10 Best Zigbee Devices Reviews & Buying Guide

Zigbee is a wireless technology used for home automation, connecting multiple smart devices and security systems into a single automated home network. Similar to WiFi and Z-Wave systems, Zigbee requires a hub to manage the network. This hub acts like a router, creating a mesh network for seamless communication between devices.

While Zigbee operates like Z-Wave, it has its own unique features and benefits. Numerous devices are available for Zigbee smart systems. Before buying any Zigbee device, here are some important things to remember.

  • Compatibility: Consider the hub’s compatibility, akin to a Z-wave hub. Verify the Zigbee device’s compatibility list to ensure it aligns with your current or future hub.
  • Type Of Device: Opt for the right type of Zigbee device. Our list includes smart bulbs, plugs, hubs, and sensors, enabling you to craft an ideal smart home system.

Here are the best Zigbee devices with their features, pros, and cons. Check our “Buying Guide” later in this article for more details on Zigbee devices and their properties.

Best Zigbee Devices Table

Zigbee DevicesCompatibilityDevice TypeBuy Now
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Zigbee DeviceZigbee smart home hubVoice AssistantCheck On Amazon
Philips Hue Zigbee DeviceZigbee HubSmart Light BulbsCheck On Amazon
Sengled A19 Zigbee DeviceSmart HubSmart Light BulbsCheck On Amazon
Aqara Hub Zigbee DeviceAQARA HUBTemperature and Humidity SensorCheck On Amazon
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB DongleZigbee 3.0USB Dongle Plus GatewayCheck On Amazon
Aqara Door And Window SensorAqara HubWireless Mini Contact SensorCheck On Amazon
Aeotec Smart Home HubSmart Home HubWorks as a SmartThings HubCheck On Amazon
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Contact SensorZigbee HubContact SensorCheck On Amazon
SONOFF Zigbee Smart Light SwitchZigBee HubSmart Light Switch (2 Way)Check On Amazon
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart PlugZigBee HubSmart PlugCheck On Amazon

Best Zigbee Devices Reviews

1. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Zigbee Device

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Zigbee Device

With the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), your smart home setup becomes simpler and more integrated. This device extends beyond the capabilities of a traditional smart speaker by including a built-in Zigbee hub, which connects effortlessly with lights, locks, and sensors, enhancing your home’s intelligence.

Echo’s sound quality is a major upgrade. It has a 3.0″ woofer and dual tweeters, providing clear highs, dynamic mids, and deep bass. This immersive audio experience adapts to any room, making it ideal for music lovers.

Beyond sound, Alexa adds functionality. You can voice-control your home, set routines, and get answers. The Echo also has a temperature sensor and motion detection, enabling automated routines. Setup is easy, and robust privacy controls make it a top choice for smart homes.

Specifications:

  • Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth
  • Privacy Features: Microphone off button, ability to delete voice recordings
  • Weight: 2 oz

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality with deep bass.
  • Built-in Zigbee hub enhances smart home connectivity.
  • User-friendly setup and privacy-focused design.

Cons:

  • Limited smart hub functionality without additional Echo devices.

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2. Philips Hue Zigbee Device

Philips Hue 476951 CFH A19 Smart Light Bulb

The Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb is highly recommended for smart home lighting. It supports Zigbee hubs, including the Philips Hue Bridge and Echo devices, allowing for seamless integration with multiple platforms.

The bulb offers dimmable, soft white light to create the perfect ambiance. The Hue app provides many light recipes to match different moods and settings. It also supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant, making it user-friendly.

Setting up is simple. You can control up to 10 bulbs via Bluetooth or expand to 50 with the Hue Bridge. The bulbs are energy-efficient, saving you money on energy bills.

Specifications:

  • Compatibility: Philips Hue Bridge, Echo devices, Google Assistant
  • Features: Dimmable, voice control, energy-efficient
  • Light Output: 800 Lumens
  • Wattage: 10 watts

Pros:

  • Excellent light quality with vibrant colors.
  • Wide compatibility with smart home platforms.
  • Energy-efficient with long lifespan.

