Sonoff Dongle Max vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

The Sonoff Dongle Max is more capable overall, offering USB, Ethernet and PoE connectivity, a Thread border router and higher +5dBi antennas. The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is the cheaper, higher-rated and simpler pick with a longer 2-year warranty, ideal if you only need plug-and-play Zigbee over USB.

Connectivity and Thread. The Dongle Max runs over USB, Ethernet or PoE and adds a Thread border router, while the ZBDongle-E is a USB-only Zigbee coordinator with no Thread. Both work with Home Assistant, ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT.

The Sonoff ZBDongle-E is the simpler stick, shipping pre-flashed and recognized instantly by Home Assistant's ZHA with no configuration. The Dongle Max is more flexible but has thinner documentation and a web portal that can repeatedly prompt for login, so it suits users comfortable with some DIY setup.

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Max if you want to place your Zigbee coordinator away from the host over Ethernet or PoE, need a Thread border router, or want the higher +5dBi antennas for range in a larger home.

Buy the Sonoff ZBDongle-E if you want the most established, budget-friendly Zigbee coordinator with a longer 2-year warranty and effortless plug-and-play setup, and you do not need Thread, Ethernet or PoE.