Currently I’m using a mix of Hue for lighting and Tradfri for blinds and switches. What are some good brands to expand a smarthome? Are some brands better for a specific category?
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I buy everything, long as it’s in the zigbee2mqtt library I’m good to go.
If it’s cheap enough it’s worth a go. For anyone new to Zigbee, always check the Zigbee device database to check compatibility with your platform.
I use mostly Sonoff, Aqara and Ikea, but I have a variety of other brands as well.
Sonoff is cheap and reliable, a few of their sensors have a the odd quirk but have worked well overall.
Aqara have more features and a more elegant physical design, but can be bit more expensive - although still cheaper than some other brands. I have a lot of their temperature/humidty and contact sensors and they look nice on my walls and windows.
The one problem with Aqara devices is they don’t properly follow the Zigbee standard, and don’t play well with some other brands, leading to constant disconnections. They do work fine with Ikea devices however. I had a lot of problems until I split my Zigbee network into 2, one with only Aqara and Ikea devices, and one with all the rest.
I’m also using a few devices from Samotech and Aurora, who have some good UK specific Zigbee devices such as rotary dimmer switches and smart sockets.
The one problem with Aqara devices is they don’t properly follow the Zigbee standard, and don’t play well with some other brands, leading to constant disconnections.
What do you mean? I’m having no issues and as mentioned in my comment I have a lot of different brands together with 10 Aqara sensors.
I have positive feeling towards Aqara, but I have a mix of different brands:
- Plugs Blitzwolf (TuYa)
- Lights mostly Hue with one Osram (many of those were pre-homeassistant)
- Thermostats Lidl with one from Eurotronic
- Sensors: Motion sensors by Hue, everything else by Aqara (humidity/temperature and open/close)
I was actually considering Aqara although they’re a bit pricey. Thank you for you write-up.
Remember, they are a lot cheaper if you can wait a while and buy them from china (AliExpress)
I would use Shelly for relays, sonoff for sensors
Love Shelly and would second the recommendation except OP asked for Zigbee which they aren’t.
My Zigbee dongle is from Sonoff, no issues so far. My next sensors will be either Aqara or Sonoff :)
My Sonoff motion sensors have been nothing but trouble. Other Zigbee stuff (and other Sonoff stuff, like temperature/humidity sensors) have worked fine - it’s just the motion and door sensors. I guess YMMV.
You mean sonoff?
Yes, I do, it’s too early 😞
I’ve had good luck with either Sonoff or Tuya. Look on Aliexpress for much cheaper options. Just make sure you get the Tuya Zigbee vs WiFi devices as they’re sometimes listed on the same item but just a different “color” option when ordering.
I use this with zigbee2mqtt
