Even since Matter started gaining traction, Zemismart has positioned itself as one of the early adopters of the standard. They’ve released several Matter-over-Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Thread devices, including their own smart hub that operates as a Thread Border Router.
But, being an early adopter of something, especially something the size and scope of Matter, usually means jumping through hoops, overcoming challenges and adapting to changes.
When it comes to existing devices, Zemismart’s approach to Matter can be considered somewhat different compared to most brands. While others would simply bridge the gap of an existing Zigbee or Wi-Fi device to Matter through their proprietary hub (Aqara being one example), Zemismart is releasing new, Matter-certified versions (Wi-Fi or Thread) of their existing devices. There is a case to be made for and against each approach.
This article is an overview of Zemismart’s range of Matter-certified devices.
Matter Bulbs and Lights
The ZML2 lightbulb was the first ever Matter-enabled device Zemismart released. It was their first adoption of the new communication standard and used Wi-Fi under the hood to pair with your Matter controller.
While it was not a bad device per se, it seemed like the focus was to test Matter communication and Matter adoption. The bulb itself had okay-ish color reproduction and brightness levels, although it fell short behind similar devices from other brands.
I only recommend this bulb to those who like to dip their toes in Matter or maybe use it as an ambient light in a corner somewhere, as it’s not bright or colorful enough for anything else.
After their Matter lightbulb, Zemismart ported their already widely popular ceiling lights to Matter, which originally used Zigbee. For example, the ZML1 is an RGBW recessed ceiling light with a huge heatsink, used to dissipate heat and keep the device cool. The same model is also available as a CCT version only, with a replaceable LED driver and a differently shaped heatsink.
Zemismart’s Matter line-up in terms of lighting devices seems to end with their Matter-over-Wi-Fi LED Driver. Labelled as model ZML3, this controller can handle RGBCW strips of up to 25 amps. This one also seems like a port from the original Zigbee version.
While I haven’t tested their recessed ceiling lights, I did try out the Zigbee surface-mount downlight, model LXZB-ZB09A. This little light has been a staple in my smart home for over a year now, and I can confidently say it’s the most frequently used light in my house. It has been incredibly reliable and hasn’t failed once. I don’t even use it as a downlight, it just stays on a shelf and cycles colors towards the ceiling.
Check out my full review here.
Matter Curtain and Blinds Motors
The focus for Zemismart seems to have always been curtains, shades and blinds controllers and motors. If you are a frequent AliExpress digger, their models are usually the first results for these relevant searches. They have an extensive Zigbee collection of motors that have recently received Matter support, and even better, Matter-over-Thread support.
I currently have two devices in my “waiting for a review” box. The Matter-over-Wi-Fi ZM25M model and the Matter-over-Thread MT25A tubular motors.
Both of these have similar specs and come in a box with all the necessary attachments for installation. I have installed and tested the Wi-Fi model and it’s rather impressive. I say impressive in terms of the actual capability of the device in lifting my blind, not as in the Matter connectivity part (Matter-over-Wi-Fi things do not peak my interest).
This model is actually the smallest of the bunch, capable of lifting a blind with a maximum weight of 4 kilograms. The Thread model can handle up to 10 kgs while both have a maximum speed of 30 rpm. This is not super fast by any means, but If you do have roller shutters like me, you don’t want it to be and you know why.
If you don’t have shutters or blinds and simply want to automate curtains, Zemismart offers the ZM02 and MT01 curtain track kits. The former is a Matter-over-Wi-Fi enabled track motor while the latter is a much more interesting Thread model. Both come with aluminum tracks of up to 8 meters (~318 inches) in length and all the necessary accessories required for installation.
The MT01 is also a battery-powered model, which makes things so much easier. It has adjustable running speeds and comes with a remote control for quick local control. I also really appreciate the pull-to-trigger feature in these, which allows you to active the motor by simply pulling on the curtain.
Matter Switches and Modules
A while back, I did a review of Zemismart’s dual relay module model ZME2, a built-in smart switch with two 10A relays. This module was very flexible for what it was, allowing you to wire one-way or two-way external switches for local control.
The ZEM2 itself is very solidly built, with excellent screw connection terminals, making it easy to wire, especially considering it’s a dual-gang module. At the time of my review, done with Matter 1.1, the switch had no controllable entities in Home Assistant; it only worked with Google Home and could merely pair with other Matter controllers. Now, almost a year later, while the toggle switches are available, many device features are still missing, like power-on behavior and operation modes. Matter is moving, but it’s moving very slow.
