this post was submitted on 03 Jul 2023
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I've over 40 zigbee devices and am currently using ZHA but keep seeing people recommending using zigbee2mqtt. But I can't work out if it's worth the time re-importing all the devices or not.

What are the benefits of using zigbee2mqtt over ZHA and is it easy to move over if that's the best way to go?

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[–] thehatfox@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

Zigbee2MQTT supports more devices, and has better support for some devices that ZHA only has basic support. For example I have some vibration sensors which ZHA supports for basic vibration detection, but Zigbee2MQTT can set vibration sensitivity levels as well as detect vibration.

Zigbee2MQTT also has a more advanced interface with more configuration options, displays more information, and has better network visualisation.

Another advantage is that Zigbee2MQTT can be run on a different system from Home Assistant. That way the Zigbee coordinator can be placed in optimal location of the home, while the Home Assistant can be located elsewhere.

If you are already comfortable with using ZHA I there isn't much need to switch, unless you need support for devices only supported in Zigbee2MQTT or really need to relocate your Zigbee coordinator. Migrating a whole Zigbee network can be a bit of a pain. If you are curious about it you could always buy second Zigbee coordinator and run both.

[–] Napatwork@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thanks for all the input. It seems that since everything is working fine for me I should just keep using ZHA. Maybe when I have plenty of free time I'll migrate to get the extra features but it's not something that I've missed.

[–] unknowing8343@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 years ago

Yeah, I just started and the fact that ZHA was "already there" was a huge plus for me.

I just hope Matter catches up before I find a limitation in ZHA.

[–] phucyall@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 years ago

I migrated to Z2M about a year ago and I have had nothing but problems. Mostly around stability of Mosquito. I am back on ZHA now and find it infinitely more stable and reliable. If Z2M ever does a direct HA API integration like ZwaveJS does I’ll probably go back.

[–] Technodad@kbin.social 0 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Is there any difference in network performance, e.g. reliability of communication, or is that all down to the hardware?

[–] tehcpengsiudai@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

There's difference in the implementation of quirks and converters. I found ZHA quirks support less than what Z2M already has, especially when dealing with manufacturers like Aqara.

Performance wise both felt similar.