Zigbee
The low-power mesh radio behind most smart bulbs, sensors and switches. What it is, what it needs to run, and which gear talks it.
New to Zigbee?
The plain-English version first, then the guides that build on it.
Explainer Buying guide Explainer
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is the low-power wireless mesh behind Philips Hue, Aqara and most smart sensors. Here is how it works, why it needs a hub, and where it sits next to Matter.
Which Zigbee dongle for Home Assistant?
Home Assistant needs a USB radio for Zigbee, Thread or Z-Wave. Which adapter to buy, why one dongle cannot run two protocols, and the USB 3.0 problem that quietly ruins your range.
Does Google Home have Zigbee?
No Google or Nest device has ever spoken Zigbee, though several carry the radio chip Zigbee and Thread share. Here is where that confusion starts, and what to do if you already own Zigbee gear.
Head to head
Comparison
Matter vs Zigbee: which should you buy?
Zigbee is a radio and a mesh. Matter is an application layer that runs over Wi-Fi, Thread and Ethernet, never over Zigbee. You don't have to pick one, and you probably won't.
ComparisonZigbee vs Thread: which one should you buy?
Zigbee and Thread use the same radio. The real difference is that a Thread device joins Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa directly, while a Zigbee device gets there through a bridge.
ComparisonZigbee vs Z-Wave: which to buy in Australia
Zigbee for most Australian homes: cheaper, far more of it sold here, same radio worldwide. Z-Wave reaches further through walls, but Australia is its own band and the gear is thin.
ComparisonWi-Fi vs Zigbee
Wi-Fi suits cameras and plugs. Zigbee suits battery sensors, buttons and lots of lights. How they differ on power, device count, range and cost, and why most homes run both.
The library
Everything Zigbee
Every Zigbee guide, explainer and comparison in one list.
Comparison Comparison Comparison Comparison Explainer Buying guide Explainer
Matter vs Zigbee: which should you buy?
Zigbee is a radio and a mesh. Matter is an application layer that runs over Wi-Fi, Thread and Ethernet, never over Zigbee. You don't have to pick one, and you probably won't.
Zigbee vs Thread: which one should you buy?
Zigbee and Thread use the same radio. The real difference is that a Thread device joins Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa directly, while a Zigbee device gets there through a bridge.
Zigbee vs Z-Wave: which to buy in Australia
Zigbee for most Australian homes: cheaper, far more of it sold here, same radio worldwide. Z-Wave reaches further through walls, but Australia is its own band and the gear is thin.
Wi-Fi vs Zigbee
Wi-Fi suits cameras and plugs. Zigbee suits battery sensors, buttons and lots of lights. How they differ on power, device count, range and cost, and why most homes run both.
Does Google Home have Zigbee?
No Google or Nest device has ever spoken Zigbee, though several carry the radio chip Zigbee and Thread share. Here is where that confusion starts, and what to do if you already own Zigbee gear.
Which Zigbee dongle for Home Assistant?
Home Assistant needs a USB radio for Zigbee, Thread or Z-Wave. Which adapter to buy, why one dongle cannot run two protocols, and the USB 3.0 problem that quietly ruins your range.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is the low-power wireless mesh behind Philips Hue, Aqara and most smart sensors. Here is how it works, why it needs a hub, and where it sits next to Matter.