Wireless Frequency Bands Used by Smart Home Devices

When creating a smart home, understanding the wireless frequency bands your smart devices use is important. Different technologies use different frequencies to communicate, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a clear breakdown of the most common wireless bands used in smart home tech: WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, LoRa and Bluetooth.

Understanding Wireless Bands vs Frequencies

Before diving into specific technologies, it helps to understand the terms band and frequency, they’re often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

• Frequency refers to the specific point on the radio spectrum, measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, 2.4 GHz means 2.4 billion cycles per second.
• Band is a broader term that refers to a range of frequencies. The 2.4 GHz band includes frequencies from 2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

Think of frequency as a channel and band as the group of channels. Multiple technologies can share a band but operate on different frequencies within it. This is why interference can sometimes occur.

WiFi – 2.4 GHz

Used by: Smart plugs, bulbs, sensors, some cameras

Frequencies:

• Operates between 2.400 GHz and 2.4835 GHz

Pros:

• Longer range and better wall penetration than WiFi 5 GHz
• Very widely supported by smart home devices
• No hub required, connects directly to your home router

Cons:

• Lower speeds than 5 GHz
• More interference, frequency bands shared with Zigbee and Bluetooth
• Can get crowded with many connected devices

Best for: Simple smart home devices like plugs and sensors that don’t need much bandwidth.

WiFi – 5 GHz

Used by: Video doorbells, security cameras, smart speakers

Frequencies:

• Operates between 5.150 GHz and 5.825 GHz (varies by region)

Pros:

• Faster data speeds than 2.4 GHz
• Less interference than 2.4 GHz
• Good for streaming and high-bandwidth tasks

Cons:

• Shorter range than 2.4 GHz
• Weaker penetration through walls
• Many smart devices do not support 5 GHz

Best for: High data devices like video doorbells and indoor cameras.

Zigbee  – 2.4 GHz

Used by: Smart sensors, lights, plugs, thermostats

Frequencies:

• Uses the 2.4 GHz band

Pros:

• Low power, ideal for battery operated smart devices
• Mesh network, devices pass the signal along to extend range
• Widely supported by major smart home brands (Philips Hue, IKEA, Aqara)

Cons:

• Needs a compatible hub or bridge
• Can face interference from WiFi due to shared frequency
• Range between devices is shorter than Z-Wave

Best for: Sensor devices and smart lighting setups that don’t require fast data.

Z-Wave – 868 MHz (Europe)

Used by: Smart sensors, lights, plugs, thermostats (basically the same as Zigbee)

Frequencies:

• 868 MHz in the UK and Europe
• 908 MHz in the US

Pros:

• Less crowded frequency than 2.4 GHz
• Good range and reliability
• Mesh networking supported
• Low power usage

Cons:

• Smaller range of compatible devices compared to Zigbee
• Requires a Z-Wave hub
• EU and US Z-Wave devices are not compatible with each other

Best for: Secure and stable connections for home security devices like locks and motion sensors.

LoRa – 868 MHz (UK/EU)

Used by: Smart irrigation, outdoor sensors, remote monitoring and where long range is required

Frequencies:

• 868 MHz in Europe
• 915 MHz in the US

Pros:

• Extremely long range (up to several kilometres in open air)
• Low power, great for battery powered outdoor devices
• Penetrates walls and obstacles better than higher frequencies

Cons:

• Low data rate (not suitable for video or audio)
• Limited consumer grade support and integration options
• Needs a LoRa gateway

Best for: Outdoor smart devices like soil moisture sensors, water timers, or long-range alarms in sheds or cabins.

Bluetooth – 2.4 GHz

Used by: Smart locks, trackers, fitness devices, some sensors

Frequencies:

• Operates at 2.4 GHz

Pros:

• Built into most smartphones, so great for direct control
• BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is efficient for short-range sensors
• No internet needed

Cons:

• Short range (typically 10–20 metres indoors)
• Doesn’t support mesh networks (except Bluetooth Mesh, which is still niche)
• Can be unreliable for constant connectivity

Best for: Personal devices, quick control via phone, and location-based automation like unlocking doors when you’re near.

Overview

Each wireless band and technology serves a different purpose in the smart home. Here’s a quick comparison:

A well balanced smart home often uses more than one of these. For example, you might use WiFi for your cameras, Zigbee for lights and LoRa for your garden sensors.