Zigbee Coordinator For Home Assistant

A Zigbee coordinator is needed if you want to use Zigbee devices directly with Home Assistant.

Without a Zigbee coordinator, Home Assistant cannot talk to most Zigbee lights, sensors, plugs, switches, or buttons.

This can be confusing at first because some people call it a dongle, hub, adapter, or gateway.

But in most Home Assistant setups, it simply means the device that creates and controls your Zigbee network.

In this guide, you will learn what a Zigbee coordinator is, why you need one, and how to choose the right one for Home Assistant.

Zigbee Coordinator for Home Assistant

A Zigbee coordinator is the main device that starts your Zigbee network.

It connects to Home Assistant and allows your Zigbee devices to communicate.

Think of it like the main bridge between Home Assistant and your Zigbee devices.

Without it, Home Assistant will not be able to add Zigbee devices directly.

Why Do You Need A Zigbee Coordinator?

You need a Zigbee coordinator if you want to use Zigbee devices without relying on many brand hubs.

For example, you may have Zigbee bulbs, plugs, sensors, or remotes from different brands.

A coordinator helps you connect them to Home Assistant in one place.

This makes your smart home easier to manage.

You can also create automations using different Zigbee devices together.

Zigbee Coordinator vs Zigbee Device

A Zigbee coordinator is not the same as a normal Zigbee device.

The coordinator controls the Zigbee network.

A Zigbee device joins the network.

Examples of Zigbee devices include:

• Smart bulbs.
• Smart plugs.
• Motion sensors.
• Door sensors.
• Temperature sensors.
• Wireless buttons.

The coordinator is the main device that allows these devices to join Home Assistant.

USB Zigbee Coordinator

A USB Zigbee coordinator is the most common option for Home Assistant.

It plugs into the device running Home Assistant, like a mini PC, Raspberry Pi, or Home Assistant Green.

Popular USB coordinators include:

• Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2.
• SONOFF ZBDongle-P.
• SONOFF ZBDongle-E.
• ConBee III.

USB coordinators are good because they are simple and usually affordable.

Ethernet Zigbee Coordinator

An Ethernet Zigbee coordinator connects through your network instead of only USB.

This can be helpful if your Home Assistant server is not in a good location.

For example, your server may be in a cabinet, garage, rack, or near too many electronics.

With an Ethernet coordinator, you can place it in a better area for Zigbee signal.

Popular options include SMLIGHT SLZB coordinators.

ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT

After choosing a coordinator, you need to decide how to use Zigbee in Home Assistant.

The two common options are ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT.

ZHA is built into Home Assistant.

Zigbee2MQTT is a separate add-on that gives more control and supports many devices.

For beginners, ZHA is usually easier.

For advanced users, Zigbee2MQTT can be better.

Where To Place The Coordinator?

Coordinator placement is important.

Bad placement can cause devices to go unavailable or fail to pair.

Use a USB extension cable.

Move it away from your router.

Keep it away from USB 3.0 ports.

Do not place it behind a metal case.

Place it in an open area if possible.

Add Zigbee smart plugs to improve the mesh.

Best Zigbee Coordinator For Most People

For most people, a simple USB coordinator is enough.

Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is good if you want an official option.

SONOFF ZBDongle-P is good if you want a popular and affordable option.

SMLIGHT SLZB-06 is good if you want better placement using Ethernet.

The best choice depends on your home and how many Zigbee devices you plan to use.

Conclusion

A Zigbee coordinator is one of the most important parts of a Home Assistant Zigbee setup.

It connects your Zigbee devices to Home Assistant and allows them to work together.

For most users, a USB coordinator like Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 or SONOFF ZBDongle-P is enough.

If you need better placement, an Ethernet coordinator like SMLIGHT SLZB-06 can be a better choice.

Following these tips should help you choose the right Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant.

Additional Reading

The Best Zigbee Smart Plug For Home Assistant

Home Assistant Zigbee Hub vs Dongle

How To Add A Zigbee Device To Home Assistant