9 Best Z-Wave Controllers in 2024 for Your Smart Home

Like the backbone on which smart homes operate, Z-Wave controllers allow you to operate everything from sprinklers to alarm systems through your wireless network instead of a pile of remote controls.

Here are a few additional things you can do with Z-Wave tech:

• Dimming and turning on and off lights
• Arming your security system and controlling your security cameras
• Operating your shades and drapes
• Controlling your fans, A/C, and heating
• Operating individual power outlets
• Locking and unlocking your doors
• Controlling irrigation and sprinkler systems

With some Z-Wave tech, you may even be able to feed your pets. Some people program their own Z-Wave devices. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a tech-wizard to use one, and in this article, we’ll show you how. 

If you’ve been reluctant to invest in Z-Wave and home automation, concerned that it’s a trend or more trouble than it’s worth, we’re here to say that you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Up next are the 10 best Z-Wave controllers and a bit about how to use them, including a Z-Wave Hub, Raspberry Pi, and the best Z-Wave USB stick. 

Our Top Picks

If you’re new to Z-Wave tech, here’s where to begin:

A Closer Look: Best Z-Wave Controllers

From A to Z, take a closer look at each Z-Wave controller we reviewed:

Outlets: 2 Ports: 2 Hub Required: Yes Price: $79.99

Many choose Z-Wave controllers to turn on and off the lights in their home, or to control other types of appliances from their computer or mobile device. We selected the GE 45603 as the best Z-Wave controller because it features both an always-on, pass-through AC outlet and a Z-Wave enabled outlet. The controller also allows for timed events — like scheduling your lights to turn on while you’re on vacation at a pre-specified time, just as one example.

The controller is compatible with all Z-Wave certified gateways and Z-Wave certified remotes. However, it does require a Z-Wave hub. Luckily, it’s also compatible with a broad range of hubs, including SmartThings, Alexa, and Honeywell, among many others. For all these reasons and more, the 45603 is the best Z-Wave controller not just for lights, but also home security, according to reports, pairing easily with home security systems like ADT.

Looking to automate your garage door with a Z-Wave controller? For this purpose, the best Z-Wave garage door opener controller is the GoControl/Linear GD00Z-4. With a 100-foot range, the Go Control/Linear works well for garage doors because it’s compatible with all sorts of garage door openers, including sectional garage doors. Also notable, the frequency of the garage door position sensor is 345 MHz, which is on the upper-end of available frequencies.

Those who’ve used the GD00Z-4 to control their garage door openers call it easy to install in about 30 minutes, adding that it’s easy to connect to networks like Wink. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with Alexa, but there are some very reasonable security reasons for that. As in, who wants a burglar to be able to stand outside their garage and shout, “Alexa, open the garage door!” 

We especially like the programmable function, so you can set it to close at a certain time, and you can fall asleep comforted by the fact your garage door is shut, whether you forgot to close it or not. The GD00Z-4 does require a Z-Wave hub.

A Z-Wave “scene” allows you to daisy-chain multiple devices together to pre-program a sequence of events like turning on your lights and your stereo, giving the impression that you’re home when you’re out of town, or to simply pre-program some mood lighting for your next date night. The best Z-Wave controller for this purpose is the GoControl WA00Z-1. With a 100-foot range, the WZ00Z-1 wirelessly controls dimmers, switches, and bulbs, fitting over any existing wall switch.

It’s powered by a 2-piece standard CR2032 lithium coin cell battery with a long life. Those who’ve used it to “make a scene” say it accommodates up to four pre-programmed ambiances. Each button on the device, we found out, can be associated with a scene, and you can cycle through the pre-programmed scenes with a single tap versus a longer press. Some do find the installation a bit non-intuitive, however.

Many people these days use Z-Wave to control their sprinklers, and the Touch DH-16 is our pick for the best Z-Wave irrigation controller on the market. Offering up to 16 zones, the Alexa-compatible controller allows for smart scheduling and real-time weather adjustments to save water. Also notable, the HD-16 is WaterSense certified, and some rebates may be available.

Other things we liked about this Z-Wave irrigation controller include the free weather data from services like NOAA, among others. And since the controller is cloud-independent, all data is stored safely and securely. You can operate the unit from almost anywhere, we learned, even on vacation. Those who’ve used the Touch as an irrigation controller say it was easy to install, helps their lawn look great, and even helps reduce their water consumption. Best of all, the unit will still water on schedule if it loses its internet connection.

If you’re looking to keep yourself cool with a Z-Wave fan controller, look no further than GE. Their Z-Wave smart fan speed controller is 3-way ready and compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant. The Enbrighten does require a hub, but it works with a longlist of Z-Wave certified units, including Honeywell, Homeseer, and Vera, among many others. It’s also capable of operating both indoor and outdoor fans, and it seamlessly integrates with multi-switch setups.

Those who’ve used Enbrighten to run their fan say it allows for fan control from bed using a smartphone or other device, meaning no more getting up in the middle of the night to turn your fan on or off, or to simply adjust the speed. This Z-Wave controller for fans is also easy to install and simple to use, others add. With the Enbrighten you schedule your fan to turn off or on, or to switch speeds. Pretty convenient, and given its Alexa-compatibility, choosing Enbrighten means your fan now accommodates voice commands.

