OK, well the main point is that zwave repeats only for Z wave and zigbee repeats only for zigbee.
Repeating is important because both Z wave and zigbee are mesh protocols, which means messages get passed around the network before they get to the hub. That effectively gives you a longer range.
They’re both good protocols, there are some pluses and minuses with each, but the main thing to understand is that with smart things you are essentially setting up two separate networks. One for Z wave and one for zigbee. So in order to keep your network “efficient” and make sure the messages flow smoothly, you want to have a repeating device about every 50 feet.
Pretty much any mains powered device can repeat, so these are typically wall switches, in wall outlets, plug in sensors, in the wall modules, and plug in pocket sockets. Battery powered devices do not repeat because it would use up too much battery life.
But again, Z wave can repeat only for Z wave. So if you plug-in as zigbee pocket socket near your Z wave doorlock it’s not going to help the doorlock get its messages through.
The iris plug is very popular not only because it’s inexpensive, but also because it’s the only device on the market that has both a zwave repeater and a zigbee repeater. However, some community members have reported that the zwave repeater inside this pocket socket doesn’t seem to work consistently. Zigbee seems to work fine.
So… Having said all of that, that can shape the decision of what pocket socket you buy. You could have some of each, that’s not a problem, but you want to make sure that there is a pathway of zwave repeaters to the hub for any of your Z wave devices, and a separate pathway of zigbee devices to the hub for any of your zigbee devices. And pocket sockets are good repeaters.
(WiFi Devices are yet a third protocol, so they don’t help your Z wave doorlock or your zigbee sensors in any Way when it comes to repeating. Another reason why most people don’t use Wi-Fi pocket sockets – – they’d rather stick a repeater in there for the mesh networks and strengthen the mesh.)
GE makes a pocket socket which looks identical but comes in either zwave or zigbee, so it’s helpful to decide in advance which network you’re trying to strengthen. It’s widely available, including at Home Depot and Lowe’s. I know Best Buy carries it online, not sure if they carry it in store.
GoControl only makes zwave devices, but they are also widely available, cost about the same, and in my opinion are engineered a little better than the GE versions.
As was already mentioned, the DragonTech are very popular Z wave devices because they are zwave plus ( The newest generation, with a longer range) and are inexpensive. $20. But you have to buy those online.
All of which is to say it’s good to decide whether you were looking for is a zigbee or a Z wave device. If you only want to shop locally, you’re probably going to be limited to smart things, GE, Leviton, and go control at most stores, although Best Buy carries a few additional brands and Lowe’s carries their own iris brand which is a good choice for both value and features.
If you’re willing to shop online, there are a number of good specialty retailers who are typically lower cost than Amazon, although the return policies may not be quite as good.
- One more note about the iris brand: the first generation Iris devices were mostly not compatible with smartthings except for the Z wave, which did work. The second generation Iris devices mostly do work with smartthings, although you can check in the forums for any specific model before buying.*