UPDATED 27.12.2024: The list has been completely revamped and obsolete and redundant coordinators have been removed.
Zigbee coordinators are the core part of building a Zigbee network, without them a network cannot be formed. They orchestrate and manage your devices, define how and when they talk to each other, send and push information between them and keep the stack in check.
So, It’s simple: the better the coordinator, the better the quality of your mesh network.
This article is an overview of the Best Zigbee coordinators for Home Assistant in 2024, organized by a couple of different criteria such as radio type, integration compatibility and price/availability.
If you are just starting out with Zigbee check out the only guide you will ever need for building a stable and robust Zigbee network.
About Zigbee Adapter Types
Before deep diving into the list, it’s important to differentiate between the types of Zigbee dongles available. Depending on your setup, some maybe be more suitable than the other:
- USB-only Zigbee Coordinators
- Connected via USB
- Powered via USB
- LAN-only Zigbee Coordinators (Obsolete)
- Connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Powered via USB or PoE (Power-over-Ethernet)
- Hybrid PoE Zigbee Coordinators
- Connected via USB, Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Powered via USB or PoE (Power-over-Ethernet)
The easiest of the lot are USB Zigbee sticks, you simply plug them in your server and you are good to go. LAN/PoE coordinator allow for a more versatile installation, you can attach the dongle anywhere on your network. LAN-only coordinators are made obsolete by Hybrid coordinators, a combination of the two with interchangeable operation/power modes.
EFR32MG21 vs CC2652
The second important difference between current Zigbee coordinators is the type of chip they carry. The EFR32MG21 [Datasheet] is newer, more powerful and recently passed the experimental stage in Zigbee2MQTT with the new ember driver. The CC2652P [Datasheet] is a bit older, although still relevant and powerful enough to form a sizeable Zigbee network. As of May 2024, both modules are fully supported in ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT and will work without issues.
There are newer chips from both Silicon Labs and Texas Instruments that offer more flash, RAM and are more powerful in general. However, experience with these modules may vary and most are considered experimental, especially the EFR32MG24 and CC2674p10.
| Feature | EFR32MG21 | CC2652P | CC2652P7 | CC2674P10 | EFR32MGM24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Arm Cortex-M33, 80 MHz | Arm Cortex-M4F, 48 MHz | Arm Cortex-M4F, 48 MHz | Arm Cortex-M4F, 48 MHz | Arm Cortex-M33, 78 MHz |
| Wireless Protocols | Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth LE | Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth LE | Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth LE | Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth LE | Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth LE |
| Output Power | Up to +20 dBm | Up to +20 dBm | Up to +20 dBm | Up to +20 dBm | Up to +20 dBm |
| Security Features | Secure Boot, TrustZone, Cryptography | AES-128 Encryption | AES-128 Encryption | Secure Boot, TrustZone, AES-128 Encryption | Secure Boot, TrustZone, Cryptography |
| Flash Memory | Up to 1 MB | Up to 512 KB | Up to 704 KB | Up to 1 MB | Up to 1.5 MB |
| RAM | Up to 128 KB | Up to 80 KB | Up to 144 KB | Up to 352 KB | Up to 256 KB |
| Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, GPIO, etc. | UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, GPIO, etc. | UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, GPIO, etc. | UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, GPIO, PWM, etc. | UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, GPIO, etc. |
| Development Tools | Simplicity Studio | TI Code Composer Studio | TI Code Composer Studio | TI Code Composer Studio | Simplicity Studio |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71V to 3.8V | 1.8V to 3.8V | 1.8V to 3.8V | 1.8V to 3.8V | 1.8V to 3.8V |
Best Zigbee USB Coordinators for Home Assistant
List of the Best USB-only Zigbee coordinators for Home Assistant, compatible with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. Remember to use them with a USB extension cord, to eliminate USB port interference.
The SMLight SLZB-07 is a powerful Zigbee USB coordinator based on the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 SoC. It’s equipped with a +20dBm amplifier and ships with a +3dB antenna. This dongle works with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT out of the box, and is powerful enough to handle over 300 devices without issues.
Now that EFR32MG21 adapters have passed their experimental stage in Zigbee2MQTT, the SLZB-07 is an excellent choice if you prefer using USB-only coordinators. You can follow our guide to enable and use the new ember driver in Zigbee2MQTT if you haven’t already.
The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is perhaps the most well-known and widely used USB coordinator in the Home Assistant community. It’s very similar to the SLZB-07, relying on the same EFR32MG21 module by Silicon Labs and carrying the same +3dB antenna.
