Zigbee Hubs & Gateways

Why do I need to buy "another box" for my sensors?

This is the most common question when switching to Zigbee devices. The answer is simple: Your smartphone and standard Wi-Fi router do not have a built-in Zigbee antenna, so they cannot communicate directly with these low-power sensors. They need an interpreter.

Zigbee Hubs & Gateways – The Brain of Your Smart Home

A Zigbee gateway (hub) acts exactly as this interpreter. It receives commands from your phone (via Wi-Fi or LAN cable) and instantly translates them into a Zigbee signal for your bulbs, switches, and sensors. It also stores the logic of your home. If you have an automation that turns on the light when a door opens, this process is managed directly by the hub—often even when your internet connection is down.

How to choose the right hub?

• Branded Gateways (Aqara, Sonoff, Tuya): Ideal for beginners. They offer plug-and-play installation and easy control via the manufacturer's native app. The downside is vendor lock-in—for example, you generally cannot add another brand's sensor to an Aqara hub.
• Universal USB Coordinators (ConBee, Sonoff Dongle Plus): The go-to choice for advanced users building their system on Home Assistant, Homey, or Zigbee2MQTT. This small USB stick unlocks absolute freedom, allowing you to connect thousands of devices from hundreds of different manufacturers into a single network without cloud restrictions.

Having trouble deciding which gateway is right for your project? Choose from our selection of reliable hubs and build a fast, stable smart home without compromises.