Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aeotec and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
First time wiring up Zigbee? The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is the easier way in.
It's genuinely plug-and-play with Home Assistant, adds Zigbee routing and a flashable Thread border router the Aeotec Z-Stick 7 doesn't offer, and costs less while rating higher. The Z-Stick 7 keeps one advantage the MG24 cannot touch: it's a dedicated Z-Wave 700 controller, so it stays relevant for anyone whose devices speak Z-Wave rather than Zigbee. Both are USB-only sticks built for a local, cloud-free Home Assistant. Go with the Dongle Plus MG24 for a hassle-free Zigbee (and Thread) radio; go with the Z-Stick 7 when the job is Z-Wave.
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| Feature | Aeotec Z-Stick 7 | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $35.90 | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.7 | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Zigbee Router | NO | YES | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Z-Wave Controller | YES | NO | Aeotec Z-Stick 7 |
| Thread Border Router | NO | YES | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Transmit Power | +9.3dBm | +20dBm | Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Power | USB | USB | Tie |
| Connectivity | USB | USB | Tie |
| Matter Bridge | NO | NO | Tie |
| Dual Network | NO | NO | Tie |
| Bluetooth Proxy | NO | NO | Tie |
What the differences mean
Protocol
The Z-Stick 7 is a Z-Wave 700 controller only. The Dongle Plus MG24 is a Zigbee 3.0 coordinator and router that also flashes into a Thread radio. There is no overlap between the two.
Setup effort
The MG24 is recognized instantly with no flashing. The Z-Stick 7 typically ships with old firmware that needs a manual, technical update before use.
Zigbee routing and Thread
The MG24 doubles as a Zigbee router and can be flashed for Thread border router duties. The Z-Stick 7 has no Zigbee radio at all, so neither role is possible on it.
Build
Owners describe the Z-Stick 7's plastic USB connector as flimsy, with some getting loose pins. The MG24 draws no equivalent complaints about its build.
Which one to buy if
- you're setting up your first Zigbee network
It's plug-and-play out of the box, with no firmware step and no Z-Wave complexity to sort through.
- your existing devices are Z-Wave
It's a dedicated Z-Wave 700 controller; the MG24 can't pair Z-Wave devices at all.
- you want the same stick to also route Zigbee traffic
It works as a router as well as a coordinator; the Z-Stick 7 has no Zigbee radio to route.
- you might add Matter over Thread later
It flashes into a Thread border router; the Z-Stick 7 has no path to Thread or Matter at all.
- + Z-Wave Controller: YES
- - Price: $39.99 vs $35.90
- - Rating: 4.5 vs 4.7
Winner
- + Price: $35.90
- + Rating: 4.7
- + Zigbee Router: YES
- - Z-Wave Controller: NO vs YES
What owners say
Owners of both dongles report stable operation once running, with neither dropping devices over months of use. What separates the two is the road to get there. Aeotec Z-Stick 7 owners describe years of dependable Z-Wave service across a dozen or more sensors and locks, but consistently flag the outdated shipping firmware that needs a technical update and a plastic USB connector some call flimsy. Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 owners describe it as truly plug-and-play with zero flashing needed, cooler-running than older Sonoff models, and like that it can be flashed into a Thread border router when they're ready for Matter.
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 7
- Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Loading price history...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Aeotec Z-Stick 7 or Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?
The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is the better overall dongle for most setups, being a plug-and-play Zigbee and Thread coordinator at a lower price. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 only takes the lead when you need a Z-Wave controller.
What is the biggest difference between the Aeotec Z-Stick 7 and the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?
The radios. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 is a Z-Wave 700 controller only, and the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is a Zigbee 3.0 coordinator that also flashes to a Thread border router. There's no protocol overlap.
Which is easier to get running?
The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is truly plug-and-play, recognized instantly with no flashing for Zigbee. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 typically ships with old firmware you must update first.
Does either handle Thread and Matter?
Only the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24, which can be flashed to act as a Thread border router for Matter. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 is Z-Wave 700 only, with no Thread, Matter or Zigbee support.
Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?
Buyers who want a modern, hassle-free Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant, with optional Thread for Matter.
Who should buy the Aeotec Z-Stick 7?
Buyers whose smart home runs on Z-Wave who want a dependable Z-Wave 700 controller for Home Assistant, openHAB or ioBroker.
Full comparison table
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