Smlight SLZB-MR1 vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated April 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
For 2026, Smlight SLZB-MR1 is the stronger overall choice. Its clearest strengths are power, connectivity, and thread border router, and it still looks stronger on antenna gain and dual network. Sonoff ZBDongle-E still makes sense if price, rating, and warranty is your priority, but most buyers should still lean toward Smlight SLZB-MR1. For the average buyer, Smlight SLZB-MR1 is the safer choice.
FeatureSmlight SLZB-MR1Sonoff ZBDongle-EWinner
Price$103.99$26.99Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Rating4.54.7Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Warranty1 year2 yearsSonoff ZBDongle-E
PowerUSB, PoEUSBSmlight SLZB-MR1
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WifiUSBSmlight SLZB-MR1
Thread Border RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1
Antenna Gain+5dBi2 dBiSmlight SLZB-MR1
Dual NetworkYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1
Bluetooth ProxyYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG21 / CC2652P7EFR32MG21Different strengths
Amplifier Gain+20dB+20dBmDifferent strengths
Zigbee RouterYESYESTie
Winner
$103.99
BUY NOW
  • + Power: USB, PoE
  • + Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wifi
  • + Thread Border Router: YES
  • - Price: $103.99 vs $26.99
  • - Rating: 4.5 vs 4.7
$26.99
BUY NOW
  • + Price: $26.99
  • + Rating: 4.7
  • + Warranty: 2 years
  • - Power: USB vs USB, PoE
  • - Connectivity: USB vs USB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wifi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better overall: Smlight SLZB-MR1 or Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Smlight SLZB-MR1 has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for power, connectivity, and thread border router.
What is the biggest difference between Smlight SLZB-MR1 and Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Price is one of the clearest differences: Smlight SLZB-MR1 lists $103.99, while Sonoff ZBDongle-E lists $26.99.
Which one looks better on price?
Smlight SLZB-MR1 is listed at $103.99, while Sonoff ZBDongle-E is listed at $26.99. Sonoff ZBDongle-E (better spec).
Who should buy Smlight SLZB-MR1?
Choose Smlight SLZB-MR1 if your priority is power and connectivity and that matters more than price.
Who should buy Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Choose Sonoff ZBDongle-E if your priority is price and rating and that matters more than power.
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