As I continue my journey with smart home automation, I’ve been exploring the nuances between Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M) and ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation). After running ZHA for three years with 50 devices on a Raspberry Pi 4B, I’ve recently delved into Z2M, particularly after the release of version 2.0.0-2. While Z2M has its charm, especially with OTA updates for devices like the innr SP240 smart plug, it does require additional setup with two add-ons and more frequent core updates to maintain functionality.
For instance, my initial Z2M installation on a dongle (channel 11) alongside ZHA (SkyConnect, channel 25) was a learning experience. The MQTT device didn’t appear in Home Assistant until I updated the core to 2025.1.4. This made me appreciate the maturity of ZHA, which has been reliable for years without such hassles. However, Z2M’s user-friendly management and OTA updates are undeniably appealing.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve made the switch or are considering it. What challenges have you faced? What benefits have you gained? Let’s discuss and perhaps find the best approach for 2025 and beyond! 