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Google Home vs Z-Wave Alliance

Google Home logo

Google Home

Software

Google's smart home platform with Google Assistant

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Z-Wave Alliance logo

Z-Wave Alliance

Software

Wireless communication protocol for smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Home web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app; Z-Wave Alliance manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID
  • They diverge on capability: Google Home covers Google Assistant, Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Home and Z-Wave Alliance actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Home and Z-Wave Alliance differ
AttributeGoogle HomeZ-Wave Alliance
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, ChromeOSZ-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh
Founded20162001

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Home

  • Google Assistant
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • Multi-Room Audio
  • 10,000+ devices
  • Nest products
  • Chromecast
  • Third-party apps

Only in Z-Wave Alliance

  • Mesh Networking
  • AES-128 Security
  • Low Power
  • Interoperable
  • Smart home hubs
  • Home automation
  • Device integration
  • Standards compliant

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Home

  • Controlling and automating smart home devicesnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Viewing Nest camera feedsnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Creating automation routinesnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Managing household device settingsnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Voice control via Google Assistantnot Z-Wave Alliance

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Sub-GHz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lightingnot Google Home
  • Long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildingsnot Google Home
  • Building interoperable certified smart home productsnot Google Home

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Home

  • Web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app
  • Battery-camera live streams on the web app auto-stop after 5 minutes
  • Requires compatible Google/Nest or third-party smart-home hardware - it is a control app, not a standalone product

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID
  • The MID fee is waived only in year 3 for Accelerator members and applies in full from year 4
  • Certifying products and using the Z-Wave certification requires Z-Wave Alliance membership
  • Participation in specific working groups and committees depends on membership level
  • At most two Contributor Member representatives may sit on the Board, for one-year terms voted by the existing Board

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Home

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Home review.

Z-Wave Alliance

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Mesh networking
    • Security
    • Interoperability

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Home if

  • You need google assistant.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS.
  • You also want voice control.
Google Home review

Choose Z-Wave Alliance if

  • You need mesh networking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
  • You also want aes-128 security.
Z-Wave Alliance review

Questions people ask

Is Google Home or Z-Wave Alliance better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Home starts at Free and Z-Wave Alliance at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Home or Z-Wave Alliance?
Google Home starts at Free and Z-Wave Alliance at Free.
Does Google Home or Z-Wave Alliance run on more platforms?
Google Home runs on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS. Z-Wave Alliance runs on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
Can I use Google Home for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Home best used for?
Google Home is most often used for controlling and automating smart home devices, viewing nest camera feeds, creating automation routines, managing household device settings. Of those, controlling and automating smart home devices and viewing nest camera feeds are not what Z-Wave Alliance is typically brought in for.
What can Google Home do that Z-Wave Alliance cannot?
Google Home covers Google Assistant, Voice Control, Routines, Multi-Room Audio. Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, AES-128 Security, Low Power, Interoperable.
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