Zigbee vs WiFi Smart Home Devices: Which Should You Choose?

When you build a smart home, you will see two common connection types: WiFi and Zigbee. Both can work with Alexa, Google Home and Tuya Smart Life, but they work differently.

WiFi devices

WiFi devices connect directly to your router, so you do not need an extra hub. They are simple to set up and a good choice for a few devices. With many devices, your router can become crowded.

Zigbee devices

Zigbee devices connect to a gateway (hub). They use little power and form a network where devices help pass signals to each other, which suits homes with many sensors and switches.

Which one should you choose?

  • Starting small with a camera or a few switches: WiFi.
  • Planning many sensors, switches and scenes: Zigbee with a gateway.
  • Using Home Assistant: look for Zigbee devices compatible with Zigbee2MQTT and a USB Zigbee dongle.

Check before you buy

Look at neutral wire requirements for wall switches, plug type (EU, UK, US) and which assistants the product supports.

Explore our Smart Home collection.

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