Protocol Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of major smart lock protocols to help you choose
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Z-Wave if:
- • You need maximum range and reliability
- • You have thick walls or metal obstacles
- • You're deploying in a large building
Choose Zigbee if:
- • You want lower initial cost
- • You have existing smart home devices
- • You need many devices in ecosystem
Choose Wi-Fi if:
- • You want no additional hub
- • Battery replacement is not a concern
- • You need fastest response time
Choose Thread if:
- • You want future-proof technology
- • Matter compatibility is important
- • You can invest in newer ecosystem
| Feature | Z-Wave | Zigbee | Wi-Fi | Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 908 MHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4/5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Typical Range | 40m | 30m | 50m | 28m |
| Battery Life | 12 months | 12 months | 3-6 months | 10 months |
| Latency | 100-200ms | 80-150ms | 50-100ms | 60-120ms |
| Hub Required | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hub Cost | $120 | $80 | $0 | $150 |
| Interference | Very Low | Low | High | Low |
| Mesh Network | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Device Limit | 232 | 65,000 | Router limited | 500+ |
| Security | AES-128 | AES-128 | WPA2/WPA3 | AES-128 |
Z-Wave
Pros:
- ✓Excellent range
- ✓No 2.4GHz interference
- ✓Reliable mesh
- ✓Low power
Cons:
- ✗Requires hub
- ✗Higher hub cost
- ✗Fewer devices
Best For:
Large homes, commercial
Zigbee
Pros:
- ✓Low cost hub
- ✓Massive device support
- ✓Great battery life
- ✓Wide adoption
Cons:
- ✗2.4GHz interference
- ✗Requires hub
Best For:
Smart home ecosystems
Wi-Fi
Pros:
- ✓No hub needed
- ✓Fast response
- ✓Easy setup
- ✓Remote access built-in
Cons:
- ✗Poor battery life
- ✗Cloud dependent
- ✗Higher power consumption
Best For:
Tech-savvy users, small deployments
Thread
Pros:
- ✓Low latency
- ✓IPv6 native
- ✓Matter compatible
- ✓Self-healing mesh
Cons:
- ✗Expensive hub
- ✗Limited lock options
- ✗Newer technology
Best For:
Future-proof installations
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