ZOOZ Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry vs ZOOZ 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable (2026): Key Differences
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The zooz 800 series z wave rechargeable vs z wave multirelay 3 dry comparison highlights two very different Z-Wave 800 Series devices. Both rely on a Z-Wave hub for operation and support SmartThings, Hubitat, and Home Assistant. The ZEN37 is a battery-powered wall remote for scene control. The ZEN16 is a wired controller with three dry contact relays for heavy loads. You need to decide between portable input and fixed output control.
Key differences
| Aspect | Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable Wall Remote | Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Model | ZEN37 | ZEN16 |
| Primary Function | Wall remote with 4 buttons | 3 dry contact relay controller |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery | 5V USB-C or 12-24 V AC/DC |
| Size | Not listed | 4" x 2.5" x 1.5" |
| Certification | Not listed | ETL certified |
| Color | White | Black |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable Wall Remote if
- You want to trigger scenes from a portable, battery-powered wall unit.
- You prefer a device that requires no hardwiring or external power supply.
- You need to control lighting presets or enter away mode with a single click.
Choose Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller if
- You need to control high-power devices like garage doors, sprinklers, or fans.
- You require independent control of three separate dry contact outputs.
- You want a permanently wired device with ETL safety certification.
Verdict: Choose the ZEN37 if you need a convenient, battery-operated remote for scene activation. Select the ZEN16 if you must control heavy electrical loads like garage doors or irrigation systems. Both devices utilize the same robust Z-Wave 800 Series connectivity.
ZEN37 Remote vs ZEN16 Relay Specs
Primary Function
The Zooz Z-Wave 800 Series Rechargeable Wall Remote (ZEN37) is designed as a user interface. It features four programmable buttons for one-touch control of scenes or devices. You can program each button to activate up to 24 different scenes. In contrast, the Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller (ZEN16) is an actuator. It contains three independent dry contact relays. This unit controls external loads like garage doors, sprinklers, or gas fireplaces. It does not provide a user interface for direct manual control without an optional wall switch. One is for sending commands, the other is for executing them.
Power Source
The ZEN37 relies on an internal rechargeable battery. This allows for flexible installation without hardwiring. You can mount it on a wall, place it on a nightstand, or attach it to a standard Decora box. The ZEN16 requires continuous external power. It accepts 5V via a USB-C cable or 12-24V AC/DC. You must provide your own power adapter or cable. The ZEN16 cannot run on batteries. This makes the ZEN37 easier to install in existing locations without electrical work, while the ZEN16 needs a nearby power source.
Connectivity Standard
Both devices utilize the latest Z-Wave 800 Series chip for improved signal coverage. They both support Z-Wave Long Range if your hub supports it, offering up to 1300 feet of range. Both include S2 authenticated security and SmartStart for secure pairing. The ZEN37 is explicitly marketed as Long Range ready for direct-to-hub communication. The ZEN16 also supports Long Range for ultra-fast signals. There is no difference in the underlying wireless technology or security protocols between these two Z-Wave 800 Series devices.
Smart Home Compatibility
Both devices require a Z-Wave hub and are compatible with Hubitat, Home Assistant, and SmartThings. For SmartThings, the ZEN37 works with a custom driver included with the product. The ZEN16 also requires a custom device driver for SmartThings, available on the Zooz support page. The ZEN16 has limited functionality with some alarm panels like Ring or Vivint, offering only R1 control. The ZEN37 does not mention partial compatibility with these specific panels. Both offer full feature access on supported open hubs.
Load Capacity
The ZEN37 is a controller. It does not handle electrical loads directly. It sends signals to other devices. The ZEN16 is a controller that also handles power. It can manage any 1-240 V device up to 20 A. It provides three dry contact relays for this purpose. This allows it to directly switch high-power items like pool pumps or whole-house fans. The ZEN37 cannot perform this function. If you need to switch power to heavy appliances, the ZEN16 provides the necessary hardware, while the ZEN37 is limited to signaling.
Choose the right Z-Wave device for you
Users wanting wireless wall-mounted control
The ZEN37 is a battery-powered wall remote with four programmable buttons. It uses a rechargeable battery and includes a magnetic base for flexible installation. You can place it in a standard Decora box or on a nightstand. This device allows one-touch control of scenes without wiring, making it ideal for simple user interface needs.
Users automating high-power devices like garage doors
The ZEN16 MultiRelay features three dry contact relays for independent control. It handles 1-240 V devices up to 20 A, such as garage doors or sprinklers. Powered by USB-C or 12-24 V AC/DC, it includes auto-on/off timers and restores status after power failure. This relay controller is built for heavy-duty automation tasks.
Users needing long-range Z-Wave connectivity
Both devices use the 800 Series chip, but the ZEN37 highlights up to 1300 feet of range if your hub supports Z-Wave Long Range. It offers S2 authenticated security and SmartStart pairing. This makes the rechargeable remote a strong choice for reliable direct-to-hub communication over greater distances in larger homes.
The products compared
Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable Wall Remote
Best for: Z-Wave scene control via wall remote
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave 800 Series, Z-Wave Long Range
- Smart Home Compatibility
- SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
View on Amazon: Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable Wall Remote Affiliate link
The ZOOZ ZEN37 is a wall remote built on the 800 Series Z-Wave chip. It features four programmable buttons and a rechargeable battery. The device supports Z-Wave Long Range for extended coverage. It requires a compatible hub like SmartThings or Hubitat. This unit suits users who need a stylish, wire-free controller for scenes or device control.
