Smlight SLZB-MR5U vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

The Smlight SLZB-MR5U wins overall with Ethernet and PoE placement, Thread support, dual-network mode, a Bluetooth proxy and stronger antennas. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E stays attractive as a cheaper, plug-and-play Zigbee stick with a longer 2-year warranty.

Scope. The Smlight SLZB-MR5U is a network-connected Zigbee and Thread coordinator with dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy, while the Sonoff ZBDongle-E is a USB-only Zigbee coordinator with no Thread, no dual network and no Bluetooth proxy.

The Sonoff ZBDongle-E, at 2 years, versus 1 year on the Smlight SLZB-MR5U. Both are radios that need a host running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or similar software rather than acting as standalone hubs.

Only the Smlight SLZB-MR5U, which serves as a Thread border router alongside Zigbee and can run both simultaneously via dual-network mode. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is Zigbee only, with no Thread, Z-Wave or Matter.

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

Buy the Sonoff ZBDongle-E if you want an inexpensive, pre-flashed, plug-and-play Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or OpenHAB, a longer 2-year warranty, and a simple way to drop a proprietary hub like the Hue bridge.