Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U wins overall on features, covering Zigbee and Thread with network placement, dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. But the Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick is the right choice if your smart home runs on Z-Wave, which the MR5U does not support.

The protocol. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is a Zigbee and Thread coordinator with no Z-Wave, while the Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick is a Z-Wave 800 controller with Long Range and S2 security and no Zigbee or Thread.

The Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick, at 5 years, well ahead of the 1-year warranty on the Smlight SLZB-MR5U. Both are radios that need a host running Home Assistant or similar software.

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U, which connects over USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and PoE and can be mounted anywhere on the network. The Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick is USB-only and indoor-only, though it delivers strong Z-Wave range for most homes.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U if you want a flexible Zigbee and Thread coordinator you can mount over Ethernet or PoE, with dual-network operation and a Bluetooth proxy, for a Home Assistant network that does not need Z-Wave.

Buy the Zooz Z-Wave Long Range Stick if your home relies on Z-Wave and you want a plug-and-play controller with Long Range, S2 security and a 5-year warranty. Just be sure to order the version for your region's frequency.