Zigbee 4.0 is here, and it is a big step toward cutting the smart home cord from dedicated hubs.
The new version of the wireless mesh standard focuses on better range, simpler setup, stronger security, and longer battery life for connected gadgets.
It also introduces a new feature called Suzi that pushes Zigbee into sub-GHz territory for more reliable coverage.
Suzi stands for Sub GHz and Zigbee and is a label that will appear as a label on compatible Zigbee 4.0 devices. Suzi gear can tap into the European 800 MHz and North American 900 MHz bands instead of relying only on 2.4 GHz.
Those lower frequencies handle thick walls and longer distances more gracefully, which should help sensors, lights, and locks in gardens, garages, or outbuildings stay connected without extra repeaters. The Connectivity Standards Alliance says this makes Zigbee a stronger option not just in homes, but also in commercial spaces where buildings are bigger and layouts are more complex.
Suzi sits alongside other branded Zigbee features, such as Smart Energy hardware for usage monitoring and Green Power devices that can harvest tiny amounts of energy from light or heat. It also arrives at a time when many brands are leaning into Matter over Thread, which still uses 2.4 GHz, so this sub-GHz angle gives Zigbee a way to stand out. It basically means you get fewer dead spots and far less need for extra hardware, all while keeping the strengths of Zigbee’s mesh network.
Beyond Suzi, Zigbee 4.0 brings several everyday usability upgrades. The standard now improves how devices share data, boosts security, and helps battery life by letting gadgets talk on set schedules instead of constantly. The certification process is also being simplified so manufacturers can bring new gear to market more quickly.
One of the most useful additions is Batch Commissioning, which lets installers onboard large groups of devices at once, rather than having to pair every bulb or switch individually.
Zigbee Direct, previously an optional feature, is now standard and allows a smartphone to find, control, and add Zigbee devices using Bluetooth Low Energy, without relying on a hub. Zigbee 4.0 remains fully compatible with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy hardware, so existing setups will not be left behind.
Some current products may also get upgrades over the air, although it is not yet clear which ones will qualify. Looking ahead, the Suzi certification program is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
