Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is more capable, adding Ethernet and PoE placement, stronger antennas, a supported dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is cheaper, better reviewed and truly plug-and-play if you only need a USB coordinator.

Connectivity and features. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is a network-connected coordinator with dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy, while the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is a USB-only stick with a fixed antenna and none of those extras.

Yes. Both the Smlight SLZB-MR5U and the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 run the Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 as a Zigbee 3.0 coordinator and Thread border router, and neither supports Z-Wave. The difference is placement and features, not the core radio.

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U, with two external antennas rated +5dBi, ahead of the single fixed +4.5dBi antenna on the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24. The Dongle Plus MG24 does include a USB extension cable to move the whole stick away from interference.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U if you want a flexible Zigbee and Thread coordinator you can mount over Ethernet or PoE, with simultaneous dual-network operation, a Bluetooth proxy and stronger antennas for a larger Home Assistant network.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 if you want an affordable, plug-and-play USB Zigbee coordinator (with optional Thread) for Home Assistant and do not need network placement, dual-network mode or a Bluetooth proxy.