Dongles · Head to head

Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Sonoff Dongle-PZG23

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated June 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
In 2026, the recommendation leans toward Smlight SLZB-MR5U over Sonoff Dongle-PZG23, driven by power, connectivity, and zigbee router. It has the clearer edge on power, connectivity, and zigbee router, and it stays ahead on thread border router and antenna gain. There is still a case for Sonoff Dongle-PZG23, but mainly if z-wave controller is what you value most. In practical terms, Smlight SLZB-MR5U is the easier product to recommend.
vs
FeatureSmlight SLZB-MR5USonoff Dongle-PZG23Winner
PowerUSB, PoEUSBSmlight SLZB-MR5U
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFiUSBSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Zigbee RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Z-Wave ControllerNOYESSonoff Dongle-PZG23
Thread Border RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Antenna Gain+5dBi2 dBiSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Dual NetworkYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Bluetooth ProxyYESNOSmlight SLZB-MR5U
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Amplifier Gain+20dB+20dBTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Smlight SLZB-MR5U or Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Smlight SLZB-MR5U has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for power, connectivity, and zigbee router.

What is the biggest difference between Smlight SLZB-MR5U and Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Power is one of the clearest differences: Smlight SLZB-MR5U lists USB, PoE, while Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 lists USB.

Who should buy Smlight SLZB-MR5U?

Choose Smlight SLZB-MR5U if your priority is power and connectivity and that matters more than z-wave controller.

Who should buy Sonoff Dongle-PZG23?

Choose Sonoff Dongle-PZG23 if your priority is z-wave controller and that matters more than power.

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.

Compare 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
Stay in the loop

Smart Home Deals & News straight to your inbox

Join the newsletter and get the best smart home deals and new releases in your inbox.

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

Smart Home Deals & News straight to your inbox

Join the newsletter and get the best smart home deals and new releases in your inbox.

DealsNew ReleasesTop RatedBrandsBlogEcosystemsProtocolsUse CasesAboutPodcastTerms of UsePrivacy Policy
Independent · Not sponsoredBrands never pay for placement or rankings. Affiliate commissions never influence our comparisons.
© 2026 Smart Home Compared
Search