Running a local smart home hub like Home Assistant? Tired of dealing with messy and complicated smart home setups? Look no further! In today’s blog post, we’re looking at the Phoscon ConBee II. This little device is a game-changer when it comes to seamlessly integrating all of your Zigbee smart devices into one centralized hub. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the endless possibilities of home automation with our Phoscon ConBee II review!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Universal Zigbee hub | No external antenna |
| Great for Home Assistant and other locally hosted smart home hubs | Not Google / Alexa / Apple compatible without workarounds |
| Frequent software updates | Web UI is limited |
| Just works |
Phoscon ConBee II Details
The Phoscon ConBee II is a powerful and versatile device that allows users to connect and control a wide range of smart home devices. With its sleek and compact design, the ConBee II is easy to install and seamlessly integrates with popular smart home devices that use Zigbee. This handy little gadget acts as a bridge between your smart home devices and your smart home hub, giving you the ability to monitor and manage your entire smart home ecosystem from one central hub. The ConBee II is perfect for most locally hosted smart home hubs, including Home Assistant. Whether you’re controlling your lighting, adjusting your thermostat, or managing your security system, the Phoscon ConBee II puts the power of smart home automation right at your fingertips. It’s time to take control of your home and make your life easier with the Phoscon ConBee II.
Product Features:
Phoscon ConBee II Review
I’ve had the Phoscon ConBee II running in my smart home for quite a while now. I use this piece of hardware to connect my main Home Assistant environment to all of my Zigbee devices. It’s the main Zigbee hub for my smart home. In general, this has been a reliable Zigbee hub that has worked with relatively few problems.
The one problem with this device is that the antenna is integrated into the USB body. Since the Zigbee protocol operates on the same frequency as some Wifi, this can cause interference. The solution to this is to use the dongle with a USB extension cord so you can move the dongle away from sources of Wifi traffic. Problem solved.
Other than the Wifi interference issue, this dongle has been solid. I have used it with both the installed hardware and with the Docker containers – both running on a Raspbian OS. I have even hooked it up to a Windows 10 machine briefly, again no problems. Of the installation methods, I tend to prefer the Docker containers simply because it leaves my OS cleaner. However, both the containers and the software worked perfectly for me.
FAQ
What is the Phoscon ConBee II?
The Phoscon ConBee II is a powerful and versatile Zigbee USB stick that acts as a gateway to connect various smart devices in your home. It is designed to work seamlessly with popular smart home platforms like Home Assistant, allowing you to control and automate your smart lights, thermostats, sensors, and more. With the ConBee II, you can enjoy a centralized and user-friendly control over your smart home ecosystem, making it easier than ever to customize and manage your devices. This compact and easy-to-use USB stick is an ideal choice for both tech-savvy users and beginners looking to create a smart and connected home environment.
Does Phoscon ConBee II support Z-Wave?
No, the Phoscon ConBee II is only a Zigbee controller. This USB stick can connect to and control your Zigbee devices.
Can I connect the Phoscon ConBee II to Home Assistant?
Yes, you can definitely connect the Phoscon ConBee II to Home Assistant. This device is compatible with a wide range of smart home platforms, and Home Assistant is one of them. The setup process is relatively straightforward, make sure the USB dongle is plugged in and installed. Then, simply navigate to your Home Assistant instances Integrations page, click the button to “+Add Integration” and select deCONZ. Follow the on screen prompts to continue setup and you should be good to go.
Is the Phoscon ConBee II compatible with ioBroker?
Yes, the Phoscon ConBee II is compatible with ioBroker. The ConBee II supports over 200 popular Zigbee brands and works with ioBroker’s extensive library of adapters and plugins, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup process. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the ConBee II’s compatibility with ioBroker opens up a world of possibilities for creating a smarter, more connected home.
Can I use Zigbee2MQTT with the Phoscon ConBee II?
Yes, you can definitely use Zigbee2MQTT with the Phoscon ConBee II. This combination offers a powerful and flexible solution for your smart home needs. The Phoscon ConBee II acts as a Zigbee gateway, allowing you to connect and control a wide range of Zigbee devices. Zigbee2MQTT, on the other hand, is a software that runs on compatible gateways and allows you to integrate Zigbee devices from different manufacturers into a single system. By using Zigbee2MQTT with the Phoscon ConBee II, you can easily manage and control your Zigbee devices using your preferred home automation software or platform. This combination provides you with the freedom to choose the devices you want to use, while enjoying a seamless and unified smart home experience.
Can I control multiple Zigbee devices with the Phoscon ConBee II?
Yes, you can definitely control multiple Zigbee devices with the Phoscon ConBee II. This versatile USB stick acts as a gateway, allowing you to connect and manage a wide range of Zigbee devices from different manufacturers. Whether you have smart lights, sensors, or other Zigbee-enabled devices, the ConBee II offers seamless compatibility. With the ConBee II, you can create and customize your own Zigbee network, allowing you to control and automate multiple devices simultaneously. Its extensive compatibility and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for anyone looking to centralize and simplify their smart home setup.
Is the Phoscon ConBee II easy to set up and use?
Yes, the Phoscon ConBee II is incredibly easy to set up and use. With its plug-and-play functionality, you can simply connect it to your computer or Raspberry Pi using the USB interface. The device is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Once connected, you can easily control and manage your Zigbee devices through the user-friendly Phoscon app, which allows for seamless integration and automation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, the ConBee II simplifies the process of creating a smart home ecosystem.
In Summary
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our review of the Phoscon ConBee II. We hope that this gave you a better understanding of this innovative device and its capabilities. Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast looking to expand your system or a beginner interested in diving into home automation, the ConBee II offers a reliable and convenient solution. With its easy installation process, compatibility with numerous smart home devices, and user-friendly interface, the ConBee II is a game-changer.
