The Z-Wave ecosystem continues to shine in 2025, with reviewers and smart home enthusiasts celebrating hubs, sensors, and locks that deliver reliability, versatility, and advanced features. Here’s a roundup of standout hardware dominating expert lists and community forums this year. 

 

  1. Shelly Z-Wave 800LR Smart Plug

Why it’s trending: 

  • Tech reviewers highlighted its long distance operation and compatibility with legacy Z-Wave Plus hubs. 

Ideal for:
Expanding Z-Wave coverage without extra repeaters—especially for lighting and appliances in remote areas. 

 

  1. Aeotec Smart Hub + Samsung SmartThings Platform

Why it stands out: 

  • Reviewers point to strong software support, community apps, and seamless integration. 
  • A cost-effective path to Z-Wave with access to Zigbee and Wi-Fi devices via SmartThings. 

Ideal for:
Smart-home enthusiasts wanting a robust Z-Wave foundation without sacrificing platform convenience. 

 

 

  1. Neo Coolcam Z-Wave 700 4in1 Motion Sensor

Why reviewers picked it: 

  • Multiple power options (CR123A battery or USB) and excellent responsiveness make it both flexible and reliable. 

Ideal for:
Smart homes needing multi-purpose sensors that deliver strong performance for the price. 

 

  1. Zooz Z-Wave 800LR USB Stick / Long-Range Devices

Why it’s popular: 

  • Zooz 800LR sensors—motion, leak, relay among others—are praised for affordability and extensive feature sets The Smartest House. 

Ideal for:
DIY integrators and enthusiasts needing greater range and custom control in their Z-Wave networks. 

 

  1. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch (Z-Wave)

Why it’s a favorite: 

  • Named top fingerprint-enabled smart lock in 2025—sleek design, quick biometric unlocking, deep smart home integration The Verge+1Tom’s Guide+1. 
  • Features Z-Wave module that disarms ADT security systems and integrates with SmartThings, Ring, and other hubs The Verge+1WIRED+1. 
  • Reviewers emphasize its convenience, remote control, and compatibility with major ecosystems. 

Ideal for:
Homeowners looking for secure, versatile, and biometric-enabled door locks with seamless Z-Wave connectivity. 

 

  1. Schlage Sense Pro Deadbolt

Why it’s gaining attention: 

  • Recently launched at CES 2025, this UWB- and Matter-ready lock is Schlage’s first to support ultrawideband digital keys and no keyway design WIRED+13Wikipedia+13The Verge+13. 
  • Poised to become a future favorite for smart security enthusiasts as smartkey ecosystems evolve. 

Ideal for:
Early adopters and security-minded users planning for upcoming Matter and UWB standards. 

 

💡 Best Fit by Use Case

Needs  Top Pick  Why 
     
Z-Wave + community apps  Aeotec Smart Hub + SmartThings  Cost-effective and feature-rich 
Long-distance control  Zooz 800LR devices  Reliable, affordable extended mesh 
Multi-feature sensor  Neo Coolcam 700  Motion + Multi-environment sensing 
Touch biometric lock  Yale Assure 2 Touch  Fingerprint, ADT disarm, broad integration 
Future-ready smart lock  Schlage Sense Pro  UWB, Matter, secure keyless entry 
Grid-power smart plug  Shelly 800LR Plug  Long-range and energy-aware capabilities 

 

📦 Product Highlights & Reviewer Feedback 

Neo Coolcam Z-Wave 700 5in1 Motion Sensor 

  • Integrates motion, temperature, humidity, light, and tamper sensing in one compact device. 
  • Can run on USB (no batteries) or CR123A batteries. 
  • VueVille praises its Z-Wave 700-chip upgrades: “better reach, battery consumption improved, better security”  
  • Community consensus: reliable, budget-friendly, highly responsive  

Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave LongRange USB Stick 

  • Essential for enabling long-range Z-Wave 800 communication (up to ~1 mile LOS). 
  • Hailed as “incredible signal, super secure, and fast” by numerous users. 
  • Ideal for users building extended-range networks or DIY integrations. 

Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch (Z-Wave) 

  • Fingerprint-enabled, grade 2 security, touchscreen with optional physical keypad. 
  • The Verge calls its fingerprint reader “the fastest, most reliable way to open a door”  
  • New Z-Wave version disarms ADT systems via fingerprint for seamless security downtime  
  • The Spruce ranks it best overall in 2025 smart lock testing  
  • The Verge smart locks article reinforces it as a top fingerprint option  

Schlage Sense Pro Deadbolt 

  • Latest Schlage lock featuring UWB and Matter over Thread readiness. 
  • Although widespread reviews are still pending, it represents the next-gen of secure, modular digital keys. 

Shelly Wave 800LR Smart Plug 

  • Delivers ultra-long-range Z-Wave 800 connectivity for smart plug control. 
  • Ideal for grid-aware energy management and remote device access.   

 

🔍  Why These Devices Rate Highly 

  • All-in-One Sensing: Neo Coolcam’s 5-in-1 sensor simplifies installations and delivers rich automation triggers. 
  • Long-Range Enables Scale: The Zooz USB stick and Shelly plug prove that expanded Z-Wave Long Range is changing smart home architecture. 
  • Security Simplified: Yale’s fingerprint lock adds convenience without sacrificing safety; Schlage’s Sense Pro represents future-proofing with UWB/Matter. 
  • Standards Alignment: As Z-Wave 800LR becomes ubiquitous, devices like Shelly’s plug demonstrate how smart homes can now integrate seamlessly into energy systems. 

 

Final Take 

2025 has been pivotal for Z-Wave: performance upgrades, expanded range, and deeper system integration are making Z-Wave more versatile than ever. Whether you’re seeking a unified hub, advanced door security, or system-wide smart sensor coverage, there’s a standout device tailored to your smart-home journey.