Every day, technology comes up with something new to make our lives much easier. One of these includes how we control the lighting of our homes without the need of physically switching on and off In-wall Z-wave Plus or Z-wave allow users to control their lights with the use of remote control on various devices.
This includes cell phones, tablets, or, indeed, other smart gadgets, which get paired with the lights using wireless means. But which one is the best? We’re here to answer that. Below, we are gonna provide you with our recommendation to help you get the top Z wave switch in the market.
So, read on to know more about these products.
Why Should You Get One?
First things first, why should you go out and spend on a Z switch? Aside from being a fancy piece of tech, what are the actual benefits it brings? The answer lies in multiple factors. The following elaborates:
- Convenience
You get to manage all your lights without having to go from room to room or when you leave without remembering to turn off, or indeed if you are simply comfortable in bed and don’t wish to get up.
- Energy Efficiency
Z W switches can help you set up the lights on and off routines that the device will automatically take care of without needing any attention from you. This will help you save electricity and as a result, money.
- An Additional Security Measure
These switches can give you event-based control, meaning if there is any incident of the lights being controlled from home such as during break-ins, you can get alerted.
Quick Overview:
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Top 15 Z-Wave Switch In-depth discussion
Let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter. We have narrowed down the following smart in-wall switches as the best on the market today. These rankings have been constructed based on several criteria, from a range of compatibilities to features such as ease of installation and many others.
GE Enbrighten Three-way switch, 14291
We start with our top pick, the best Z Wave light Switch, from GE. This piece of technological brilliance will undoubtedly make your life easier through its range of uses.
It lets you control your lighting via smartphone or other devices, including the manual option, just in case. This one comes with customizable scenes, user scheduling, and alerts to keep you reminded of the power usage plan.
The switch can function by itself or be combined with add-on switches. Four add-on switches in total can be connected at once. You are able to get automated control of your entire home, and indeed up to a range of 150 square feet.
It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and previous Z-wave generations. You will require a Z-wave certified hub for it to function on them. The setup and installation are also relatively simple and straightforward.
Pros
- A wide range of compatibilities, including Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.
- Scheduling alerts and power usage routines, customizable scenes
- Automated control of the entire home, 150 feet range
Cons
- A device handler needs to be added to the motion switch for the best use
GE 40-Amp Indoor/Outdoor (Z-Wave Heavy Duty Switch)
The GE 14285 is a highly innovative smart switch that works on par with other high-end products with ease. This model comes in rugged housing that effectively keeps it protected from outdoor hazards, making it the best heavy-duty switch on our list for this technology.
Being a heavy-duty switch, this thing allows you to wirelessly control hardwired applications like spas, pool heaters, water heaters, etc. Aside from that, it’s hugely compatible with a wide array of devices, including LED, halogen, CFL, etc.
So, as soon as you set this up, you’ll be wirelessly controlling almost all of your household devices. This unit smoothly connects to smartphones, laptops, PCs, etc. so you can control everything even if you aren’t home!
In addition to all these neat features, it also allows you to remotely monitor the watts and kilowatt-hours so that you can save energy. Overall, this is an excellent item to make your home smarter!
Pros
- Housed in a weather-resistant box to make it suitable for outdoor use
- A heavy-duty switch for handling hardwired devices
- Easily compatible with a wide range of electrical products
- Offers enough space for easy wiring
Cons
- Reported to disappear from the network sometimes
GE, White Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Light Switch 14292
At number two is another product from the same line, the GE 14292. As a result, it shares several common features with our number one, with some notable differences, of course.
And by notable, we mean very literally. As the name implies, this one comes in white color, compared to the white and almond of the 14291. But the main reason it ranks lower is that this one will cost you more money for what is effectively the same service.
Moving on to said service, it can be paired with Alexa or Google Assistant, works by itself or with an add-on switch, and offers all the utilities of a switch such as scheduling, remote switching on and off, control via smart devices, etc.
Installation is similarly straightforward, requiring an in-wall installation with a hardwired setup. A neutral wire is also needed in that regard.
Pros
- Works with the common smart home management system
- Remote control of lights using phones or other devices
- Schedule power usage provides convenient alerts
Cons
- Slightly more expensive compared to other competing products
Aeotec Heavy Duty Smart Switch
The Aeotec Z-wave heavy-duty switch is housed in a sleek but sturdy box that can be used indoors or outdoors. Boasting superior technology and offering reliable performance, this one is capable of simplifying your life for sure!
This thing is designed to handle electronics that require up to 40 amps of power, so it’s ready for most of your devices like refrigerators, lights, and pool pumps. As it connects to the Z-Wave Plus technology, you’ll be given the ability to control everything remotely just by using your smartphone.
