Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Matter: Which is Better for Your Smart Home?

Smart devices can help you control every aspect of your home in just a few clicks. When choosing your smart home devices, it’s important to understand the different types of wireless protocols and how they can impact the usability and functionality of your smart devices. 

Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter are the wireless protocols used for smart home products, such as smart locks, energy-efficient light bulbs, and security systems. This article covers everything you need to know about these three different systems, including the difference between Z Wave and Zigbee, plus the reasons why Matter is the most popular choice for smart home devices.

Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter: What are They?

Before you can start curating your smart home, it’s important to understand the difference between Z-Wave and Zigbee, including how they’re different from Matter.

What is Zigbee?

Zigbee is a low-power and low-cost standards-based wireless communication protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) networks. This wireless protocol is used for smart devices that communicate over a personal area network (PAN), such as motion sensors and smart locks. 

There are three types of Zigbee specifications, including Zigbee RF4CE, Zigbee PRO, and Zigbee IP. A main difference between Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter is that Zigbee uses a mesh network architecture, best suited for smart home devices with singular focuses, such as light dimming or motion sensing.

What is Z-Wave?

Z-Wave is another low-power wireless communication protocol, utilizing radio waves as an alternative to traditional wired systems. This protocol enables you to use smart devices from different brands by using a smart home hub to facilitate communication between devices. A key difference between Z-Wave and Zigbee is that Z-Wave uses a low frequency of 908.42 MHz, helping your devices consume less power for lower energy bills. 

While Matter and Zigbee are relatively new technology, Z-Wave was introduced in 1999 and has been at the forefront of smart home development and automation.  You’ll typically see Z-Wave used for devices like smart locks, sensors, alarms, and thermostats.

Are Zigbee and Z-Wave The Same?

Zigbee and Z-Wave are two different types of wireless communication protocols, working to connect smart home devices to create an ecosystem. One of the main differences is their operating frequency, with Zigbee using a 2.4GHz frequency, the same as Wi-Fi routers, while Z-Wave operates on 868.42 MHz in Europe and a higher 908.42 MHz in the United States. Zigbee also transmits data faster than Z-Wave and is better suited for more complicated commands and ecosystems.  

What is Matter?

Matter began as ‘Project Connected Home Over IP’, a working group created by industry-leading technology companies, including Apple, Amazon, and Google. It has become the open-source standard for smart home technology, streamlining and simplifying smart home ecosystems by enabling customers to use devices from different manufacturers. 

On a basic level, Matter is based on the internet protocol, enabling seamless setup and integration between smart home devices, whether you’re mixing and matching Apple, Amazon, Aqara Hubs, or Google Assistant products. Matter is more versatile than Zigbee and Z-Wave and is compatible with products operating on these wireless protocols as well.

Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter: Technical Comparison

Want an instant overview of the difference between Z-Wave and Zigbee? Our comparison table below covers the main differences between Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter, showcasing how Matter represents the next step forward for smart home technology. 

Read our guide on ‘Zigbee vs. Thread vs. Matter: What’s the Difference?’ for a focused look at Zigbee vs. Matter. 

Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter: Pros and Cons

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when comparing Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter. While all three can be used for smart home appliances, they each have their own pros and cons, as well as best uses. 

We’re breaking down each of these three protocols to determine their pros and cons to help you decide which is best suited for your smart home.

Pros of Zigbee

The main appeal of Zigbee is that it operates with low power, enabling devices like smart switches and sensors to work for years on one battery. The mesh networking utilized by Zigbee allows smart devices to communicate with each other directly or by using home hubs, like an iPad or Aqara Hub M3. 

Mesh networking makes it easy to extend the range and reliability of your smart home ecosystem with the ability to support thousands of devices at once. Zigbee also uses AES-128 encryption for advanced network security to keep your data protected to prevent your smart home devices from being hacked.

Cons of Zigbee

Zigbee isn’t without its flaws, especially compared to other wireless protocols and newer technology, such as Matter. Although you can use meshing to extend its range, Zigbee initially has a limited range of just 10 meters. It also operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, creating the potential for interference and network congestion as it is the same frequency used by other wireless technology, including Wi-Fi routers. 

Zigbee is not the best choice for devices that need high-speed data transfer as it operates on a slower transmission rate than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The set-up process for Zigbee is more complicated than Matter or Z-Wave and requires more advanced device management with a central hub. Although Zigbee is open standard, it is not compatible with every smart home device.

Pros of Z-Wave

By comparison, Z-Wave is another low-power wireless communication protocol popular for its security, ease of installation, and automation potential. It’s one of the easiest protocols to navigate with a streamlined set-up and installation process, ideal for first-time users who are starting to build their smart home ecosystem.

Z-Wave is best suited for battery-powered devices as it operates on a lower power, helping to extend the battery lifespan. As it is compatible with devices from different manufacturers, Z-Wave gives you more flexibility than Zigbee. 

Its mesh network architecture is also more stable and resilient than Zigbee, operating on a different frequency band that offers wider coverage. Z-Wave is popular as a cost-effective way to create a smart home ecosystem, both for up-front costs and energy consumption.

Cons of Z-Wave

However, Z-Wave also has its drawbacks. While it provides more options for your ecosystem, it falls short of the support Matter offers. It’s also important to note that Z-Wave is controlled by Silicon Labs as proprietary technology, meaning it is unlikely to become as widely used as open-source protocols. As a closed system, upgrades and protocol changes are controlled by Silicon Labs, unlike Matter, which has industry leaders, such as Google and Amazon, contributing to its maintenance. 

