Short answer: Buy the ZEN72 if you want a single dimmer that pairs with a basic switch in a 3-way setup. Buy the ZEN77 if you have 4-way or 5-way circuits with line and load in separate boxes.
Who Is This Zen72 vs Zen77 Guide For?
This guide suits anyone shopping for a Zooz smart switch that dims lights through Z-Wave. Both models look almost identical, which makes the choice annoying.
Specs below come from the 800 Series product listings and a Zooz support quote shared on the Home Assistant forum. Check your own wiring before you buy.
- Written for DIY homeowners with a Z-Wave hub.
- Covers the 800 Series Long Range versions.
- Not electrical advice. Switch off the breaker, or hire a licensed electrician.
Zen72 vs Zen77: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ZEN72 800LR | ZEN77 800LR |
|---|---|---|
| Dimmer type | TRIAC (forward-phase) | TRIAC |
| LED limit | Up to 150 W total | Up to 100 W |
| Incandescent limit | Up to 500 W | Up to 300 W |
| 3-way setup | Direct 3-way, wires like the ZEN22 | Simple direct 3-way and 4-way, wires like the ZEN27 |
| Neutral wire | Required | Required |
| Profile depth | 1.1 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Night light mode | Yes | Yes |
| Z-Wave chip | 800 series, Long Range ready | 800 series, Long Range |
Sources: Ameridroid ZEN72 listing and Apollo Automation ZEN77 listing.
What Is the Real Difference Between Zen72 and Zen77?
The big gap is wiring, not dimming. Both are TRIAC dimmers in their 800 Series versions.
- Multi-way wiring. The ZEN77 handles 4-way and 5-way setups where load and line sit in separate boxes. The ZEN72 supports 4-way only when load and line share one box.
- Power ratings. The ZEN72 carries more load on paper.
- Secondary switch. With the ZEN72, on/off control comes only from the secondary switch.
Wattage Limits at a Glance
LED limits in watts, per the listings above:
Incandescent limits in watts:
Triac vs Mosfet: The Detail Most Reviews Skip
Older ZEN77 versions used a different dimmer type. That is why old forum threads contradict each other.
| ZEN77 version | Chip | Dimmer type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 and 2.0 | 700 series | MOSFET (trailing-edge) |
| 3.0 | 700 series | TRIAC |
| 800 series | 800 series | TRIAC |
A Home Assistant forum post quotes Zooz support on this change. Zooz said newer LED bulbs dimmed better on TRIAC dimmers, and MOSFET parts were harder to source. Source: Home Assistant Community.
Practical takeaway: confirm the version on the box. Old listings may describe a MOSFET model.
Which Bulbs Work With Each Zooz Dimmer?
- Both models: use dimmable LED bulbs that accept TRIAC dimmers.
- ZEN72: the listing says it is not compatible with Luminus, Lithonia or Feit bulbs.
- ZEN77: the listing does not recommend Feit bulbs.
- ZEN77 only: do not connect it to tube lights, halogen bulbs, transformers, chandeliers, fans, switched receptacles or CFL bulbs.
One SmartThings forum user reported poor dimming with Luminus recessed LEDs on a ZEN77. Treat that as one user's experience, not a lab result. Source: SmartThings Community.
Which One Should You Buy?
Pick the ZEN72 if:
- You have a simple 3-way circuit with an existing switch.
- Your LED load is above 100 W but below 150 W.
- You want a small, shallow-box dimmer.
Pick the ZEN77 if:
- You run 4-way or 5-way circuits.
- Your load and line are in separate boxes.
- Your total load stays under 100 W of LEDs.
Skip both if:
- You have no neutral wire. Both listings require one.
- Your lights are CFL, halogen or fan-driven.
Shared Features Worth Knowing
- Range: up to 200 feet line of sight, and up to 1 mile with Z-Wave Long Range on a supporting hub.
- Setup: SmartStart inclusion and S2 security.
- Paddles: replaceable. Ameridroid lists replacements at $1.95 for ZEN72 version 4.0+ and ZEN77 version 5.0+.
- Hub required: Zooz recommends its Z-Box hub, and the dimmers also work with Homey. Indigo does not support S2 security.
Source: Ameridroid paddle listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zen72 better than the Zen77?
Neither wins overall. The ZEN72 offers higher wattage limits. The ZEN77 suits complex multi-way wiring.
Do Zen72 and Zen77 need a neutral wire?
Yes. Both product listings state that a neutral wire is required.
Can I use a Zooz smart switch without a hub?
The ZEN77 listing says a Z-Wave gateway controller is required. Plan on a hub for either model.
Are old ZEN77 reviews still reliable?
Not always. Versions 1.0 and 2.0 used MOSFET dimming, while later versions use TRIAC.
