Best Z-Wave Hub in 2023

Z-Wave is one of the popular wireless technologies behind several reliable brands that work to make our homes smarter and safer. Now, with Z-wave hub, smart home products will be able to communicate with each other (no matter on which brand or platform they built) with the help of a central smart hub.

The hub confirms that the devices used in the home are connected with each other and to you through a simple smartphone or tablet app. As this technology has been in the marketplace for more than twenty years, it comes with top-quality security measures to keep your home network smarter. Let’s learn about the z wave hub and other details related to it.

What is Z-wave?

It is a wireless communication protocol that is used in smart home networks. It permits smart devices to connect & exchange control commands with each other.

What is A Z-Wave Hub?

A Z-Wave hub is a device that can manage multiple smart devices which are connected to the hub via Z-Waves. The main purpose of designing hubs is to control each smart device in your property.

It is an alternative to Bluetooth & WiFi. This technology can enable connectivity between electronic devices like gate controllers, apartment smart locks, etc. It can also enable smart technology such as thermostats.

What Hubs Are Z-wave Compatible?

Amazon Alexa is a famous hub that uses this technology to connect with smart devices. That’s why we know it as a Z-Wave hub. However, famous hubs like Google Home do not fully support Z-Wave devices on their own. Therefore, you must not buy a hub that is not specifically for Z-Wave devices.

What Are The Benefits Of Z-Wave Hubs?

Undoubtedly, it can be said that the Z-Wave hub is the most secure smart home management system. Let’s see the common benefits that you will get, using a Z wave smart hub.

• It is possible to operate Z-Wave with full cellular communication & default WiFi service.
• These hubs allow you to control all the smart devices in your home.
• It allows the homeowners to control the system and share access with up to 50 members.
• While it includes no cable, it comes with a high-tech ‘smashproof’ design.
• Unlike a mobile alarm, this wave hub includes an alarm system. In order to wake you up, it can create a siren-like sound.
• It can provide 24-hour battery backups. As it is not going to die so easily, you can get reliable support.

What Kind Of Hubs Does Z-wave Come With?

You can find several home system hubs in the market. But remember that you should choose a Z-Wave smart hub featuring the most advanced technology that can be used to modernize your home. Therefore, you should not expect all market hubs to be compatible with Z-wave.

If you plan to purchase a Z-wave hub, you should look for the particular authorized Z-wave Hubs. Officially, these hubs are called Z-wave controllers. You should know that different brands manufacture smart hubs supporting Z-wave. But it is hard to choose the right z-wave hubs. Follow the buying guide section to choose the best Z wave hub for your home.

Do Z-Wave Devices Need A Hub?

These devices do not need a hub to work. But if you want to get the most functionality of these devices, then using a hub is the best idea. It could be a great solution for those who use more than one Z-Wave device on your property.

How Do Z-Wave Hubs Work?

These receive the signals and transmit them from Z-Wave-compatible devices. In mesh networking, you can find these devices communicating with each other. The accessibility features of these devices can be set up via an application.

With the help of a hub, you can control Z-Wave devices & monitor them remotely via the hub app. For instance, the person at your Ring doorbell can be seen via the app.

You can set schedules for the smart devices using hubs, like when air conditioning kicks on through a smart thermostat.

Is Z-Wave Better Than Wi-Fi?

We would say that it is not better or worse than Wi-Fi. However, like other technologies, it also has pros & cons.

Pros Of Z-Wave:

• Simple to integrate with devices
• Easy to use
• Promotes low power consumption.

Cons Of Z-Wave:

• Costly
• The physical range is smaller than Wi-Fi.
• Not as many compatible devices like Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.

When & Where Should You Use A Z-Wave Hub?

The hubs are mainly designed for properties that use many smart devices. When you have one or two smart devices, there is no need to use a hub. Do you want to make your home technologically advanced? Then, you might want over one smart device. That’s why you should know about the usefulness of hubs.

If it comes to talking about where to place your hub, you should keep this centrally located in the property and near the smart devices. In addition, try to keep the hub in a safe place that is accessible only to the property managers and other verified personnel. Like smart locks, your hub is crucial to the building’s security, as it manages the smart locks and access control systems.

