The Z wave switches are designed to offer smart compatibility with even the most basic devices installed in your homes such as lights, fans, CCTV cameras, and other electronic devices which can be operated via a switch. If you are also looking to convert all of the regular switches in your home to Z wave smart switches, make sure you check the following features before you buy one.
Smart Hub Compatibility: Unlike WiFi-based smart devices, the smart features on a Z wave switch are only accessible if your smart hub also supports the same features. Hence, you should make sure that the switches are compatible with the best smart hub in your budget to get access to the best features. Ease of Installation: Smart devices are designed to make your life easier and more convenient. But, it is only possible if the device can be easily installed in your home. It is especially necessary for smart switches as you will be installing a number of switches in every room.
Range: All Z wave devices double the functionality as a range extender or repeater for your Z wave controller. Therefore, the switches can be used as compact range extenders for every room in your house. But, keep in mind that switches are compact devices and you cannot expect the same range as a dedicated range extender from a smart switch.
The properties mentioned above are best suited for an ideal Z wave smart switch. Meaning, you can check the factors mentioned a “Buying Guide” here and pick up the best smart Z wave switch from our list provided here. We have also explained each of our picks in detail so that you can make a better choice. But if you want quicker advice, stick until the end of our article.
Best Z Wave Switch
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1. Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch
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You might have heard about Enbrighten before if you have been looking for Z wave devices and systems. It is a great brand which creates many smart Z wave systems including the switch mentioned here. Coming in 1st place, we have the smart Z wave switch from Enbrighten. This is a 3-way ready rocker switch which supports QuickFit and SimpleWire technology. You will also get complete voice access to all connected switches via Alexa and Google Assistant if your Z wave controller supports it. This includes smart hubs like Samsung SmartThngs, Vivian, Nexia, Honeywell and many other popular options that are compatible with this switch. With the new and improved design, Enbrighten has managed to reduce the size of the smart switches by up to 20% so that it is much better for installation. The QuickFit support allows you to install the Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch even on older switchboards without any problem. Furthermore, there are auto line and load wire sensing terminals that will detect the connection and automatically configure the switch post-installation. It is also certified with Z wave plus technology for better energy efficiency and working speed. But, you can also pair it with previous-generation Z wave connectors as it has backwards compatibility. It is backed by a 2 years warranty period from Enbrighten. Best Features
Supports QuickFit and SimpleWire 3-way ready switch Works with Alexa and Google Assistant Works as a range extender 2 years warranty
Pros
Supports both Z wave and Z wave plus Nearly 20% more compact design Up to 150 feet range extension
Cons
Expensive Z wave smart switch
2. Leviton DZ15S Decora Smart Switch with Z-Wave Tech
Leviton is yet another premium brand from our picks today. The Z wave switch from Leviton offers many great features with reliable performance. In 2nd place, we have the Leviton DZ15S. Even though it might not look like one, the Leviton DZ15S is one of the smartest as well as most reliable options from our picks today. It is also certified with Z wave plus technology for best results. Hence, you will be able to use it with advanced Z wave smart hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Wink or other popular options. This will also grant you voice control which you can provide via your smartphone directly, or with the Alexa or Google Home enabled smart devices. It is also one of the most stylish options as it supports optional wall plates which you might already have, or can get from the market. Along with that, there is also support for 6 colour change kits so that you can choose what’s best for you. Before you get this switch, make sure your switchboard has a neutral wire available for installation. You will be able to control 600 watts LEDs or CFL lights. Other than that, it also supports 1800 watts incandescent lights and 15-ampere fluorescent lights. You will receive a 5 year long warranty period on the Leviton DZ15S. Best Features
Certified with Z wave plus Voice control enabled Stylish option with support for optional wallplates Supports a variety of high capacity lights 5 years warranty
Pros
Compatibility is not an issue with this switch Supports 3-way operation More beneficial compared to standard Z wave supported switches
Cons
Very expensive Z wave smart switch
3. UltraPro Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch
Now that you know some of the premium choices for the best Z wave switch, let’s take a look at affordable options. Out of which, UltraPro is a recognizable brand that offers cheap smart switches which you can buy in a set to upgrade a whole switchboard at once. If you wish to quickly convert your house into a smart home system, you should prefer the UltraPro Smart Light Switch as it is one of the most affordable Z wave switches in the market. It offers many great features for the price along with a 2 years warranty for reliability and ensuring performance. It also offers QuickFit and SimpleWire tech which is more common in the expensive range of Z wave smart switches. Along with that, you will get Alexa and Google Home voice assistant support for fast access to the switches. The installation of this switch is very easy as it automatically detects line and load wires and configures the switch automatically according to that. Thus, you will not be accidentally installing the switch in reverse. With a compatible Z wave hub, you will get many features apart from voice access such as smartphone control, scheduled triggers and many more. And as the switches are very inexpensive, you will be able to upgrade a lot of switches at once. Best Features
