Introducing the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2: the ultimate upgrade for your self-hosted smart home. Discover how this groundbreaking Z-Wave adapter redefines connectivity, offering unparalleled range, robust local control, and seamless integration with Home Assistant. Designed for tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates, the ZWA-2 empowers your local home automation setup, reaching previously impossible distances and ensuring your smart devices respond faster and more reliably than ever before. Dive in to explore the future of open-source smart home connectivity.
The Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 stands as the ultimate solution for integrating Z-Wave devices into your Home Assistant ecosystem. With its meticulously optimized antenna and fluid integration capabilities, it represents a significant leap forward for anyone leveraging Z-Wave for their smart home.
Even if Z-Wave isn’t currently part of your setup, the Connect ZWA-2 is a game-changer worth a second look. This isn’t just another adapter; it could be the key to extending your network to those challenging corners of your home—or even beyond. The ZWA-2 embraces Z-Wave Long Range, a modern evolution of the standard that delivers exceptional reach and supports more responsive, battery-efficient devices. While every home is unique, our testers have consistently achieved connections in areas they once deemed unreachable.
Join the smart home range revolution for $69 or €59 (recommended MSRP; pricing may vary by retailer). For comprehensive details, specifications, and purchase options, visit our Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 page. It’s available for purchase today. Read on to uncover the engineering behind this ultimate Z-Wave upgrade.
Embracing Open Standards for Your Self-Hosted Smart Home
We are firm believers in open standards. They facilitate direct, local, and private control of your devices via Home Assistant, ensuring your setup remains functional for years, even if a manufacturer ceases operations. To streamline the integration of these critical standards, we commit to developing our own hardware.
In late 2022, we introduced Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 (formerly SkyConnect), a USB adapter supporting Zigbee and Thread. This innovation significantly lowered the barrier to entry for both protocols, with sales directly contributing to Home Assistant’s development. Our next strategic move was clear: to tackle Z-Wave. After the successful launches of Home Assistant Green and Voice Preview Edition, we finally dedicated the necessary resources to perfect it.
Why Z-Wave is Ideal for Local Home Automation
For those new to Z-Wave, its primary advantage over other open standards lies in its use of sub-GHz radio waves. These frequencies excel at penetrating thick walls and covering expansive households. While Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread contend for the congested 2.4 GHz airspace, Z-Wave operates within its much quieter spectrum (865-926 MHz). This inherent characteristic makes Z-Wave excellent for range, a capability further enhanced by its new Z-Wave Long Range variant—but more on that later.
With over two decades of refinement, the standard has matured significantly, boasting an ecosystem of over 4,500 certified devices. Our opt-in statistics reveal that over 130,000 Home Assistant households currently utilize Z-Wave. Numerous "Works with Home Assistant" partners, including Zooz, Shelly, Ultraloq, Leviton, and Homeseer, are developing exceptional Z-Wave products. Furthermore, you can source virtually any Z-Wave smart device, regardless of age, from local marketplaces, confident it will seamlessly integrate with Home Assistant!
Unpacking the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2: An In-Depth Look
Our experience developing hardware since the Connect ZBT-1 launch has been invaluable, and we recognized the potential to revitalize Z-Wave within Home Assistant. The development of this device marks the elevation of our "Connect" platform, establishing our second generation—focused on delivering the most performant and open designs. This commitment is why we proudly label it Connect ZWA-2!
Go Big or Go Home: Optimized Antenna Design
To achieve unparalleled performance, we knew a traditional "stick" form factor wouldn’t suffice. USB ports can be sources of significant interference—a challenge we mitigated with the Connect ZBT-1 by bundling a USB extender and recommending its use to distance the device from noisy components. Instead of a stick, we engineered an adapter featuring an optimized, standalone antenna and a robust base that connects to your Home Assistant system via a standard USB cable.