Just like the SLZB-07, it uses the new ember driver in Zigbee2MQTT, enabling better operation and more stable performance. Since the ZBDongle-E is a bit older than the SLZB-07, you may need to update the firmware and enable the new driver.
Both the SLZB-07 and ZBDongle-E coordinators can be flashed with router firmware and used as dedicated signal repeaters, extending and solidifying your Zigbee mesh network. They can also be flashed with OpenThread firmware, which converts EFR32MG21 dongles to Thread Border Routers.
The Sonoff ZBDongle-P is a great pick for those that want a hassle-free Zigbee setup and experience. It’s officially supported in both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT since the very beginning, with firmware and flashing instructions released by the manufacturer. To get the amplifier to +20dBm, flashing the latest firmware is a requirement, as it only uses up to +5dBm out of the box.
It uses the base CC2652P SoC by Texas Instruments, which turned out to be the staple of mesh networks in Home Assistant. Even though it has less ram than P7 or EFR32 coordinators, the CC2652P can also handle medium to large networks with ease.
If you do prefer using CC2652-based coordinators, the SMLight SLZB-07p7 is a newly-released USB coordinator based on the powerful CC2652P7 chip. This is the same module used in the latest version of the hybrid Zigstar UZG-01 coordinator.
While it does bring certain benefits to the table, like more RAM for handling a larger number of devices, the CC2652P7 firmware has not reached it’s final development stage yet. Although very rare, issues are possible and will depend on a case-by-case basis.
The official Home Assistant ZBT-1 dongle (formerly SkyConnect) is a tailored specifically for building a Zigbee mesh network with ZHA in Home Assistant. It’s based on the EFR32MG21 module and can be used to form Thread networks as well Zigbee, by flashing the correct firmware.
The flashing process is made to be very simple, by using a web flasher developed by the Home Assistant devs. It works very well with both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, capable of forming and maintaining sizeable mesh networks. The ZBT-1 gets pushed down in this list because it does not have an external antenna and costs more than comparable coordinators. If you want to support Nabu Casa and Home Assistant development, this is the coordinator to get.
If you’ve started using Zigbee about 5 years ago, chances are your first coordinator was the Conbee II. This dongle was made by Phoscon, the company behind Deconz, and was the most used USB coordinator at that time. The great news is, the Conbee II is not yet obsolete, as Phoscon released a firmware update that turns the Conbee II into a Thread Border Router.
Recently, it was finally succeeded by it’s big brother, the Conbee III, based on the EFR32MG21 module by Silicon Labs. Phoscon are known for releasing rock-solid firmware updates, making their coordinators work very well with software like Deconz, ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. The Conbee III is an excellent piece of hardware, but it drops down as it also doesn’t have an external antenna.
Best Zigbee LAN/PoE Coordinators for Home Assistant
List of the Best Hybrid (USB, LAN, PoE, Wi-Fi) Zigbee coordinators for Home Assistant, compatible with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. Remember to update the firmware in the web dashboard before pairing devices.
If you are looking for a capable LAN/PoE coordinator, consider the SMLight SLZB-06M model as a top pick. The ‘M’ stands for ‘Matter’, indicating that this LAN coordinator can be flashed with OpenThread firmware Over-the-Air (OTA) to enable Matter support. Based on the EFR32MG21 module, this hybrid coordinator can operate over USB, LAN, PoE, or Wi-Fi, offering great flexibility in positioning and installation.
All SMLight network coordinators feature a user-friendly web dashboard for managing firmware updates, network modes, coordinator settings, and checking device status. SMLight recently added a VPN Connection Mode, allowing you to form remote Zigbee networks and connect them to your home server over WireGuard. Neat, simple, and very useful!
The Zigstar UZG-01 set the tone for hybrid Zigbee coordinators, supporting USB, LAN, PoE or Wi-Fi as connection methods. From hardware revision v0.2, it relies on the CC2652P7 module, supporting up to 300 devices in a direct connection. The UZG-01 can be used in both coordinator and router mode.
Just like SMLight coordinators, the UZG-01 has its own web dashboard for management and firmware updates. The firmware can also be managed via the official ZigStar Add-on for Home Assistant, allowing you to streamline the process significantly. I’ve been using the UZG-01 in a testing network for a while now, and it has been rock solid ever since I deployed it.
The first PoE model released by SMLight, the SLZB-06, remains the most trusted and stable version of these types of coordinators. It uses the base CC2652P module, which is more than capable of handling large Zigbee networks.
