Connection protocol:

Wi Fi: Directly connect to the home router, easy to set up, no additional gateway required, but may increase the burden on the router.

Zigbee/Z-Wave: It needs to be used with a gateway to form a low-power, high stability, self-organizing Mesh network with faster and more stable response.

Bluetooth Mesh: also requires a gateway (sometimes served by a smart speaker), between Wi Fi and Zigbee.

Matter: An emerging unified standard aimed at addressing compatibility issues between different brands.

Design and Materials:

Appearance: It usually adopts modern minimalist design (borderless, glass panel, ultra-thin, etc.) to enhance the decoration texture.

Material: PC flame retardant material, ensuring electrical safety.

Indicator lights: night positioning or status indication.

Functional differences:

Intelligent switch:

Single flame version vs. zero flame version: The single flame version is suitable for traditional wiring (without a neutral wire), but may not be friendly to low-power lighting fixtures (such as LED lights flashing slightly); The zero flame version requires a reserved neutral wire for greater stability and is the preferred choice.

Single key/double key/triple key: corresponding to controlling different circuits.

Touch vs. mechanical buttons: Touch is more stylish, and mechanical buttons provide feedback.

Smart socket:

Basic type: remote switch+timer.

Energy consumption statistical type: adding power monitoring function.

Multi functional type: equipped with USB charging port, overload protection, countdown, etc.

System compatibility:

It is necessary to clarify which ecological platforms are supported, such as Apple HomeKit, Mi Home, Graffiti Intelligence, Huawei HiLink, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.