The new Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 has officially arrived, delivering a powerful upgrade for anyone running Zigbee or Thread devices. This second-generation USB dongle brings faster performance, stronger wireless stability, and deeper integration with the Home Assistant ecosystem.
High-Performance Zigbee or Thread Connectivity
The ZBT-2 is the successor to the original SkyConnect/ZBT-1, now built with the Silicon Labs MG24 chip, offering up to 4× faster performance and a noticeably more responsive network.
Users still choose either Zigbee or Thread during setup, and the device now delivers rock-solid reliability for both protocols.
Stronger Range With a Redesigned Antenna
One of the biggest improvements is the updated antenna, engineered to boost signal stability across large homes filled with sensors, switches, and smart lighting. This enhanced range is especially valuable for users with dense Zigbee networks.
Open, Repairable, and Developer-Friendly Hardware
The ZBT-2 follows Home Assistant’s second-generation “Connect” hardware standard:
- Tool-free opening
- No glue or proprietary fasteners
- Exposed pins for tinkering
- Open-source-friendly design
It’s built for longevity, customization, and hands-on experimentation.
Why Zigbee Still Matters in the Matter Era
Despite the rise of Matter, Zigbee remains widely used in ecosystems such as Philips Hue, Aqara, IKEA, and countless smart sensors. Matter bridges expose Zigbee devices to other platforms, making hybrid setups extremely common.
The ZBT-2 fits perfectly into this landscape by supporting:
- ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation)
- Zigbee2MQTT
- Thread Border Router via OpenThread
- Matter server integration in Home Assistant
This versatility positions it as a long-term connectivity backbone for modern smart homes.
Easy Setup and Full Home Assistant Compatibility
The Connect ZBT-2 is fully plug-and-play:
- Works with Home Assistant 2025.10.1+
- Supports OTA firmware updates for major brands
- Plugs directly into Home Assistant Green, Home Assistant Yellow, or Raspberry Pi
A migration tool is also available for users upgrading from SkyConnect/ZBT-1.
Pricing and Availability
The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is available now for $49.99.
