Best method to implement 3-way switching with 2 white smart switches

I have wired 2 White series dimmer switches in a 3-way configuration (see photo below). I have done this before with the Blue series and bound the 2 switches together. After I completed all of the wiring (3 3-way and 1 4-way setup) I went to configure binding and then realized we are very early in the implementation of this.

What is the best way to bind 2 white smart switches together using Home Assistant? I see a lot of threads, but it is unclear to me what is the best way to do this, or if I need to go back to using a dumb switch for the 3-way configurations.

Silly question, but is there a reason you would use the full fledged smart switch rather than a companion switch for 1/3 of the cost?

I’m just now learning about the companion. I have 2 other houses with all Blue series, and I used the same switch everywhere. This house I used white, but am finding out there are limitations :slight_smile:

I’m using blue switches, but my reason for removing the aux switches and switching to smart switches at all locations was that I wanted the light bar and notifications everywhere.

I’m with you there, I like the consistency of the look of those lights