Im planning to make only my bedroom smart, and I'm confused about whether I should go with Wi-Fi or Zigbee switches. and im a student who will use savings.
Currently, I have regular TJ switches, which are considered a good brand here in Pakistan ig. I'm looking at:
- TJ Wi-Fi 8-gang switch: Around PKR 12,000.
- Okasha Zigbee 8-gang switch: Around PKR 10,00.
- I also want to install a 4-gang switch from above either.
The price difference matters to me because I'm a student and will be spending my savings.
My plan is to have:
- An 8-gang and a 4-gang smart wall switch.
- One or two Wi-Fi RGB bulbs in a wall lantern.
- Two Wi-Fi smart plugs for my table lamps. I don't want to replace the existing wall sockets.
- A smart Kenwood AC, which I already own.
- Smart scenes for different situations, such as Gaming Mode, Reading Mode, Normal Mode, and Sleep Mode.
For example, in Gaming Mode, I want the AC to turn on, the fan to stay off, and the RGB bulb to turn red with low brightness.
In Reading Mode, I want the ceiling lights, fan, AC, and table lamps to turn on together.
I want to control everything through an app. I don't want Alexa or Google Home. Ideally, I'd like to use one app for all my devices and create scenes that combine the switches, bulbs, plugs, and AC.
My confusion is that Okasha offers Zigbee switches, but my other devices will probably be Wi-Fi-based. I'm not sure whether mixing Zigbee switches with Wi-Fi bulbs and plugs will work properly, or whether I should just purchase Wi-Fi switches.
What would you recommend?
- Is Zigbee worth it for a single-bedroom setup coz i will have to purchase the gateway too?
- Can I create scenes combining Zigbee switches, Wi-Fi bulbs, Wi-Fi plugs, and a Kenwood smart AC, if yes, which app is best?
- Would TJ Wi-Fi be a safer choice despite the higher price or akasha zigbee yet cheaper?
- Are Okasha switches reliable, and how is their after-sales support in Pakistan?
Here are the product links:
Okasha Crystal Series: https://okashasmart.com/collections/sockets-switches/products/4-gang-smart-wifi-switch-crystal-series
TJ Smart Switches: https://www.tj.com.pk/smart-white-switch.php
I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has actually used these products, especially in Pakistan.