Others

What you will find in the Other category

This category brings together smart home devices that serve central and auxiliary functions — they do not directly control a single lamp or socket, but manage entire device networks, monitor the environment, automate the home or provide security. These are ZigBee gateways, local hubs, wall panels, thermostats, weather stations, alarm systems and accessories that tie the entire smart home ecosystem into a cohesive whole. Below is an overview of the most important product groups.

ZigBee gateways: the bridge between devices and the app

ZigBee devices (sensors, switches, bulbs) do not connect directly to WiFi — they form their own radio mesh network. To control them over the internet and integrate them with automations, a ZigBee gateway connected to the router via Ethernet or WiFi is needed:

• Sonoff Zigbee Bridge — compact WiFi gateway supporting up to 32 ZigBee 3.0 devices, managed via the eWeLink app
• Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro (ZBBridge-P) — extended version supporting up to 128 devices with Home Assistant integration via MQTT
• BlitzWolf BW-IS1 — ZigBee 3.0 WiFi gateway compatible with the Tuya platform, supports a wide range of ZigBee sensors and devices

A gateway is required if you have or plan to buy ZigBee sensors, ZigBee switches or ZigBee bulbs. Without a gateway these devices will not be accessible via the internet or the mobile app.

Sonoff NSPanel and NSPanel Pro: smart home control centre on the wall

Sonoff NSPanel is a 3.5-inch touch panel installed in an EU standard back-box. It displays smart home device status, temperature and time, and above all lets you control the entire eWeLink ecosystem with a single touch. NSPanel Pro is the version with a larger screen (4.6 inches), ZigBee 3.0 built directly into the panel and Home Assistant support. NSPanel Pro is the command centre for an entire ZigBee and WiFi network in one device, without needing a separate ZigBee gateway.

Sonoff iHost: local smart home server without the cloud

Sonoff iHost is a local smart home hub that operates without an internet connection. ARM-based, with a web interface accessible through a browser, it supports ZigBee 3.0 and WiFi. It integrates with Home Assistant and Node-RED, making it an advanced platform for enthusiasts who want full control over their data and automations without dependence on external clouds. iHost stores all data locally, does not send device history externally and works even when the internet is unavailable.

Meross thermostat and HomeKit hub

Meross MGC100-EU is a smart thermostat supporting Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Heating control via the Home app on iPhone, schedules and automations responding to home arrival. MSH300HK is the Meross hub for HomeKit ZigBee devices, enabling a network of Meross sensors and devices without WiFi. MSG100HK is a HomeKit garage door controller with the ability to monitor door state (open/closed) from an iPhone.

BlitzWolf alarm systems

BlitzWolf offers complete alarm solutions for a home or small office:

• BlitzWolf BW-IS6 — WiFi + 2G alarm system (works without the internet via the GSM network), with siren, sensors and SMS and voice call notification capability
• BlitzWolf BW-IS11 — WiFi system with acoustic siren, supports door, window and PIR motion sensors, push notifications

BW-IS11 and BW-IS6 alarm systems can be expanded with additional door, window and motion sensors from the shop.

WiFi weather stations: temperature and humidity monitoring

BlitzWolf BW-WS01 and BW-WS04 are WiFi weather stations displaying temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in real time. Data available in the mobile app and on an external LCD display. BW-TM01 is a more advanced model with an external wireless sensor and a weather forecast. BW-AR01 is an air quality monitor measuring CO2, VOC, temperature and humidity — useful in home offices and children's rooms.

Sonoff IR Remote and RF Bridge

Sonoff IR Remote is a WiFi infrared controller that lets you control an air conditioner, TV, decoder and any IR-remote-controlled device directly from the app or via Alexa and Google. Sonoff RF Bridge handles devices communicating via 433 MHz radio: gate remotes, alarm sensors and RF switches. It is a useful translator between older RF devices and the new WiFi/ZigBee ecosystem.

Baseus Heyo hidden camera detectors

Baseus Heyo and Heyo Series II are portable hidden camera and bug detectors, useful in hotel rooms, short-term rentals (Airbnb) and anywhere privacy matters. Heyo detects cameras via laser reflection and electromagnetic signature. Heyo Series II adds an audio alarm and a mini torch. The compact size means they fit in a travel bag.

LED controllers and other accessories

Sonoff CAST is a WiFi controller for RGB LED strips supporting colour sync with music and scene modes. Sonoff Micro is a miniature WiFi module for direct mounting in a USB socket or charger, adding smart control to any USB device. BlitzWolf BW-WTR01 is a WiFi garden irrigation controller with a watering schedule. BW-DB1 is a wireless WiFi doorbell with phone notifications and adjustable melody.

Related home automation categories

Gateways and hubs in this category manage devices from across the automation ecosystem: smart sockets, in-wall modules, sensors, IP cameras, LED strips and touch wall switches.

FAQ — Gateways, hubs and other smart home devices

Do I need a ZigBee gateway?

You only need a ZigBee gateway if you are buying ZigBee devices, such as Sonoff SNZB sensors, ZBMINIR2 switches or ZigBee RGBW bulbs. If you are using only WiFi devices (Sonoff Basic, BlitzWolf WiFi sockets, Meross WiFi), no gateway is needed. With a mixed ecosystem where you want both WiFi and ZigBee, Sonoff Zigbee Bridge or NSPanel Pro is a convenient command centre for both protocols.

What is Sonoff iHost and do I need the internet to use it?

Sonoff iHost is a local smart home hub installed in your home network. It works without the internet, stores data locally and handles automations without a cloud connection. A local WiFi or LAN connection is all that is needed to access the web interface and use it. The internet is only required if you want to control devices remotely via the eWeLink app. Recommended for those who value privacy and independence from external services.

How to connect a smart thermostat to a heating system?

Meross MGC100-EU is a wired thermostat installed in place of an existing thermostat or boiler controller. It requires connection to the boiler control system according to the installation documentation. For boilers with a simple contact (ON/OFF), installation is straightforward and does not require an electrician. For systems with modulation or special protocols (OpenTherm), check compatibility in the thermostat's technical specification first.