Cons:

  • Requires Hue Bridge for full functionality.

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3. Sengled A19 Zigbee Device

Sengled A19 Zigbee Device

If you’re aiming to upgrade your home’s lighting effortlessly, consider the A19 Smart Light Bulb by Sengled. It operates via a Zigbee hub, ensuring it works seamlessly with many smart home setups, such as the Amazon Echo (4th Gen).

This bulb is highly energy-efficient, using only 9 watts but providing the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Its dimmable feature lets users adjust the lighting to their preferred brightness, ideal for creating different moods in a room.

Setup is simple. connect it to a Zigbee hub, and you can control it via voice commands or a smartphone app. This makes integrating smart technology into daily life easy and convenient.

Specifications:

  • Type: LED
  • Wattage: 9 watts
  • Luminosity: 800 lumens
  • Connectivity: Zigbee

Pros:

  • Energy-efficient, reducing electricity costs.
  • Easy to integrate with existing Zigbee systems.
  • Dimmable, allowing for adjustable light settings.

Cons:

  • Requires a Zigbee hub, adding to initial costs if not already owned.

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4. Aqara Hub Zigbee Device

Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor

For a unified smart home experience, the Aqara Hub is your go-to connector within the Zigbee ecosystem. Its broad compatibility with numerous sensors and devices makes it an exceptional choice for easy home automation.

One of its best features is its support for both Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. This provides flexible control through iOS or voice commands, making it versatile for homes using different technology platforms. The hub also supports real-time monitoring and automation of devices like lights, sensors, and HVAC systems via its app.

Setup is user-friendly, involving simple pairing with other Zigbee devices through intuitive app instructions. However, it requires a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, which can be a limitation in some areas. While compact and discreet, the plastic design may not appeal to everyone. The hub is reasonably priced, but purchasing additional compatible devices can increase overall costs.

Specifications:

  • Connectivity: Zigbee, Wi-Fi
  • Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa
  • Features: Supports a wide range of sensors and devices

Pros:

  • Wide compatibility with various smart devices.
  • Supports major platforms like Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa.
  • Enables advanced home automation and real-time monitoring.

Cons:

  • Requires a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

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5. SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle

SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB DongleFor those looking to broaden their Zigbee network within their home automation systems, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle is an excellent solution. It ensures a strong signal and is compatible with various devices across different platforms.

A key feature is its pre-flashed Z-Stack 3.x.0 coordinator firmware. This allows easy integration with platforms like Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT. Users who prefer local control over cloud-based solutions will appreciate the added privacy and stability.

While setup is easy for tech-savvy users, beginners might find it challenging. However, the dongle has strong documentation and active community support to help. Its aluminum housing reduces signal interference, ensuring reliable performance, making it a great value for its features.

Specifications:

  • Protocol: Zigbee 3.0
  • Firmware: Pre-flashed Z-Stack 3.x.0
  • Connectivity: USB

Pros:

  • Strong signal enhancement for Zigbee networks.
  • Wide compatibility with various devices and platforms.
  • Aluminum housing for reduced interference.

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge for optimal configuration.

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6. Aqara Door And Window Sensor

Aqara Door And Window Sensor

For enhancing smart home security, consider the Aqara Door and Window Sensor. It integrates well with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa through the Aqara Hub. Its compact design allows discreet placement, providing real-time alerts and updates to your smartphone.

Installation is simple, with adhesive strips included for easy attachment to most surfaces. The sensor connects smoothly to the Aqara Hub, enabling instant notifications and automated routines, like turning on lights when a door opens.

The build quality is solid, though the plastic construction may not feel as premium as metal. Despite this, the sensor performs reliably with quick response times and impressive battery life, lasting up to two years.

Specifications:

  • Connectivity: Requires Aqara Hub, compatible with Zigbee
  • Features: Real-time alerts, automation capabilities
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 years

Pros:

  • Easy to install and set up.
  • Long battery life.
  • Supports Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa.

Cons:

  • Requires the purchase of an Aqara Hub.
  • Plastic build may not suit all preferences.

