The Next-Generation Zigbee, Matter, and Thread Adapter for Home Assistant is Here - Order Now from Apollo Automation
Versailles, KY - Apollo Automation is proud to announce that we are now a certified reseller of the all-new Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2, the second-generation Zigbee, Matter, and Thread adapter for Home Assistant. The ZBT-2 is available to ship today in the United States, with shipping from Canada and Australia starting as early as tomorrow.
Shop: apolloautomation.com/products/home-assistant-connect-zbt-2
What is the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2?
The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is the official Zigbee, Matter, and Thread adapter designed specifically for Home Assistant users. Built by the team behind Home Assistant development, this next-generation USB adapter provides seamless connectivity to hundreds of Zigbee devices and the growing ecosystem of Matter-over-Thread smart home products.
Whether you're building a new smart home from scratch or migrating from another platform, the ZBT-2 delivers plug-and-play simplicity with professional-grade performance and rock-solid stability.
Major Improvements Over First-Generation ZBT-1
The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 represents a significant upgrade over the original ZBT-1 adapter:
4x Faster Response Times: The updated Silicon Labs MG24 chip delivers four times the speed improvement over the first-generation adapter, resulting in noticeably more responsive device control.
Optimized Antenna Design: The precisely tuned antenna has been further optimized to provide the best possible connection to Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices, improving range and reliability throughout your home.
Next-Generation Connect Platform: Built on the open, second-generation Connect platform, the ZBT-2 is more powerful, more open for tinkering, and features an improved design that blends seamlessly into home decor.
Enhanced Stability: The MG24 chip provides the highest performance available while maintaining rock-solid stability, even with large networks of 100+ devices.
Key Features of the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2
Professional-Grade Hardware
Silicon Labs MG24 Chip: The latest Zigbee, Matter, and Thread chip from Silicon Labs delivers industry-leading performance and reliability. This professional-grade radio chip is the same technology used in commercial smart building applications.
ESP32-S3 USB Bridge: A dedicated ESP32-S3 handles USB-to-serial communication, ensuring reliable connectivity to your Home Assistant server without bottlenecks.
Optimized Antenna: The 164mm external antenna with 4.16 dBi peak gain provides omnidirectional coverage throughout your home. The antenna design has been specifically tuned for optimal 2.4 GHz Zigbee, Matter, and Thread performance.
Plug-and-Play Setup
Effortless Migration: Home Assistant's included migration wizard makes it simple to move your existing Zigbee network from another coordinator to the ZBT-2 without re-pairing devices.
Choose Your Network: Start a new Zigbee, Matter, or Thread network in minutes. The ZBT-2 supports both protocols, allowing you to run Zigbee or act as a Thread Border Router for Matter devices.
Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation), Zigbee2MQTT, and OpenThread Border Router integrations in Home Assistant.
Built to Tinker
Open Source Hardware: Complete schematics and design files available for the community to learn from and build upon.
Easy to Open: No clips or glue. The enclosure is designed to be opened for hardware modifications and experimentation.
Accessible Pins and Pads: Hardware hackers can access GPIO pins and programming pads for custom projects and modifications.
Unlocked Firmware: No proprietary locks. Flash custom firmware or modify the existing open-source code.
Why Buy the ZBT-2 from Apollo Automation?
As a certified Home Assistant Connect reseller and Works With Home Assistant partner, Apollo Automation provides several advantages:
Ships Today from USA: Orders placed with Apollo Automation ship same-day or next-day from our Versailles, Kentucky facility for the fastest delivery to US customers.
Expert Support: Our team uses Home Assistant daily and can provide technical guidance on ZBT-2 setup, Zigbee network optimization, and Home Assistant integration.
One-Stop Smart Home Shop: Combine your ZBT-2 order with Apollo's full line of Works With Home Assistant certified sensors including mmWave presence detectors, air quality monitors, and temperature sensors for complete smart home solutions.
Supporting Open Source: Purchasing through Apollo Automation supports a company committed to open-source smart home technology and the Home Assistant community.
International Availability
United States: Available now, ships today from Apollo Automation in Versailles, Kentucky
Canada: Ships as early as tomorrow from Canadian distribution
Australia: Ships as early as tomorrow from Australian distribution
Europe and Other Regions: Contact Apollo Automation for international shipping options and availability
Zigbee: The Proven Smart Home Protocol
Zigbee has been the backbone of reliable smart home automation for over a decade. Unlike WiFi-based devices that can congest your network, Zigbee creates a self-healing mesh network where each powered device acts as a signal repeater, extending range throughout your home.
