Zigbee
Zigbee is a low-power wireless standard used by many smart bulbs, sensors and switches, which connect to a hub or bridge rather than directly to Wi-Fi.
What it means for you
Zigbee devices need a compatible hub, such as a Philips Hue Bridge, an Aqara hub, certain Echo and eero models, or a Zigbee adapter with Home Assistant. Check which hub a device works with before you buy, since Zigbee gear is not all interchangeable.
Guides on this topic
- Do Smart Plugs Need a Hub?
When a plug needs a hub: Wi-Fi vs Matter, Thread border routers, Zigbee and Z-Wave.
- Philips Hue Bridge Setup, Matter and Unreachable Lights
Bridge and Bridge Pro lights, adding Hue to Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa with Matter, and fixing unreachable lights.
- Aqara Hub and Matter Setup and Troubleshooting
Hub M3 and M100 setup, status light meanings, binding failure fixes, sharing to Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa over Matter, and reset steps, from Aqara's guides.
- Home Assistant Starter Guide
What Home Assistant is, Green vs a mini PC, and which Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave adapters to add.
Related terms
← All glossary terms · Search all guides for “Zigbee”
Definitions are short and general. For model-specific details, check your device maker’s own documentation.