Smlight SLZB-MRW10 vs Sonoff Dongle Max

The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 is the more complete coordinator, adding a Z-Wave Series 800 controller, a Bluetooth proxy and a fully supported dual-network mode to Zigbee and Thread. The Sonoff Dongle Max is the better value for a Zigbee and Thread home, cheaper with a Wi-Fi access point and two strong antennas.

Z-Wave. The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 carries a Series 800 Z-Wave controller alongside Zigbee and Thread, while the Sonoff Dongle Max has no Z-Wave radio. Both are network-connected, both use two external antennas, so the protocol set is what separates them.

It can, but the manufacturer marks that dual-network mode as experimental rather than fully stable. The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 runs the same combination as a supported feature, which makes it the safer of the two for mixed Zigbee and Thread automations.

Yes. Both work with Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT, and both can be mounted away from the server over Ethernet or PoE. The Smlight adds a Bluetooth proxy, and the Sonoff adds a Wi-Fi access point.

A home running Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave that wants one network-placed gateway, a Bluetooth proxy and a dual-network mode it can rely on.

A Zigbee and Thread home that wants Ethernet or PoE placement and a Wi-Fi access point at a lower price, and does not need Z-Wave or a Bluetooth proxy.