Sonoff ZBMini switches, what Zigbee hub do I need?

[98elise]

I'm looking at the Sonoff no neutral smart light modules to add smart lighting to my main lights. I already have lamps on normal WiFi smart sockets.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295929995678?mkcid=16&a...

They work via zigbee and it the first time I've ventured into the zigbee world. What do I need when it comes to the hub? Should we stick with Sonoff as its the first things I'll have with zigbee? What's the difference between a bridge and a hub, or are they the same thing?

[ARHarh]

Technically they should work with any zigbee hub.

But beware that these devices will not act as routers and your signal may not be reliable if there is a lot of walls in the way or long distances between devices.

[98elise]

ARHarh said:

Technically they should work with any zigbee hub.

But beware that these devices will not act as routers and your signal may not be reliable if there is a lot of walls in the way or long distances between devices.

Yes that's the downside. My internal walls are all brick as well so might be a problem.

[ARHarh]

Have a look at this if your WiFi coverage is OK in the locations you want to fit relays.

https://smarthomeshopuk.com/blogs/smart-home-shop/...

[98elise]

ARHarh said:

Have a look at this if your WiFi coverage is OK in the locations you want to fit relays.

https://smarthomeshopuk.com/blogs/smart-home-shop/...

The shellys are bigger and need a capacitor for most of my lights. I think the Sonoff minis will fit inside my back boxes with no mods, and they will go down to a few watts without any other components.

I may just buy them and give it a go. They are very cheap.

[ARHarh]

I do prefer zigbee, but it can be a pain to get stable sometimes. That being said once you get a few more things on the network it will be very stable. So all you need to do is add a few more things to your smart home, to act as routers. Worst case if you have poor signal just buy a cheap smart plug and use that as a router.

Or just buy zb minis and fit them in the light fittings, thats' what i have done. No need for "no neutral" and they act as routers.