ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT
ZHA is built into Home Assistant: nothing to install, devices show up right away. Zigbee2MQTT is a separate add-on with an MQTT broker: it supports more devices (Tuya especially), gets updates for new models sooner and draws a detailed network map. Start with ZHA; if a device is not supported, move to Zigbee2MQTT with the same stick. Test your MQTT broker: MQTT client in the browser.
Zigbee, Thread and Matter
Matter is the common language; it travels over Wi-Fi or Thread. Matter over Wi-Fi needs no radio. Thread needs a border router: a stick with OpenThread firmware, or an Apple HomePod mini / Google Nest Hub. One chip cannot reliably do Zigbee and Thread at once: for both, get two sticks.
Avoiding dropouts
- Use a 0.5–1 m USB extension cable, away from USB 3.0 ports, SSDs and the PC case: they are noisy at 2.4 GHz.
- Zigbee channels 15, 20 and 25 overlap least with Wi-Fi 1, 6 and 11. Choose before pairing: changing later means re-pairing. Pick a channel.
- Mains-powered devices (plugs, relays, bulbs) are routers and build the mesh; battery sensors are not. Start with a couple of plugs around the house.
- Skip CC2531 and no-name CC2530 sticks: outdated, few devices. Tuya Wi-Fi gateways work through the cloud and are not a coordinator for Home Assistant.
If Zigbee2MQTT will not start with the stick: Error while starting zigbee-herdsman.
Popular Zigbee devices
Is a specific model supported: catalog of 5,400 Zigbee devices.
| What | Why | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature and humidity sensor | The first sensor most people add. | AliExpress |
| Smart plug with power metering | Also extends the Zigbee mesh: mains devices are routers. | AliExpress |
| Door / window sensor | Doors, windows, the fridge. | AliExpress |
| Water leak sensor | Under the boiler, washing machine and sink. | AliExpress |
| Motion sensor | Lights in the hall and the bathroom. | AliExpress |
Links open a search in the shop; some are affiliate links: buying through them costs you nothing extra and supports this site. We do not sell devices or get them from manufacturers.