Live nowPrime Day 2026October 6 to 7, 2026Starts in--d--h--m--sSee the deals
Dongles · Head to head

Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro vs Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aeotec and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
Just running Zigbee and Thread? The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is the sharper buy if so.
Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Winner
Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
$35.90
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
It costs less, rates higher, and adds a Zigbee router role plus a flashable Thread border router the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro's Zigbee side does not offer. The Z-Stick 10 Pro answers with the one thing the MG24 cannot do at all: it packs a Z-Wave 800 controller alongside its Zigbee coordinator, consolidating both protocols in a single stick. Both connect over USB only, with no Ethernet or PoE. If Z-Wave and Zigbee both matter, the Z-Stick 10 Pro earns its place; if you only run Zigbee, with Thread as a bonus, the MG24 is the simpler, cheaper pick.
vs
Deals by email

Dongle prices change while you decide

We follow prices across the catalog and email you the best deals we find.

Smart home deals and news, straight to your inbox

Price drops, new releases and the smart home news worth knowing.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Please enter a valid email address.
Your subscription has been successful.
FeatureAeotec Z-Stick 10 ProSonoff Dongle Plus MG24Winner
Price$59.99$35.90Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Rating4.54.7Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Zigbee RouterNOYESSonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Z-Wave ControllerYESNOAeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro
Thread Border RouterNOYESSonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG21EFR32MG24Different strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
PowerUSBUSBTie
ConnectivityUSBUSBTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Transmit Power+20dBm+20dBmTie
Dual NetworkNONOTie

What the differences mean

Protocol coverage

The Z-Stick 10 Pro combines a Z-Wave 800 controller with a Zigbee coordinator in one stick. The MG24 is Zigbee only, with Thread available after a flash, but no Z-Wave at all.

Zigbee routing

The MG24 also functions as a Zigbee router. The Z-Stick 10 Pro's Zigbee side has no router role listed, so it's built to be the coordinator, not an extender.

Setup effort

The MG24 is described as truly plug-and-play with Home Assistant. The Z-Stick 10 Pro usually needs a Zigbee firmware update first, and Aeotec's update guide is written for Windows only.

Thread and Matter

The MG24 can be flashed to serve as a Thread border router for Matter. The Z-Stick 10 Pro supports neither Thread nor Matter, Z-Wave and Zigbee are as far as it goes.

Which one to buy if

  • you need Z-Wave and Zigbee from a single stick
    Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro

    It's the only one of the two with a Z-Wave controller built in.

  • you only run Zigbee devices, with Thread as a bonus
    Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

    It costs less, rates higher, and flashes into a Thread border router the Z-Stick 10 Pro's Zigbee side lacks.

  • you want the dongle running with no firmware step first
    Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

    It's plug-and-play out of the box; the Z-Stick 10 Pro usually needs a Zigbee firmware update.

  • you also want the stick to route Zigbee traffic
    Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

    It works as a router as well as a coordinator; the Z-Stick 10 Pro's Zigbee side does not.

What owners say

Owners of both sticks describe rock-solid operation once configured, running for months without random disconnects. What differs is the setup itself and what the stick actually covers. Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro owners value consolidating Z-Wave and Zigbee onto one device instead of buying two dongles, and praise the range from its amplifier, but consistently mention needing a Zigbee firmware update first, guided only by Windows-focused documentation, and a physical pairing button some call fragile. Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 owners describe it as truly plug-and-play with no flashing needed for Zigbee, cooler-running than older Sonoff dongles, and like that it doubles as a Thread border router after an easy web flash.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro
  • Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro or Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?

The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is the better everyday pick, being more affordable, higher rated and genuinely plug-and-play for Zigbee. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro adds a Z-Wave 800 controller, so it wins if you also need Z-Wave.

What is the biggest difference between the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 and the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro?

Z-Wave. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro includes a Z-Wave 800 controller as well as Zigbee, while the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is Zigbee only, flashable to Thread.

Which is easier to set up?

The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is truly plug-and-play, recognized instantly by Home Assistant with no flashing. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro usually requires a Zigbee firmware update, guided by Windows-only instructions.

Can either run Thread and Matter?

The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 can be flashed to serve as a Thread border router for Matter. The Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro does not support Thread or Matter, covering Z-Wave and Zigbee only.

Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?

Buyers who want a modern, hassle-free Zigbee coordinator, or a dedicated Thread radio, for Home Assistant at a low price. It has no Z-Wave.

Who should buy the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro?

Buyers who need Z-Wave and Zigbee from a single stick for a cloud-free Home Assistant setup, and are comfortable with the initial Zigbee firmware step.

Full comparison table

Compare all 36 Dongles side by side

You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Dongles in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.

  • 36 Dongles
  • 32 specs compared
  • 29 filters
Open the full comparison
More Dongles

Top Dongles to compare next

36 Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave dongles compared: Smlight, Sonoff, Aeotec, Nabu Casa and more. Chipsets, antenna range, firmware and Home Assistant support.

All Dongles
Aeotec

More Aeotec products

A sharper look at other Aeotec products worth comparing.

Explore Aeotec
Sonoff

More Sonoff products

A sharper look at other Sonoff products worth comparing.

Explore Sonoff
Independent · Not sponsoredBrands never pay for placement or rankings. Affiliate commissions never influence our comparisons.
© 2026 Smart Home Compared
Search