This isn’t compensation; a larger, optimized antenna genuinely makes a substantial difference. Firstly, an antenna must be appropriately sized for its wavelength. Since Z-Wave operates in the sub-GHz range, its optimal antenna length exceeds that of a typical Wi-Fi antenna (approximately 33 cm or one foot is the sweet spot).
Beyond the antenna itself, optimizing the device’s base (also known as the ground plane) is crucial. Our hardware experts delved deep into the underlying physics, and the results speak for themselves. By carefully balancing the antenna-to-base ratio, these two components synergize to maximize signal range and reliability. While some Z-Wave adapters claim maximum transmit levels with their minuscule antennas, this often introduces significant interference. We’ve engineered the Connect ZWA-2 to circumvent this issue. It not only transmits loudly and clearly 🗣️ but, crucially, it’s also an exceptional listener 👂.
Strategic Positioning for Optimal Performance
While an optimized antenna is vital, its placement is nearly as important. The ZWA-2’s sturdy base and generous USB cable allow for optimal positioning. No longer will your adapter dangle precariously behind a server cabinet. We’ve even incorporated an accelerometer to encourage upright antenna placement, ensuring your devices operate within the antenna’s sweet spot. If positioned on its side, the status light will subtly blink as a gentle reminder.
All the Z-Wave You Need for Your Open-Source Smart Home
The Connect ZWA-2 integrates the latest Z-Wave 800 chip, ensuring compatibility with all Z-Wave devices. Its Z-Wave certification provides an extra layer of assurance. This, combined with Home Assistant’s industry-leading Z-Wave software, culminates in an unparalleled Z-Wave experience. Rest assured, whether your certified smart devices feature Security 2 (S2), SmartStart, Z-Wave Plus, or Z-Wave Plus V2, the ZWA-2 supports them all. One new feature generating considerable excitement is Z-Wave Long Range 👇.
Go Long: Unleashing Z-Wave Long Range
By combining Z-Wave’s inherent capabilities with an optimized antenna, we’ve achieved impressive range. However, we took it several steps further by integrating Z-Wave Long Range into the Connect ZWA-2—arguably one of the most significant advancements in Z-Wave’s history.
Z-Wave Long Range: This technology operates without a mesh network, meaning devices communicate directly with your hub. This offers several advantages: it utilizes the same frequency as standard Z-Wave but at a higher power, and employs new techniques to extend range, support more devices, improve responsiveness, and conserve battery life. Currently available in North America and Europe, the selection of compatible devices is steadily expanding. This merely scratches the surface; for an in-depth exploration of this impressive technology, consult the comprehensive breakdown from our partners at the Z-Wave Alliance.
Z-Wave Long Range is distinct enough to require its own separate network. The Connect ZWA-2 uniquely supports both standard Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range concurrently. When adding a Long Range-capable device to Home Assistant, the setup wizard guides you in selecting the appropriate network. This dual capability provides the best of both worlds: a robust mesh network for your existing devices and the expansive reach of Long Range for the newest compatible hardware.
How Long? Real-World Range for Self-Hosted Setups
See that bridge in the background? Our prototype connected to a device all the way over there.
Users are achieving truly remarkable results with the ZWA-2:
- You might recall our previous blog’s range testing. Since then, we’ve further optimized the design, achieving an astonishing line-of-sight range of 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) 🤯. This was under challenging conditions (raining, inside a car), and we believe even greater distances are possible.
- The certifying engineer commented it was “the best range she had ever seen.”
- Another test demonstrated successful Z-Wave Long Range communication through multiple floors of concrete.
- Testers with outdoor lighting and thick internal brick walls have reported reliable device connections for the first time.
- Intriguing Long Range use cases include smart mailboxes that notify you upon mail delivery or contact sensors on garden gates—perfect for extended **local home automation** deployments.
While every home and setup varies, making definitive range claims impossible, we can confidently state that no other solution we’ve tested comes close to the capabilities of the Connect ZWA-2.
