ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT - that's the question now!
TLDRThis video explores the decision between using Zha and Zigbee2MQTT for Home Assistant users, particularly beneficial for new users and those expanding their smart home setup. The host discusses the advantages of Zha, an internal Home Assistant component that requires no additional installation and supports a range of devices, while noting its limitations with non-standard devices. Zigbee2MQTT, while not officially part of Home Assistant, offers broader device support and the ability to connect multiple Home Assistant instances. The video provides insights into choosing coordinators, device compatibility, and the process of adding unsupported devices. It concludes by encouraging viewers to share their preferences and experiences with both systems, emphasizing the importance of community feedback and support.
Takeaways
- π The video discusses whether to use the Zha or Zigbee2MQTT integration with Home Assistant for Zigbee home automation.
- π Home Assistant sees around 20K new installations each month, and the choice between Zha and Zigbee2MQTT is relevant for many new users.
- π Zha is an internal Home Assistant component, which means it doesn't require additional installation or a separate MQTT server.
- π Zha is advantageous for those new to Home Assistant as it's easier to set up and is officially integrated, with 20-3.5% of active users currently utilizing it.
- π οΈ Zha supports devices that use EZP/Silicon Labs ZB3.0 protocol and ZNP/Texas Instruments Z-Stack, including popular sticks like the CC2531 and newer generations like the CC2652.
- π« The speaker does not recommend Deon sticks due to their older technology and limitations, suggesting newer alternatives like the Silicon Labs or Texas Instruments Z-Stack.
- π Zha follows Zigbee standards strictly, which can lead to compatibility issues with devices that don't adhere to these standards, unlike Zigbee2MQTT which is more flexible.
- π Zigbee2MQTT is not officially part of Home Assistant and requires manual installation as an add-on, but it offers more extensive device support and flexibility.
- π Zigbee2MQTT uses an MQTT broker (like Mosquitto) to communicate between devices and Home Assistant, allowing for more complex setups and multi-instance support.
- π Zigbee2MQTT boasts a larger database of supported devices (3,398 from 42 vendors) and improved support for new and unsupported devices with its latest release.
- β The choice between Zha and Zigbee2MQTT depends on the user's needs, preferences, and specific device compatibility; both have their pros and cons and can coexist in the same ecosystem.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is to discuss whether to use the Zha or Zigbee2MQTT integration with Home Assistant for Zigbee home automation.
How many new users does Home Assistant gain each month?
-Home Assistant gains around 20,000 new users each month.
What is the advantage of Zha over Zigbee2MQTT in terms of installation?
-Zha is an internal Home Assistant component and does not require any additional installation, add-on, or separate Docker for MQTT server, making it easier for beginners.
What percentage of active Home Assistant users are currently using the Zha integration?
-20.35% of active Home Assistant users are currently using the Zha integration.
What types of devices does Zha officially support?
-Zha officially supports devices using the EZSP (EZSP or Silicon Labs EmberZNet protocol) and ZNP (Texas Instruments Z-Stack) protocols, including popular sticks like the CC2531 or CC2562.
What is the recommendation regarding the Deon's z-stick for new Zigbee coordinator purchases?
-The video does not recommend purchasing the Deon's z-stick due to its older technology and limitations, suggesting newer generations of Texas Instruments Z-Stack or Silicon Labs instead.
What is one of the differences between Zha and Zigbee2MQTT mentioned in the video?
-One of the differences is that Zha is developed by the same developers as Home Assistant, ensuring compatibility and updates, but it may not support devices that do not follow the standards.
How does Zha handle unsupported devices?
-Zha requires custom quirks to be created for unsupported devices, which are pieces of code that allow the system to recognize and communicate with non-standard or new devices.
What is the advantage of Zigbee2MQTT over Zha in terms of device support?
-Zigbee2MQTT has a more comprehensive database of supported devices, with 3,398 devices from 42 different vendors, and also supports auto-discovery of unsupported devices.
What is the recommendation for users who have a new device that is not yet supported by Zha?
-For users with new devices not supported by Zha, they can switch to Zigbee2MQTT, which has a larger user base and a more comprehensive database, or wait for the device to be added to Zha's support.
What is the main advantage of using an external MQTT broker with Zigbee2MQTT?
-Using an external MQTT broker allows for multiple instances of Home Assistant to connect and share the same devices, providing flexibility in managing different Zigbee networks.
What is the process for adding a new device to the Zha integration in Home Assistant?
-To add a new device to Zha, go to Home Assistant's settings, click on 'Integrations', click on 'ADD integration', and type 'Zha' to add the device.
What is the current status of Zha's support for newer chips like the Texas Instruments CC2652?
-Zha has experimental support for newer chips like the Texas Instruments CC2652, meaning they may work but are not fully baked or officially supported.
What is the recommendation for users who want to test each Zigbee device with both Zha and Zigbee2MQTT?
-The video suggests that it is possible to run both Zha and Zigbee2MQTT in the same home, allowing users to test each Zigbee device with both integrations for comparison.
What is the Blackadder's Zigbee device compatibility repository mentioned in the video?
-The Blackadder's Zigbee device compatibility repository is a resource that lists the compatibility of Zigbee devices with various systems, including Zha, Tasmota, Zigbee2MQTT, and others.