Why Zigbee Matters:
Massive Device Ecosystem: Thousands of Zigbee certified products from hundreds of manufacturers including Philips Hue, IKEA, Aqara, Sonoff, ThirdReality, and many more.
Low Power Consumption: Battery-powered Zigbee sensors can run for years on a single battery thanks to the protocol's efficient design.
Mesh Network Reliability: Each powered Zigbee device (smart plugs, light bulbs, wall switches) extends the network range, creating robust coverage even in large homes.
Local Control: Zigbee devices communicate directly with your Home Assistant server via the ZBT-2. No cloud services required, no internet dependency, no privacy concerns.
No Subscriptions: Unlike some smart home ecosystems, Zigbee integration with Home Assistant requires no monthly fees or subscriptions.
Thread and Matter: The Future of Smart Home
The ZBT-2 doesn't just support Zigbee. It also functions as a Thread Border Router, enabling connectivity to the rapidly growing ecosystem of Matter-over-Thread devices.
What is Thread?
Thread is a low-power, IPv6-based mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. Like Zigbee, Thread creates a self-healing mesh network, but with native IP connectivity that enables seamless integration with Matter, the new industry-standard smart home protocol.
What is Matter?
Matter is the industry-standard application layer protocol that enables smart home devices from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly. Major companies including Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and hundreds of others have committed to Matter support.
Why This Matters:
The ZBT-2 positions your Home Assistant setup for the future. As more Matter-over-Thread devices hit the market, your ZBT-2 will seamlessly integrate them into your local Home Assistant automation without requiring additional hardware.
Technical Specifications
Supported Protocols:
- Zigbee (all regions and channels)
- Thread (OpenThread Border Router)
- Matter (via Thread)
Radio Performance:
- Frequency Range: 2400-2483.5 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM band)
- Transmit Power: 10 dBm (Europe), 8 dBm (rest of world)
- Peak Antenna Gain: 4.16 dBi
- Radiation Pattern: Omnidirectional
Hardware:
- Primary SoC: Silicon Labs MG24 (Zigbee/Thread radio)
- USB Bridge: ESP32-S3
- Power: USB-C, 5V DC, 500mA
- Connectivity: USB 2.0/3.0
Physical Specifications:
- Antenna Dimensions: 24mm diameter, 164mm height
- Base Dimensions: 83 x 83 x 179mm
- Weight: 157g
- Enclosure: Polycarbonate plastic (white and semi-transparent)
Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 65°C (32°F to 149°F)
- Antenna Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
- Indoor use only
- Non-condensing humidity
Certifications:
- CE (European conformity)
- FCC (United States)
- RCM (Australia/New Zealand)
What's in the Box
Your Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 package includes everything needed to get started:
- ZBT-2 Antenna
- Base unit with MG24 and ESP32-S3 chips
- 1.5m (4.9 ft) USB cable (USB 2.0/3.0 compatible)
- Quick start guide with setup instructions
Setting Up the ZBT-2 with Home Assistant
Setup is remarkably simple thanks to Home Assistant's built-in support:
For New Zigbee Networks:
- Connect the ZBT-2 to your Home Assistant server via USB
- Navigate to Settings > Devices & Services in Home Assistant
- Click "Add Integration" and select "Zigbee Home Automation" (ZHA) or "Zigbee2MQTT"
- Follow the automatic discovery wizard
- Start pairing Zigbee devices
For Migrating Existing Zigbee Networks:
- Back up your current Zigbee network in Home Assistant
- Connect the ZBT-2
- Use Home Assistant's migration wizard to transfer your network
- All devices remain paired and operational without re-pairing
For Thread/Matter:
- Connect the ZBT-2 to your Home Assistant server
- Enable OpenThread Border Router integration
- Configure Thread network credentials
- Start pairing Matter-over-Thread devices
Complete setup documentation is available on the Home Assistant website and Apollo Automation wiki.
Use Cases: What Can You Do With the ZBT-2?
Complete Smart Home Control
Lighting Automation: Control hundreds of Zigbee smart bulbs, switches, and dimmers from manufacturers like Philips Hue, IKEA Tradfri, Sengled, and more. Create scenes, schedules, and motion-triggered lighting without relying on manufacturer apps or cloud services.
Climate Control: Integrate Zigbee thermostats, temperature sensors, and smart radiator valves for sophisticated climate automation based on occupancy, time of day, and weather conditions.
Security and Monitoring: Connect Zigbee door/window sensors, motion detectors, water leak sensors, and smoke detectors for comprehensive home monitoring with local processing and alerting.
Energy Management: Monitor and control energy usage with Zigbee smart plugs that report power consumption, enabling automated shut-off of vampire power drains and detailed energy tracking.
