Zigbee vs. Bluetooth — What's the Difference?

Zigbee is designed for creating low-power, low-data rate wireless networks, making it suitable for applications such as smart home devices, automation systems, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a short-range wireless technology used primarily for connecting personal devices like smartphones, headphones, keyboards, and mice. It operates on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard and is known for its high data rate and direct device-to-device connections.

While Zigbee prioritizes low power consumption and network scalability, making it ideal for battery-operated devices that require long-term deployment, Bluetooth focuses on providing higher data rates and low latency connections suitable for media streaming and peripheral connections.

Zigbee networks can support thousands of devices, forming robust mesh networks where devices can communicate over larger areas by passing data through intermediary devices. Bluetooth networks, typically simpler, support fewer devices with direct connections, usually limited to 7 active devices in a piconet.

In terms of range, Zigbee can extend up to 100 meters indoors, thanks to its mesh network, whereas Bluetooth’s effective range is around 10 meters for classic Bluetooth and up to 100 meters for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in optimal conditions.

Zigbee is commonly used in smart home applications like lighting control, security systems, and energy management, while Bluetooth is extensively used in personal gadgets for hands-free communication, audio playback, and health monitoring devices.