Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U wins overall on versatility, covering Zigbee and Thread with network placement, dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. But the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is the one to buy if your smart home runs on Z-Wave, which the MR5U cannot do.

The protocol. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is a Zigbee and Thread coordinator with no Z-Wave, while the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is a dedicated Z-Wave 800 controller with S2 security and Long Range, and does no Zigbee or Thread.

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U, which connects over USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and PoE so it can be mounted anywhere on the network. The Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 is a USB-only stick, though it ships with a USB extension cable to reduce interference.

Neither does both alone. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U runs Zigbee and Thread (including simultaneously via dual-network mode) but has no Z-Wave, while the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 runs only Z-Wave. Owners who need all protocols run separate sticks.

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MR5U if you want a feature-rich Zigbee and Thread coordinator for Home Assistant that mounts over Ethernet or PoE, runs dual network, and includes a Bluetooth proxy and stronger antennas.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 if your home relies on Z-Wave and you want an affordable, plug-and-play Z-Wave 800 controller with S2 security and Long Range for Home Assistant or openHAB.