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
The Smlight SLZB-MR5U wins this pairing decisively on flexibility and features, adding Ethernet, PoE and Wi-Fi placement, a Bluetooth proxy, true simultaneous dual-network operation and dual +5 dBi antennas that the USB-only Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 cannot match. Both are Zigbee 3.0 coordinators with a Thread border router, but the SLZB-MR5U can run Zigbee and Thread at the same time and be placed centrally on the network for stronger range. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 holds one meaningful advantage as official Home Assistant hardware: it is recognized automatically for a seamless, plug-and-play setup that many buyers prize. Both aim at a local Home Assistant with Zigbee and Thread. Pick the Smlight SLZB-MR5U for dual-network, network placement and extra radios; pick the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 for the most effortless official setup.
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FeatureNabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2Smlight SLZB-MR5UWinner
Price$65.00$119.99Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2
Rating4.85.0Smlight SLZB-MR5U
PowerUSBUSB, PoESmlight SLZB-MR5U
ConnectivityUSBUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFiSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Zigbee RouterNOYESSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Amplifier Gain10dBm+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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 or Smlight SLZB-MR5U?

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is the more capable overall coordinator, with Ethernet/PoE/Wi-Fi placement, a Bluetooth proxy, dual-network support and dual antennas. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 wins if you want the seamless, plug-and-play official Home Assistant radio instead.

What is the biggest difference between the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 and the Smlight SLZB-MR5U?

The SLZB-MR5U runs Zigbee and Thread simultaneously (dual-network) and connects over Ethernet, PoE or Wi-Fi, while the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is USB-only and runs one protocol at a time. That makes the MR5U far more flexible.

Which can run Zigbee and Thread at the same time?

Only the Smlight SLZB-MR5U, which supports simultaneous dual-network operation. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 runs Zigbee or Thread, but not both at once.

Does either work as a Bluetooth proxy or over PoE?

Only the Smlight SLZB-MR5U, which adds a Bluetooth proxy and connects over Ethernet, PoE or Wi-Fi for central placement. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is a USB-only radio with no Bluetooth proxy.

Who should buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U?

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U if you want a network-connected, dual-network coordinator that runs Zigbee and Thread together, works as a Bluetooth proxy, and can be placed centrally over Ethernet or PoE for range.

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 and do not need dual-network or network placement. It is USB-only.

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