Before you can start using any Z Wave device or controller at your home, you will first need to create a Z Wave network in your home. And for the same, you will need something like the best Z Wave hubs given down below because of the following features that they offer to the user:
- Compatibility: Since there are two types of Z Wave devices out there including Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices, making sure that your Z Wave hub is compatible with them is highly important. Thus, you can find both types of Z Wave hubs which support either only Z Wave devices or those which support both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices.
- Range: While using Z Wave products, you would want to be able to connect them over a long distance. For the same, checking the range of your Z Wave hub can be a great option. Even though not all of them have a range rating, the ones that do have can include ranges like up to 150 feet, up to 200 feet, and even up to 500 feet for excellent performance.
- Smart Assistants: As a Z Wave hub also connects your Z Wave devices to other smart devices, having the support for other smart assistants is also quite great. Fortunately, almost all of them support Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other smart assistants.
Even though these features are quite important, there is still a lot to consider before buying the best Z Wave hubs. In fact, all the best Z Wave hubs present down below also have their major factors and options properly explained along with a detailed “Buying Guide” allowing you to buy the best Z Wave hub by the end of this listicle.
Best Z Wave Hubs 2024
| Best Z Wave Hubs | Compatibility | Range | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sengled Z Wave Hub | Zigbee | Up to 40 feet | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Hubitat Z Wave Hub | Z Wave, Z Wave Plus | Up to 150 feet | 90 day long | Check On Amazon |
| August Home Z Wave Hub | Z Wave, Z Wave Plus | Up to 15 feet | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AEOTEC Z Wave Hub | Z Wave, Zigbee, Z Wave Plus | Up to 33.1 feet | - | Check On Amazon |
| EVA LOGIK Z Wave Hub | Z Wave | - | - | Check On Amazon |
| Nexia Z Wave Hub | Z Wave | Up to 200 feet | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Ezlo Z Wave Hub | Zigbee, Z-wave | --- | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
Best Z Wave Hubs Reviews
1. Sengled Z Wave Hub
The Sengled Element Hub is a central control unit for smart home automation, seamlessly connecting up to 64 Sengled Smart lights and accessories.
Essential for integrating voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, it facilitates easy installation and comprehensive home automation. This hub, which requires an Ethernet connection to your router, supports hands-free voice control and can be managed through the Sengled Home app available on iOS and Android.
It allows for the setting of schedules, grouping of devices, and scene customization, providing convenience and energy efficiency. Note that its performance depends on your home’s internet setup and the smartphone used for configuration.
Best Features
- Compatible with only Z Wave devices
- Controls up to 64 devices.
- Comes with a 3-years warranty
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pros
- Supports numerous devices.
- Enables voice commands.
- User-friendly application.
- Enhances smart home functionality.
- Efficient device scheduling.
Cons
- Requires wired router connection.
2. Hubitat Z Wave Hub
Hubitat is a high brand of Z Wave products and related accessories which generally offers high performance options like its Z Wave hub given here.
The Hubitat Elevation Z Wave hub comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be a great high performance and a fairly versatile option for many. Taking a look at the compatibility of this Z Wave hub, it is ideal for both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices. Being a high-end Z Wave hub, it also supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
You also get a decent range of up to 150 feet with this Z Wave hub which should be plenty for using in your home. While it only offers a 90-day warranty, its build quality is definitely on the durable side which is always great for longevity.
Best Features
- Compatible with Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices
- Rated for a maximum range of up to 150 feet
- Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Comes with a 90-day long warranty
Pros
- Excellent compatibility with other smart devices and assistants
- Pretty good range rating for practicality
- Great build quality for long term usage
Cons
- Slightly on the premium side
- Warranty period could have been longer
3. August Home Z Wave Hub
Unlike other Z Wave hubs present here, August is a brand of smart locks which happens to be offering a complete kit of a lock and hub which both work on Z Wave and can be used with other devices.