The SLZB-06 is highly regarded because there are only marginal benefits of using more powerful chips like the CC2652P7 or CC2674P10. While the CC2652P7 is widely used and no longer experimental, the firmware for the CC2674P10 can be buggy and cause issues in certain scenarios, so it’s considered ‘in development.’
Moreover, SMLight themselves claim that the CC2652P7 and CC2674P10 are just marketing gimmicks, with the only significant difference being the amount of RAM available. Under full load and with the maximum number of devices, the SLZB-06 uses barely 30% of its available RAM, making the P7 and P10 modules obsolete.
If you are someone who likes to experiment, consider the SMLight SLZB-07p7 as your next coordinator. Like I mentioned above, it uses a more powerful chip and is theoretically capable of handling a larger number of devices.
To share my experience with the CC2652P7 module used in this model: I’ve been flashing and re-flashing the SLZB-07p7 since I got it, trying out different configurations and deploying it as both a coordinator and a router. It never caused any issues in my testing network and has kept it rock solid. I even enabled Thread support and used it as a Thread Border Router in Home Assistant.
The TubesZB EFR32MGM24 is a recently released hybrid coordinator with a very powerful Zigbee/Thread chip. Unlike most Silicon Labs coordinators that use the EFR32MG21, the TubesZB uses the latest EFR32MGM24 module. The benefits of using such an SoC for a Zigbee network are debatable, as the firmware is considered experimental and bugs are possible.
The SMLight SLZB-06p10 is a hybrid coordinator based on the powerful CC2674P10 Zigbee module. This chip is more capable than the CC2652P and CC2652P7, capable of handling more devices in a direct connection. However, like I explained above, the firmware can be buggy and usually not worth the risk. If you are someone who likes to tinker and must have the most powerful coordinator out there, then the SLZB-06p10 is your best choice.
Best Zigbee Coordinators Per Integration
Even though we’ve reached a point where almost all newly released coordinators work with all possible integrations in Home Assistant, some are more suitable for ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT or Deconz than others.
Here’s how I would personally choose a coordinator based on the integration:
Best Zigbee USB Coordinator for ZHA
SMLight SLZB-07 or Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Best Zigbee LAN/PoE Coordinator for ZHA
SMLight SLZB-06M or Zigstar UZG-01
Best Zigbee USB Coordinator for Zigbee2MQTT
SMLight SLZB-07 or Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Best Zigbee LAN/PoE Coordinator for Zigbee2MQTT
SMLight SLZB-06M or Zigstar UZG-01
Best Zigbee USB Coordinator for Deconz
Conbee III
Summary Table
| Model | Chip | Connection | Integration | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoff ZBDongle-P | CC2652P | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| Sonoff ZBDongle-E | EFR32MG21 | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| SMLight-SLZB-07 | EFR32MG21 | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| SMLight-SLZB-07p7 | CC2652P7 | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| Conbee III | EFR32MG21 | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | Amazon US Amazon DE |
| SkyConnect | EFR32MG21 | USB | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | Webstore |
| SMLight SLZB-06 | CC2652P | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| SMLight SLZB-06M | EFR32MG21 | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| SMLight SLZB-06p7 | CC2652P7 | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| SMLight SLZB-06p10 | CC2674P10 | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | AliExpress Amazon |
| Zigstar UZG-01 | CC2652P7 | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | Elecrow |
| TubesZB EFR32MGM24 | EFR32MGM24 | USB/LAN/PoE | ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT | TubesZB |
Nice guide. A few questions:
– SkyConnect is the only one which is future proof with Matter & Thread support?
– I’m currently using a Sonoff Zigbee Bridge with Tasmota, would you say I’m better off upgrading?
Thanks
SkyConnect and Sonoff ZBDongle-E both use the EFR32MG21 which supports Thread and Matter.
You won’t go wrong with either.
Although, I would honestly not run a Thread network and a Zigbee network on the same stick.
The UZG-01 is top of the line for Zigbee right now.
Hi. Thanks for the nice article.
Why do you prefer ZigStar UZG-01 (CC2652P7) over SLZB-06 (CC2652P) or SLZB-06M (EFR32MG21)?
What are the benefits?
Well, It’s not inherently “worse” in the most basic sense of the word, but it does use the ZigStar firmware, developed by the same person who made the ZigStar coordinators.
So it’s essentially a clone firmware wise.
I expect support to be better on ZigStar coordinators, since the firmware is created specifically for their coordinators.
The CC2652P7 is better in almost every aspect than the CC2652P2. As for the EFR32MG21, ZigStar has a coordinator coming up with this chip in the near future.
