Dongles · Head to head

Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 vs Smlight SLZB-06p7U

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Data from Amazon and official Nabu Casa and Smlight sites.
2026 verdict
The Smlight SLZB-06p7U wins this comparison as the more connected and feature-rich smart home dongle, adding Ethernet, PoE and Wi-Fi placement, a Bluetooth proxy, USB-over-Ethernet and a stronger +5 dBi antenna over the USB-only Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2. Both are Zigbee 3.0 coordinators with a Thread border router, but the SLZB-06p7U (on the higher-power CC2652P7 chip) can be placed centrally anywhere the network reaches, powered and networked over a single PoE cable. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 keeps a genuine edge as official Home Assistant hardware: it is recognized automatically for effortless, plug-and-play setup, which many buyers value over raw flexibility. Both target a local Home Assistant with Zigbee and Thread. Pick the Smlight SLZB-06p7U for flexible placement and extra features; pick the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 for the smoothest official setup.
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FeatureNabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2Smlight SLZB-06p7UWinner
Price$65.00$78.99Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2
Rating4.84.6Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2
PowerUSBUSB, PoESmlight SLZB-06p7U
ConnectivityUSBUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFiSmlight SLZB-06p7U
Zigbee RouterNOYESSmlight SLZB-06p7U
Amplifier Gain10dBm+20dBSmlight SLZB-06p7U
Antenna Gain+4.16dBi+5dBiSmlight SLZB-06p7U
Bluetooth ProxyNOYESSmlight SLZB-06p7U
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG24CC2652P7Different strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Z-Wave ControllerNONOTie
Thread Border RouterYESYESTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 or Smlight SLZB-06p7U?

The Smlight SLZB-06p7U is the more capable overall coordinator, with Ethernet/PoE/Wi-Fi placement, a Bluetooth proxy, USB-over-Ethernet and a stronger antenna. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 wins if you prize the seamless, plug-and-play official Home Assistant experience.

What is the biggest difference between the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 and the Smlight SLZB-06p7U?

How they connect. The Smlight SLZB-06p7U runs over Ethernet (with PoE), Wi-Fi or USB and can serve its USB over Ethernet, while the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is a USB-only radio. Both handle Zigbee and Thread.

Which can be mounted away from the host machine?

Only the Smlight SLZB-06p7U, which supports Ethernet, PoE and Wi-Fi so you can place it centrally for range and stability. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 plugs directly into a USB port on the host.

Does either offer a Bluetooth proxy?

Only the Smlight SLZB-06p7U, which also acts as a Zigbee router, Thread border router and Bluetooth proxy. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 covers Zigbee and Thread but has no Bluetooth proxy.

Who should buy the Smlight SLZB-06p7U?

Buy the Smlight SLZB-06p7U if you want a network-connected, high-power Zigbee coordinator (with Thread and a Bluetooth proxy) you can place centrally over Ethernet or PoE. It uses a PoE switch for single-cable power and network.

Who should buy the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2?

Buy the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 if you want the official Home Assistant radio for Zigbee and Thread with automatic, hassle-free setup. It is USB-only and runs one protocol at a time.

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