Dongles · Head to head

Smlight SLZB-07 MG24 vs Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated August 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
Budget Zigbee coordinators, head to head: the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 wins this one by costing less than the Smlight SLZB-07 MG24 while also carrying a stronger owner rating. The SLZB-07 MG24 does not have a clear counterpunch in this matchup, since it lacks any winning category of its own here, though it remains a capable Zigbee 3.0 coordinator with router mode and Thread border router support in its own right. Both sticks plug into a Home Assistant host over USB and are aimed at the same budget-conscious DIY crowd building a local Zigbee network. Given the Dongle Lite MG21's lower price and better reviews, it is the easier recommendation for most shoppers, though anyone already comparing spec sheets closely may still want to weigh the two directly before deciding.
Price alerts

Dongle prices change while you decide

We check the price of every Dongle in the catalog daily and email you the drops, whichever one you pick.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

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.

FeatureSmlight SLZB-07 MG24Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21Winner
Price$45.99$18.68Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21
Rating3.34.6Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG24EFR32MG21Different strengths
Amplifier Gain+20dB+20dBmDifferent strengths
Antenna Gain+3dB+3dBiDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
PowerUSBUSBTie
ConnectivityUSBUSBTie
Zigbee RouterYESYESTie
Z-Wave ControllerNONOTie
Thread Border RouterYESYESTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the better budget Zigbee dongle, the Smlight SLZB-07 MG24 or the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21?

The Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 edges it out, combining a lower price with a higher owner rating than the SLZB-07 MG24, making it the safer pick for buyers shopping on value.

What is the biggest difference between the SLZB-07 MG24 and the Dongle Lite MG21?

Price and reception. The Dongle Lite MG21 costs less and has earned a stronger owner rating, while the SLZB-07 MG24 sits at a similar functional level as a Zigbee 3.0 coordinator but without those two advantages.

Are the Smlight SLZB-07 MG24 and Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 similar in capability?

Yes, largely. Both are USB Zigbee 3.0 coordinators with router mode and Thread border router support built on Silicon Labs chips, so the deciding factors in this comparison come down to price and owner satisfaction rather than a feature gap.

Is the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 cheaper than the Smlight SLZB-07 MG24?

Yes, the Dongle Lite MG21 carries the lower price of the two, which combined with its stronger owner rating makes it the more straightforward recommendation for most Home Assistant users.

Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21?

Budget-focused Home Assistant users who want a well-reviewed, affordable Zigbee coordinator with Thread capability should lean toward the Dongle Lite MG21.

Who should buy the Smlight SLZB-07 MG24?

Buyers who prefer Smlight's ecosystem or already run other Smlight hardware may still choose the SLZB-07 MG24, even though the Dongle Lite MG21 currently has the edge on price and rating.

Full comparison table

Compare all 35 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.

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

Top Dongles to compare next

Compare smart dongles by supported protocols, connectivity, hardware specs, integrations, automations, and compatibility with platforms like Matter, Zigbee, and Thread.

All Dongles
Smlight

More Smlight products

A sharper look at other Smlight products worth comparing.

Explore Smlight
Sonoff

More Sonoff products

A sharper look at other Sonoff products worth comparing.

Explore Sonoff