Built for Home Assistant: Seamless Integration for Self-Hosters
Whenever we develop new hardware, we simultaneously advance our software development. You may have noticed the significant enhancements made to Z-Wave support within Home Assistant. All Z-Wave users benefit from these improvements, and purchasing Connect ZWA-2 directly contributes to this ongoing development.
The Connect ZWA-2 is engineered specifically for Home Assistant, ensuring incredibly easy setup. We’ve designed it for global compatibility: no matter where you purchase it, simply plug it in, and it automatically detects and configures your region based on your Home Assistant system’s location settings.
We’ve integrated intuitive wizards to guide you through setting up your initial Z-Wave network and pairing new devices. A migration wizard also enables a quick, few-click transfer from most existing Z-Wave adapters to your Connect ZWA-2. Furthermore, you can update the Connect ZWA-2’s firmware directly from Home Assistant, and even perform over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for your Z-Wave devices with a single click—a significant convenience for any self-hosted smart home.
ESP Inside: Tinker-Friendly Design
I’ll save you the time opening it up; here is the front and back of the PCB.
As with all our hardware, the Connect ZWA-2 is designed for easy access. Simply pop out the rubber feet and remove the four Phillips screws; there’s no glue or clips to impede access. Inside, you’ll find a familiar component: an ESP32-S3. We utilize it as a USB controller, and it is not running ESPHome. While it does possess a “Wi-Fi antenna,” we are not using it for product functionality. For the tinkerers among you, we’ve provided easily accessible pins/pads, open-source firmware files, an unlocked bootloader, and comprehensive documentation. We will also provide all necessary files for 3D-printing the outer casing.
Blending Seamlessly into Your Home
Crafting a 33 cm (1 ft) device that subtly integrates into a home environment is no small feat. We’ve styled its design after a candle, even utilizing the antenna’s tip as a status indicator. Its high-quality, injection-molded exterior offers a premium tactile experience, echoing the sleek design cues of our Voice Preview Edition.
Join the Smart Home Range Revolution
Last year, we declared in a blog post that “Z-Wave is not dead,” and this hardware unequivocally validates that belief. Even amidst the constant influx of new technologies, there remains ample room for innovation within tried-and-tested standards. We remain committed to supporting technologies that uphold your privacy, enable cloud-free device control, and ensure the longevity of your existing smart home investments.
After 1600 words dedicated to a Z-Wave adapter, our pride in this creation is evident, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible applications users will find for this labor of love. So, whether you’re a seasoned Z-Wave veteran or simply curious about cutting-edge technology, explore the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 today and elevate your self-hosted smart home experience.
FAQ
Q1: How does the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 enhance privacy and local control for self-hosted smart homes?
A1: The Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 fully supports local control by integrating directly with your Home Assistant instance, meaning device commands and data remain within your local network, never touching the cloud. This significantly boosts privacy and ensures your smart home functions even without an internet connection, a core benefit for any self-hosted smart home enthusiast.
Q2: Can the Connect ZWA-2 easily replace my existing Z-Wave USB stick in Home Assistant?
A2: Yes, the Connect ZWA-2 is designed for seamless migration. Home Assistant includes a built-in wizard that guides you through transferring your existing Z-Wave network from most older USB adapters to the Connect ZWA-2 in just a few clicks. This makes upgrading your local home automation setup incredibly straightforward.
Q3: What unique applications does Z-Wave Long Range enable for self-hosters that standard Z-Wave might not?
A3: Z-Wave Long Range, supported by the ZWA-2, excels in scenarios requiring exceptional distance and concrete penetration. For self-hosters, this opens up possibilities like monitoring detached garages, distant garden sheds, or even smart mailboxes without relying on mesh routing. It’s ideal for expanding your open-source smart home network across large properties or challenging environments where traditional Z-Wave might struggle. A recent community example involved successfully linking sensors in a guest house located over 500 feet from the main home’s Home Assistant server, a feat previously impossible without multiple repeaters.
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https://www.home-assistant.io/images/blog/2025-08-home-assistant-connect-zwa-2/art.webp
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