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Is Zigbee any good?

iamgigglz

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Now that I finally have Home Assistant working properly, I’m expanding my very basic, completely wifi-based home automation setup with things like motion sensors, door sensors, temp sensors etc.
Many of them use Zigbee, which would mean getting at least one bridge.

Is it any good? What’s the range like through walls etc?
 
Biggest con using Zigbee is the costs. Comparative pricing for a sensor using the Zigbee protocol is usually much more than an equivalent WiFi sensor.
It's also...shit to put it simply. Range issues are common as well.
Started with Zigbee pre-Sonoff days and was glad to move to a more accepted protocol.
 
Biggest con using Zigbee is the costs. Comparative pricing for a sensor using the Zigbee protocol is usually much more than an equivalent WiFi sensor.
It's also...shit to put it simply. Range issues are common as well.
Started with Zigbee pre-Sonoff days and was glad to move to a more accepted protocol.

Sheesh, glad I asked. That answer alone is enough for me to veto.
Shitty range = higher cost in my world. It would just mean more bridges and lower reliability.
 
Sheesh, glad I asked. That answer alone is enough for me to veto.
Shitty range = higher cost in my world. It would just mean more bridges and lower reliability.

Yeah - Zigbee is dated IMO - a nice idea - mesh network but lots more tinkering and higher TCO in my experience with it.
Rather stick to a single protocol. no bridging, keep it isolated or open depending on your preference. Or even a combo of the both.
Wifi is a more ubiquitous protocol and the Sonoff range would offer you all the expandability your heart desires as far as adding functionality to your home automation. Only bridge I have, which I think is really handy and functional, is the 433mhz signal to wifi - using the Sonoff Bridge.

Going a home Wifi Mesh also helps I've found. It's massively improved my experience as I've expanded and keep expanding.
 
Most of my cheap Xiaomi smart home stuff use Zigbee, connects to the Gateway Hub thing.
They seem to be the exception to the rule Qui mentions for cost (when imported).

But pure WiFi (my bulbs and home minis) is way more convenient, I really don't like hubs.
Mainly just use the buttons and motion sensors (the door sensors are useless for me) to control the lights.

I know Alexa range has motion sensors and buttons now as well and I am sure there are plenty of WiFi versions for Google Home etc.

Im glad to see the WiFi versions of buttons / sensors cost less than the zigbee ones now as well.
 

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