SLZB-06 vs SLZB-MR vs SMHUB: All SMLight Coordinators Compared

SMLight has been releasing new coordinators at a relentless pace. It seems like every month a new model pops up just as we finish testing the previous one in detail. Their appearance is almost always the same but each carries a new model number and important under the hood differences. These hardware revisions are always worth noting for a stable smart home.

Recently I tested the new SMHUB Nano MG24 which is an all-in-one Linux-based smart home hub. This device runs its own OS and can host various apps like Zigbee2MQTT and Matterbridge. During my testing and review I realized that even I had trouble differentiating between all the different models SMLight offers. Things quickly got very confusing for me and must be even worse for a person just starting their DIY smart home journey.

In this article, I am comparing every SMLight coordinator range and model so you can understand what each offers and decide which one is for you. This guide compares the SLZB-06 range and the SLZB-07 range along with the SLZB-MR and the new SMHUB range. I also included the SLZB Ultima for a complete picture. I will keep this article updated as new models come along because SMLight is not very good at explaining these differences clearly.

SMLight Comparison Table: All Specs at a Glance

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of every current SMLight coordinator. It highlights the critical differences in protocol support and connectivity options to help you identify which model fits your network architecture best. Pay close attention to the footnotes as they explain the vital distinction between running Zigbee and Thread simultaneously versus shared radio configurations.

Img	Model	SoC	Zigbee	Thread	Z-Wave	USB	PoE	Wi-Fi	BLE	LTE	IR
	SLZB-07	EFR32MG21	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
	SLZB-07P7	CC2652P7	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
	SLZB-07P10	CC2674P10	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
	SLZB-07MG24	EFR32MG24	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
	SLZB-06U	CC2652P	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-06MU	EFR32MG21	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-06P7U	CC2652P7	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-06P10U	CC2674P10	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-06MG24U	EFR32MG24	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-06MG26U	EFR32MG26	✅	✅	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MR1U	CC2652P7 EFR32MG21	✅	✅1	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MR2U	CC2652P EFR32MG21	✅	✅1	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MR3U	CC2674P10 EFR32MG24	✅	✅1	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MR4U	CC2674P10 EFR32MG26	✅	✅1	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MR5U	EFR32MG24 EFR32MG24	✅	✅1	❌	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SLZB-MRW10U	CC2674P10 EFR32ZG23	✅	✅2	✅	✅5	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
	SMHUB Nano MG24	EFR32MG24	✅	✅	❌	✅6	✅	✅4	✅	❌	❌
	SMHUB Essentials	CC2652P EFR32MG21	✅	✅1	✅3	✅6	✅3	✅4	✅	✅3	✅
	SMHUB Premium	CC2674P10 EFR32MG24	✅	✅1	✅3	✅6	✅3	✅4	✅	✅3	✅
	SLZB-Ultima	CC2674P10 EFR32MG24	✅	✅1	✅3	✅	✅3	✅4	✅	✅3	✅

This table dives into the raw specifications of the radio SoCs used across the entire SMLight product range. While the outer shell of these coordinators often looks identical the silicon inside dictates the limits of your smart home mesh. The jump from legacy chips to modern powerhouses like the CC2674P10 or the EFR32MG26 represents a massive increase in available RAM and Flash memory. While every SoC can run large Zigbee networks without issues, more memory/RAM is needed for Thread, so pick accordingly.

SLZB-07: The Core USB-Only Lineup

The SLZB-07 range of coordinators can be considered the entry point into the SMLight ecosystem. These are compact USB dongles designed to plug directly into your home automation server or via an USB extension cable. They can run either Zigbee or Thread and work great for dipping your toes into DIY mesh networks.

The SLZB-07 range includes:

• SLZB-07 [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-07P7 [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-07P10 [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-07MG24 [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]

These coordinators are the simplest to setup, but provide everything you would need for running Zigbee or Thread. You need to update them via USB, which can sometimes mean detaching them from the server and using SMLight’s web flasher.

🥇BEST USB-ONLY

SMLight SLZB-07MG24

Zigbee OR Thread (USB)

EFR32MG24

+3.0dBi Antenna

ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, OTBR

AmazonDomadoo

Also available on Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon NL, AliExpress.

SLZB-06: The Core PoE Range

The SLZB-06 series takes connectivity a step further by adding an Ethernet port with PoE and a dedicated ESP32 controller. These devices operate as Zigbee or Thread network coordinators and allow you to place your radio in the most central location of your home while your server sits in a rack or basement. They support PoE and USB for power or data, which makes them incredibly flexible for different use cases. They come with a very useful web dashboard for management, configuration and troubleshooting.

The SLZB-06 range includes:

• SLZB-06U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-06MU [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-06P7U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-06P10U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-06MG24U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-06MG26U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]

The updated U series is a hardware upgrade of the regular SLZB-06 and MR ranges, featuring an upgraded SoC and a redesigned PCB. The “U” designation stands for USB Passthrough, made possible by the introduction of a more powerful ESP32-S3 chip. This addition allows the coordinator to function as a remote USB host over your network.

For instance, by plugging in a Z-Wave dongle or Bluetooth module directly into the SMLight device, your server interacts with it as if it were connected locally via TCP/IP. The original non-U models are currently being phased out, with the U range now serving as the definitive standard for all future purchases to ensure superior performance and long-term compatibility.

🥇BEST PoE SINGLE RADIO

SMLight SLZB-06MG24U

Zigbee OR Thread

USB, LAN, PoE, Wi-Fi

EFR32MG24, +5.0dBi Antenna

ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, OTBR

AmazonDomadoo

Also available on Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon NL, Amazon FR, AliExpress.

