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Why do Zigbee Devices often cost less than Wi-Fi devices? What is better for a home of approx 2000 sqft area?
Why do Zigbee Devices often cost less than Wi-Fi devices? What is better for a home of approx 2000 sqft area?
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Zigbee devices are generally cheaper than Wi-Fi smart home products due to differences in hardware complexity, power requirements, and ecosystem design. However, the lower upfront cost of Zigbee devices often comes with tradeoffs related to hidden expenses, setup complexity, and compatibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Smaller Chips – Zigbee devices don’t need big, powerful chips like Wi-Fi ones. They just do simple tasks like turning lights on and off, so they cost less to make.
No Extra Fees – Wi-Fi devices have to follow special rules and pay fees to be used. Zigbee devices don’t, which saves money.
Uses Less Power – Zigbee devices don’t need much power, so small batteries last a long time. Wi-Fi devices need bigger, more expensive batteries or to be plugged in.
The Hidden Costs of Zigbee
Needs a Hub – Zigbee devices can’t talk to your Wi-Fi router directly. They need a special hub to work, which costs extra. Wi-Fi devices just connect on their own.
Not Always Compatible – Not all Zigbee devices work with all Zigbee hubs. Some might not connect properly. Wi-Fi devices usually work with any smart home system like Alexa or Google Home.
Shorter Range – Zigbee devices need to be close to each other (about 30 feet apart) to work well. If your house is big, you might need extra devices to help them talk to each other. Wi-Fi devices just use your home’s router, which might already cover everything.
Might Not Last Forever – A new smart home technology (Matter/Thread) is coming, and it could replace Zigbee in the future.
When Zigbee is a Good Choice
Lots of Smart Devices – If your home has 30+ smart gadgets, Zigbee helps them work together without slowing down Wi-Fi.
Battery-Powered Gadgets – Things like motion sensors and smart buttons work better with Zigbee because the batteries last a long time.
The Main Idea
Zigbee is cheaper and great for homes with lots of battery-powered smart devices, but it needs a hub and careful setup. Wi-Fi is easier to use but can be more expensive and may slow down your internet.
Key Takeaway
Zigbee is cost-effective for large, battery-heavy setups but requires a hub and careful device/hub pairing.Wi-Fi offers simplicity and direct cloud integration but risks higher per-device costs and Wi-Fi congestion.