August’s Smart Lock Pro and Connect Hub Z Wave hub is the only combo option present here. And in this combo not only do you get a smart lock, but there is also a Z Wave hub where both of them support Z Wave as well as Z Wave Plus devices. These also support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa making them fairly versatile.
Although, to keep the lock safe and secure, the range of this Z Wave hub is very limited to just up to 15 feet. Thankfully, as you would expect from a lock, it is quite reliable with an included 1-year warranty and a pretty sturdy build quality.
Best Features
- Compatible with Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices
- Rated for a maximum range of up to 15 feet
- Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
- Highly sturdy construction with a decent warranty
- Includes a smart lock for your home in the box
- Very versatile Z Wave hub in terms of supported devices
Cons
- Very limited Z Wave network range
4. AEOTEC Z Wave Hub
The AEOTEC Smart Home Hub is an innovative centerpiece for modern home automation, capable of wirelessly connecting and controlling over 5,000 smart devices from a multitude of brands.
Operating with a 2 Amps current rating and 120 Volts (AC), this hub supports key voice assistants and offers app and voice control through various platforms including iOS, Android, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
It features diverse connectivity options like ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave, ensuring broad device compatibility. While internet access is required for setup, the hub provides intelligent device automation, functioning even during internet disruptions. However, it’s important to note its compatibility is limited to North America.
Best Features
- Compatible with only Z Wave devices
- Controls over 5,000 smart devices.
- Enables smart scheduling and device control.
Pros
- Manages a large range of smart devices.
- Compatible with various communication protocols.
- Voice control for convenience.
- Functions without internet.
- Intuitive application for device management.
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
5. EVA LOGIK Z Wave Hub
The EVA LOGIK ZW36 Smart Plug, designed for modern home automation, seamlessly integrates into Z-Wave networks. This dual-outlet device features one always-on and one Z-Wave controlled outlet, compatible with hubs like SmartThings and Wink.
It supports a 15 Amp current and operates at 120 Volts, making it suitable for various residential applications. The plug’s easy installation and voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant enhance its user-friendliness.
Additionally, it doubles as a signal repeater to boost hub connectivity, and allows remote control via smartphone apps, enabling scheduled operations and custom scene creation. This makes the ZW36 a versatile and convenient solution for smart home management.
Best Features
- Offers both always-on and Z-Wave controlled outlets.
- Works with various Z-Wave certified hubs.
- Boosts connectivity in Z-Wave networks.
Pros
- Enables scheduling and remote control.
- Suitable for various appliances and lights.
- Acts as a network repeater.
- Supports multiple smart home systems.
Cons
- May have compatibility issues in some locations.
6. Nexia Z Wave Hub
Nexia is a fairly reputable and well-known brand of smart home products because of which they also offer a decently powerful Z Wave hub which can be great for using at your home.
The Nexia BR200 Home Bridge Z Wave hub can be a great high performance option for a lot of users. While it does offer great performance, it only supports Z Wave devices and not Z Wave Plus ones. Not only that but it does not support any smart assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant either.
Moving over to the performance of this Z Wave hub, you will be glad to know that it offers a pretty high range of up to 200 feet. Another great benefit of going with this Z Wave hub is that since Nexia is highly reputable, you get a 1-year warranty with it.
Best Features
- Compatible with only Z Wave devices
- Rated for a maximum range of up to 200 feet
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
- Quite a powerful Z Wave hub
- Decently reliable with a good warranty period
- Great for using along with your Nexia network
Cons
- Not the most versatile option in terms of compatibility
4. Ezlo Z Wave Hub
Ezlo is a fairly new and entry-level brand of Z Wave products which can be a great option for those who are looking for something highly durable and reliable.
The Ezlo Plus smart home hub is one of the most reliable options here which makes it perfect for long-term usage. Apart from reliability, it is also quite versatile as it supports both Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi devices. It even supports working Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Android, and iOS making it more versatile.
Since it is a compact form factor, this is not the most powerful option and lacks any range rating. That being said, it is still a great pick for many users thanks to its 3-year warranty, which is much longer than most other Z-Wave hubs out there.