Supports QuickFit and SimpleWire technology The best option for whole-house automation Easy to install Voice control supported 2 years warranty
Pros
Smart installation technology Easy to upgrade over traditional switches Compact and portable design
Cons
Build quality could have been better
4. Enbrighten White & Light Almond Z-Wave Plus
Enbrighten is bringing you one more great option for a Z wave enabled smart switch on our list. It is also a premium choice like our previous pick from Enbrighten and will offer you a great experience. If you like our last pick from Enbrighten but are looking for some more features on your smart switch, take a look at the following upgraded choice from Enbrighten. The Enbrighten Smart Switch allows many additional controlling options which differ from standard smart switches. Along with the basic ON/OFF controls and remote access, you can also change the speed of the fan within low, medium and high settings. Thus, it also works as an energy-saving device when you do not need the device at its full capacity. With a single switch, you will be able to control 2 different devices. Hence, you will only have to install a single switch in your living room or bedroom for 2 different fans. The switch will also extend the range of your Z wave controller up to 150 ft so that you will be able to connect extra devices even if they are not in the range of the main controller. The Enbrighten Smart Switches also supports additional colour options and replaceable paddles so that you can customize it the way you desire to match with the decor in your room. Similar to our previous choice from Enbrighten, this switch also offers 2 years of warranty. Best Features
Premium smart Z wave switches Supports 2 fans with a single controller 150 feet additional range Supports replaceable paddles and colour options Speed control option for fans 2 years warranty
Pros
A great option for the given price Additional functionality compared to a standard switch Only 1 switch required for 2 fans
Cons
Does not work with lights for brightness control
5. Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave Plus S2 On Off Switch
Zooz is the only brand from our picks that has come with a 3-way as well as a 4-way functionality supported Z wave smart switch. Even with the additional functionality, it is still offered in a similar budget range as other premium options. You might not have heard about the brand Zooz before this list. But, let us assure you that it is still one of the best Z wave switches in the market right now. The Zooz 700 Series S2 switch is a simple 3-way, as well as 4-way, control supported switch and it is backed by OTA firmware updates for best performance. If you pair the switch with a smart Z wave hub, you will be able to control it directly from your smartphone. Apart from that, you also get the voice control accessibility to get the most out of the smart switch. There is a built-in range test tool included with every switch that lets you test the connectivity with your Z wave controller and troubleshoot the issues before final installation. You will not be needing any additional add-on switches to get the 3-way or 4-way functionality on the switch. The new model of the Zooz 700 Series S2 switch offers 1.16 inches thickness so that it can easily fit in any switchboard box. Although, it only has a year of warranty from Zooz which is a bit short compared to other options. Best Features
Smart ON/OFF control 3-way and 4-way control 16 inches thickness No additional add-on switches required 1-year warranty
Pros
Remote control possible Works with regular switchboards OTA updates for firmware
Cons
Short warranty period
6. UltraPro Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch
UltraPro has one more highly affordable smart Z wave switch available on our picks. This switch features all the features that you will need for full home automation. Coming at the end of our picks, we have the UltraPro Smart Light Switch. It has a revolutionary design that offers ease of installation as well as compact fitting for better compatibility. The new design is nearly 20% more compact than its predecessor so that the switchboard stays subtle and elegant. And as the switch is quite cheap, you will be able to upgrade all switches at once without having to spend a lot. During installation, the UltraPro Smart Light Switch will automatically detect the line and load wires and manage the configurations of the switch by itself. There is also an optional toggle light that will illuminate to show the location of the switch in dark. With that, you can easily find the switch even in the dark if you don’t have access to your smartphone. You also have the option to turn off the LED altogether if you do not want the illumination. Even though UltraPro Smart Light Switch is focused on a budget-friendly price range, it still offers voice access and 2 years of warranty for the best experience. Best Features
QuickFit and SimpleWire supported Nearly 20% compact design Toggle guide light Voice control supported 2 years warranty
Pros
Works with LED, CFL and even halogen bulbs Voice access via Alexa and Google assistant Reliable performance
Cons
Limited smart features
Buying Guide For The Best Z Wave Switch
There are a lot of smart devices available in the market which you can get to replace your current devices and achieve full home automation. But, it gets a bit pricier for replacing heavy electronic devices such as Air conditioners, water heaters, and other similar devices just to get remote access and scheduling. But, instead of replacing the device completely, you can replace the switch which is being used to operate the device and get similar smart features without spending a lot of money. The best Z wave smart features mentioned here will offer you many great features which might be enough for a complete smart home system. To know more about smart Z wave switches, take a look at the buying guide for the best Z wave devices presented here. You will be able to make an informed choice once you read our buying guide completely.