At this point, you’ve likely read the term “Z-Wave Hub,” since many Z-Wave controllers in our list require you to have one. But what exactly is a Z-Wave Hub? Here’s what you need to know: a Z-Wave Hub is a bit like a router for all your Z-Wave enabled devices. Unless you’re super techy, that’s about all there is to it. With 16 zones, the best Z-Wave controller hub on our list is the Hub Elevation. 

The hub is cloud-independent, meaning all your data is stored locally, which we liked. Otherwise, hackers may find out when you plan to be out of town. With the new Z-Wave 700 chip, this Z-Wave plus V2 certified hub also offers SmartStart device inclusion and S2 wireless security. Those who’ve used Elevation for their Z-Wave hub call it the most solid platform they’ve tried, with excellent device management, local processing for the most part, and excellent Lutron radio support and built-in dashboard functionality.

Ask a Z-Wave nerd (and we say that with affection), and they’ll tell you that the best devices to make your own Z-Wave controller software are the series of small, single-board computers called Raspberry Pi. This means that with the right gear and a little know-how, you can make any device Z-Wave compatible. But first you’ll need the best Z-wave controller for Raspberry Pi, or the Z-Wave.Me RaZberry2. 

Odds are if you’re interested in programming your own Z-Wave controller, you have a pretty good grasp on how this works. If a simple Z-Wave controller is all you’re after, go ahead and keep scrolling. But otherwise, this US-frequency Z-Wave transceiver is pluggable to the GPIO interface of Raspberry PI, with transceiver firmware running on the Z-Wave transceiver chip. In addition to a long list of tech specs, the Z-Wave.ME is simply a well-built module, according to reports, with better range than previous models. 

Without a hub, it is possible to run your Z-Wave devices from your personal computer. That is, of course, so long as you have the best Z-Wave USB: the ZST10 from Zooz. Compatible with Linux, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 operating systems, this USB stick is the first with the S2 security protocol. Also notable, the new Z-Wave pairing method is supported. 

Even though you do need a dedicated personal computer (PC, laptop, or Raspberry Pi), as well as home automation software, the S2 works with most Z-Wave software, including Home Assistant, HomeSeer, Domoticz, or OpenHAB. OTA firmware updates are also supported, and so, too, are all the most current Z-Wave library commands. Fans of the stick call it a very capable device at the right price.

Android and Apple Compatible: Yes Parental Controls: Yes Wi-Fi Triggers: Yes Price: FREE

When it comes to a Z-Wave controller, isn’t there an app for that? Turns out, there is. The best Z-Wave controller app is the Smart Home App from Almond. Compatible with both Apple and Android with Wi-Fi trigger accommodation, the app works with Almond+, Almond-2015 and Almond 3. There’s a convenient Wizard with detailed instructions to help you get started and scene management from your Alexa. 

With Almond, you can also manage your Wi-Fi networks, work with most Z-Wave enabled devices, monitor who’s on your network, and control your Nest thermostat and control Philips Hue Lights, among other devices. Users say the Almond is exactly what consumers want in their home automation system with excellent supports, which is exactly what we want to hear. So, too, are reports the app offers an easy-to-use interface.

What is a Z-Wave Controller?

Finished reading the best Z-Wave controllers reviews? In our next section, we’ll address just a few frequently asked questions from those who are new to Z-Wave technology.

In our article, we reviewed a broad range of devices doing very different things and handling different aspects of what Z-Wave controllers have to offer. For this reason, we included each product in our ranking based on very different criteria. But generally speaking, a Z-Wave controller lets you control all the devices running on the Z-Wave wireless communication protocol through your Wi-Fi or wireless internet connection.

A common comparison for a Z-Wave controller (sometimes called a Z-Wave Gateway or a central control device) could be something like a standard remote for a TV, Blu-Ray player, or cable box. Except this one is for your smart home and all wrapped into one. Sometimes they’re nothing more than a smart light switch; other times, they’re more complicated than that. 

But trust us when we say that this is consumer-level tech: no IT degree required.

In short, choosing the best Z-Wave controller means instead of having a separate remote for each smart home product, all you need is one Z-Wave controller. It acts something like the brain of your house, or the central hub from which everything communicates.

Although these days most Z-Wave hubs are essentially plug ‘n’ play, to get started with Z-Wave-powered home automation, you’ll need the following: at least one thermostat and a controller. From there, you can add the following:

• Additional dimmer
• Locks
• Security features

And keep in mind, when people talk about “Z-Wave fan control” or “Z-wave light control,” they are usually just talking about a single Z-Wave controller talking to those corresponding devices.

What to Know Before Buying a Z-Wave Controller

If you’re still undecided about adding Z-Wave tech to your home appliances, consider the following: Much of your decision will be made up by how many devices you need to control, from a number of lights, to fans, or even how many sprinklers in your home irrigation system. 

Before buying a Z-Wave controller, it’s also important to consider whether or not you’ll need to combine different home automation protocols, sometimes called “scenes,” such as dimming and turning on different sets of lights at a predetermined time for security purposes. Keeping these two things in mind will really help you narrow things down.

Here are some additional things to consider:

For more information about Z-Wave technology, consult the Z-Wave Alliance for a comprehensive list of over 250 Z-Wave manufacturers and about a 1000 products.

Our Process

For this guide on z-wave controllers, our team spent 5 hours researching the most popular options from over 50 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about forty-five user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each z-wave controller. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 9 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.

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