Home Automation Options: Z-Wave vs HomeKit

If you want automated home security, then you can’t go wrong with Z-Wave or HomeKit. These systems are the best in home security automation but read on if you need a little more information before making the investment that will work best for you. We’ll look at the pros and cons for Z-Wave and HomeKit to help you pick the package that’s right for you.

Z-Wave

Z-Wave technology allows you to secure and control your entire home from one central source, such as your Smartphone, smart panel, or computer. You can get Z-Wave Plus which has higher compatibility and security with Apple HomeKit. This is made possible by interconnecting devices throughout your home.

Z-Wave Pros

• Products interconnect and are signal repeaters. That means the more devices you install in your home, the stronger your network becomes.

• Z-Wave signals can pass through walls, which makes it possible to secure more of your home.

• Z-Wave products link to one central location, making it easier to secure your home with one click.

• Z-Wave technology can accommodate extra-large homes and even businesses. Devices can easily communicate from 600 feet away, due to signal hopping, and a Z-Wave network can support as many as 232 devices.

• Devices are energy efficient.

• Z-Wave is user-friendly. It requires no complicated programming or cables.

Z-Wave Cons

• If you don’t update your firmware, Z-Ware devices can become susceptible to hackers due to issues with encryption.

• Z-Wave signals can’t pass through every type of wall, so this may not be the best option for you depending on the structure of your home.

HomeKit

HomeKit is Apple’s response to automated home security. Like Z-Wave, HomeKit allows you to secure and control all your devices from one central source. If you have an account with Apple already, it could be easy to integrate your account with HomeKit.

HomeKit Pros

• All your Apple products can be controlled from a simple Home app that can be installed on a range of devices, including your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

• HomeKit can be controlled through voice commands with the help of Siri.

• You can program HomeKit to perform some tasks automatically based on location, time, sensors, and occupancy.

• HomeKit is user-friendly. You download the app and then enter codes for compatible accessories. HomeKit will even recognize compatible accessories set up using other apps.

• Because your Home app speaks directly to the linked devices, there’s almost no limit to how far away you can be to control your home security.

• HomeKit is secured with encrypted communication, so you can be sure that you’re the only one who can control your home.

HomeKit Cons

• While extremely convenient to link your phone, TV, and more to your home security, unless you’ve already invested in other Apple products, this could be a huge financial investment.

• HomeKit doesn’t allow full control of every device function.

For More Information

Both Z-Wave and HomeKit will secure your home, but the route you choose will depend on the products you already own and the financial investment you’re willing to make. Whatever your needs, if you’re interested in monitored, smart home security, Brinks Home™ can help.

Lauren Slade is a Dallas-based writer and editor.