Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 vs Smlight SLZB-MRW10

The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 is the more capable device, since it combines Zigbee, Z-Wave and Thread with Ethernet and PoE placement, a dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 wins mainly on price as a dedicated, official Z-Wave-only controller.

Breadth. The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 is a multi-protocol coordinator (Zigbee, Z-Wave and Thread at once) with network connectivity, while the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 is a USB-only, Z-Wave-only controller.

Yes, both include a Z-Wave 800 controller. The difference is that the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 also adds Zigbee, Thread and a Bluetooth proxy, whereas the Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 is Z-Wave and nothing else.

The Smlight SLZB-MRW10, via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or PoE, for central placement and better range. The Nabu Casa Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 is USB-only and plugs into the host, relying on its external antenna and amplifier for reach.

Buy the ZWA-2 if you only need Z-Wave, want the cheaper price, and value the official, highly rated Nabu Casa radio with fully local Z-Wave JS control. It has no Zigbee or Thread.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 if you want one coordinator to run Zigbee, Z-Wave and Thread together, place it anywhere via Ethernet or PoE, and get a Bluetooth proxy and dual networks. It costs more but replaces several separate sticks.