ZOOZ 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall vs ZOOZ Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting (2026): Key Differences
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing zooz 700 series z wave long vs z wave long range smart devices for home automation. Both units add Z-Wave Long Range connectivity and require a compatible hub. They both support smart bulb mode and offer dry contact outputs for switching. The main difference lies in their physical size and wiring needs. The ZEN51 needs a neutral wire, while the ZEN57 is smaller and fits tight spaces. You must check your existing wiring before buying either model.
Key differences
| Aspect | Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay | Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.5" x 1.4" x 0.7" | 1.2" x 1" x 0.6" |
| Wiring Requirement | Neutral Required | Neutral Not Required |
| Maximum Load | Not listed | 150W LED |
| Circuit Type | 3-Way Compatible | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay if
- You have a neutral wire available in your switch box
- You need to support 3-way switch setups
- You want a relay that fits standard depth boxes
Choose Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay if
- You lack a neutral wire in your switch box
- You have very crowded electrical boxes
- You want the most compact relay option available
Verdict: Choose the ZEN51 if you have neutral wiring and need 3-way compatibility. The ZEN57 is the better choice for tight spaces or installations without a neutral wire. Both offer reliable Z-Wave Long Range control for your lighting needs.
Zooz ZEN51 vs ZEN57 Size and Load
Physical size
The Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay ZEN57 measures 1.0 inch wide, 1.2 inches long, and 0.6 inches high. The Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay ZEN51 is slightly larger at 1.4 inches wide, 1.5 inches long, and 0.7 inches high. Both units are designed to fit into crowded electrical boxes or behind light fixtures. The ZEN57 has a more compact footprint, which may help in very tight spaces. The ZEN51 is still small but requires a bit more room for wiring connections. You should measure your specific electrical box before choosing either model to ensure a proper fit.
Load capacity
The Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay ZEN57 supports a maximum load of 150 watts for LED lights. The Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay ZEN51 does not list a specific wattage limit in its published specifications. The ZEN51 focuses on providing a dry contact output for various applications, including 120 V signal monitoring for sump pumps or motion lights. This makes it versatile for non-lighting devices. The ZEN57 is explicitly rated for lighting loads. If you are controlling high-wattage LED arrays, the ZEN57 provides clear guidance on its limits.
Wiring requirements
Both the Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay ZEN51 and the Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay ZEN57 require a neutral wire for operation. The ZEN51 notes that it must be installed where power and neutral are available, such as at the light fixture if the switch box lacks a neutral. The ZEN57 also allows installation at the light fixture for similar reasons. Both devices accept simple toggle or momentary switches on the input side. Neither device supports dimmers or electronic switches on the input. You must verify that your installation location includes a neutral conductor before purchasing either unit.
Smart home compatibility
Both devices work with Hubitat, Home Assistant, and HomeSeer. The Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay ZEN51 is compatible with SmartThings. The Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay ZEN57 is also compatible with SmartThings for basic on/off functionality. Both require an updated Z-Wave hub to display advanced features correctly. The ZEN51 highlights support for SmartStart and S2 authenticated security. The ZEN57 also includes SmartStart and S2 security. Both models offer smart bulb mode to maintain switch functionality when using smart bulbs. Your hub must support these protocols for full feature access.
Certification and warranty
The Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay ZEN51 is ETL certified and conforms with North American safety standards. The Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay ZEN57 does not list specific safety certifications in its data. Both products include a 5-year warranty when registered. The ZEN51 mentions US-based support available seven days a week. The ZEN57 offers lifetime tech support. The ZEN51 requires registration within a specific timeframe to maintain warranty terms, while the ZEN57 requires registration within 30 days for the extended warranty. The ETL certification on the ZEN51 provides an extra layer of safety verification for some buyers.
Which Zooz Z-Wave Relay Fits You
Users with tight switch boxes
The ZEN57 measures just 1.0 by 1.2 by 0.6 inches. This compact footprint fits easily into crowded electrical boxes where the larger ZEN51 might not. You get the same Z-Wave Long Range connectivity and smart bulb mode support in a smaller package designed specifically for tight spaces.
Those needing higher LED capacity
The ZEN57 supports up to 150 watts of LED loads. The ZEN51 does not list a specific wattage limit in its published data. If you are controlling a large number of LED fixtures, the ZEN57 provides a clear capacity advantage for your lighting automation setup.
People with 3-way switch setups
The ZEN51 is explicitly rated for 3-way circuit compatibility. This allows you to integrate it into existing multi-switch configurations without rewiring. The ZEN57 data does not mention 3-way support. If you have traditional 3-way switches, the ZEN51 offers the necessary wiring flexibility.
Users wanting neutral wire access
The ZEN51 requires a neutral wire for installation. While the ZEN57 also mentions neutral availability at the fixture, the ZEN51 is designed for standard in-wall switch boxes where neutral is often present. If your switch box has a neutral wire, the ZEN51 is a reliable, ETL-certified choice.
