Dongles · Head to head

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 over Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2, driven by power, connectivity, and zigbee router. 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.
vs
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

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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