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7. Aeotec Smart Home Hub

Aeotec Smart Home Hub

Serving as the central unit for modern smart homes, the Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports many protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi, and Matter. This means it can connect with various smart devices, making it a great choice for home automation.

Setting up the hub is easy with the SmartThings app, which guides you through the process. Once set up, it performs reliably with local processing, so automations work even without internet. The hub allows both app and voice control and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s Bixby.

The hub has a solid build with a sleek design that fits any home. While the initial cost might be high, it saves money long-term by reducing the need for multiple bridges or connectors.

Specifications:

  • Protocols Supported: Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi, Matter
  • Control: App and Voice via SmartThings

Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of smart home devices and protocols.
  • Local processing for reliable automation execution.
  • User-friendly app for setup and control.

Cons:

  • Initial cost may be higher compared to simpler hubs.

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8. THIRDREALITY Zigbee Contact Sensor

THIRDREALITY Zigbee Contact Sensor

With the Zigbee Contact Sensor by THIRDREALITY, home security is enhanced through precise door and window monitoring. It works well with many Zigbee hubs, such as Echo devices with built-in hubs, making it a flexible addition to your smart home.

Setting up this sensor is incredibly simple. You can install it in seconds by placing it in pairing mode and letting your Echo device discover it. Its compact design ensures it fits seamlessly into any home environment without being obtrusive.

The sensor is reliable, providing timely alerts whenever doors or windows are opened, enhancing security and peace of mind. With a battery life of up to two years, it requires minimal maintenance, adding to its overall value.

Specifications:

  • Compatibility: Echo (4th Gen), Echo Plus, Echo Show, Echo Studio
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 years
  • Installation: Quick and easy with adhesive strips or screws

Pros:

  • Hassle-free installation.
  • Compatible with many Zigbee hubs and Echo devices.
  • Long battery life.

Cons:

  • Plastic construction may not feel as premium.

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9. SONOFF Zigbee Smart Light Switch

SONOFF Zigbee Smart Light Switch

If you’re looking for a versatile and compact smart home upgrade, consider the SONOFF Zigbee Smart Light Switch. It allows for efficient lighting management via Zigbee protocols and functions without relying on a Wi-Fi connection, ensuring consistent performance even if the internet is unavailable.

This smart switch is compatible with major home automation platforms like Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT, enabling effortless execution of pre-set scenes and automations. It supports both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, making it adaptable to various setups.

Installation is straightforward due to its compact design, which fits easily into standard wall switch boxes. Although the plastic build may not feel premium, the switch’s reliability and broad compatibility more than make up for it.

Specifications:

  • Protocol: Zigbee 3.0
  • Control: App and Voice
  • Installation: Fits in standard switch boxes

Pros:

  • Works with a wide range of Zigbee hubs.
  • Continues to function without internet.
  • Easy to integrate into existing smart home systems.

Cons:

  • May require manual setup tweaks for optimal performance.

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10. THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug

THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart PlugFor efficient household electronics management, consider the Zigbee Smart Plug by THIRDREALITY. It seamlessly integrates with numerous Zigbee hubs, including Echo devices with built-in hubs and SmartThings, offering versatility for various smart home configurations.

A key feature is its real-time power consumption monitoring. This helps manage energy usage better and supports eco-friendly practices by reducing unnecessary power consumption. Additionally, the plug has safety settings that let it return to its last state after a power outage, offering continuity and convenience.

The setup is simple, with voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enhancing hands-free use. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t block other sockets, a common issue with many smart plugs.

Specifications:

  • Compatibility: Echo (4th Gen), Echo Plus, SmartThings
  • Features: Real-time power monitoring, voice control
  • Control: App, Voice

Pros:

  • Detailed energy usage monitoring.
  • Seamless integration with major smart home platforms.
  • Compact and does not block other outlets.

Cons:

  • Requires a Zigbee hub to function.

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Factors To Consider While Buying Best Zigbee Devices

When selecting the best Zigbee devices for your smart home setup, there are several critical factors to consider. Zigbee is a popular protocol used in smart home systems for its low-power, wireless network capabilities that enable communication between various smart devices. Below, we explore key considerations to guide your purchase of the best Zigbee devices.