If you feel like it, you can even automate as well as schedule the operation of the devices. So, the electronics will turn on and off on their own with the aid of this unit. You’ll also get to monitor the power consumption of everything that’s connected to the product.
Being equipped with a long-range antenna, this mode can communicate with devices within 150 meters. Since it also works as a z-wave repeater, the range can go even further!
Pros
- Offers straightforward and easy installation
- Designed to be durable enough for outdoor use
- Gives complete remote control of your household electronics
- Allows you to keep track of the power consumption
Cons
- The instruction manual is hard to follow
Leviton DZ15S-1DZ Decora Smart Switch
Into our final five, and here we have this powerful Z-wave Light Switch sold by Leviton. This attractive switch comes in 6 different color options and brings you the familiar decora form factor. It can work with Alexa and gives you the options of remote and voice control.
As for the control features, it lets you exert multi-location, three-way switching with a DD0SR-1LZ coordinating and a DD0SR-DLZ matching remote. For installation, you will require a neutral wire.
The incandescence can reach up to 1800W, the CFL and LED 600W, and the fluorescent ballasts come with a current rating of 15A. A hub will be required for this to function, brands such as SmartThings or Wink will work fine with it.
If you want, there are also optional wall plates you can use.
Pros
- 3-way switching, remote, and voice control over home lights
- Works with Alexa for smart home management
- Visually attractive
Cons
- Control via the dim-level paddle can be inconvenient
GE 12729 Z wave Wireless on/off switch
After this, we have another product from GE, the 12729 Z-switch. This one also comes with Alexa compatibility, requiring a hub compatible with Alexa for the voice control features to work, although it cannot link up with Echo Plus via a direct route.
You will also need a Z-wave certified gateway; usable gateways include SmartThings, Vivint, ADT Pulse, Honeywell, Nexia, Wink, HomeSeer, and others.
The dimmer enables you to dictate the brightness of your lights, and indeed turn them on or off from quite literally any part of the world. It also lets you set up power usage schedules and alerts.
Any hardwired and dimmable light can be operated using this. You can install it in place of any regular in-wall switch as it’s usable on groups of several lights or ambient interior lighting scenes.
Pros
- Remote control of lights through devices from any part of the world
- Alexa compatible with the supported hub
- Easy to use dimmer for controlling lights, individually or interior scenes
- Can replace most in-wall switches
Cons
- The installation and wiring can be rather complicated
- Expensive compared to the other alternative products
Honeywell Z-Wave Plus Switch
At the halfway point and here we give you these switches from Honeywell.
It brings to you all the benefits you would want from your switch, including remote switching on and off, scheduling events and organizing day-night cycles for your lighting, all from your phone or PC, or some other smart device.
A hub is required as you would expect; compatible hubs include most of the known ones, including Nexia, HomeSeer, Fibaro, and others. It can be paired with Alexa, but an Alexa-supported hub is needed for voice control. The installation is in-wall and done with hardwired connections.
Do note that you will have to provide a neutral wire. In addition, the wall plate does not come with the switch and must be purchased separately.
Further Read: What are the differences of Z-Wave vs. Z-Wave Plus?
Pros
- Remote control of lights, day/night cycles, and events scheduling features.
- Alexa compatible provided supported hub is available.
- Works with most types of lighting, such as LED, halogen, CFL, etc.
Cons
- Older homes may not have neutral wire options and hence are not suitable.
Read also:
Inovelli
This is a next-generation Z-wave product from Inovelli. The advanced features include extra security options using AES-128 encryption, which all but ensures your system never gets compromised, range detection gives you a greater degree of control, and also a signal booster.
You get a three-way switching option, with a regular or dumb switch, an aux switch, or of course, a AC switch. The more common functionalities of a Z-Wave light switch are also included.
This can do everything from switching off your lights from the other side of the world to scheduling events remotely. A Z-wave compatibility hub is required if you want to use it in conjunction with Alexa. It will work with most hubs available on the market.
This product has also won several prestigious awards and certifications, further validating its quality and service. Checkout: What is Z-wave S2?
Pros
- Advanced security features using AES-128 encryption
- Signal booster and Z-wave range detection feature
- Three-way switch, dumb, aux and AC for controlling lights
- Certified by several awards and renowned for its customer service
Cons
- The setup and installation can be complicated
GE Enbrighten Z-Wave 2 USB Ports Smart Dimmer
We’ve got another highly functional product from GE that you can rely on confidently. The most advantageous thing about this model is that no matter where you are, you’ll get to control the brightness of your dimmable lights wirelessly.