In the last package, Zemismart has sent me a couple of their Matter-enabled wall switches. These are meant to replace your existing wall switches and come in various gang configurations available for both US and EU markets. I’ve tinkered and tested these in the past, and I have a general understanding of the way they operate, what it requires to wire them and how good their built quality really is.
The non-touch versions [ZM106, ZM606] with physical buttons are like having a computer mouse strapped to your wall. They generate the same sound when pressed like your generic PC mouse does. They use the same microswitches inside, hence the clicky and annoying sound. It’s not very loud per se, but it does feel cheap.
The touch versions [ZM202] are really nice and sleek, definitely designed to be displayed. They are very minimalistic and will for sure complement your space, as you can choose from black of white panels for the finish. There’s a faint LED indicator around each button that lights up when the gang is toggled and visa versa. It’s a nice addition for easily finding the tap during the night, but they require some finger aiming to toggle, you can’t just flick or click and be on your merry way.
The button switches can handle a maximum load of 700W per gang, while the touch version up to 600W. When it comes to LED lights, each can operate a max load of 300W. This is more than enough for any LED light you can throw at it.
It’s worth noting that the more gangs you choose to go for, the difficult it will be to actually wire the wall switches. Wires can and will become a tangled mess inside the switchbox, so that’s something to keep in mind.
The wall switches integrate well over Matter with any controller, including Home Assistant.
Is it Worth Investing in Zemismart’s Matter Devices?
When deciding whether to invest in Zemismart’s Matter devices, the key consideration here is whether you already own a similar device that uses Zigbee, Z-Wave, or can be controlled locally. I would say that, ultimately, it comes down to:
If you already own a device of the same type that uses Zigbee, Z-Wave, or can be controlled locally, I see no reason to replace it with a Matter-certified version. These established protocols offer reliable performance and are well-supported across various platforms, including Home Assistant.
If you do not own the device type you are interested in, Zemismart’s Matter devices, especially the Thread-enabled versions, are very much worth considering. Thread offers benefits like lower power consumption, improved network reliability, and faster response times, making these devices a strong choice for new installations.
Do not invest in Matter just because it’s the latest and greatest thing. Do you research and go for a device that suits your needs the best.
Pricing and availability
Taking the Matter aspect in consideration, Zemismart’s prices are well positioned. As companies incur additional cost for being a Matter alliance member, it’s natural to expect higher prices and the surplus being dumped at the consumer. However, this logic does not seam to apply when looking at Zemismart’s device pricing.
Their prices are quite acceptable and very competitive:
- Zemismart Push Button Wall Switch ZM106 [EU]
- From $17.96, 1/2/3 gang, Matter-over-Wi-fi
- Webstore, AliExpress
- Zemismart Push Button Wall Switch ZM606 [US]
- From $19.99, 1/2/3/4 gang, Matter-over-Wi-fi
- Webstore, AliExpress
- Zemismart Touch Wall Switch ZM202 [EU]
- From $19.96, 1/2/3/4 gang, Matter-over-Wi-fi
- Webstore, AliExpress
- Zemismart Touch Wall Switch ZM202-1-US [US]
- From $20.99, 1/2/3/4 gang, Matter-over-Wi-fi
- Webstore, AliExpress
It’s a similar situation for the curtain and shutter motors. If I compare it to similar devices from other manufacturers, full curtain track kits can cost upwards of $300. For example, Eve’s Motion Blinds Upgrade Kit costs $199.99 just for a single motor. Here are Zemismart’s prices:
- Zemismart Roller Shade Motor ZM25M [37mm]
- From $54.00, 4kg load, Matter-over-Wi-Fi
- Webstore, AliExpress
- Zemismart Roller Shade Motor MT25B [38mm, Solar-powered]
- From $99.00, 4kg load, Matter-over-Thread
- Webstore, AliExpress
- Zemismart Curtain Track Motor ZM02 [kit]
- From $135.09, up to 8m, Matter-over-Wi-Fi
- Webstore
- Zemismart Curtain Track Motor MT01 [kit]
- From $158.00, up to 8m, Matter-over-Thread
- Webstore
You can check out Zemismart’s Matter device portfolio on their Webstore or their AliExpress store.
