Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 vs Sonoff Dongle Max

The Sonoff Dongle Max wins overall, adding Ethernet, Wi-Fi and PoE placement, stronger twin +5dBi antennas and a dual-network mode. The Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 is the cheaper, higher-rated pick if you only need a simple USB Zigbee coordinator.

Connectivity and the chip. The Sonoff Dongle Max is a network-connected coordinator on the newer EFR32MG24 that can be mounted over Ethernet or PoE, while the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 is a USB-only stick on the older EFR32MG21.

Yes. Both the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 and the Sonoff Dongle Max are Zigbee 3.0 coordinators that can also serve as a Thread border router. Neither supports Z-Wave, and the Lite MG21 ships configured for Zigbee, so Thread requires flashing.

The Sonoff Dongle Max, with two external antennas rated +5dBi, ahead of the single +3dBi antenna on the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21. Both use a +20dBm-class amplifier, and the Lite MG21 includes a USB extension cable to help placement.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Max if you want to place a Zigbee and Thread coordinator anywhere on your network via Ethernet or PoE, get stronger antennas, and have the option of dual-network mode for a larger Home Assistant setup.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Lite MG21 if you want the cheapest, well-rated way into a Zigbee smart home, a compact, nearly plug-and-play USB coordinator (or extra router) for Home Assistant that comes with a USB extension cable.