Thanks. So is it better to get ZigStar(CC2652P7) now or wait for the version with EFR32MG21 or buy SLZB-06M?
ZigStar UZG-01. You will never need another Zigbee coordinator.
I have UZG-01 with P7 and I am having trouble with Zigbee2MQTT. I know that Radu (ZigStar) is working with Koenkk (Zigbee2MQTT) on stable firmware, but not done yet
What are the issues you are having?
1. very low LQI in many cases <20
2. Zigbee2MQTT crashes once per day in average
3. Maybe not related to P7 directly (however I did not observe it before), but TuYa ZY-M100-24G (zigbee) and/or TuYa MTG075-ZB-RL (zigbee) crash UZG-01. HA entities are still shows availability, but actually they are not responding. Need to power cycle UZG-01 and restart Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Hi,
I tried the SkyConnect und Sonoff Dongle-E with a semi large Zigbee network (around 70 devices) with ZHA and keep having problems. What do you recommend for large Zigbee networks?
They are both awesome for any network size, you most likely need to add more routers or repath better.
If I could see a map, I can tell better.
Since I can’t paste images directly in here I uploaded the image. Hope this works:
https://imgbox.com/TIcWXJoK
The problems I have with my Zigbee network are that I keep getting messages about my Zigbee Channel 15 utilization is over 90% (even though my wifi is at channel 11+ and the wifi router is over 5 meters away from the zigbee dongle) and I get EmberStatus.DELIVERY_FAILED messages in the log. Usually this results in my automations stopping to work after a few days of uptime.
First, Zigbee and Wi-Fi channels numbering do not match, I hope you are aware of that.
https://www.metageek.com/training/resources/zigbee-wifi-coexistence/
Second, I would use an app on the phone and scan for any Wi-Fi networks creating interference on the same channel.
I would test by changing the Wi-Fi channel first, not the Zigbee channel since it will involve repairing all devices.
You network seems fine, another thing to check is spammy devices that may cause delays (e.g. certain presence sensors)
hi
i am newbie
Required Assistance for Integrating Aeotec Zi-Stick with Zigbee2MQTT in Home Assistant
I am reaching out to seek assistance with integrating my Aeotec Zi-Stick with Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant. Despite following the available guidelines, I am encountering some difficulties in getting the setup to work as expected.
Here are the details of my setup:
— redacted, too long —-
I would greatly appreciate your guidance on resolving these issues. If there are any specific logs or additional information needed from my end, please let me know, and I will be happy to provide them.
Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
The Aeotec Zi-stick is based on the EFR32MG21 module, not the CC2652 from Texas Instruments.
You need to add
adapter: ezsporadapter: emberto your configuration, just bellowportWhether or not you can use the new ember driver depends on your coordinator version (you need the latest firmware)
Hi SHS,
I have a question regarding my home automation setup. Currently, I have a lot of Wi-Fi devices connected at home, and I am now adding some Zigbee devices. I have a Sonoff ZB with Tasmota connected to Home Assistant using ZHA. My Zigbee devices include those from Sonoff and some from AliExpress. The Sonoff ZB is working great, but now I am adding Zigbee devices to the second floor, and the RSSI for some devices is around 40/50.
What should I do to improve the signal?
Should I buy some smart plugs or USB repeaters for the second floor?
Should I change the Sonoff ZB coordinator to a different one and flash the Sonoff ZB to work as a router for the second floor?
Currently, I have 12 Zigbee devices on the first floor, and I expect to have around 30-35 devices split between the two floors.
Thanks in advance for your help!
30-35 devices is nothing, the number won’t cause you problems.
However, the bridge can introduce latency and connection drops since it uses Wi-Fi to communicate.
Your best choice is to use an USB coordinator (ZBDongle-E, ZBDongle-P, SLZB-07, SLZB-07p7) or a LAN/PoE coordinator (SLZB-06, SLZB-06M or Zigstar UZG-01).
I would use the bridge solely as a Zigbee router, unhook it from the Wi-Fi.
Or just get a cheap signal repeater for the second floor.
Some resources for u:
https://smarthomescene.com/guides/how-to-build-a-stable-and-robust-zigbee-network/
https://smarthomescene.com/reviews/extending-network-range-with-cheap-zigbee-signal-repeaters/
https://smarthomescene.com/guides/how-to-use-ember-driver-with-efr32mg21-zigbee-adapters/
Does the ZigStar UZG-01 support touch link? I have a bunch of original hue bulbs that are a pain without touch link.