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Can Alexa Control Z-Wave Devices – Overview
Are you intrigued by voice assistants and advanced smart home automation? As of 2021, the USA boasted approximately 120.4 million voice assistant users, according to reports. With its straightforward voice interface and comprehensive routines, Alexa stands out as a premier smart home hub.
The latest Echo models even include a Zigbee hub, bringing Amazon Alexa closer to controlling all your smart home devices. However, the pressing question remains: “Can Alexa control Z-Wave devices? Is there compatibility?”
In short, Z-Wave is not directly compatible with Alexa-enabled devices. However, you can add Z-Wave devices to your Alexa system by using a separate Z-Wave hub that integrates with Alexa via Wi-Fi.
This article will explore Alexa’s capability to control Z-Wave devices and introduce a few Alexa-compatible Z-Wave hubs.
Does Alexa Work With Z-Wave Devices?
Can Alexa Control Z Wave Devices – Does Alexa Work With Z-Wave Devices
None of the current Amazon Alexa smart speakers support Z-Wave natively. Echo devices primarily utilize Wi-Fi to manage most smart home technologies. Although some Alexa speakers, like the 4th-generation Echo, include Zigbee controllers, they still lack Z-Wave support.
Despite Alexa’s absence of native Z-Wave support, it can still control Z-Wave devices. You’ll need a third-party Z-Wave hub, such as SmartThings or Hubitat, to establish the connection.
Alexa-Compatible Z-Wave Hubs and Controllers
Below are a few Z-Wave hubs that allow you to control your Z-Wave devices directly or enable Alexa access to your Z-Wave network. If you own one of these devices, simply connect it to Alexa, and you’re ready to go.
Aeotec SmartThings Hub
Samsung SmartThings is a leading Zigbee and Z-Wave devices ecosystem, offering compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. Many Z-Wave devices are SmartThings compatible.
You might notice that newer hubs bear the Aeotec brand instead of Samsung, following Samsung’s decision to stop manufacturing hubs and rely on third-party providers.
Even though Samsung-branded SmartThings v3 hubs might still be available, opting for the Aeotec version is equally effective.
This method is recommended for effortlessly controlling and integrating your Z-Wave devices with Alexa.
Hubitat Elevation Hub
Hubitat Elevation is a more advanced Z-Wave Hub than SmartThings, albeit with a higher learning curve.
Hubitat’s software is continuously updated, offering more detailed settings and improved connectivity with Alexa and other smart home systems. Besides Z-Wave, Hubitat Elevation also controls Zigbee devices, which is useful for those without a 4th-generation Echo.
Hubitat stores all smart home configurations locally, allowing them to function even during internet outages. However, a monthly fee is required for cloud backups and remote hub access.
This option is recommended for advanced users, whereas smart home beginners may prefer the SmartThings Hub.
Ring Alarm Base Station
The Ring Alarm Base Station is not a typical Z-Wave hub but is ideal for users already invested in the Ring ecosystem.
If you use Ring cameras, alarms, or lights, you might already have a Ring Alarm Base Station, making it an easy addition to your system.
With Amazon owning both Ring and Alexa, the integration between Ring devices and Alexa is seamless. Ring even offers an Alarm Pro Base Station with an integrated Eero Wi-Fi-6 router, combining a Z-Wave hub and a Wi-Fi router for a simplified smart home setup.
Wink Hub 2
Wink is another prominent Z-Wave brand specializing in sensors and alarms. The Wink Hub 2, the company’s latest Z-Wave controller, is included in most starter kits.
Unless you already use Wink products, there’s little reason
to prefer the Wink Hub 2 over SmartThings or Hubitat Elevation. However, if you own or are considering Wink security products, the Wink Hub 2 offers another straightforward way to connect Alexa to your Z-Wave devices.
The devices listed below are Z-Wave and Alexa-compatible, designed to enhance your smart home experience. Continue reading to discover if Alexa can control Z-Wave devices without a hub.
Light Switches with Z-Wave Technology
Z-Wave light switches offer complete control over your home’s ambiance. With Z-Wave smart lighting, you can manage your lights—turning them on, off, dimming, brightening, or changing colors—from your couch or while away from home.
You can also schedule your smart lights to turn on at specific times, such as upon your arrival home, and integrate voice automation into your Alexa-enabled light switch settings using a smart controller or hub.
Linear WD500Z-1 Z-Wave 500-Watt Wall-Mount Dimmer Switch
This simple Z-Wave-compliant switch supports up to 500 watts of LED lighting and is affordable. It’s an easy switch replacement with a dimmer controllable via your hub or app. Although it doesn’t directly support Alexa or other voice controls, it can be used indirectly.
Z-Wave Thermostats
Voice-activated Z-Wave thermostats are a boon for all homeowners. A Z-Wave thermostat is essential for any smart home, allowing you to maintain an ideal temperature and conserve energy by turning off when the house is unoccupied.
Honeywell Programmable Thermostat
The Honeywell programmable Z-Wave smart thermostat offers ease of use with and without the Z-Wave feature, thanks to built-in programs that keep you connected.
Z-Wave Smart Locks
Smart locks offer peace of mind by enabling you to monitor who enters and exits your home. Once connected to a smart hub, you can remotely control your doors and windows from anywhere.
Kwikset Obsidian Amazon Key
Compatible with Alexa, this lock allows you to instruct Alexa to lock or unlock your door using the Key smart home skill. The skill responds swiftly to commands. SecureScreen technology prevents fingerprint detection on the touchscreen, requiring users to enter two random digits before the actual code, enhancing security against unauthorized access.
Can Alexa Control Z-Wave Devices Without A Hub?
Alexa requires a hub to control Z-Wave devices, primarily via Wi-Fi (and ZigBee with Echo Plus). Despite Z-Wave’s popularity in home automation for its speed and minimal interference, it is not natively compatible with Alexa.
Thus, Z-Wave switches or plugs cannot be directly connected to your Echo. However, you can link your Z-Wave devices to Amazon Alexa by utilizing a smart home hub.
What’s Next?
Exploring new Alexa capabilities, such as Alexa Roomba commands or testing Alexa battery packs on road trips, extends beyond integrating a Z-Wave hub. Did you know you can connect Blink cameras to Alexa and view them on Fire TV using voice commands or link multiple Spotify accounts to Alexa for individual control using Alexa Spotify commands? Thus, the answer to “Can Alexa control Z-Wave devices?” is yes, albeit with some modifications.
See Also
How to Add Z Wave Device to Ring
Door Sensor That Work With Alexa