Best Five Z Wave Hubs

1. Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub

Description: As we all know, Hubitat is one of the popular brands of Z Wave products. This product ranks first in the list because it is very versatile and can offer excellent performance. Regarding compatibility, the hub is perfect for Z Wave & Z Wave Plus devices. As this one is a top-quality Z Wave hub, it is compatible with both Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant.

With his best z wave hub for home assistants, you will be able to get 150 feet of decent range that is more than enough to use in your home. This product comes with a 90-day warranty. If it comes to talking about the build quality, it can undoubtedly be said that it is durable and long-lasting.

Features:

Speed: In order to get fast and reliable home automation, automations are locally processed.

Compatibility: It supports most Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN, Google Home, Alexa and Lutron devices. Before buying, you need to check which devices your hub supports.

Customizable: It comes with several built-in automation apps to customize your smart home.

Custom Dashboards: For every room and user, dashboards are customized for remote monitoring and controling your home.

Mobile App: The mobile app, which supports Android & iOS, comes with device control, dashboards, and presence sensor & management tools.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
• Outstanding compatibility with other smart devices and assistants
• The mobile app supports Android and iOS

Cons:

• The warranty period should be a little bit longer on the premium side.

1. Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Z-Wave Hub

Description:

This one has got the second position in this list based on performance. When it comes to compatibility, you can see that the model is compatible with Z Wave & Z Wave Plus devices. But it doesn’t directly support Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa because it needs third-party apps.

However, it can be assured that the hub will not let you down when it comes to talking about its performance with a range of up to 492 feet. The product also comes with a decent 1-year warranty.

Features:

Ideal Wireless Range: The model is able to communicate with other Z Wave devices up to 150 meters away.

Broader Bandwidth: It enables 250% more communication bandwidth.

OTA Updates: It can power over-the-air firmware updates for z-wave devices.

Safe: It features default AES-128-bit encrypted communication & security options.

Compatibility: It can work with Windows / Mac / Linux / Raspberry Pi 4 (2020 upgrade), for creating a z-wave hub to control Z-Wave plus & Zwave devices.

Pros:

• Excellent performance
• Supports most of the Z Wave device types
• USB connectivity

Cons:

• Lacks support for common smart assistants.

1. HomeSeer HT G3 Pi Smart Home Hub

Description: This is one of the premium brands of Z-Wave hubs that is unique because almost all of its Z-Wave Hubs depend on Raspberry Pi, which makes them highly versatile. As it depends on Raspberry Pi, the product could be an excellent option for people willing to have something highly customizable. It can manage automation for reliability, secure as well as lightning-quick performance.

The hub supports several popular smart home technologies, which are as follows: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, Hubitat, Ecobee, LIFX, Harmony Hub, and so on. Besides, this hub is compatible with MyQ, KNX, TP-link, MQTT, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Tuya, X10, Wemo, Tesla Powerwall, and many other technologies. Additionally, it is compatible with Google & Alexa smart speakers. Moreover, it supports services & products that work with IFTTT & Node-Red. You can find the model supporting camera recordings & live camera views.

The product comes with a free mobile app as well as a free MyHS remote access service. Although, there is no range rating on the product, it can offer an outstanding performance based on Raspberry Pi. However, you will get a decent 1-year warranty on this model. Whereas the awesome build quality of the model is praiseworthy.

Features:

Voice Control: This product supports Alexa & Google smart speakers and devices.

Camera Management: This model supports camera recordings. You can use the model to supercharge the smart home security.

Pros:

• Compatible with smart assistants
• Offers high customizability, as it is based on Raspberry Pi
• Excellent build quality

Cons:

• Costly

1. Ezlo Smart Plug Hub

Description: If you are looking for a model for long-term use, then it is the best option. It is relatively flexible, as this hub is compatible with Z Wave & Z Wave Plus devices. In addition, it supports Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant, the result of which the model becomes versatile enough.

But this model comes in a small size and does not have a range rating, which are the drawbacks. In spite of these things, the hub remains a popular choice for multiple consumers and all credits go to the 3-year warranty, which makes it better than other z-wave hubs on the market.

Features:

OS For Property: This hub runs on MiOS by Ezlo which is the 1st OS for property. You should know that Mios is unique as well as pioneering. You can now match and match brands across your smart home. Besides, you are able to control all of them from the mobile app or web anywhere.

