Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 vs Smlight SLZB-06

The Smlight SLZB-06 is the more capable overall coordinator, thanks to Ethernet/PoE/Wi-Fi placement, a Bluetooth proxy and a stronger antenna. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is the better pick if you want the cheaper, higher-rated, plug-and-play official Home Assistant radio.

Connectivity. The Smlight SLZB-06 connects over Ethernet (with PoE), Wi-Fi or USB so you can place it centrally on the network, while the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is USB-only and plugs directly into the host. Both do Zigbee and Thread.

Only the Smlight SLZB-06, which supports Ethernet, PoE and Wi-Fi so it can sit centrally in your home for better range and stability, on a single PoE cable. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 must plug into a USB port on the host.

Only the Smlight SLZB-06, which also functions as a Zigbee router, Thread border router and Bluetooth proxy. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 does Zigbee and Thread but has no Bluetooth proxy.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-06 if you want a network-connected Zigbee coordinator you can place centrally over Ethernet or PoE to stabilize your mesh and extend range. It is large, PoE needs a PoE switch, and a minority of units hit stability issues, so buy where returns are easy.

Buy the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 if you want the official Home Assistant radio for Zigbee and Thread with automatic, plug-and-play setup at a lower price. Note it is USB-only and runs Zigbee or Thread, not both at once.