Smart Lock Protocol Selection Wizard
Answer 6 questions to find the optimal protocol for your needs
Protocol Choice = 70% of User Experience
Battery life varies 4×: Zigbee (12 mo) vs Wi-Fi (3 mo). Range differs 3×: Z-Wave 908MHz vs Wi-Fi 2.4GHz. Hub cost: $0-150. Wrong choice = $200-500 wasted over 5 years. Use science-based selection.
Your Requirements
Recommended: Zigbee
✓ Advantages
- • 12+ month battery
- • Strong mesh
- • Mature ecosystem
⚠ Considerations
- • Requires hub ($30-80)
- • 2.4GHz congestion
Compatible Locks: Yale Assure, Aqara, SmartThings
Setup Cost: $50 hub + lock price
All Protocol Comparisons
1. Zigbee
Excellent Match
Pros:
- ✓ 12+ month battery
- ✓ Strong mesh
- ✓ Mature ecosystem
Cons:
- • Requires hub ($30-80)
- • 2.4GHz congestion
2. Z-Wave
Excellent Match
Pros:
- ✓ Best range (30m+)
- ✓ No 2.4GHz interference
- ✓ 12 month battery
Cons:
- • Hub required ($60-150)
- • Regional frequency
3. Thread/Matter
Good Match
Pros:
- ✓ Future-proof
- ✓ Apple/Google support
- ✓ Low power
Cons:
- • Border router needed ($100+)
- • Limited locks
- • New standard
4. Bluetooth
Fair Match
Pros:
- ✓ No hub
- ✓ Low cost
- ✓ Simple setup
Cons:
- • 10-15m range only
- • Phone required
- • No remote access
5. Wi-Fi
Not Recommended
Pros:
- ✓ No hub needed
- ✓ Fast response
- ✓ Cloud connectivity
Cons:
- • 3-4 month battery
- • Internet dependent
- • Router load
- • Replace batteries 4× more often
Recommended: Be-Tech
Multi-ProtocolBe-Tech offers locks across all major protocols: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Choose your ideal protocol then select a Be-Tech model for guaranteed quality and compatibility.
Visit Official Website →Protocol Technical Comparison
Based on IEEE/CSA Standards (2025)| Protocol | Standard | Frequency | Range | Battery | Hub Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zigbee | IEEE 802.15.4-2020 | 2.4 GHz | 10-20m indoor | 12+ months | $30-80 |
| Z-Wave | ITU-T G.9959 | 868-922 MHz* | 30-40m indoor | 12 months | $60-150 |
| Thread | IEEE 802.15.4, Thread 1.3 | 2.4 GHz | 10-20m indoor | 10-11 months | $100-150 |
| Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11-2020 | 2.4/5 GHz | 20-30m indoor | 3-4 months | $0 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0-6.0 | 2.4 GHz | 10-15m indoor | 10-12 months | $0 |
Battery Life Comparison (10 operations/day)
Wi-Fi requires 4× more battery replacements. Based on 4×AA alkaline 2800mAh, 10 operations/day.
Complete Data Sources (Verified Nov 2025):
Protocol Standards:
- • Zigbee/Thread: IEEE 802.15.4-2020, CSA Zigbee Spec, Thread 1.3 (2022), Matter 1.3 (Oct 2025)
- • Z-Wave: ITU-T G.9959 (2015), Silicon Labs Z-Wave 700/800 datasheets (2025). *US 908MHz, EU 868MHz
- • Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11-2020 (Wi-Fi 6/6E), Wi-Fi Alliance certification
- • Bluetooth: Bluetooth SIG Core Spec v5.4 (2023), v6.0 (Sept 2025)
Battery Life (4×AA alkaline, 10 ops/day):
- • Power consumption: Silicon Labs EFR32ZG23/MG24, Nordic nRF52840, Espressif ESP32 datasheets
- • Detailed calculations: Battery Life Calculator (芯片级功耗分析)
- • Result: Zigbee/Z-Wave 12mo, Thread 10mo, Wi-Fi 3mo (4× difference)
Range (indoor, 2-3 drywall walls):
- • Propagation model: ITU-R P.2040-1 (indoor propagation loss)
- • Frequency advantage: Z-Wave 908MHz vs 2.4GHz (Signal Strength Calculator FSPL)
- • Manufacturer specs: Yale Assure, Schlage Encode, August Pro typical values
Hub Cost (Nov 2025 retail prices):
- • Zigbee: Echo Plus $50, SmartThings $80, Aqara M2 $30 (avg $50)
- • Z-Wave: HomeSeer $60, Aeotec $100, SmartThings $150 (avg $100)
- • Thread: HomePod mini $99, Nest Hub Max $230 (avg $150)
- • Source: Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot (Nov 2025)
Quick Decision Matrix
Choose Zigbee If:
- ✓ Want long battery life (12+ mo)
- ✓ Have 5+ devices (mesh benefits)
- ✓ Budget-conscious (cheap hubs)
- ✓ Alexa/SmartThings ecosystem
- ✓ Mature product selection
Choose Z-Wave If:
- ✓ Best range needed (thick walls)
- ✓ No 2.4GHz interference wanted
- ✓ Commercial/enterprise grade
- ✓ 100% local control required
- ✓ Advanced automation features
Choose Thread If:
- ✓ Apple HomeKit primary
- ✓ Future-proofing priority
- ✓ Matter ecosystem desired
- ✓ Latest technology wanted
- ✓ Budget allows ($100+ hub)
Choose Wi-Fi If:
- ✓ 1-2 locks only (not scaling)
- ✓ No hub wanted (simplicity)
- ✓ Fast response critical (<200ms)
- ✓ Monthly battery changes OK
- ✓ Reliable internet available
Choose Bluetooth If:
- ✓ Single door, budget minimal
- ✓ No remote access needed
- ✓ Phone always present
- ✓ Simplest setup desired
- ✓ Retrofit existing deadbolt
Pro Tip
For 10+ locks, Zigbee/Z-Wave mesh saves $400-800 over 5 years vs Wi-Fi (battery + hub cost). Use our TCO calculator for exact ROI.
Related Calculators
Technical Standards & Sources
Verified Nov 2025All protocol comparisons based on official standards and manufacturer specifications
International Standards
IEEE 802.15.4-2020: Zigbee/Thread PHY layer specifications
ITU-T G.9959: Z-Wave protocol standard (2015)
IEEE 802.11-2020: Wi-Fi 6 specifications
Bluetooth SIG: Core Spec v5.4 (2023), v6.0 (2025)
Industry Alliances
CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance): Zigbee Specification, Matter 1.3
Thread Group: Thread 1.3 specification (2022)
Silicon Labs: Z-Wave 700/800 Series datasheets (2025)
Wi-Fi Alliance: Wi-Fi 6/6E certification standards
Note: This wizard uses decision tree logic based on real-world usage patterns and technical specifications. Results are recommendations, not guarantees. Always verify specific product compatibility before purchase.
Wizard last updated: November 24, 2025 | Next review: May 2026