Zooz Recommended Z-Wave Hub Systems & Software

New to Z-Wave, or simply looking to migrate to a new smart home system? Here are our recommended options:

Z-BOX HUB

The Z-Box is the first Z-Wave focused hub. Finally, you can unlock the power of true interoperability, encrypted security, and supreme range with thousands of smart home products that have been Z-Wave certified.

The advantage with the Z-Box is that it is the first dedicated Z-Wave hub. While most hubs, like SmartThings or Hubitat, offer a few protocols (Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc), device integration still isn't 100% perfect or requires additional work, like installing drivers or handlers in order to have devices recognized properly. The Z-Box recognizes Z-Wave devices right out of the box, without needing to install any additional code. With devices working right away, it makes it easy to adjust parameters and settings, and program automations immediately, without needing to troubleshoot a device before it's even included. There is also a comprehensive automation tool in place which allows you to create automations all in one place, more intuitive than any other hub and more robust.

Some unique features of the Z-Box include a DIY alarm panel feature, where you can simulate an alarm panel with PIN code input; access to the hub's API documentation straight from the web UI to easily integrate elements of the system with other interfaces as well; and performance enhancements making it much more reliable and faster for Z-Wave communication compared to SmartThings and Hubitat.

Build your smart home with simple rules and custom scenarios to make your everyday a little easier.

WHAT'S GREAT:

The Z-Box Hub features an intuitive automation tool backed by a robust library of options and conditions.
Track power use and make data driven decision about appliance upgrades, alternative energy sourcing, or your daily routine. The Z-Box Energy Panel gives you a comprehensive look at both the environmental impact and dollar cost around your energy balance.
Safety is important and you can now take charge of home security with the DIY Alarm panel on the Z-Box Hub. Set up individual zones, add security sensors, and program notifications to stay informed about any activity 24/7. Arm or disarm the system using a PIN code just like on a traditional security panel, without any contracts or monthly fees.
You have access to the local API documentation for your Z-Box system straight from the WEB UI. Connect your hub to the software of your choice and seamlessly bridge Z-Wave devices to other technologies.
Create custom integrations and virtual devices with the built-in Quick App tool. Link devices that run on Zigbee or WiFi through their API documentation to expand your smart home beyond Z-Wave.

Make technology work for you. The Z-Box Hub will take over a bulk of your to do list. From turning off the outside lights every morning to making sure the temperature is just right at night, your smart home always remembers the smallest tasks. It’s there for the big ones too, making sure you know as soon as there’s a leak at your mother’s house, whether it’s two miles or two thousand miles away.

Shop Z-Box Hub at The Smartest House. Check out more details and Z-Box Interface here.

SMARTTHINGS

This is currently the most popular DIY consumer smart home hub. It supports ZigBee, Z-Wave, and WiFi, and has an excellent, intuitive app to monitor your Z-Wave system. However, many Z-Wave devices require a custom driver to be correctly recognized on the platform as well as to access the advanced settings.

WHAT'S GREAT:

Easy to set up and navigate with an intuitive app.
Samsung-backed support (phone and email Mon-Sat).
Access to community-developed drivers for more functionality.
A long and growing list of compatible smart home products.
Plenty of resources online to learn from (community forum, YouTube channels, etc).
Alexa and Google Home voice control integration.

COULD BE BETTER:

It does need constant Internet access to perform most tasks and manage most devices as it’s slowly transitioning from cloud to local connectivity for smart home devices.
It’s difficult to build custom rules with multiple conditions and triggers.
Limited access to advanced device and system features.

HUBITAT

The fastest growing DIY hub. Supports ZigBee, Z-Wave, and WiFi. If your smart home is full of Lutron products and fast, reliable automations are key, this system is for you.

WHAT'S GREAT:

Extremely fast and optimized to get the most out of local processing and connectivity.
The best Lutron integration out there. NOTE: It requires additional equipment (the Lutron Pro Bridge) but just because this is the only way to keep the devices running locally, off the cloud, so communication is faster, more reliable, and private.
Supportive and active community with plenty of resources, software add-ons, and custom drivers for new devices which will all run locally in your network once installed.
Impressive list of supported Z-Wave and ZigBee devices.
Full control over advanced product and system features. You decide which devices stay local and which are processed through the cloud, what is kept in your private network and what you can access remotely through the app.
Works great with both Alexa and Google Home for voice control.

COULD BE BETTER:

The interface of the app is very basic and not as easy to navigate as Wink or SmartThings.
There’s a learning curve to using the Rule Machine and other automation tools which can be a little overwhelming at first (but again, plenty of resources to help you through it).
No phone support, email only.

HOME ASSISTANT

This is the ultimate DIY set-up, not for the faint of heart. We’ve seen many users transitioning to Home Assistant simply to break free of any dependency on the cloud or possible subscription fees. Home Assistant is open source though, and it requires additional hardware (like a Z-Wave stick and a computer or Raspberry Pi). If you’d like to add ZigBee support, you’ll need a separate dongle for that too. Home Assistant is just one of many open source home automation software options. There are more platforms to explore in this space, like openHAB, HomeSeer, Indigo, or Domoticz.

WHAT'S GREAT:

Everything is 100% locally stored for the highest level of privacy and security.
Frequent platform updates and a rich library of more than 1500 third party integrations, including Ecobee, IFTT, Philips Hue, Wemo, Plex, or Google Cast.
The interface is robust with many options to customize rules and device behavior.
Many online resources, including a lively forum and lots of YouTube videos.

COULD BE BETTER:

You’ll be on your own (no support outside of community forums). Get ready for a lot of research and possibly some light programming too.
Cloud access (needed for access to voice control) is only available through a third party subscription service.
New Z-Wave devices are not added to the Open Z-Wave database as often, so you may experience compatibility issues with newer products since integrations depend on community submissions.

Have more questions about the best hub for you? Please reach out to us with any questions you may have!