Pros
- Z-Wave 800 Series chip for better signal coverage
- Rechargeable battery eliminates frequent replacements
- Four programmable buttons for scene control
- Supports Z-Wave Long Range up to 1300 feet
- Includes magnetic base and screwless wallplate
Cons
- Requires a compatible hub for operation
- Limited to Z-Wave connectivity only
- Custom drivers needed for some platforms
Good fit if
- You want a rechargeable battery-powered remote
- You have a Z-Wave Long Range compatible hub
- You need to control scenes from a wall
Skip if
- You do not have a Z-Wave hub
- You need a thermostat or relay
- You prefer plug-and-play without configuration
Verdict: ZOOZ ZEN37 Z-Wave Rechargeable Remote offers long-range control for users with compatible hubs. It fits those who want a stylish, wire-free wall controller for scene management.
Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller
Best for: Automating garage doors and sprinklers with Z-Wave
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Hubitat, Home Assistant, SmartThings
- Power Source
- 5V USB-C or 12-24 V AC/DC
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
- Application
- Irrigation, Air Conditioners
- Voltage
- 24V
View on Amazon: Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller Affiliate link
The Zooz ZEN16 is a Z-Wave device with three independent dry contact relays. It supports Z-Wave Long Range for better coverage and uses S2 security. You power it via USB-C or 12-24V AC/DC. It controls devices up to 240V and 20A. This unit suits you if you need to automate garage doors, sprinklers, or fireplaces. You require an open Z-Wave hub for full individual relay control.
Pros
- Three independent dry contact relays for separate control
- Z-Wave Long Range support for extended signal coverage
- Flexible power options with USB-C or 12-24V AC/DC
- Handles loads up to 240V and 20A
Cons
- Requires an external Z-Wave hub for operation
- Power adapter and jumper wires are not included
- Limited individual relay control on some alarm panels like Ring or Vivint
Good fit if
- You need to control multiple garage doors or sprinklers from one device
- You use an open Z-Wave hub like Hubitat or Home Assistant
- You want Z-Wave Long Range connectivity for better range
Skip if
- You do not have a compatible Z-Wave hub
- You need to control the device directly from a smart speaker without a hub
- You require included power adapters or wiring accessories
Verdict: The Zooz ZEN16 MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact is ideal for users automating high-power devices like garage doors or irrigation systems who already have a compatible Z-Wave hub. It offers reliable multi-device control through its three independent relays.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Rechargeable Wall Remote | Zooz Z-Wave MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Z-Wave 800 Series, Z-Wave Long Range | Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range |
| Smart Home Compatibility | SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant | Hubitat, Home Assistant, SmartThings |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery | 5V USB-C or 12-24 V AC/DC |
| Hub Requirement | Hub Required | Hub Required |
| Application | not stated | Irrigation, Air Conditioners |
| Voltage | not stated | 24V |
| Color | White | Black |
| Model | ZEN37 | ZEN16 |
| Size | not stated | 4" x 2.5" x 1.5" |
Frequently asked questions
Can the ZOOZ ZEN37 remote control devices directly without a hub?
No, the ZOOZ ZEN37 requires a Z-Wave hub to function. It is designed as a wireless wall remote for scene control, meaning it cannot operate independently. You must have a compatible hub, such as SmartThings, Hubitat, or Home Assistant, to receive commands from the remote and relay them to your connected devices.
Is the ZOOZ ZEN16 suitable for controlling high-power appliances?
Yes, the ZOOZ ZEN16 MultiRelay 3 Dry Contact Controller is built for automating high-power devices. It features three independent relays rated for 24V applications. This makes it ideal for controlling equipment like irrigation systems, garage doors, or air conditioners through a Z-Wave network rather than serving as a simple user interface.
Does the ZOOZ ZEN37 need hardwiring for power?
No, the ZOOZ ZEN37 is battery-powered and rechargeable. It does not require hardwiring for power, allowing for flexible installation. The device includes a magnetic base, so you can mount it easily without complex wiring, provided you have a Z-Wave hub to manage the scene control commands it sends.
How many devices can each button on the ZEN37 control?
Each button on the ZOOZ ZEN37 can be programmed to activate up to 24 devices or scenes. This allows you to consolidate multiple actions into a single touch. You can customize the four programmable buttons to trigger different automation sequences, making it a versatile tool for managing complex Z-Wave setups.
What is the physical size of the ZOOZ ZEN16 relay?
The ZOOZ ZEN16 MultiRelay measures 4 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches. It comes in a black finish and is designed to fit standard installation spaces. Its compact form factor allows it to be mounted in electrical boxes or enclosures while providing three independent dry contact relays for various automation tasks.
Can I use the ZOOZ ZEN37 with Home Assistant?
Yes, the ZOOZ ZEN37 is compatible with Home Assistant. It works with any Z-Wave hub that supports the Z-Wave protocol, including Home Assistant, SmartThings, and Hubitat. This ensures you can integrate the wall remote into your existing smart home ecosystem for reliable scene control and device management without vendor lock-in.
Does the ZOOZ ZEN16 support dry contact switching?
Yes, the ZOOZ ZEN16 is a dry contact controller. It provides three independent relays that switch circuits without providing voltage themselves. This design allows you to connect external power sources for devices like garage door openers or sprinkler valves, giving you precise control over high-power applications through your Z-Wave network.