Smart Plug And Play: This hub can easily turn every device into a Smart Home device. With the help of the controller, you can operate smart home lighting, smart sensors, smart door locks, etc. You can set up a scheduled time easily for full home automation.

Integration Freedom: Users can connect & control Z-Wave enabled devices and other Wi-Fi devices through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Voice Control: You can easily connect the hub to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Hence, you need to use your voice for controlling the smart-enabled devices like bulbs, motion sensors, smart locks, etc.

Smart Energy Consumption: It is possible to review live, daily & weekly energy consumption to understand appliance electricity efficiencies. Then, you can optimize smart devices to be enabled only when you have to use them.

Pros:

• 3-year warranty
• Smart energy consumption
• Great voice control

Cons:

• Small size

1. Kasa Smart All-in-One WiFi Router & Smart Home Hub

Description: This all-in-one router and smart hub can offer Gigabit WiFi speeds. Besides, it lets you connect all ZigBee & Z-Wave smart home devices to that same home WiFi network.

The Kasa Smart SR20 & Kasa Android or iOS application can bring your home together. Managing internet access is possible along with setting smart home routines, & controlling the home from anywhere. If you prefer to work from home or are at the office, the Kasa smartphone app lets you monitor your smart home and control it from a single location.

Features:

Smart Router: This hub allows you to connect ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi smart home devices and let them work seamlessly to make the home safe and smart.

Remote Access: With the help of Kasa app on your mobile, you can set triggers, control smart home devices, schedule tasks, etc.

Touchscreen: You can easily access the frequently used features on the intuitive as well as responsive display of 4.3″ size.

High Speed: While it enables you to enjoy 4K HD video streaming, you are able to play games online using the AC1900 Wi-Fi & 1GHz dual-core processor.

Parental Controls: It enables you to set time limits and keep your kids safe with parental controls.

Save & Share: You can save information like video recordings on the built-in SD Storage Slot. However, you need to buy the SD card separately. Moreover, you can share images, files, music, and video across your network via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.

Pros:

• Built-in SD storage slot
• Parental control
• Intuitive and responsive touchscreen

Cons:

• Not easy to control

How to Choose the Right Z-wave Hub:

Z-Wave, a wireless communication protocol, is specially designed for smart home automation systems. In the smart home industry, it is considered one of the most used wireless protocols, having more than 3000 certified products. However, the Z-wave hub has to match the Z-wave network’s working standard. The hub follows the principle of Mesh Network topology, which is operated on the 908.42MHz frequency band.

There are several vital factors like security features, 3rd party integration, range, compatibility with Z-Wave devices, and so on that can impact the entire functionality and usability of the hub significantly. Let’s check the important factors to consider before buying the best Z-Wave hub.

Compatibility: The hub you are purchasing has to support different Z-Wave devices from different manufacturers.

Protocol Support: It is necessary to go with such a hub that is compatible with many smart home protocols like Z-Wave, Zigbee, & Wi-Fi.

Security: Ensure that your hub includes features like encryption, authentication, & authorization. It is because these features offer strong protection so that unauthorized access to the smart home devices can be prevented.

Range: When you use Z Wave products, you obviously want them to connect over a long distance. So, before buying a Z-wave hub, you have to check its range. But all  z-wave hubs don’t have a range rating. However, hubs with range ratings will include ranges up to 150 feet, 200 feet, and even up to 500 feet to offer a great performance.

Connectivity: You should look for a model that is compatible with wired & wireless connectivity options for enhanced flexibility.

Z-Wave Controller Performance:

The hard limit of Z-Wave is 232 devices on a single network. But it is not the only thing that needs to be considered, as you should consider the software side of things. The hub’s software provides a user interface that you can use to control the smart home. It also determines the complexity as well as the automation rules that you can run. It is separate from Z-Wave itself that is able to offer standards letting all Z-Wave devices communicate with each other. Actually, a hub acts as a computer which runs that software. If you go with any cheaper model, you will find less processing power & memory that will be an issue for those who have plenty of devices trying to do things at a time. If you plan to build a comprehensive smart home, invest your money for the additional horsepower and capability.