SLZB-MR: The Multi-Radio Range for Zigbee and Thread

The SLZB-MR (Multi-Radio) series is the solution for users who want to run both Zigbee and Thread on a single device. Unlike the standard 06 and 07 models that rely on a single radio chip to do everything, the MR range contains two independent radio SoCs. This hardware architecture allows the device to act as a high-capacity Zigbee Coordinator and a dedicated Thread Border Router at the same time without sharing resources or bandwidth. It eliminates the stability issues found in “Multi-PAN” or experimental multi-protocol firmware.

The SLZB-MR range includes:

• SLZB-MR1U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-MR2U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-MR3U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-MR4U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-MR5U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SLZB-MRW10U [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]

The SLZB-MR series is also built on the updated U-series platform, utilizing the ESP32-S3 system controller and offering the same USB Passthrough capabilities found in the SLZB-06 range. A standout model in this category is the SLZB-MRW10U, a specialized dual-radio coordinator with a unique configuration. Unlike other MR models that pair two 2.4GHz radios, the MRW10U features a single CC2674P10 chip that can run either Zigbee or Thread, while the second radio is a dedicated EFR32ZG23 chip for Z-Wave.

The second model worth noting is the brand new SLZB-MR5U. Instead of mixing Texas Instruments and Silicon Labs chips, this coordinator uses two identical EFR32MG24 SoCs. While I haven’t personally tested the MR5U yet, I generally prefer Silicon Labs hardware for its stability and feature set. This dual-MG24 combo is an incredible pick and is currently the top coordinator to grab in the MR range.

🥇BEST PoE DUAL RADIO

SMLight SLZB-MR5U

Zigbee AND Thread

USB, LAN, PoE, Wi-Fi

EFR32MG24, EFR32MG24, +5.0dBi

ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, OTBR

AmazonDomadoo

Also available on AliExpress, AliExpress 2.

SLZB-Ultima: A Professional Powerhouse

The SLZB-Ultima is the flagship of the SMLight coordinator family and is built on a powerful ESP32-S3 platform. It operates as a quad-radio powerhouse that manages Zigbee and Thread networks simultaneously without any hardware limitations. This device is designed for advanced users and system integrators who need a single point of control for every major wireless protocol in a modern smart home.

The expandability of the Ultima is its most impressive pro feature. You can open the case to snap in modular internal add-ons that increase the device’s capabilities. For instances, you can add modules like a Z-Wave 800 series chip or a 4G/LTE module for remote internet connectivity.

Furthermore, you can attach a PoE module for single-cable power and a UPS module to keep the device online during power outages. There is even a dedicated Microphone add-on that enables audio pass-through for voice-assistant projects. What’s even more interesting, the Ultima has a built-in Infrared receiver and transmitter, for learning codes and automating old appliances or ACs.

The device runs SLZB-OS (Not SMHUB OS) which provides a dedicated web interface for advanced configuration and management. It includes built-in support for WireGuard VPN and Dynamic DNS to ensure your smart home remains accessible and secure from anywhere in the world.

🥇BEST MODULAR COORDINATOR

SMLight SLZB-Ultima 3

Zigbee, Thread, Z-Wave

USB, LAN, PoE, Wi-Fi, LTE

EFR32MG24, CC2674P10, +5.0dBi

ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, OTBR

AmazonDomadoo

Also available on AliExpress, AliExpress 2.

SMHUB: The Standalone Linux-Based Hub

The new SMHUB range are labelled as all-in-one, Linux-based smart hubs by SMLight. These aren’t just radio bridges like the SLZB-06; they are dedicated micro-servers with their own operating system. You run your smart home software (like Zigbee2MQTT, Matterbridge, and Node-RED) directly on the device itself. This is the hardware you choose if you want to detach apps from your main server or use the device as a mini-server in a separate location.

The SMHUB range includes:

• SMHUB Nano [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SMHUB Essentials [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]
• SMHUB Premium [Amazon, AliExpress, Domadoo]

The SMHUB Nano is the compact, all-in-one entry into the Linux-hub series. It is designed for users who want to run Zigbee2MQTT, Node-RED or Matterbridge locally without dependence on a server like Home Assistant. Unlike the larger models, the Nano is a single-radio device (MG24 or MG26) and comes with PoE built-in. It is the perfect choice for small to medium homes where you want to stick the hub behind a TV or in a small network cabinet and never touch it again. I’m told a dual-radio version, called the SMHUB NanoMR is also in the works.

The SMHUB Essentials and Premium are the larger, modular flagships of the professional SMHUB line. The only real difference between them is the radio silicon inside: the Essentials uses the older, CC2652P and MG21 chips, while the Premium jumps to the high-performance CC2674P10 and MG24 duo. Both feature a fully modular internal design with dedicated headers for adding Z-Wave 800, 4G/LTE, or a PoE power module. If you have a large house or need specific professional features like redundant internet and battery backup, these modular units are the definitive choice.

🥇BEST ALL-IN-ONE HUB

SMLight SMHUB Premium

Zigbee, Thread, Z-Wave

USB, LAN, PoE, Wi-Fi, LTE

EFR32MG24, CC2674P10, +5.0dBi

ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, OTBR

AmazonDomadoo

Also available on AliExpress, AliExpress 2.

TLDR: SMLight Coordinators Summary

If you are looking for a basic Zigbee or Thread USB coordinator, you are looking into the SLZB-07 range. If you need an Ethernet coordinator with PoE as a power option, you are looking into the SLZB-06 range. If you want to run both Zigbee AND Thread simultaneously, you are looking into the MR range with PoE.

If you need an all-in-one coordinator that even includes built-in IR, the SLZB-Ultima is your “endgame” pick. Finally, if you want a standalone hub that runs its own software (like Zigbee2MQTT) without needing a separate server, the SMHUB series is the Linux-based brain you should go for.