ZigDash
Hubs we recommend
ZigDash needs Zigbee2MQTT running somewhere at home. If you're starting fresh, a small SMLIGHT hub is the simplest way to get there. No Home Assistant needed, and if you have it, ZigDash works with it too.
SMHUB Nano: the easy start
For: a first Zigbee home, with no computer to look after.
A small box that runs Zigbee2MQTT and the Mosquitto broker on the hub itself. Plug it into your router, pair your devices on its web page, and ZigDash connects to it directly. It also comes with Node-RED for automations and WireGuard for reaching home.
- Good: everything in one box, stored on built-in eMMC rather than an SD card, with an external Zigbee antenna.
- Keep in mind: SMLIGHT's hub software is still new and can feel slow in places. Connect it by Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.
- In ZigDash: turn on Allow External in the hub's Settings › MQTT, then tap Find my setup and choose SMLIGHT.
SMHUB Essentials and Premium: room to grow
For: bigger homes, or if you may add Z-Wave later.
The same idea as the Nano, with two radios instead of one and slots for add-on modules (Z-Wave, PoE, LTE). Premium has the newer, stronger radios. Zigbee2MQTT and Mosquitto run on the hub, just like the Nano.
- Good: a second radio for Thread, and the most room to expand.
- Keep in mind: more than most homes need, and the add-on modules cost extra.
SLZB-06: if you already run a Raspberry Pi or server
For: people who already run Zigbee2MQTT on a Pi, a server or Home Assistant, and want a better Zigbee radio.
A network Zigbee coordinator: it plugs into your router (with PoE, one cable does power and network) and Zigbee2MQTT connects to it over the network, so it can sit in the middle of the house instead of behind a computer. SMLIGHT recommends the TI versions (SLZB-06 and SLZB-06P7) for Zigbee2MQTT.
- Good: solid, widely used, and easy to place where the signal is best.
- Keep in mind: it is only the Zigbee radio. Zigbee2MQTT and the broker still run on your own Pi or server, so on its own it is not a complete setup.
Which one?
- Starting from nothing: SMHUB Nano.
- A big home, or Z-Wave plans: SMHUB Premium.
- Already running Zigbee2MQTT on a Pi or server: SLZB-06.