1. Compatibility With Hub
If you have an idea about Z wave networks and systems, you must know that they work with a smart hub or a Z wave controller. Hence, you must get a hub first before you buy the switches. Even if you buy the switch first, you will only be able to use them as regular switches until you buy a smart Z wave hub or a controller. Buying the controller first avoids further compatibility problems as you can select the switches that are compatible with your hub. It also narrows down the number of options in a certain budget range which further makes the selection much easier. But, make sure that the hub you are getting supports the smart features which you wish to get with the switches. Otherwise, you will only be able to get remote access with the switch when paired with a basic controller.
2. Installation
The installation procedure for the Z wave smart switch needs to be easy and fast. There is no point in replacing all the switches in your house if it takes a lot of time, effort, and investment. As you are preferring Z wave switches over WiFi-based smart switches, you are already getting many advantages such as quick pairing and zero initial setup. But, you should further look into the installation procedure and make sure it is quick and easy. Most Z wave smart switches are pretty easy to install and can be done without needing any professional help. You will find detailed instructions in the package which should guide you over the installation procedure. Another thing to note about the installation is whether your switch requires a neutral wire or not for working. If it does, you must have a neutral wire available with previous switchboards for compatibility. Also, make sure that the required installation tools and peripherals are also included with the switch so that you won’t have to get any extra material at the time of installation.
3. Range
The range is a serious problem with WiFi-based smart home systems. As each device is separately connected to a single source. Thus, it must have a decent range to compensate with all devices. The same is not true for Z wave-based smart units. Every Z wave-supported smart unit works as a connecting point or a junction for the entire mesh network. This is also true for compact Z wave smart switches. Each switch manages to provide an additional range of up to 130 to 150 feet so that additional devices can be connected to the controller. And as switches are commonly installed in every room, most people prefer to use the switches as range extenders as well for cheaper systems. But keep in mind that the switches can also get damaged pretty quickly. And if the switch fails, all the devices connected to the controller via the switch will also create connectivity problems. Hence, you should choose a durable switch that offers range extension features along with the basic smart features.
4. Brand
Right now, there are hundreds of brands present in the market for smart home devices. While most of the brands are focused on WiFi-based smart home systems, a lot of brands are turning their attention to the Z wave supported system due to the increasing popularity of Z wave networks. Therefore, you will find a variety of options even for a basic device such as a Z wave smart switch. In order to get the best results, you should prefer an option that is coming from a reputable brand. There is no better review than the word of an existing customer of the device. And if the brand is popular amongst the users, you can expect better quality design as well as build quality from the manufacturer or brand. For our list of the best Z wave smart switches, we have picked the best brand choices in the market that have been producing Z wave smart switches for a long time and are popular in the market. Thus, you definitely find reliable and high-quality Z wave smart switches on our list.
5. Warranty
Lastly, we will recommend you to check the warranty period available on the Z wave smart switches. There is no guarantee that the external conditions in your regions or the routine usage itself will not affect the quality of the product. With time, electronic devices usually get damaged because of many factors. And with more features, there is more chance of internal damage due to the increased number of parts. While you cannot prevent the damage caused due to external factors, you can at least avail free of cost repairs or replacement from the brand. The switches will be covered with a certain warranty period which assures you the performance and the reliability of the product for the given time. Generally, products with a longer warranty period turn out to be the more reliable option in the long term.
Conclusion:
While there are expensive smart home units available in the market that offer tonnes of great features and accessibility, most options are sort of overpriced and come with extra features that are not entirely useful in the long run. Instead of spending a lot of money on these options, you can choose to make all devices accessible via smartphone app or the Z wave controller with the Z wave switches. These switches are very inexpensive in comparison and offer almost the same set of features even with the most affordable options. You can choose the best Z wave smart switch from our list right here. But if you cannot pick up one option from our list, try one of our top recommendations given here.
If you are buying a smart switch, chances are you are going to upgrade multiple switches in your house at once to cover more area with your Z wave controller. For that, you will have to pick up a budget-friendly choice so that you can get a set of switches at once. For that, we will recommend the UltraPro Smart Light Switch. It also supports Alexa and Google assistant despite being the cheapest option and offers a 2 year warranty period. If you wish to get a Z wave switch that lasts for a long time, then the Leviton DZ15S Decora Smart Switch will be the right choice for you. It comes with a 5 years warranty period which is more than what any other option will offer you. It is a 3-way switch that is also certified by Z wave plus technology for future upgrades. Lastly, we will suggest the Enbrighten Smart switch. It is also one of the premium options from our list and offers great design as well as accessibility. The Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart switch is a 3-way switch that works with Google Assistant as well as Alexa when connected with a Z wave hub. You will also get a double feature with the switch as it works as a range extender too.
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