Z-Wave controller can communicate with a variety of smart devices.
You may integrate various devices such as smart sensors, smart light bulbs, smart outlets, and many more. Using the Z-Wave controller, you can centralize control of your smart home system.
How Do Z-Wave Controllers Work?
All smart devices in your home are linked by the Z-Wave controller. Smart lights, smart doorknobs, smart sensors, smart appliances, smart outlets, smart dimmers, and other devices could be included.
The smart controller will aid in the centralization of your home automation system. The controller and all smart devices can communicate using Z-Wave as the communication protocol.
For example, a smart light sensor can notify the smart controller that the room is dark, causing the smart lights to switch on. This is just one of the many scenarios that the smart hub may help you manage.
The benefits of having a smart controller are that it allows you to centralize control of your home automation system. You’ll be able to control, monitor, and manage all of the other devices from anywhere with just the smart controller.
You can control various devices in your home using a mobile phone application. The application will notify you and allow you to verify the status.
This is when the smart controller takes on the role of the brain of a smart home.
Z Wave Hub Smart Devices
The Z Wave hub is compatible with the majority of home automation platforms and allows reliable wireless control of domestic appliances and devices such as:
- lighting control devices
- Thermostats
- Window locks
- Door locks
- Security systems
Benefits of Home Automation Using Z Wave Hub
The smart home market has an endless supply of devices appearing everywhere. There are numerous solutions available, ranging from voice assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home to smart light bulbs, thermostats, and door locks.
So, if you want an easy-to-use system that supports a large range of third-party gadgets, choose one of the top Z wave hubs for your home.
The goal is to make all Z wave products interoperable. You could, for example, install a Z wave thermostat from one vendor and a Z wave motion sensor from another. They will collaborate as long as both are Z wave certified.
The Z Wave smart hub technology has numerous advantages, including:
Robust operations
If a network device fails, other devices continue to interact via different pathways. This ensures that a faulty item does not bring the entire network down.
Battery life
Because devices do not continue communicating with a central hub, they can enter a dormant mode while not in use, considerably extending battery life.
Low power consumption
Sensors and security alarms, for example, do not require high bandwidth connection. Low bandwidth needs to translate into low power consumption, prolonging battery life even further.
Control
The Z-Wave hub serves as the central control point for all Z-Wave devices in your home. From anywhere, you may control the lights, appliances, music systems, and so on. Z wave smart hubs provide dependable radio wave connectivity between compatible devices. That implies it will function even if your wifi goes down.
Buying Guide for the Best Z Wave Hub
Z Wave is one of the most effective ways to link all of your smart home devices and appliances. Because Z Wave devices are connected to a network, they can even communicate with one another for automation.
To build such a Z Wave network, however, you will need something like the top Z Wave hubs listed above. These many Z Wave hubs have their main features and options listed above to assist you in selecting the proper one. If you want to learn much more, consider reading this extensive buying guide for the finest Z Wave hubs:
Compatibility
One of the most essential considerations when selecting Z Wave hubs is compatibility with your existing Z Wave devices and Z Wave controllers. This is owing to the fact that there are two varieties of Z Wave devices available: Z Wave and Z Wave Plus. As a result, although some Z Wave hubs only accept Z Wave devices, newer models support both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices for your convenience.
Smart Assistants
Even if you use Z Wave smart gadgets rather than WiFi ones, you’ll want to be able to operate them with voice commands using your preferred smart assistants. To make this feasible, your Z Wave hub must support your preferred smart assistant. Fortunately, nearly all Z Wave hubs enable major smart assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can effortlessly control all of your Z Wave devices with voice commands with such Z Wave hubs.
Range
Whether or if your Z Wave hub supports all types of Z Wave devices, it will be useless if it cannot communicate over a long distance. Because Z Wave devices are wireless, your Z Wave network should have adequate range. Unfortunately, not all Z Wave hubs include a range rating, which can be a problem for some. For those that do, there are ranges of up to 150 feet, 200 feet, and even 500 feet for considerably better performance.
Warranty
You want your Z Wave hub to last as long as possible, just like any other device on your Z Wave network. Check the included warranty to guarantee that you are purchasing a dependable Z Wave hub designed for long-term use. Although most Z Wave hubs have a one-year warranty, select exceptionally reliable ones may have a three-year warranty. Such options are ideal for long-term use without causing any problems in the long run.
FAQS About Z-Wave Hubs
What is a Z-Wave Hub?
A Z-Wave Hub enables remote access to the Z-Wave network for usage with PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones via an internet connection. It manages and controls a wide variety of Z-Wave devices.
What is a Smart Hub?
A smart hub is the nerve core of your smart home. The presence of a smart hub enables remote management of smart devices as well as communication between them.
How is Z-Wave Useful?
Z-Wave allows devices and sensor-enabled things to communicate and respond. Fans, lights, security systems, door locks, window coverings, thermostats, and valve controllers are all under your control.
Why do you need a hub for Z-Wave?
Z-Wave is a completely closed-off communication method for smart devices. It is built on a local network that can only be accessed locally and does not require an internet connection. A Z-Wave controller (also known as a “smart hub”) develops and manages that network, therefore a Z-Wave device cannot function without one.
There are numerous advantages to using Z-Wave technology. These networks use mesh networking, which allows individual smart devices to act as repeaters to extend the range of the hub while using lower-frequency radio waves to help reduce interference and better penetrate obstructions.
It’s critical to realize that Z-Wave is simply a method for smart gadgets to communicate with one another. What you can do with those devices and the automation rules you can create are determined by the capabilities of your Z-Wave hub and its software.
How many Z-Wave devices will you have?
Although Z-Wave has a tight restriction of 232 devices per network, it is equally critical to consider the software side of things. Your hub’s software determines the complexity and type of automation rules you may run, as well as the user interface you’ll use to manage your smart home.
This is unique from Z-Wave, which just provides the standards required for communication between all of your Z-Wave devices. It’s safe to assume that cheaper models will have less processing power and memory, which could be a problem if you have multiple devices attempting to execute tasks at the same time. Your hub is nothing more than a computer that runs that software.
If you want to build a comprehensive smart home, paying more upfront for more power and capability is a wise investment. The only exception to this rule is Z-Wave adapters that plug into computers, because the capabilities of the computer, not the Z-Wave controller, determine this.
Conclusion
Those of you who are familiar with Z Wave gadgets are aware that in order to use them together, you must have a Z Wave network in your house. As a result, you’ll need something to start building a Z Wave network. In fact, we’ve already covered the top Z Wave hubs, along with most of their key features and characteristics.
While there is a full buying guide for the finest Z Wave hubs above, some of you may still be perplexed.
