The protocol is only one part of a reliable smart home. Start with where a device will live, how it is powered, what must keep working if the internet is down, and which controller you already trust.
Choose Zigbee for dense, low-power networks
Zigbee is a strong fit for battery sensors and many lighting devices. Mains-powered routers can extend the mesh, but coordinator quality, channel planning, and device compatibility still matter.
Choose Wi-Fi for direct, higher-bandwidth devices
Wi-Fi is convenient when a device needs more bandwidth or already provides a dependable local API. Avoid filling a weak home network with dozens of cloud-only endpoints.
Choose Thread with the border-router plan in mind
Thread is an IP-based mesh transport often associated with Matter. Confirm the exact border router, Matter controller, commissioning flow, and feature support before buying.
The short version
Prefer products with a clear local-control path, documented compatibility, and an installation you can maintain. A mixed network is normal when each protocol has a deliberate job.