Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 vs Smlight SLZB-MR3 comparison

Data from Amazon and official Nabu Casa and Smlight sites.

2026 verdict

Smlight SLZB-MR3 beats Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 in 2026, with its clearest edge on rating, power, and connectivity. Its clearest strengths are rating, power, and connectivity, and it still looks stronger on zigbee router and thread border router. Pick Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 only when Z-Wave controller is the deciding factor for your setup. For the average buyer, Smlight SLZB-MR3 is the safer choice.

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Feature	Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2	Smlight SLZB-MR3	Winner
Rating	4.5	5.0	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Power	USB	USB, PoE	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Connectivity	USB	USB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFi	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Zigbee Router	NO	YES	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Z-Wave Controller	YES	NO	Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2
Thread Border Router	NO	YES	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Antenna Gain	+3.38dBi	+5dBi	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Dual Network	NO	YES	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Bluetooth Proxy	NO	YES	Smlight SLZB-MR3
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie
Matter Bridge	NO	NO	Tie
Amplifier Gain	+20dB	+20dB	Tie

Nabu Casa

Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2

$79.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Z-Wave Controller: YES
- Rating: 4.5 vs 5.0
- Power: USB vs USB, PoE

Winner

Smlight

Smlight SLZB-MR3

Price unavailable right now

Buy on Amazon Canada

+ Rating: 5.0
+ Power: USB, PoE
+ Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFi
- Z-Wave Controller: NO vs YES

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 or Smlight SLZB-MR3?

Smlight SLZB-MR3 has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for rating, power, and connectivity.

What is the biggest difference between Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 and Smlight SLZB-MR3?

Rating is one of the clearest differences: Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 lists 4.5, while Smlight SLZB-MR3 lists 5.0.

Who should buy Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2?

Choose Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 if your priority is Z-Wave controller and that matters more than rating.

Who should buy Smlight SLZB-MR3?

Choose Smlight SLZB-MR3 if your priority is rating and power and that matters more than Z-Wave controller.

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