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Z-Wave Alliance vs Google Home

Z-Wave Alliance logo

Z-Wave Alliance

Software

Wireless communication protocol for smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Google Home logo

Google Home

Software

Google's smart home platform with Google Assistant

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Google Home web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app
  • They diverge on capability: Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, Google Home covers Google Assistant.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Z-Wave Alliance and Google Home differ
AttributeZ-Wave AllianceGoogle Home
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsZ-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless meshiOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS
Founded20012016

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 Z-Wave Alliance

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

Only in Google Home

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

What people use each for

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

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

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Z-Wave Alliance

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Mesh networking
    • Security
    • Interoperability

Google Home

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Home review.

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

Is Z-Wave Alliance or Google Home better?
Neither clearly leads. Z-Wave Alliance starts at Free and Google Home at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Z-Wave Alliance or Google Home?
Z-Wave Alliance starts at Free and Google Home at Free.
Does Z-Wave Alliance or Google Home run on more platforms?
Z-Wave Alliance runs on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh. Google Home runs on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS.
Can I use Z-Wave Alliance for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Z-Wave Alliance best used for?
Z-Wave Alliance is most often used for sub-ghz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lighting, long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildings, building interoperable certified smart home products. Of those, sub-ghz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lighting and long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildings are not what Google Home is typically brought in for.
What can Z-Wave Alliance do that Google Home cannot?
Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, AES-128 Security, Low Power, Interoperable. Google Home covers Google Assistant, Voice Control, Routines, Multi-Room Audio.
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