The products compared
Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay
Best for: automating 3-way circuits with long range
- Smart Home Compatibility
- SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range
- Wiring Requirement
- Neutral Required
- Circuit Type
- 3-Way
- Switch Function
- On/Off Switch
View on Amazon: Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay Affiliate link
The Zooz ZEN51 is a compact Z-Wave relay that installs behind existing wall switches. It supports Z-Wave Long Range and 3-way setups, requiring a neutral wire. This device allows you to keep your preferred switch style while adding smart control. It works with major hubs like Hubitat and Home Assistant. It suits users who want reliable automation without replacing hardware.
Pros
- Supports Z-Wave Long Range connectivity
- Compatible with 3-way switch configurations
- Compact size fits crowded electrical boxes
- Maintains physical switch functionality
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire for installation
- Only supports on/off control, not dimming
- Requires a compatible Z-Wave hub
Good fit if
- You need Z-Wave Long Range in existing switch boxes
- You have 3-way switch setups to automate
- You want to keep your current switch hardware
Skip if
- You do not have a neutral wire available
- You need dimming capabilities for lights
- You prefer standalone devices without a hub
Verdict: The Zooz ZEN51 Z-Wave Long Range Relay is a practical solution for automating 3-way circuits with long-range connectivity. It fits users who prioritize signal strength and hardware retention over dimming features.
Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay
Best for: tight electrical boxes with no neutral
- Smart Home Compatibility
- SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range
- Switch Function
- On/Off
- Maximum Load
- 150W LED
- Application
- Lights
View on Amazon: Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay Affiliate link
The Zooz ZEN57 is an extra small Z-Wave relay designed for tight spaces. It supports Z-Wave Long Range connectivity and handles up to 150W of LED lighting. The compact body measures just 1 inch by 1.2 inches by 0.6 inches. It requires a compatible Z-Wave hub for operation. This unit suits you if you need a discreet switch for crowded electrical boxes or fixture installations without neutral wires.
Pros
- Z-Wave Long Range connectivity
- Compact 1 x 1.2 x 0.6 inch body
- 150W LED load capacity
- Dry contact switch input
Cons
- Requires a separate Z-Wave hub
- Accepts only simple toggle or momentary switches
- Limited to on/off functionality
Good fit if
- You need a relay for a crowded electrical box
- You want to use your own wall switch style
- You have a Z-Wave Long Range hub
Skip if
- You need dimming control for your lights
- You do not have a Z-Wave hub
- You want to connect electronic or dimmer switches
Verdict: Zooz ZEN57 XS Z-Wave Relay fits you if you need a tiny, hub-dependent switch for tight spaces. It works well for basic on/off automation with your preferred wall hardware.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Relay | Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Compatibility | SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant | SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat |
| Hub Requirement | Hub Required | Hub Required |
| Connectivity | Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range | Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range |
| Wiring Requirement | Neutral Required | not stated |
| Circuit Type | 3-Way | not stated |
| Switch Function | On/Off Switch | On/Off |
| Maximum Load | not stated | 150W LED |
| Application | not stated | Lights |
| Dimensions | 1.5 × 1.4 × 0.7 inches | 1.2 × 1 × 0.6 inches |
| Model | ZEN51 | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ZOOZ ZEN51 support 3-way switching?
Yes, the ZOOZ ZEN51 is designed for automating 3-way circuits. It allows you to control lights from multiple locations using your existing wall hardware. This makes it a practical choice if you need long-range connectivity alongside multi-point control. It does not offer dimming features, focusing instead on reliable on/off switching for these setups.
Will the ZOOZ ZEN57 fit in a small electrical box?
The ZOOZ ZEN57 is built for tight spaces. Its dimensions are 1.0 inch wide, 1.2 inches long, and 0.6 inches high. This compact size fits easily into crowded electrical boxes where larger relays might not. It is ideal for users who need a tiny, hub-dependent switch for basic on/off automation in confined areas.
Do these Z-Wave relays require a hub?
Yes, both the ZOOZ ZEN51 and ZEN57 require a compatible hub to function. They connect via Z-Wave Long Range technology, which provides extended range and reliability. You cannot use these devices directly with your phone or voice assistant without an intermediate hub that supports the Z-Wave protocol.
Are these devices compatible with Home Assistant?
The ZOOZ ZEN51 explicitly lists Home Assistant as a compatible smart home platform. This allows for integration into local automation routines. While the ZEN57 also uses Z-Wave, specific platform compatibility should be verified. Both units rely on the Z-Wave network, so a hub that supports Home Assistant is essential for full functionality.
Can I use these relays for smart bulb mode?
Yes, both units support smart bulb mode. This feature allows you to control smart bulbs directly through the relay without needing the bulb to be connected to the relay’s load terminals. It provides flexibility for automating different types of lighting fixtures. This is useful if you want to keep your existing smart bulbs while adding Z-Wave control.
Do these relays have dry contact outputs?
Yes, both the ZOOZ ZEN51 and ZEN57 offer dry contact outputs. This allows you to switch devices that do not require a direct power connection through the relay. It is useful for controlling appliances or other low-voltage devices. This feature adds versatility beyond simple light switching in your home automation setup.
Which ZOOZ relay is better for long-range signals?
Both devices use Z-Wave Long Range technology for strong signal strength. The ZOOZ ZEN51 is specifically noted for prioritizing signal strength and hardware retention. If you are automating 3-way circuits, the ZEN51 is a practical solution. The ZEN57 also provides long-range connectivity but focuses on a smaller form factor for tight spaces.