Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Smlight SLZB-MRW10

The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 wins overall because it adds a Z-Wave 800 controller on top of the Zigbee and Thread that both sticks share, making it a full three-protocol coordinator. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U matches it everywhere else but has no Z-Wave.

Z-Wave. The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 includes a Silicon Labs EF32ZG23 Z-Wave 800 controller, so it runs Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave from one device, while the Smlight SLZB-MR5U covers only Zigbee and Thread.

Yes. Both the Smlight SLZB-MR5U and the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 offer USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and PoE connectivity, simultaneous dual-network operation, a Bluetooth proxy, and two external antennas rated +5dBi. The MRW10 simply adds Z-Wave on top.

No. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U uses the Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 for Zigbee and Thread, while the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 uses the Texas Instruments CC2652P10 for Zigbee alongside its separate Z-Wave 800 controller. Both act as Zigbee coordinators and Thread border routers.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 if you want a single coordinator that runs Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave together for Home Assistant, with network placement over Ethernet or PoE, dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. It is the choice for mixed-protocol homes.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U if your smart home is Zigbee and Thread only and you want the same flexible placement, dual-network mode and Bluetooth proxy without paying for a Z-Wave radio. It uses the Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 chip.