Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1

Quick verdict

Nabu Casa discontinued the Connect ZBT-1 in November 2025 and replaced it with the ZBT-2, which uses a newer, faster radio. The ZBT-1 still works and continues to receive software updates, so if you already own one there is no need to rush. But new buyers should get the ZBT-2. As a Zigbee coordinator the ZBT-1 remains a clean, least-drama local option with native ZHA support.

Standout: First-party Nabu Casa Zigbee/Thread coordinator with the simplest Home Assistant support path; discontinued in November 2025 and succeeded by the faster ZBT-2.

Last checked: 2026-06-15

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• first-party Nabu Casa hardware with native ZHA integration, making it the least-drama Zigbee setup in HA
• supports firmware switching between Zigbee and Thread for future Matter border router use
• compact USB stick that auto-discovers in Home Assistant without manual configuration

Reasons to hesitate

• discontinued in November 2025 (succeeded by the Connect ZBT-2); still receives software updates
• not the absolute strongest answer for large or RF-hostile homes
• USB placement still matters more than beginners expect
• advanced users may prefer more configurable coordinator hardware

Best for

• existing ZBT-1 owners who already have one working
• Home Assistant users who find one cheap and want the least-drama Zigbee path

Avoid if

• you are buying new today (get the Connect ZBT-2 instead)
• you are building a very large Zigbee network and want a coordinator with more tuning headroom
• you expect the dongle alone to fix bad mesh planning

Privacy and local-control notes

A very clean local-first option because the value comes from direct local radio control inside Home Assistant rather than vendor cloud glue.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: native SkyConnect / ZBT-1 support.

Buying reality check

Price notes: Discontinued by Nabu Casa in November 2025 in favor of the Connect ZBT-2. It still works and keeps getting software updates, so existing owners are fine, but new buyers should choose the ZBT-2 instead.

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