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As we know, when we are searching for smart devices to remodel the home, we can choose different types of smart light switches mainly including Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth. Both Wi-Fi and Zigbee light swithces are very popular nowadays.
Then, how to choose between Wi-Fi and ZigBee, which is the best solution? what're the pros and cons of them?
#1 Functionality&Application
Both Wi-Fi and ZigBee light switches share the same functionality and application, they compete each other. Both of them can be accessed and controlled remotely via smartphone app and smart speaker (Amazon echo, Google Nest, Apple Homepod...etc).
#2 Connection method
Home automation products based on Wi-Fi, users just need to hook them up to the wifi router, you're able to use them. However, using ZigBee products (e.g. light switches, smart plugs), you need to have a ZigBee gateway. Users need to add the ZigBee gateway, then add the ZigBee light switches to the gateway.
#3 Application
Smart light swithces based on Wi-Fi rely on Wi-Fi, once it is down, then they are not accessible. Without Wi-Fi, the ZigBee products still can work.
ZigBee offers a great scalability, because the ZigBee gateway can add a wide range of nodes (e.g. light switches, door sensor, PIR motion sensor, smoke detector and so on). Since Wi-Fi smart products need to connect your Wi-Fi router, and there is limitations on number of devices to be connected. Additionally, many Wi-Fi devices connect to the router may reduce the stability and quality of communication. In worst scenario, some devices may go offline unexpectedlly, or affect the operation of other connected devices like your computers smartphones.
Furthermore, the power consumption of Wi-Fi smart devices is much higher than ZigBee products.
#4 Price
ZigBee products are a bit higher than Wi-Fi products, additionally you need to have a gateway to use it. Albeit, ZigBee products are widely use in home automation field.
Then, how to choose between Wi-Fi and ZigBee, which is the best solution? what're the pros and cons of them?
#1 Functionality&Application
Both Wi-Fi and ZigBee light switches share the same functionality and application, they compete each other. Both of them can be accessed and controlled remotely via smartphone app and smart speaker (Amazon echo, Google Nest, Apple Homepod...etc).
#2 Connection method
Home automation products based on Wi-Fi, users just need to hook them up to the wifi router, you're able to use them. However, using ZigBee products (e.g. light switches, smart plugs), you need to have a ZigBee gateway. Users need to add the ZigBee gateway, then add the ZigBee light switches to the gateway.
#3 Application
Smart light swithces based on Wi-Fi rely on Wi-Fi, once it is down, then they are not accessible. Without Wi-Fi, the ZigBee products still can work.
ZigBee offers a great scalability, because the ZigBee gateway can add a wide range of nodes (e.g. light switches, door sensor, PIR motion sensor, smoke detector and so on). Since Wi-Fi smart products need to connect your Wi-Fi router, and there is limitations on number of devices to be connected. Additionally, many Wi-Fi devices connect to the router may reduce the stability and quality of communication. In worst scenario, some devices may go offline unexpectedlly, or affect the operation of other connected devices like your computers smartphones.
Furthermore, the power consumption of Wi-Fi smart devices is much higher than ZigBee products.
#4 Price
ZigBee products are a bit higher than Wi-Fi products, additionally you need to have a gateway to use it. Albeit, ZigBee products are widely use in home automation field.