Zigbee and Z-Wave are two different wireless communication protocols used for smart home devices. Although they have similar functions, they are not directly compatible with each other because they use different frequency bands and protocols.
This means that a Zigbee device cannot communicate directly with a Z-Wave device and vice versa. So, if you want to build a smart home system that includes devices from both protocols, you either need to use a gateway that supports both protocols or make sure that each device is compatible with the same protocol as your hub or gateway. However, there are some manufacturers that make devices that support both protocols, such as some smart home hubs or bridges. These devices can act as translators and allow communication between Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. However, such smart-home hubs or bridges that support both protocols can be more expensive than those that support only one protocol. Also, you need to make sure that the devices you use are compatible with the hub or bridge in order for them to work properly. There are also some devices that are based on both protocols, such as some smart door locks and light switches. These devices can communicate with both protocols, so you can use them with a hub or gateway that only supports one of the two protocols.
Overall, while Zigbee and Z-Wave are not directly compatible with each other, there are ways to integrate them to create a complete smart home system. However, it's important to check the compatibility of the devices and hubs you're using to make sure everything works properly.