Aeotec · Niche / specialty
Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+
Z-Wave · REST · about $50
local-onlyno cloud lock-in
Protocols
Z-Wave
0.5 W
Idle power
$50
List price
~2000
Devices (est.)
Specifications
| Category | Niche / specialty |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Z-Wave |
| Cloud dependency | no cloud lock-in |
| Local API | REST |
| Voice assistants | none |
| Open source | closed-source |
| Directly supported devices (est.) | ~2000 |
| Idle power draw | ~0.5 W |
| Update outlook | long-term support 5y+ |
| List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026) | about $50 |
Best for: Tech enthusiast / tinkererBest for: Privacy-first
Setup & gotchas
🔋 The built-in battery is the party trick: unplug it, walk to a distant device, pair it, then dock it back at the controller.
Editorial take
Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.
Strengths
- + Widely supported Z-Wave USB controller with S2 and SmartStart
- + Onboard battery lets you pair devices in place, then return to the host
- + Fully local; works with Home Assistant, SmartThings, and HomeSeer
Trade-offs
- − Not a standalone hub; requires a host device to run controller software
- − Gen5 500-series silicon predates the newer 700/800 sticks
Related hubs
Frequently asked questions
Does the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ require the cloud?
No. The Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ runs local-only — REST, no vendor account is required for core automations.
Which protocols and voice assistants does the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ support?
Protocols: Z-Wave. Voice: none. It directly supports an estimated 2000 devices/brands.
How much does the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $50 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 0.5 W. The hardware and firmware are closed-source.
Source & last checked
- Aeotec official site (Z-Stick Gen5+): aeotec.com/ ↗
- Sources last checked: 2026-07-20 · Prices: Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026
- Idle-power and device-count figures are vendor-claimed or community-measured estimates. Prices fluctuate. Details without warranty — check the current manufacturer spec sheet before buying.