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Dongles · Head to head

Aeotec Z-Stick 7 vs Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aeotec and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
Starting a Z-Wave network from scratch? The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is the newer, better-value Z-Wave dongle of this pair.
Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
Winner
Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
$39.90
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
It runs the Z-Wave 800 chip with S2 security and Z-Wave Long Range, carries higher transmit power and a higher owner rating, and typically costs less than the Aeotec Z-Stick 7. The Z-Stick 7 is the older Z-Wave 700 controller: still stable for many owners, but it usually needs a firmware update out of the box and has no clear win here. Both are USB-only, Z-Wave-only radios built for a local Home Assistant or openHAB setup. Choose the PZG23 for a modern, longer-range Z-Wave stick; the Z-Stick 7 mainly suits owners migrating an existing Z-Wave 700 network.
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FeatureAeotec Z-Stick 7Sonoff Dongle-PZG23Winner
Price$39.99$39.90Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
Rating4.54.6Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
Transmit Power+9.3dBm+20dBmSonoff Dongle-PZG23
Z-Wave Chip ModelZG14EFR32ZG23Different strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
PowerUSBUSBTie
ConnectivityUSBUSBTie
Zigbee RouterNONOTie
Z-Wave ControllerYESYESTie
Thread Border RouterNONOTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Dual NetworkNONOTie

What the differences mean

Z-Wave generation

The PZG23 runs the newer Z-Wave 800 chip with Z-Wave Long Range; the Z-Stick 7 is the older Z-Wave 700 generation. Both do Z-Wave only, no Zigbee.

Transmit power and antenna

The PZG23's higher transmit power and adjustable external antenna outdo the Z-Stick 7's lower transmit power with no external antenna at all, which shows up as better real-world range.

Setup effort

The PZG23 is described as genuinely plug-and-play, recognized by Home Assistant with no flashing. The Z-Stick 7 usually ships with old firmware that needs a manual, technical update before use.

Build

Owners note the Z-Stick 7's plastic USB connector feels flimsy, with some getting loose pins. The PZG23's build draws no such complaints in the reviews.

Which one to buy if

  • you're setting up a Z-Wave network for the first time
    Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

    It's plug-and-play out of the box, with no firmware update needed first.

  • you're migrating an existing Z-Wave 700 network
    Aeotec Z-Stick 7

    It's the matching generation controller for hardware already paired to a 700-series stick.

  • range or wall penetration has been an issue
    Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

    Its higher transmit power and adjustable antenna outdo the Z-Stick 7's lower transmit power with no external antenna.

  • you want Z-Wave Long Range devices to talk point-to-point
    Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

    Z-Wave Long Range is built into the PZG23's 800-series chip; the Z-Stick 7's 700-series chip has no equivalent.

What owners say

Owners of both dongles describe them as dependable once running, with neither dropping devices over months of daily use. Where the accounts diverge is getting there. Aeotec Z-Stick 7 owners report years of stable operation with a dozen or more mixed-brand sensors, but flag that the shipping firmware is usually outdated and needs a technical two-step update before first use, plus a plastic USB connector some call flimsy. Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 owners describe it as genuinely plug-and-play with Home Assistant, often running within ten minutes, and single out the bundled USB extension cable and the higher transmit power for keeping the connection solid.

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-PZG23

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aeotec Z-Stick 7 or Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23, with a newer Z-Wave 800 chip, higher transmit power, a higher rating and a lower price. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 remains a solid Z-Wave 700 controller, but the PZG23 leads on nearly every point here.

What is the biggest difference between the Aeotec Z-Stick 7 and the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Generation and range. The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 uses the Z-Wave 800 chip with Z-Wave Long Range and high transmit power, while the Aeotec Z-Stick 7 is an older Z-Wave 700 controller with lower transmit power.

Do both support Z-Wave only, with no Zigbee?

Yes. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 and the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 are both dedicated Z-Wave controllers with no Zigbee, Thread or Matter. Owners who want Zigbee too run a separate stick alongside either one.

Which is easier to set up?

The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is described as plug-and-play, recognized by Home Assistant with no flashing. The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 usually ships with old firmware that must be updated before use.

Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Buyers who want a modern, dependable Z-Wave 800 controller for Home Assistant or openHAB with strong range and S2 security.

Who should buy the Aeotec Z-Stick 7?

Buyers migrating an existing Z-Wave 700 network, or already invested in the Aeotec ecosystem, who don't mind planning for a firmware update.

Full comparison table

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