Smlight SLZB-MR1U vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated April 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
In 2026, the recommendation leans toward Smlight SLZB-MR1U. Its biggest wins come from power, connectivity, and thread border router, and antenna gain and dual network adds more confidence to the verdict. Sonoff ZBDongle-E can still be the right pick, but only if warranty outweighs the wider strengths of Smlight SLZB-MR1U. That is why Smlight SLZB-MR1U wins the verdict here.
vs
FeatureSmlight SLZB-MR1USonoff ZBDongle-EWinner
Warranty1 year2 yearsSonoff ZBDongle-E
PowerUSB, PoEUSBSmlight SLZB-MR1U
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WifiUSBSmlight SLZB-MR1U
Thread Border RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1U
Antenna Gain+5dBi2 dBiSmlight SLZB-MR1U
Dual NetworkYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1U
Bluetooth ProxyYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR1U
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG21 / CC2652P7EFR32MG21Different strengths
Amplifier Gain+20dB+20dBmDifferent strengths
Zigbee RouterYESYESTie
Z-Wave ControllerNONOTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Winner
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  • + Power: USB, PoE
  • + Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wifi
  • + Thread Border Router: YES
  • - Warranty: 1 year vs 2 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better overall: Smlight SLZB-MR1U or Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Smlight SLZB-MR1U has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for power, connectivity, and thread border router.
What is the biggest difference between Smlight SLZB-MR1U and Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Warranty is one of the clearest differences: Smlight SLZB-MR1U lists 1 year, while Sonoff ZBDongle-E lists 2 years.
Who should buy Smlight SLZB-MR1U?
Choose Smlight SLZB-MR1U if your priority is power and connectivity and that matters more than warranty.
Who should buy Sonoff ZBDongle-E?
Choose Sonoff ZBDongle-E if your priority is warranty and that matters more than power.
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