Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro vs Sonoff Dongle Max

The Sonoff Dongle Max is the better overall coordinator here. It is more affordable, higher rated, and adds USB, Ethernet and PoE placement plus a Zigbee router, Thread border router and experimental dual-network mode. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro wins for Z-Wave users with its Z-Wave 800 controller, but for a flexible Zigbee and Thread radio the Dongle Max leads.

Connectivity and protocols. The Dongle Max connects over USB, Ethernet or PoE and does Zigbee and Thread but no Z-Wave. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro is USB-only and adds a Z-Wave 800 controller, but has no Ethernet, PoE or Thread.

The Sonoff Dongle Max can be mounted away from the host machine to reach a garage or far corner where a USB dongle would have too little range, with one cable carrying data and power over PoE. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro must plug into the host's USB port, which limits where it can sit.

Only the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro, which pairs a Z-Wave 800 controller with a Zigbee coordinator. The Sonoff Dongle Max is Zigbee and Thread only, so a separate controller would be needed for Z-Wave.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Max if you want a flexible Zigbee coordinator you can place over Ethernet or PoE to cover distant rooms or outbuildings, with Thread support, for Home Assistant. Note its dual-network mode is still experimental and it has no Z-Wave.

Buy the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro if you need Z-Wave and Zigbee from one USB stick for a cloud-free Home Assistant setup and do not require network placement or Thread.