Keep Planning Your Smart Home
Short answer: Buy the ZEN72 if you want a single dimmer that pairs with a basic switch in a 3-way setup. Buy the ZEN77 if you have 4-way or 5-way circuits with line and load in separate boxes.
Who Is This Zen72 vs Zen77 Guide For?
This guide suits anyone shopping for a Zooz smart switch that dims lights through Z-Wave. Both models look almost identical, which makes the choice annoying.
Specs below come from the 800 Series product listings and a Zooz support quote shared on the Home Assistant forum. Check your own wiring before you buy.
- Written for DIY homeowners with a Z-Wave hub.
- Covers the 800 Series Long Range versions.
- Not electrical advice. Switch off the breaker, or hire a licensed electrician.
Zen72 vs Zen77: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ZEN72 800LR | ZEN77 800LR |
|---|---|---|
| Dimmer type | TRIAC (forward-phase) | TRIAC |
| LED limit | Up to 150 W total | Up to 100 W |
| Incandescent limit | Up to 500 W | Up to 300 W |
| 3-way setup | Direct 3-way, wires like the ZEN22 | Simple direct 3-way and 4-way, wires like the ZEN27 |
| Neutral wire | Required | Required |
| Profile depth | 1.1 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Night light mode | Yes | Yes |
| Z-Wave chip | 800 series, Long Range ready | 800 series, Long Range |
Sources: Ameridroid ZEN72 listing and Apollo Automation ZEN77 listing.
What Is the Real Difference Between Zen72 and Zen77?
The big gap is wiring, not dimming. Both are TRIAC dimmers in their 800 Series versions.
- Multi-way wiring. The ZEN77 handles 4-way and 5-way setups where load and line sit in separate boxes. The ZEN72 supports 4-way only when load and line share one box.
- Power ratings. The ZEN72 carries more load on paper.
- Secondary switch. With the ZEN72, on/off control comes only from the secondary switch.
Wattage Limits at a Glance
LED limits in watts, per the listings above:
Incandescent limits in watts:
Triac vs Mosfet: The Detail Most Reviews Skip
Older ZEN77 versions used a different dimmer type. That is why old forum threads contradict each other.
| ZEN77 version | Chip | Dimmer type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 and 2.0 | 700 series | MOSFET (trailing-edge) |
| 3.0 | 700 series | TRIAC |
| 800 series | 800 series | TRIAC |
A Home Assistant forum post quotes Zooz support on this change. Zooz said newer LED bulbs dimmed better on TRIAC dimmers, and MOSFET parts were harder to source. Source: Home Assistant Community.
Practical takeaway: confirm the version on the box. Old listings may describe a MOSFET model.
Which Bulbs Work With Each Zooz Dimmer?
- Both models: use dimmable LED bulbs that accept TRIAC dimmers.
- ZEN72: the listing says it is not compatible with Luminus, Lithonia or Feit bulbs.
- ZEN77: the listing does not recommend Feit bulbs.
- ZEN77 only: do not connect it to tube lights, halogen bulbs, transformers, chandeliers, fans, switched receptacles or CFL bulbs.
One SmartThings forum user reported poor dimming with Luminus recessed LEDs on a ZEN77. Treat that as one user's experience, not a lab result. Source: SmartThings Community.
Which One Should You Buy?
Pick the ZEN72 if:
- You have a simple 3-way circuit with an existing switch.
- Your LED load is above 100 W but below 150 W.
- You want a small, shallow-box dimmer.
Pick the ZEN77 if:
- You run 4-way or 5-way circuits.
- Your load and line are in separate boxes.
- Your total load stays under 100 W of LEDs.
Skip both if:
- You have no neutral wire. Both listings require one.
- Your lights are CFL, halogen or fan-driven.
Shared Features Worth Knowing
- Range: up to 200 feet line of sight, and up to 1 mile with Z-Wave Long Range on a supporting hub.
- Setup: SmartStart inclusion and S2 security.
- Paddles: replaceable. Ameridroid lists replacements at $1.95 for ZEN72 version 4.0+ and ZEN77 version 5.0+.
- Hub required: Zooz recommends its Z-Box hub, and the dimmers also work with Homey. Indigo does not support S2 security.
Source: Ameridroid paddle listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zen72 better than the Zen77?
Neither wins overall. The ZEN72 offers higher wattage limits. The ZEN77 suits complex multi-way wiring.
Do Zen72 and Zen77 need a neutral wire?
Yes. Both product listings state that a neutral wire is required.
Can I use a Zooz smart switch without a hub?
The ZEN77 listing says a Z-Wave gateway controller is required. Plan on a hub for either model.
Are old ZEN77 reviews still reliable?
Not always. Versions 1.0 and 2.0 used MOSFET dimming, while later versions use TRIAC.
Keep Planning Your Smart Home
