Dongles · Head to head

Smlight SLZB-MRW10 vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated August 2026
Data from Amazon and official Smlight and Sonoff sites.
2026 verdict
The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 towers over the Sonoff ZBDongle-E as a smart home dongle, adding a Z-Wave 800 controller, Thread border router support, network-connected placement (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and PoE), stronger twin +5dBi antennas, simultaneous dual-network operation and a Bluetooth proxy, none of which the Zigbee-only, USB-only ZBDongle-E provides. It effectively replaces three separate radios with one coordinator for a cloud-free Home Assistant. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is not competing on breadth; its pitch is value and simplicity, it is far more affordable, ships pre-flashed for instant plug-and-play, carries a longer 2-year warranty against the MRW10's single year, and is a beloved budget way to replace a bridge like Philips Hue. Pick the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 if you want every protocol in one flexible box; pick the Sonoff ZBDongle-E for the cheapest dependable Zigbee stick with a longer warranty.
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FeatureSmlight SLZB-MRW10Sonoff ZBDongle-EWinner
Price$100.00$24.90Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Rating5.04.6Smlight SLZB-MRW10
Warranty1 year2 yearsSonoff ZBDongle-E
PowerUSB, PoEUSBSmlight SLZB-MRW10
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, 2.4 GHz WiFiUSBSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Z-Wave ControllerYESNOSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Thread Border RouterYESNOSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Antenna Gain+5dBi2 dBiSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Dual NetworkYESNOSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Bluetooth ProxyYESNOSmlight SLZB-MRW10
Zigbee Chip ModelCC2652P10EFR32MG21Different strengths
Amplifier Gain+20dBi+20dBmDifferent strengths

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 or the Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 wins on capability, covering Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave with network placement, dual-network mode and a Bluetooth proxy. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E wins on value as a cheap, pre-flashed Zigbee stick with a longer 2-year warranty.

What is the biggest difference between them?

Scope. The Smlight SLZB-MRW10 is a three-protocol, network-connected coordinator (Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave), while the Sonoff ZBDongle-E is a USB-only Zigbee coordinator with no Thread, Z-Wave, dual network or Bluetooth proxy.

Which comes with the longer warranty?

The Sonoff ZBDongle-E, at 2 years, ahead of the 1-year warranty on the Smlight SLZB-MRW10. Both are radios that need a host running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or similar software.

Which one supports Z-Wave and Thread?

Only the Smlight SLZB-MRW10, which includes a Z-Wave 800 controller and acts as a Thread border router alongside Zigbee. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is Zigbee only, with no Thread, Z-Wave or Matter.

Who should buy the Smlight SLZB-MRW10?

Buy the Smlight SLZB-MRW10 if you want one coordinator that runs Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave together for Home Assistant, with flexible Ethernet or PoE placement, dual-network mode, a Bluetooth proxy and strong antennas.

Who should buy the Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

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

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