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SmartThings vs Z-Wave Alliance

SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Z-Wave Alliance logo

Z-Wave Alliance

Smart Home

Wireless communication protocol for smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control; 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: SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where SmartThings and Z-Wave Alliance differ
AttributeSmartThingsZ-Wave Alliance
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings HubZ-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh
Founded19382001

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

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 SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • IFTTT integration

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.

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Automation routinesnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Device integrationnot Z-Wave Alliance
  • Remote monitoringnot Z-Wave Alliance

Z-Wave Alliance

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

Where each one falls short

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

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

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

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Z-Wave Alliance

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Mesh networking
    • Security
    • Interoperability

Which should you pick?

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings 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 SmartThings or Z-Wave Alliance better?
Neither clearly leads. SmartThings 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, SmartThings or Z-Wave Alliance?
SmartThings starts at Free and Z-Wave Alliance at Free.
Does SmartThings or Z-Wave Alliance run on more platforms?
SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub. Z-Wave Alliance runs on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
Can I use SmartThings for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is SmartThings best used for?
SmartThings is most often used for smart home control, automation routines, device integration, remote monitoring. Of those, smart home control and automation routines are not what Z-Wave Alliance is typically brought in for.
What can SmartThings do that Z-Wave Alliance cannot?
SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, AES-128 Security, Low Power, Interoperable.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Z-Wave Alliance: How many Z-Wave products are on the market?

With more than 4,500 products on the market today, Z-Wave is the world leader in wireless control for smart home devices.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Z-Wave Alliance: Can I join the Z-Wave Alliance?

Yes, the Z-Wave Alliance offers membership for companies interested in smart home and IoT technology. Members can participate in standards development and enjoy benefits from being part of a coalition dedicated to wireless smart home control technology.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
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