Outlines
π€ Choosing Between Zha and Zigby to MQTT for Home Automation
The script introduces the dilemma faced by Home Assistant users regarding whether to use the Zha (Zigbee Home Automation) or Zigby to MQTT integration for their smart home setup. It highlights that with 20K new users monthly, this is a common question. The video aims to compare the two options, noting that Zha is an internal Home Assistant component, which might be more suitable for beginners due to its simplicity and lack of additional installation requirements. It also mentions that Zha is officially integrated and supported by Home Assistant developers, which could be an advantage for some users.
π οΈ Exploring Zha's Advantages and Supported Devices
This paragraph delves into the specifics of Zha, discussing its advantages, such as being an internal component of Home Assistant, requiring no separate Docker or MQTT server, and being ready to use with Docker or Home Assistant OS. It also covers the types of devices officially supported by Zha, including those from EZP, Silicon Labs, ZNP, Texas Instruments, and Deon. The script advises against using older technology coordinators like the Deon stick and recommends newer models for better compatibility and support.
π Comparing Zha and Zigby to MQTT: Compatibility and Custom Quirks
The script contrasts Zha with Zigby to MQTT, pointing out that while Zha offers a perfectly integrated ZB network within Home Assistant, it may not work out-of-the-box with devices that don't strictly adhere to Zigbee standards. It mentions the possibility of creating custom quirks for non-standard devices and the existence of a GitHub page listing Zha quirks. The paragraph also notes that Zha lacks a comprehensive device database, unlike Zigby to MQTT, which could be a drawback for users with newer or less common devices.
π Zigby to MQTT: Installation, Flexibility, and Device Support
This section explains that Zigby to MQTT is not an official part of Home Assistant and requires installation as an add-on. It discusses the flexibility of Zigby to MQTT, especially for users with multiple Home Assistant instances or for testing purposes. The script also covers the need for an MQTT broker like Mosquitto for communication between devices and Home Assistant. It emphasizes the extensive database of supported devices in Zigby to MQTT, which is a significant advantage over Zha.
π‘οΈ Zigby to MQTT's Strengths and Recent Updates
The script highlights Zigby to MQTT's strengths, such as its large database of supported devices and the recent updates that have improved its functionality. It mentions the addition of auto-discovery for unsupported devices, which allows basic features to work out-of-the-box until full support is added. This feature is presented as a significant advantage over Zha, which may not match this functionality soon.
π The Pros and Cons of Zha and Zigby to MQTT: A Personal Perspective
The final paragraph provides a personal perspective on the pros and cons of both Zha and Zigby to MQTT. It suggests that while Zha may be better for new Home Assistant users or those wanting a clean install, Zigby to MQTT might be preferable in the long term, especially with its new functionality. The script encourages users to consider their specific needs and circumstances when choosing between the two, and it invites viewers to share their experiences and preferences in the comments.
π Conclusion and Call for Audience Input
In conclusion, the script emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and encourages viewers to research device compatibility before making a decision. It also invites audience input on their preferred solution and reasons for their choice. Additionally, the script mentions an upcoming video about companies blacklisted by the Home Assistant community and asks for suggestions in the comments.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Zigbee
π‘Home Assistant
π‘Zha
π‘Zigbee to MQTT
π‘MQTT
π‘Coordinator
π‘Custom Quirks
π‘Device Support
π‘Community Contributions
π‘Blacklist
Highlights
Zigbee to MQTT is a common question for new Home Assistant users, with around 20K new installations monthly.
ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) is an internal Home Assistant component, offering advantages like no additional installation or separate Docker requirement.
ZHA is the recommended route for those just starting with Home Assistant due to its ease of setup.
ZHA officially supports devices using EZP, ZNP, and Deos Z-Gate protocols, including popular sticks like the CC2531 and 2562.
Deons Z-Stick is not recommended for new purchases due to its older technology and limitations.
ZHA has an advantage over Zigbee2MQTT in that it is developed alongside Home Assistant, ensuring compatibility and updates.
ZHA may not support devices that don't follow Zigbee standards, leading to longer wait times for support compared to Zigbee2MQTT.
ZHA lacks a comprehensive device database, unlike Zigbee2MQTT, which has a list of known working devices.
Custom quirks in ZHA allow for the integration of non-standard or new devices, but require community contributions.
Zigbee2MQTT is not an official part of Home Assistant and requires manual installation, but offers flexibility and support for multiple Home Assistant instances.
Zigbee2MQTT uses an MQTT broker, such as Mosquitto, to facilitate communication between devices and Home Assistant.
Zigbee2MQTT supports a vast database of 3,398 devices from 42 different vendors, with comprehensive feature lists for each.
Zigbee2MQTT's auto-discovery feature allows unsupported devices to work out-of-the-box with basic functionality.
ZHA can publish updates to the device list database with any Home Assistant update, potentially adding new devices more quickly.
Zigbee2MQTT has a monthly official release, which may delay support for new devices until the following month.
The choice between ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT depends on individual needs, with ZHA being simpler for beginners and Zigbee2MQTT offering more extensive device support.
The presenter recommends checking device compatibility with ZHA before purchasing, and considering both options for a flexible smart home setup.
For those starting with Home Assistant, ZHA is recommended, but it's important to verify device support before making purchases.
The presenter will create a video on companies blacklisted by the Home Assistant community and invites suggestions in the comments.
The video concludes with a call for audience opinions on ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, and an invitation to share preferences and experiences.
Transcripts
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