Although not a problem for most residential properties, Z-Wave networks have a significantly lower device capacity than Zigbee, with an estimated 230 devices maximum. If you’re using Z-Wave devices, you’ll need to incorporate a Z-Wave hub into your ecosystem. Z-Wave also has a slower data rate than competitors, which may negatively impact real-time data processing for some smart home devices.

Pros of Matter

Matter goes further than Z-Wave and Zigbee, supporting seamless smart home integration. When we consider Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter, we shouldn’t underestimate the versatility of Matter and its interoperability. Unlike other protocols, you can use devices from almost any brand and platform with Matter, curating a smart home ecosystem that matches your specific needs. 

Matter supports enhanced security with digital certificates and advanced encryption, ensuring device authenticity to reduce your risk of hacking. You can control your smart home devices via Matter using multiple systems simultaneously for added flexibility. 

It’s easy to control your devices locally through your home network, including without internet connectivity, or via an app or voice assistant tool to streamline device management. 

What makes Matter unique is its future-proofing as an evolving protocol that will ensure compatibility for your devices going forward with app and system upgrades as technology advances.

Cons of Matter

Although it represents the future of smart home technology, Matter does currently have some drawbacks. While most of these cons will be solved with time, they’re important to consider if you’re shopping for smart home devices. Zigbee and Z-Wave are considered more established with Matter being a newer standard, although it is gaining in popularity.

We can expect to see more Matter-compatible smart home devices hitting the market every year, addressing the main drawback of slow adoption and implementation as they become more widespread and popular. Within the next few years, we can expect to see Matter used and developed to its full potential, facilitating more flexible and interoperable ecosystems for smart homes.

How to Choose Between Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter

Before you start shopping for smart home devices, it’s worth deciding if you want to focus on a Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter protocol system. Everyone’s smart home set-up is different, and you’ll want to consider your specific needs. If you’re already using devices like an Amazon Alexa, then Matter-compatible devices like the Aqara Smart Lock U200 is likely to be the best option for you.

Each of these protocols offers their own benefits. While Zigbee is an affordable option, Z-Wave offers long-range capabilities, ideal for larger properties. By comparison, Matter provides interoperability with future-proofing.

Decide what your priorities are for your home, then consider the specific devices you need, and which protocol will work best for each. Smart thermostats are a great way to slash your energy bills, while video doorbells can allow you to monitor your home remotely.

Need help finding the right devices for your smart home? Read our guide on ‘The Best Matter Smart Home Devices’ for a category breakdown of the must-have devices for 2025 and beyond.

How Gateway Protocol Works in Real-Life

A gateway protocol in a smart home enables your devices to communicate with each other. What makes a gateway protocol, whether it’s Matter, Z-Wave, or Zigbee, so powerful, is its ability to facilitate automation for your smart home. 

Here are three examples of how a gateway protocol can work in your home:

1. Control Your Energy Usage

Are you tired of paying eye-watering prices for your energy bills? Reduce your energy use and control your home with remote access to your lights, windows, and thermostats. 

The Aqara Radiator Thermostat E1 facilitates smart scheduling with door and window opening detection to reduce energy consumption. It can work in unison with the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 and Aqara Light Switch H2 to track your energy use for a more sustainable home.

2. Enhance Your Home Security

Whether you’re living alone or have high-value items in your home, a gateway protocol can support security monitoring by coordinating devices such as the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 and Camera Hub G3. 

3. Automated Smart Home

Automation gives you a head start when coming home, whether you’ve been running errands or you’re coming back from work. The Aqara Smart Bulb T2, Motion Sensor P1, and Aqara Radiator Thermostat E1 allow you to prepare your home by turning on lights and heating systems.

The Future of Zigbee vs. Z-Wave vs. Matter

Despite the fact Zigbee and Z-Wave are older protocols, they’re still relevant, even as Matter becomes more widespread. While their roles within smart home automation are changing, you can still expect these protocols to continue to be used for the next few years. Most manufacturers of Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home products are expected to make their systems Matter-compliant going forward. 

While Matter doesn’t exist to replace Zigbee or Z-Wave, it supports a more streamlined ecosystem and has the support of some of the technology industry’s biggest players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Matter Replace Zigbee and Z-Wave?

Matter represents the future of smart home technology, but it is not going to replace Zigbee and Z-Wave, at least not yet! These protocols are expected to evolve and become more compatible with Matter to keep them relevant.

How Can You Tell if a Device Supports Matter?

Most smart home devices are Matter compatible, but you can check its certification by looking at its product description or contacting the manufacturer directly. It’s worth checking if your Matter-compatible device requires a specific smart home hub to function.

What is More Popular Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Matter?

Although Zigbee is the most popular option for smart home protocols, Matter is becoming more widely adopted, offering better interoperability. By comparison, Z-Wave is not as possible as Zigbee or Matter and is compatible with fewer devices.

Instantly Upgrade Your Home with Aqara’s Smart Home Devices

At Aqara, our Matter-enabled smart home devices don’t lock you into a subscription and are future-proofed with app updates, while supporting Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. It’s never been easier to take control of your home with innovative smart home devices, including smart thermostats, motion sensors, and video doorbells. 

Start upgrading your home with smart devices that will lower your energy bills and improve your home security now!