Which Matter/Zigbee coordinator - which SMLIGHT maybe?

Configuration Matter/Thread
1

Hi all, new here and new to home assistant.

I have HA running on a dedicated mini PC which could be moved to a more central location, it’s currently in my office at the end of the garden.

Currently I have everything I need running via unify (cameras), hive and my Yale alarm. I’ve been playing with some automation but using the hive door sensors to run some automation is slow, therefore I need better door contacts.

I picked up some Ikea contacts yesterday but not I need a Matter coordinator.

I’ve looked at the ZBT-2 but then the SMLIGHT stuff looks great as I could just but that where I wanted using POE. But I’m lost since there are so many options.

I’ve come across Aliexpress but then which one? SLZB-MR3U?

On Aliexpress, are these legit devices or should I be buying from the UK/Europe?

Thanks.

2

SMLight has their own store on Ali E: https://smlight.aliexpress.com/store/911995098, which I have used. Here is a direct link to their coordinators.

3

Brilliant, thanks for that. Any advice on which one to go for?
SLZB-06p7U
SLZB-MR1U
SLZB-MR2U
SLZB-MR3U
SLZB-MRW10
SLZB-06Mg26
SLZB-MR4U
SLZB-MR5U

I can’t imagine I’ll ever have hundred of deveices but I’d like to avoid multimple coordinators etc.

4

I bought the SLZB-06Mg26 because I only use Zigbee. If you want to use Zigbee and Matter, you should read up on the issues of running both protocols on a single coordinator.

5

Ok, so separate may be better. I’m that case, can you recommend which would be best for matter? Apologies, it’s all very new to me

6

I’m not using Matter so can’t recommend a suitable coordinator. There are plenty of threads on here with users complaining about something to do with Matter. I’m not across the details though.

Is there a reason you are wedded to Matter? My Zigbee mesh has a 102 devices (mostly routers) and works very well.

7

Not really, just that I picked up some ikea devices while I was passing.

8

I have a few days newest SLZB-MR5U and it looks very good. New chips, highest number of devices, but fully supported in dev branch of HA only, currently I have such 150 Zigbee and 10 Thread devices, Z-wave still not tested, I have old stick in HA Usb port with one device. Moved from deconz II and ZBT1. Many different devices, Ikea, Tuya etc.