Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 vs Smlight SLZB-MR5U

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Data from Amazon and official Nabu Casa and Smlight sites.
2026 verdict
In 2026, the recommendation leans toward Smlight SLZB-MR5U. It has the clearer edge on power, connectivity, and zigbee router, and it stays ahead on amplifier gain and antenna gain. Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 can still be the right pick, but only if its specific feature mix outweighs the wider strengths of Smlight SLZB-MR5U. Overall, Smlight SLZB-MR5U makes more sense for most people.
FeatureNabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2Smlight SLZB-MR5UWinner
PowerUSBUSB, PoESmlight SLZB-MR5U
ConnectivityUSBUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WifiSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Zigbee RouterNOYESSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Amplifier Gain10 dBm+20dBSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Antenna Gain+4.16dBi+5dBiSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Dual NetworkNOYESSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Bluetooth ProxyNOYESSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG24EFR32MG24Tie
Z-Wave ControllerNONOTie
Thread Border RouterYESYESTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better overall: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 or Smlight SLZB-MR5U?
Smlight SLZB-MR5U has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for power, connectivity, and zigbee router.
What is the biggest difference between Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 and Smlight SLZB-MR5U?
Power is one of the clearest differences: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 lists USB, while Smlight SLZB-MR5U lists USB, PoE.
Who should buy Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2?
Choose Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 if your priority is its specific strengths and that matters more than power.
Who should buy Smlight SLZB-MR5U?
Choose Smlight SLZB-MR5U if your priority is power and connectivity and that matters more than the competing advantages.
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