Advanced Presence Detection
Combine the ZBT-2 with Apollo Automation's mmWave presence sensors for room-level occupancy automation:
- Use Zigbee for device control and battery sensors
- Use mmWave sensors for accurate presence detection
- Create sophisticated multi-room automations that respond instantly to occupancy
Future-Proof Matter Integration
As Matter devices become more prevalent, your ZBT-2 is ready:
- Connect Matter-over-Thread smart locks
- Integrate Matter sensors and switches
- Add Matter-certified products from any manufacturer
- Maintain local control without cloud dependencies
Home Assistant Voice Control
The ZBT-2 pairs perfectly with Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition for complete voice-controlled smart home automation:
- Voice commands processed entirely locally
- No cloud services required for voice control
- Control all Zigbee devices via voice
- Create custom wake words and voice responses
ZBT-2 vs Other Zigbee Coordinators
vs ConBee II / RaspBee II
Advantages of ZBT-2:
- Newer Silicon Labs MG24 chip (vs older TI chip)
- 4x faster device response times
- Official Home Assistant support and development
- Better antenna design and placement options
- Thread support for Matter devices
- Active development and regular firmware updates
When to Consider ConBee:
- Already own one and it's working well
- Need specific device compatibility only ConBee supports (rare)
vs Sonoff Zigbee Dongle
Advantages of ZBT-2:
- Professional-grade hardware design
- Optimized antenna with 4x the range of typical USB dongles
- Official Home Assistant integration and support
- Better stability with large networks (100+ devices)
- Open hardware design for tinkering
- Built by the Home Assistant team
When to Consider Sonoff:
- Budget-constrained and only need basic Zigbee support
- Small network (<30 devices)
vs SLZB-06 (LAN-based Zigbee coordinator)
Advantages of ZBT-2:
- USB connectivity (simpler setup, no network configuration)
- Official Home Assistant support
- Lower latency (direct USB vs network)
- Thread Border Router capability
Advantages of SLZB-06:
- Ethernet connectivity allows placement anywhere in home
- No USB port required on Home Assistant server
- Can be powered via PoE
Best Choice: ZBT-2 for most users due to simplicity and official support. SLZB-06 if you need remote placement from your Home Assistant server.
Optimizing Your Zigbee Network with ZBT-2
Router Placement Strategy:
Zigbee mesh networks work best with multiple powered devices (routers) distributed throughout your home. The ZBT-2 coordinator itself has excellent range, but adding Zigbee smart plugs or powered switches in key locations creates a robust mesh:
- Place routers every 30-40 feet in straight-line distance
- Position routers between the coordinator and battery-powered sensors
- Avoid placing routers near WiFi access points, microwaves, or other 2.4 GHz interference sources
- Use channel analysis in Home Assistant to select the least congested Zigbee channel
Device Pairing Best Practices:
- Pair devices closest to the coordinator first
- Add routers before battery-powered sensors
- Pair devices in their final installation location when possible
- Allow 24 hours for the mesh network to optimize after adding multiple devices
Interference Mitigation:
The 2.4 GHz band is shared by WiFi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. Optimize performance by:
- Using non-overlapping channels (Zigbee 15, 20, or 25 with WiFi channels 1, 6, or 11)
- Keeping the ZBT-2 away from WiFi routers (minimum 3 feet separation)
- Using the included 1.5m USB cable to position the antenna for optimal coverage
Apollo Automation: Your Local Smart Home Partner
Apollo Automation is more than just a reseller. As a Works With Home Assistant certified partner and Made For ESPHome manufacturer, we're deeply embedded in the Home Assistant ecosystem.
We have started Zigbee firmware for our latest sensors with the ESP32-C6!
Why Local Control Matters
The ZBT-2 represents a fundamental philosophy: your smart home should work without internet connectivity and without sending your data to corporate servers.
Privacy: Zigbee and Thread communication stays entirely within your home. No manufacturer servers track when you turn on lights or adjust your thermostat.
Reliability: Cloud-dependent smart home systems fail when internet goes down or when manufacturers shut down services. Your ZBT-2 and Home Assistant setup works regardless of internet status.
Speed: Local processing means instant response times. Commands execute in milliseconds rather than round-tripping to cloud servers.
No Subscriptions: No monthly fees, no feature paywalls, no forced obsolescence. Your ZBT-2 investment delivers value for years without ongoing costs.
Longevity: Open-source firmware and active community development mean the ZBT-2 will be supported for many years, even if official support eventually ends.
