Yes, it is possible to control Z-wave devices with Siri.
However, you need to set this up properly, and you need Apple’s Homekit and Homebride systems.
From here, you can integrate the systems with Siri and then use Siri to manage Z-wave devices.
What are Z-wave devices?
Z-wave devices are those that use low-energy radio waves.
These devices can communicate with each other, and you can also use them with wireless features.
Think of it in the same way as you would with Bluetooth.
Bluetooth technology works with sound waves.
However, z-wave has a communication range that can reach between 98 and 328 feet—much better than Bluetooth.
Z-wave is essentially a wireless protocol. It is like WiFi and Bluetooth, and also Zigbee.
Each device has an identification system so it can work with another one.
Can HomeKit control Z-wave devices?
Yes, it can. However, you need a third-party system to make it work.
For example, you need the Thinka device, as it is the z-wave controller in your Apple home.
Thinka is a product that is certified by Apple Homekit.
What it does is control your z-wave devices by bridging your Apple Homekit and smart home z-wave products.
The purpose of Thinka is integration.
As you buy more z-wave products, you will eventually begin to realize that you want to control all these devices from one app only.
Since Apple Homekit may not be able to connect with some z-wave devices, you must connect all these devices via Thinka, and then Thinka will do the coordination with your Apple Homekit.
With z-wave apps and bridge devices like Thinka, you can even customize a scene.
For example, if you create a scene called “romantic dinner,” you can program the lights and music with specific settings, like low light, romantic music, etc.
So, once you are having dinner, you merely have to access the app and then choose that scene.
From here, the entire system will function the way you programmed them.
Can you connect Z-wave to Alexa?
Directly? No. Alexa speakers are not compatible with z-wave devices because Alexa uses WiFi and, occasionally, Bluetooth.
You can add z-wave devices to the Alexa system. However, just like Apple, you need an external z-wave device that will bridge them all.
Thinka is one such device as it is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple smart home applications.
What this all means is that you need a separate z-wave hub that is directly compatible with Alexa.
In short, you connect all your z-wave devices to the z-wave hub like Thinka, and then you connect your z-wave hub to Alexa.
Once this integration is done, you can now tell Alexa what to do with these devices, and they will work.
What products use Z-wave?
Like Bluetooth, many companies are utilizing z-wave to make their products accessible through this new protocol.
Here are some examples:
- Flood sensors
- Smart locks
- Keyfree locking mechanisms
- Sensors for D-link routers
- Window blinds
- Window sensors
The list we provided here is not exhaustive, but then you get the idea. Unlike Bluetooth, however, a lot of the z-wave devices are made for home use. As such, you will not find z-wave headphones. Most personal products only use Bluetooth and WiFi.
Which is better Zigbee or Z-wave?
Before we can decide which one is better, we need to understand Zigbee.
So, what is Zigbee? Zigbee is a new standard protocol for wireless technology.
The goal is to provide a low-cost and low-power connection from one machine to another.
So, instead of using WiFi, which has a cost, you will use Zigbee to connect your home devices into one hub.
Both Zigbee and z-wave are communication protocols.
To answer which one is better, one should look at the pros and cons of each.
Pros of Zigbee
- High-node support
- Use of power is low
- It has a good range
- Flexible system
Cons of Zigbee
- Has channel noise
- The transmission is not as fast as you want it to be
- There are issues with compatibility and security
- The system can be expensive
Pros of Z-Wave
- High degree of compatibility
- Long range
- Easy to set up
- Has support from many companies
- Secure with 128-bit encryption
- Interoperable between
- High transmission speed
Cons of Z-Wave
- Devices must be within 300 square feet of each other
- Expensive; more expensive than Zigbee
- The system is battery-intensive
- You need a different smart hub
As you can see, no system is perfect. The Z-wave and Zigbee technologies can only work in specific ranges.
What does this mean? It means that you cannot use your hub when you are away.
If you are driving, you cannot use the z-wave hub to turn off the lights.
In addition to all these, both z-wave and Zigbee are ideal for houses that went through careful planning, not for a house that you just want to turn into a smart home.
Both of these systems are good in the same way that a Bluetooth hub is also good.
Between the two, we prefer z-wave because it has much more support from the tech industry.
Even if it is expensive, the investment is worth it.
After all, the last thing you want is a hub where you cannot attach or integrate many devices.
Z-wave is perfect for a house that has:
- Sensors
- HVAC system
- Entertainment systems
- CCTV systems and home security
- Entry control
- Lighting control
As you can see, it is primarily a tech used in big buildings, like high-rise buildings. Today, however, you can use technology in your house.
Conclusion
In summary, z-wave does work with Siri. However, you need a z-wave hub that will bridge the gap between Siri’s system and the z-wave device.
The same principle applies to Alexa and Google.
If you want, you can try Alexa and Google Assistant also to see which one works best.
But then, at the end of the day, you can only choose one system.
So, if you are already invested in Apple, find a z-wave hub that works best with Apple Homekit.