Compatibility

Ensure that the Zigbee devices you’re considering are compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem. Compatibility extends to both the hardware, such as smart hubs like Samsung SmartThings or Amazon Echo, and other smart devices within your network. Check for the specific Zigbee protocol version (e.g., Zigbee 3.0) supported by the device to ensure seamless integration.

Network Range

Zigbee devices operate on a mesh network, meaning each device can communicate with others, extending the network range. Typically, Zigbee devices have an indoor range of about 40 meters, but this can be influenced by your home’s layout and the materials used in construction. When selecting devices, consider their range capabilities and the size of your area to ensure adequate coverage.

Energy Efficiency

One of Zigbee’s strengths is its energy efficiency, which is crucial for devices that need to operate continuously, like sensors and security systems. Check the power requirements and battery life of the Zigbee devices. Some devices offer years of battery life, reducing maintenance and ongoing costs.

Device Type And Functionality

Zigbee supports a wide range of smart devices, including lights, switches, sensors, and security devices. Identify your specific needs—whether it’s enhancing security, automating lighting, or monitoring environmental conditions. Review the functionalities of each device to ensure they meet your specific requirements.

Security Features

Security is paramount in smart home setups. Look for Zigbee devices that offer robust security features, such as AES-128 encryption. This protects the data transmitted across your network from potential intrusions or eavesdropping.

Scalability

Consider the scalability of the Zigbee network. Since Zigbee operates on a mesh network, it’s easier to add devices without significantly impacting the network’s performance. Ensure the ecosystem you choose can support the potential addition of more devices in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to connect Zigbee devices?

Ans: You will be needing a hub regardless of what type of Zigbee devices you wish to install in your home. Once you get the hub and set it up properly, you can connect Zigbee devices to the hub. While each brand offers a different set of instructions for connecting Zigbee devices, the general idea is pretty much the same.

First of all, you have to install a dedicated smartphone or desktop application for the hub. Once you pair the app with the hub, you will find the option to add devices in the application itself. Select the add device option as it will take the hub into pairing mode.

Now, plug in the Zigbee device. By default, all Zigbee devices start with the pairing mode enabled. If not, check the instruction to enter the pairing mode. Now that both devices are in pairing mode, the hub will automatically detect and configure the device within minutes. This is how easy it is to connect Zigbee devices.

Q. Is the Zigbee smart home network better than WiFi?

Ans: Right now, the most popular choices in the market for a smart home network are the Zigbee network, Z wave network and the standard WiFi network. In comparison with WiFi, Zigbee devices and networks offer a lot of advantages. It uses significantly lesser energy to transfer data which is beneficial for standalone battery-powered devices. And as the network is completely separated from your WiFi, you will not notice any drop in bandwidth or connectivity even after installing a bunch of Zigbee devices.

But, you should also consider the limitations of the Zigbee devices compared to WiFi. First of all, the hub or the controller still needs to be connected to a router if you wish to get wireless remote access via the internet. Also, Zigbee devices need to be compatible with the hub you are using to get the additional features. Even the smart features available on the Zigbee devices depend upon the type of hub installed in your home.

Q. What is the range of the Zigbee network?

Ans: The Zigbee network also utilizes special low power radio waves to communicate with the connected devices. As the frequency operates on lower power, you will have a comparatively shorter range for Zigbee networks. Without any obstructions, a Zigbee controller offers up to 900 feet range. But as there are a lot of obstructions inside the house, the indoor frequency range is significantly lower and limited to about 320 feet.

But, you can also pair separate Zigbee signal boosters in the network for a better range and connectivity. Another great thing is that this is a mesh network and most plugged Zigbee devices act as a range extender by default. And as you can include about 65000 devices in the network, the theoretical range of the Zigbee network is pretty huge.

Conclusion

In summary, Zigbee devices are great for smart homes. They offer a range of features from lighting to security. The right device can improve your daily life. Explore our top picks and find the perfect Zigbee device for your needs.

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