What's the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi for smart home devices?

Here's a breakdown of the differences between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi for smart home devices:

• Wi-Fi: It is the most common wireless protocol. It offers high bandwidth, which makes it suitable for devices that transfer large amounts of data, such as security cameras and video doorbells. Wi-Fi devices connect directly to your router, so a separate hub isn't needed. However, it consumes more power, making it unsuitable for small, battery-operated devices. Having many Wi-Fi smart devices can also congest your home network, potentially slowing down internet speeds.
• Zigbee: It is a wireless protocol created for smart home and IoT devices. It uses very little power, allowing battery-powered devices to last for years. Zigbee operates on a mesh network, where mains-powered devices act as repeaters, extending the signal throughout the home. However, it operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency, which can experience interference from Wi-Fi networks. Zigbee devices need a dedicated hub to connect to your network.
• Z-Wave: Like Zigbee, Z-Wave is a low-power mesh network protocol created for home automation. It operates on a lower frequency (around 908 MHz in the US), which reduces the potential for interference from Wi-Fi. It is known for its high reliability and interoperability between certified devices. However, Z-Wave has a slightly lower data transmission rate than Zigbee, and devices can sometimes be more expensive due to stricter certification requirements.