Dongles · Head to head

Smlight SLZB-06 vs Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated August 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
These two dongles barely overlap, and the Smlight SLZB-06 wins as the broader, more capable device: it is a network-connected Zigbee coordinator with Ethernet, PoE and Wi-Fi, plus a Zigbee router, Thread border router and Bluetooth proxy that the single-protocol Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 does not attempt. The Sonoff, by contrast, is a dedicated Z-Wave 800 controller, so it wins on the one axis that matters to Z-Wave owners, and it is the more affordable option with a higher owner rating, and it uniquely adds the Z-Wave controller the Zigbee-only SLZB-06 cannot. In practice the choice is decided by your devices, not by a spec race: the SLZB-06 covers Zigbee and Thread, the Dongle-PZG23 covers Z-Wave. Both plug into Home Assistant and both do one job well. Choose the Smlight SLZB-06 if your mesh is Zigbee and you want network placement plus Thread and Bluetooth proxy; choose the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 if you need a plug-and-play Z-Wave 800 radio.
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FeatureSmlight SLZB-06Sonoff Dongle-PZG23Winner
Price$72.99$39.90Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
Rating4.24.6Sonoff Dongle-PZG23
PowerUSB, PoEUSBSmlight SLZB-06
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFiUSBSmlight SLZB-06
Zigbee RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-06
Z-Wave ControllerNOYESSonoff Dongle-PZG23
Thread Border RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-06
Antenna Gain+5dBi2 dBiSmlight SLZB-06
Bluetooth ProxyYESNOSmlight SLZB-06
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Amplifier Gain+20dB+20dBTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Smlight SLZB-06 or the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 the better dongle for me?

It depends entirely on your protocol. The Smlight SLZB-06 is the more capable device with Ethernet, PoE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread and a Bluetooth proxy, but it does no Z-Wave. The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is a dedicated, well-rated Z-Wave 800 controller, so it wins for anyone whose locks and sensors are Z-Wave.

What is the biggest difference between the Smlight SLZB-06 and the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

The radio they carry. The SLZB-06 is a Zigbee 3.0 coordinator (also Thread and Bluetooth proxy) that connects over Ethernet, PoE, Wi-Fi or USB. The Dongle-PZG23 is a USB Z-Wave Series 800 controller only, with no Zigbee, Thread or network connectivity. They cover different smart home devices.

Which one supports Z-Wave?

Only the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23. It is built around a Silicon Labs Z-Wave Series 800 chip with S2 security and Z-Wave Long Range. The Smlight SLZB-06 has no Z-Wave radio at all, so you would pair it with a separate controller if you also own Z-Wave gear.

Who should buy the Smlight SLZB-06?

Buy the Smlight SLZB-06 if your smart home runs on Zigbee (and optionally Thread) and you want a network-placed coordinator you can mount centrally over Ethernet or PoE, with a Bluetooth proxy as a bonus. It is the pick when Zigbee coverage and placement freedom matter.

Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Buy the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 if you need a dependable, plug-and-play Z-Wave 800 controller for Home Assistant or openHAB, with Long Range and S2 security. It is the affordable, well-rated choice for Z-Wave locks, thermostats and sensors, though it does no Zigbee or Thread.

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