Order Your Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 Today
The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is available now from Apollo Automation:
Price: $49.99 USD
Shipping:
- USA: Ships today from Versailles, Kentucky
- Canada: Ships as early as tomorrow
- Australia: Ships as early as tomorrow
- International: Contact for availability
Order Options:
Purchase the ZBT-2 individually or combine with complementary products:
- Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition bundle
- Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 (Z-Wave) bundle
- Home Assistant Green bundle (complete plug-and-play system)
- Apollo Automation sensor bundles
Order now: apolloautomation.com/products/home-assistant-connect-zbt-2
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the ZBT-2 work with my existing Zigbee devices?
A: Yes! The ZBT-2 supports Zigbee and is backward compatible with Zigbee 1.2 and Zigbee HA 1.2 devices. It works with thousands of Zigbee products from hundreds of manufacturers.
Q: Can I migrate from my existing Zigbee coordinator without re-pairing devices?
A: Yes! Home Assistant includes a migration wizard that transfers your Zigbee network to the ZBT-2 while preserving all device pairings and configurations.
Q: Does the ZBT-2 require Home Assistant Green or can I use it with my existing Home Assistant installation?
A: The ZBT-2 works with any Home Assistant installation including Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant Yellow, x86 systems, virtual machines, and Home Assistant Green. Simply connect via USB.
Q: How many Zigbee devices can the ZBT-2 support?
A: The ZBT-2 can coordinate networks of 100+ devices. Practical limits depend on network topology and router placement, but most home installations with 50-150 devices work excellently.
Q: Can I run both Zigbee and Thread simultaneously?
A: The ZBT-2 can operate as either a Zigbee coordinator OR a Thread Border Router, but not both simultaneously. Most users will choose Zigbee for its mature ecosystem, switching to Thread as Matter devices become more prevalent.
Q: What's the range of the ZBT-2?
A: Direct range from the coordinator is approximately 30-50 feet indoors depending on building materials. The mesh network extends this significantly as each powered Zigbee device acts as a repeater.
Q: Do I need the ZBT-2 if I already have Philips Hue Bridge or IKEA Tradfri Gateway?
A: The ZBT-2 replaces manufacturer-specific bridges with direct Home Assistant integration. This provides more powerful automation capabilities, eliminates cloud dependencies, and removes the need for multiple apps and bridges.
Q: Can I use the ZBT-2 with Zigbee2MQTT instead of ZHA?
A: Yes! The ZBT-2 works with both ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) and Zigbee2MQTT integrations. Choose based on your preference and specific device compatibility needs.
The Future of Home Assistant Hardware
The ZBT-2 represents Home Assistant's commitment to creating best-in-class, open-source smart home hardware. By purchasing official Home Assistant hardware from certified resellers like Apollo Automation, you support continued development of the platform that makes privacy-first, locally-controlled smart homes accessible to everyone.
The Home Assistant project continues to innovate with upcoming products like Home Assistant Yellow (advanced home server), expanded Voice capabilities, and new Connect-platform devices. The ZBT-2 is your gateway to this ecosystem of reliable, open, locally-controlled smart home technology.
Join the Apollo Automation Community
Have questions about the ZBT-2, Zigbee network optimization, or Home Assistant integration? Join the Apollo Automation community:
Discord: Connect with 10,000+ Home Assistant users, get setup help, and share your smart home projects at dsc.gg/apolloautomation
Wiki: Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting at wiki.apolloautomation.com
Monthly Live Streams: Join our monthly community updates on YouTube where we discuss new products, answer questions, and give away sensors
GitHub: Explore open-source firmware and contribute to development at github.com/ApolloAutomation
Conclusion
The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 represents the gold standard for Zigbee and Thread connectivity in Home Assistant. With professional-grade hardware, optimized performance, and official support from the Home Assistant team, it's the best choice for building reliable, fast, and future-proof smart home automation.
As a certified reseller, Apollo Automation is proud to offer same-day shipping in the USA and rapid international delivery. Whether you're building your first Home Assistant system or upgrading from older Zigbee coordinators, the ZBT-2 delivers the performance, reliability, and open-source philosophy that the smart home community deserves.
Order your Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 today and experience the future of local, privacy-first smart home automation.
About Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation develops advanced hardware and software for smart home, commercial, and industrial markets. As a Works With Home Assistant and Made For ESPHome certified partner, we specialize in mmWave presence sensors, air quality monitors, temperature sensors, and custom IoT solutions. Founded by University of Kentucky graduates, we design, engineer, and manufacture everything in-house at our Versailles, Kentucky facility. Our mission extends beyond smart home technology to creating high-tech jobs and driving innovation in Central Kentucky.
Visit: apolloautomation.com
Shop: apolloautomation.com/products/home-assistant-connect-zbt-2
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