Automation Capabilities: You need to consider your hub’s automation capabilities like scheduling, scene creation, & integration with popular home automation systems.

Integration With Other Platforms:

Try to buy a hub that is compatible with voice control with other popular virtual assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. The hub should be able to connect with IFTTT, SmartThings, HomeKit, and other home automation platforms.

Application Support: Before buying, you should check the availability as well as the quality of the mobile app for that z-wave hub.

Firmware Updates: You have to check frequency along with the ease of firmware updates for the model you want to use in your home to ensure that it can stay updated with security patches and new features.

Smart Home Integration: The Z-Wave controllers function as a complete home automation solution. Do you want to add a hub to an existing smart home? Then, make sure that it is possible to use the Z-Wave devices with your other devices.

You should go for a smart home hub which is an all-in-one solution and compatible with all protocols & smart devices. However, you may need to reconfigure the existing devices to connect them with the new smart hub. A single hub may not be compatible with everything you require despite their marketing.

Price: You need to consider how much the hub costs and check the extra subscription fees that are associated with using the hub or accessing the advanced features of it.

Support & Warranty: Make sure that the hub offers adequate warranty options and support.

Why Do You Need A Hub For Z-Wave?

Z-wave, the isolated communication system is tailored to smart devices. It is built around a local network for those that do not need an internet connection. Z-Wave controller, called smart hub, creates the network and manages it. Therefore, you can not use a Z-wave device without these.

You can enjoy multiple benefits by using  Z-Wave technology. These use mesh networking technology, letting individual smart devices on your network function as repeaters ( used to extend the hub’s range). In addition, these use lower-frequency radio waves to decrease the level of interference.

You must know one thing: Z-Wave enables smart home devices to communicate with each other. Your created automation rules and what you will be able to do with the devices rely on your Z-Wave hub & its software.

Do You Want Voice Assistant Integration?

It may happen that your Z-Wave hub doesn’t work with the voice assistant you prefer. Currently, manufacturers prioritize this requirement very much because it can add a layer of convenience to the smart home. And nowadays consumers are expecting this feature more & more. Nevertheless, with a skill or plugin for controller software, the integration is done outside of the device itself, and a third party accessory or a separate web service will act as a go between. Remember that the complexity and reliability of the solution varies. Although the feature will require the hub to have an internet connection, you will get the advantages of accessing your smart home remotely.

Do You Need Complex Automation Rules?

You may answer ‘no’ to the question. But if you want to grow your smart home, you will be eager to learn how to make this work for you. Most smart home users follow easy automation rules depending on geolocation, schedules or sensor triggers. If you add a few conditions to these triggers, it will be very beneficial. Besides, it helps to avoid inappropriate actions being taken at the wrong times.

You can use a simple motion sensor to trigger your lights. It doesn’t make any sense to turn on these each time. These can be turned on only when the ambient light is low. Making this action smarter is possible by tying a condition to a light sensor. You can extend this further with presence & time of day conditions for triggering various light states. If a controller rule gives you more options, you will get better performance in the long term. The reason is that you will get familiar with what performs best in your smart home with the connected devices.

Conclusion:

When you add a Z-Wave hub to your smart home, it will open up a lot of control & flexibility options. Over time, you may want to use home automation devices from different protocols. Those who are willing to host all of these on the same hub, can go for a more all-in-one approach. If you are familiar with Z-wave devices, you will know that a Z-Wave network is necessary in your home to use these together. That’s why it is essential to create a Z Wave network. In this article, we have discussed these facts. So, you should go through the article properly to know about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Z-Wave hub is best?

Which z-wave hub will be best for you depends on what you are willing to do with it and with which other smart home systems you want to use it.

• Does Z-Wave need a hub?

This protocol is self-managing and it is separate from the normal Wi-Fi network. By using a controller or hub, you can establish the Z-Wave network. In this way, you can offer a bridge to a typical home network for control.

• Is Z-Wave better than Wi-Fi?

The Z-Wave can be used by low-power and low-bandwidth devices in your smart home. It can set up a self-healing mesh network with the help of other Z-Wave devices in the network working as repeaters. So, it is a better choice than WiFi for home automation. However, you can get the same benefits from the newer ZigBee and Thread protocols.