With this thing, you’ll be cutting down the cost of energy and increase the lifespan of your bulbs. So, it’s the top dimmer module on our list. Boasting a space-saving design, you’ll enjoy the convenience of storing it wherever you want.
In addition to controlling using your smartphone or the z-wave remote control, this thing is Alexa enabled, so it responds to your voice commands as well. You’ll even get to schedule the dimming events to your preference.
Installing this one is exceptionally easy as well since there is no wiring involved. By cooperating with other devices, it will ensure a full house coverage no matter how big that is!
Pros
- Designed to work with Alexa for voice control
- Capable of dimming a huge number of items
- Extremely simple plug-n-play installation
- Aids in saving energy and reducing the costs
Cons
- Some find the price to be a bit too expensive
LINEAR GoControl, WS15Z-1, Z wave in-wall Switch
At number 7 we have the WX15Z-1 from LINEAR. This highly convenient product will give you 3-way Z-wave in-wall control of your lighting and also provide the option of manual control for the connected lights.
In terms of upper limits for its use, the maximum incandescent load it can take is at 960 watts or 8 amperes, and the maximum resistive load clocks in at 1800 watts or 15 amperes.
The switch can also function as a repeater, boosting the signal of your Z-wave by an extra 130 feet. As for structure and set up, this Z-switch will fit right into a J-box.
Lastly, for those always on the lookout for good visuals in anything you add to your homes, this Z-switch comes with wall plates that offer a pleasing, modern look.
Pros
- 3-way switching options and manual for connected lights
- Fits into J-box, wall décor plate comes with it
- Also serves as a repeater, boosting your signal an additional 130 feet
Cons
- It does not come with any warranties so be wary of faulty products
Jasco Wireless Lighting Control Three-Way On/Off Kit
Up next, we have the Jasco Wireless Light Switch. It comes with a primary ZW4001 and an auxiliary ZW2002, packaged separately in OEM boxes.
In terms of outlook, the color scheme is white and goes with most types of wall plates. The latter are not included and must be purchased separately. Its use includes altering the brightness of multiple lights or interior ambient lighting systems.
For set up, this product requires a screw terminal installation, which is much more efficient compared to flying leads when it comes to saving space. The neutral wire connection will be required, of course.
Any kind of in-wall switch can be replaced with this kit, giving you remote access to control of your home lighting, wherever you may be.
Pros
- Wallplate comes with it; white color scheme goes with most plates
- Screw terminal installation makes it more efficient for saving space
- All common switch features available such as remote scheduling
Cons
- Neutral wire needed, so older home lines may not work
Zooz Z-Wave Plus in Wall Light Switch ZEN21
Our penultimate entry is the ZEN21 from Zooz. This is a nice, simple device that performs all its necessary tasks with the utmost efficiency and precision. It is based on the universal binary switch command class, is supported by most common Z-wave controllers, and is extremely reliable.
You get 3-way switch control over your lights and the other usual features like scene control, all of which can be done remotely wherever you may be. It does not require an add-on to the switch to work.
Alexa compatibility is available but limited to a fewer hub. Its status reporting feature is instant and on point; moreover, if the power ever goes out, it restores the on/off status immediately. Installation is relatively quick when it comes to the software; the wiring will require a neutral.
Pros
- Reliable and efficient; restores on/off status after a power outage
- Based on the universal binary switch command.
- Easy software installation, three taps on the paddle in inclusion mode
Cons
- Need for neutral wire may become a problem for homes with old systems
GoControl WA00Z-1 Scene-Controller Wall Switch
Our final pick is the WA00Z from GoControl. One of the biggest plus points of this product is its plug and play style of set up and installation, making it incredibly convenient for users without too much wiring and electrical knowledge.
This model comes with its own built-in Z-wave radio and lets you all control all your dimmers, light bulbs, etc. wirelessly and efficiently. It is compatible with most types of Z-wave control devices and easily fits over your previous wall switch. Manual control of your lights is also available through this device.
Its power core comprises two CR2032 lithium coil cells with a long battery life. In particular, if you are a user of GoControl’s smart light bulb products, then this is absolutely the in-wall switch you should be going for.
Pros
- Plug and play set up, very easy to install and use
- Compatible with most Z-wave control devices
- Easily fits over previous in-wall switch
Cons
- Not compatible with a lot of hubs, slightly limiting your options
GoControl Plug-in Dimmer Module
The GoControl Plug-In dimmer module comes ready to connect with the z-wave network to offer the convenience of remote control. It’s designed to offer wireless control over the brightness of the dimmable lights and lamps.
