Zooz Wall Remote ZEN37 800LR Review: A Rechargeable Z-Wave Scene Controller That Lifts Off the Wall
The Zooz ZEN37 800LR is a four-key Z-Wave scene controller for people who already run a Z-Wave hub, and it is one of the few that sits in a standard switch box yet lifts off its magnetic base to work as a handheld remote. Every key reports up to five taps plus hold and release, it can control Z-Wave devices directly through association, and it recharges over USB-C instead of eating coin cells. Owners on Home Assistant and HomeSeer report rock-solid connections, while the most common complaints are plasticky keys that can feel sticky and a price that climbs outside the US. It needs a compatible Z-Wave hub and does nothing with Alexa or Google speakers on its own.
- Home Assistant users
- Z-Wave households
- Bedside scene control
- Renters avoiding rewiring
Pros
- Four keys with single, multi-tap (up to 5), hold and release on each
- Rechargeable over USB-C, no coin cells to replace
- Magnetic base fits a switch box and lifts off as a handheld remote
- Direct Z-Wave association keeps lights working when the hub is down
- Z-Wave Long Range, S2 security and SmartStart
- Works with Home Assistant and SmartThings
Cons
- Keys can feel sticky and the plastic feels budget-grade
- Needs a Z-Wave hub that supports scene controllers
- Not usable from Alexa or Google Home speakers
- Indoor use only, with no IP rating
- Pricier outside the US
Who is the Zooz Wall Remote ZEN37 800LR for?
It is for a home that already runs on Z-Wave and wants a physical control for scenes without wiring a new switch. The ZEN37 switches no load itself: each press goes to the hub, which runs whatever scene or automation you assigned, so it suits smart bulbs, fans on smart plugs, locks and thermostats alike. Zooz verifies it with the Z-Box Hub, Home Assistant through Z-Wave JS, HomeSeer, Homey, Hubitat, Indigo and SmartThings with an Edge driver, and asks buyers to check their hub before ordering, because basic Z-Wave systems cannot program scene controllers.
What buyers love
The recurring praise is reliability and flexibility. Several owners describe it staying connected to Home Assistant for months without a hiccup, one runs it on an older HomeSeer setup with no trouble, and others highlight how much a single panel can do: each of the four keys reports single, double, triple, four and five taps, plus hold and release, which Zooz turns into up to 24 scene triggers through a supporting hub. Buyers also like that the remote snaps onto its wall bracket like a paddle switch and comes off for use on a nightstand, and that the battery reports its level to the hub and lasts a good while between charges.
How it mounts and how it charges
The box includes a magnetic base that screws into a standard Decora switch box or onto any flat surface (adhesive tape is included too) and a screwless single-gang wall plate, so it can sit next to hard-wired switches. The remote charges through a USB-C port with a basic 5V / 1A charger; current units use a 200mAh lithium pack soldered to the board, and Zooz estimates three to four months per charge at about ten presses a day. A single LED in the corner of the top key confirms each press, with adjustable color and brightness, and the remote warns the hub when its battery runs low.
What to know before you buy
Build quality is the weak point owners mention most: some describe the plastic as cheap-feeling and the keys as sticky or needing a press near the center, although one notes the top key wore in over time, and Zooz itself revised the internal button parts in a later hardware batch. One buyer struggled to reach a SmartThings hub without adding a repeater, which matters because a battery remote never repeats signal itself; Z-Wave Long Range avoids the mesh entirely when the hub supports it. It is indoor only, Z-Wave only (no Matter, HomeKit or Thread), and smart speakers do not recognize scene controllers, so Alexa and Google Home cannot use its presses.
Is the Zooz Wall Remote ZEN37 800LR worth it?
For a Z-Wave home with a capable hub, yes: few scene controllers combine four keys, five-tap multi-press, direct association for hub-free dimming, Long Range and a rechargeable battery in a remote that also lives in a switch box. It earns a high average rating from owners who value what it does over how it feels. If tactile quality matters more than features, or if your hub is not on Zooz's compatibility list, look elsewhere, and outside the US expect to pay noticeably more than the American price.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Zooz ZEN37 work without a hub?
It needs a Z-Wave hub to be added and programmed. Once associated with other Z-Wave devices it can control them directly, so those lights keep responding even if the hub goes offline, but scenes and automations always run through the hub.
Does the Zooz ZEN37 work with Home Assistant?
Yes. Zooz verifies it with Home Assistant through Z-Wave JS, where every key reports single press, two to five taps, hold and release as separate triggers.
Can I use the ZEN37 with Alexa or Google Home?
No. Zooz says smart speakers do not recognize scene and button controllers like the ZEN37, even when they are connected to your Z-Wave hub. You can still have its presses run hub scenes that include devices your speaker controls.
How long does the ZEN37 battery last and how do you charge it?
Zooz estimates three to four months per charge with about ten presses a day. You take it off its magnetic base and charge it with the included USB-C cable and a basic 5V / 1A charger; the LED flashes red while charging and turns green when full.
Can the ZEN37 dim lights?
Yes. Associated with a Z-Wave dimmer or smart bulb, holding the top key brightens and holding the second key dims, and the ramp speed is adjustable.
Does the ZEN37 fit in a regular switch box?
Yes. The included magnetic base screws into a standard Decora switch box and the included screwless wall plate covers it, or you can use your existing multi-gang plate.