Best Features
- Compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices
- Supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Android, and iOS device
- Comes with a 3-year long warranty
Pros
- Highly versatile and affordable Z-Wave hub with support for most devices
- Excellent longevity with quite a long warranty period
- Quite small and compact with USB connectivity
- Offers superb performance in terms of range
Cons
- Does not mention a range rating for connectivity.
Buying Guide for the Best Z Wave Hubs
Z Wave is one of the best ways to connect all your smart home devices and appliances together. And because Z Wave devices rely on a Z Wave network, they can even communicate with each other for automation.
Although, to create such a Z Wave network, you will need something like the best Z Wave hubs given above. For helping you in choosing the right one, these different Z Wave hubs also have their important features and options given above. And if you wish to know even further, consider checking out this detailed buying guide for the best Z Wave hubs:
1. Compatibility
One of the most important things to check while going with Z Wave hubs is their compatibility with your existing Z Wave devices and Z wave controllers. This is due to the reason that there are two types of Z Wave devices out there which include Z Wave ones and Z Wave Plus ones. Because of this, while some Z Wave hubs only support Z Wave devices, newer models work with both Z Wave and Z Wave Plus devices for your peace of mind.
2. Range
Whether your Z Wave hub supports all types of Z Wave devices or not, it will not be useful if it cannot work over a long-range. Since Z Wave devices are wireless, you would want your Z Wave network to have a proper range. Unfortunately, not all Z Wave hubs mention a range rating with them which can be an issue for many. As for the ones that do, you can find ranges like up to 150 feet, up to 200 feet, and even up to 500 feet for much better performance.
3. Smart Assistants
Even if you are using Z Wave smart devices instead of WiFi ones, you would still want to be able to control them using voice commands via your favorite smart assistants. To make this possible, your Z Wave hub itself needs to support your favorite smart assistant. Thankfully, almost all Z Wave hubs support major smart assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. With such Z Wave hubs, you can easily control all your Z Wave devices using voice commands.
4. Warranty
Just like any other device on your Z Wave network, you would also want your Z Wave hub to last for as long as possible. One easy way to ensure that you are going with a reliable Z Wave hub which is made for long term usage is to check its included warranty. Even though most Z Wave hubs come with a 1-year warranty, a few highly reliable ones may even feature a 3-year long warranty. Such options are perfect for long term usage without having any issues in the long run.
Best Z Wave Hubs – FAQs
Ans: Yes, you need a Z-Wave hub for advanced features like scheduling and remote control that a handheld Z-Wave controller can’t provide. Check our Z-Wave website for compatible hubs.
Ans: Adding a secondary Z-Wave controller is allowed, but it requires approval from the primary controller.
Ans: Yes, the SmartThings Hub is a Z-Wave certified controller that works with various Z-Wave devices.
Ans: Certainly:
Yes, you can control Z-Wave devices with Alexa, but it requires a Z-Wave hub. Once your Z-Wave devices are connected to the hub and the hub is linked to Alexa, you can manage your Z-Wave devices using voice commands through Alexa.
Conclusion
Those of you who are familiar with Z Wave devices must know that you need a Z Wave network in your home for using them together. As a result, you will first need something to create a Z Wave network. In fact, we have already discussed the best Z Wave hubs down below along with most of their major details and specifications.
While there is also a complete buying guide regarding the best Z Wave hubs present above, some of you might be still confused. If you are also confused, then consider going with one of our favorite picks for the best Z Wave hubs:
- AEOTEC Z Wave Hub unlocks Z-Wave magic with future-proof flexibility and user-friendly charm. A solid choice for building your smart home empire.
- However, if you are looking for something highly reliable and perfect for long term usage, then the Ezlo Plus smart home hub might be just for you. Other than its superb build quality, you get a 3-year warranty with it which is much higher than others. You also get the support for Z-Wave, Zigbee, MyQ, HUE, LIFX & more with this Z Wave hub for versatility.