You’ll find the module to be conveniently small, so it won’t take up much space. All you have to do is plug this thing into an AC outlet, and it will be ready to go! Then simply connect your lamp to have excellent control over it.
As soon as this thing enters the network, you’ll get to dim the lights from afar using your smartphone! As a result, this device will allow you to create a comfortable ambiance where the light isn’t too bright to kill the mood.
Additionally, with the AutoSense feature, you’ll be able to manually control the power as well as the brightness. This thing will help you save a lot of energy by limiting the lamp’s power consumption while enhancing its lifespan.
Pros
- Gets ready to be used right after plugging in
- Allows you to remotely control the lamp’s brightness
- Boasts an AutoSense feature for superior manual control
- Makes your home more energy-efficient
Cons
- Cannot handle low power bulbs
JASCO Smart Dimmer Plug
The JASCO smart Dimmer Plug comes packed with brilliant features to make it easier to control various dimmable lights and lamps. Sporting a space-saving design, this model won’t obstruct anything at all.
It’s designed to easily connect to the network. That means any light or lamp connected to the module will be controllable using a remote or even your smartphone.
You’ll get to customize the output of your lights to whatever you like at any time from anywhere! It won’t be necessary to manually increase or decrease the brightness anymore. If you’ve got an Alexa-supported hub, you’ll even get to use your voice to control everything, hands-free!
In addition to the slim design, the z-wave enabled outlet is placed on the side to prevent it from blocking the lower outlet. So, you won’t face any complication in setting this thing up!
Pros
- Designed to be extremely easy to install and use
- Supports Alexa for voice control
- Allows you to dim the lights remotely whenever you want
- Comes with an affordable price tag
Cons
- Comes with a limited dimming range
What to Consider Before Buying
We discussed a lot of features and aspects regarding in-wall/ smart switches, but which of these are the most important, and are the things you should be paying the most attention to? The following describes:
Hub Compatibility
In most cases, unless you have a specific smart device that allows direct connectivity to the smart switch, you will require a hub for it to work with z-wave protocol. Here things can get a little tricky as a particular switch may not be compatible with all the hubs that are available.
It is ideal you choose a switch that offers as wide a range of compatibilities as possible. At the very least, it should be able to function with the most commonly used hubs such as SmartThings, Wink, etc.
Ease of Installation
This is very important because you buy smart switches to make your life simpler; you don’t want a device that is too complicated to set up.
While some hassle is expected, such as providing a neutral wire or buying the wall plates separately, devices that have very confusing instructions or a lack of proper instructions are best avoided.
Also, look for products that take less space in your life and are safely hardwired into it. If you can get a switch that offers plug and play installation, then your life will be made even easier.
Range of the Switch
While you can use your smart wall switch from anywhere in the world, its own range of influence has a fixed limit. The good products usually have spans of 130-150 feet or more, so it is wise not to settle for one that gives you less than this. Your hub range is also a factor the switch range.
How Does Z wave Switches Work and Pair with?
So just how does a Z wave light switch connect to your home lights? The technology is similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The Z-waves form the basis of this.
These are basically long-wavelength radio waves that create a network connecting any device that is receptive to them. Your lights become part of this network.
Most modern smart appliances are compatible with them. A ZW controller/hub is generally needed to connect this network to the internet. This may have to be purchased separately, or sometimes these are built-in into certain home appliances. The smart wall switch simply connects your device to this network.
Final Words
Switches are one of the latest pieces of technology to get smart treatment.
Z-wave In-wall switches make the entire process of controlling your home lights a very much digital affair that is both convenient and rather incredible. We hope our recommendation helps you decide which is the best z wave switch for you according to your needs.
And if you are confused about something, give us a shout in the comments. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding ZW smart switches and their would-be answers:
What is a Smart Switch?
It is a device that lets you connect to the lights and smart devices in your home from a remote location through the internet. You are able to monitor and switch on or off your lights from anywhere in the world.
Do I need a smart hub for a ZW Plus switch to work?
Yes, you do. These switches can only connect to your lights through a hub.
Do these work with Alexa or other smart home assistants?
They do, although you will need a hub that is compatible with the smart home managing system you are using.
How much area/range can these switches cover?
As a generalized measure, 130 to 150 feet is a good measure for these switches. However, there is a good chance you will find one that can cover your entire home. Either that or you have to purchase multiple.
Are these wired into my main electricity line?
Yes, they are. Z-wave smart/in-wall switches are hardwired into your wall and connect with the main AC supply.