Dongles · Head to head

Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 vs Sonoff ZBDongle-E

Full Smart Dongles comparison in 2026

Updated August 2026
Data from Amazon and official Sonoff site.
2026 verdict
The Sonoff ZBDongle-E edges this Zigbee dongle matchup as the more affordable and better-reviewed coordinator, backed by a longer 2-year warranty against the Dongle Plus MG24's 1 year, and it is the most established budget Zigbee stick around, shipping pre-flashed and recognized instantly by Home Assistant's ZHA. The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 has genuine advantages, though: it runs the newer Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 radio with a higher +4.5dBi antenna and can be flashed into a Thread border router for Matter, something the Zigbee-only ZBDongle-E cannot do. Both are USB-only sticks that work with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT and include a USB extension cable. Choose the ZBDongle-E for the lower cost, longer warranty and proven simplicity; choose the Dongle Plus MG24 if you want the newer chip and a Thread option.
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FeatureSonoff Dongle Plus MG24Sonoff ZBDongle-EWinner
Price$35.90$24.90Sonoff ZBDongle-E
Rating4.74.6Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Warranty1 year2 yearsSonoff ZBDongle-E
Thread Border RouterYESNOSonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Antenna Gain+4.5dBi2 dBiSonoff Dongle Plus MG24
Zigbee Chip ModelEFR32MG24EFR32MG21Different strengths
PowerUSBUSBTie
ConnectivityUSBUSBTie
Zigbee RouterYESYESTie
Z-Wave ControllerNONOTie
Matter BridgeNONOTie
Amplifier Gain+20dBm+20dBmTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 or the Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

The Sonoff ZBDongle-E wins overall as the cheaper, higher-rated coordinator with a longer 2-year warranty and a long track record of easy setup. The Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 is the better pick if you want the newer MG24 chip, a higher-gain antenna and the ability to flash it for Thread.

What is the biggest difference between the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 and the Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

Thread and chip. The Dongle Plus MG24 uses the newer EFR32MG24 and can flash into a Thread border router, while the ZBDongle-E is a Zigbee-only EFR32MG21 stick. Both are Zigbee 3.0 coordinators for Home Assistant.

Which has the longer warranty?

The Sonoff ZBDongle-E carries a 2-year warranty, versus 1 year on the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24. Both are USB-only radios that plug into a host running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or similar software.

Who should buy the Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

Buy the Sonoff ZBDongle-E if you want the most established, affordable Zigbee coordinator with a longer 2-year warranty and effortless plug-and-play setup, and you do not need Thread. It is a great private replacement for brand bridges like Philips Hue.

Who should buy the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24?

Buy the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 if you want the newer MG24 radio with a higher +4.5dBi antenna and the option to flash it into a Thread border router for Matter, all in a truly plug-and-play USB stick.

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