Z-Wave is better with 800 series.

Expanding the standard's smart home domination, 800 series is the latest available edition of Z-Wave Plus. But what makes it better? And is it the version of Z-Wave that you should invest in?

800 series z-wave

Z-Wave 800 series: what makes it better?

You’ll see from 800 vs. 700 series Z-Wave comparison that there are a lot improvements in 800 series technology. Each helps make it the best version of Z-Wave yet. All the technology and speed improvements come together to offer improved functionality and reliability in these 4 areas.

Fastest automation

800 series calculates the quickest and acts the quickest. Its powered with 200% more CPU and memory power versus last-gen Z-Wave, and 400% more memory power than 500 series Z-Wave.

Ultra-low power use

Versus last-generation Z-Wave, wireless communication now uses up to 42% less power to transmit and up to 600% less power to receive. All that adds up to a 50% longer battery life which can see basic sensors run for up to 10 years on a single coin-cell battery.

Huge wireless range

With 800 series, Z-Wave offers a 50% increase in wireless range and is finally suitable for outdoors. In Long Range mode, devices can now reaching a distance as great as 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres.

New security layers

Built with S2 embedded, Z-Wave 800 series has AES 128-bit communication encryption, ECDH key exchange, UL 1023 compliance, and, for the first time, an optional, Secure Vault layer offering Z-Wave devices as many as 14 separate security technologies.

Z-Wave 800 series products

2022 has seen the release of 800 series, Z-Wave technology. Atrim is the first to release products using the new standard, starting with Atrim Stick and expanding our range from there.

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Z-Wave 800 series: what you need to know

Available from 2022, 800 series Z-Wave does what all past version of Z-Wave has done: it powers smart home products, wirelessly and securely. But, because it's a wholly new version of Z-Wave, it aims to allow makers such as Atrim to build better deviecs with stronger security, greater wireless ranges and speeds, and with greatly improved power-use performance.

How does 800 series compare to older Z-Wave versions?

Z-Wave 800 series can use up to 600% less battery life and communicate 50% further tham previous, 700 series Z-Wave technology. You can find a detailed comparison of Z-Wave 800 series and 700 series at that link.

Which version of Z-Wave should I use?

If a device isn't Z-Wave Plus do not buy it. That leaves you with 3, Z-Wave Plus versions to consider: 500 series, 700 series, and 800 series. Do not buy any 500 series / Gen5 devices — they're end of life and makers no longer issue proper bug and security updates. Only consider 700 series and 800 series Z-Wave products and only purchase 800 series wherever possible.

What is the wireless range of Z-Wave 800 series?

800 series Z-Wave can wirelessly communicate over a distance as great as 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres. That's when it's operating in Long Range mode. When it operates in mesh mode, it can communicate over a distance up to 0.25 miles / 401 metres. Compared to 700 series Z-Wave, that's an upgrade of +50% in Long Range mode and +75% in mesh mode.

Are Z-Wave 800 series hubs / gateways available?

The first 800 series gateway is available as a DIY, privately-hosted solution: Atrim Stick.

What frequencies does 800 series Z-Wave use?

Like its predecessors, 800 series Z-Wave uses slightly different frequencies in various countries and regions. We've compiled a full list of Z-Wave frequencies by country at that link.