Hubs · Head to head

Sonoff Bridge Max vs Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra

Full Smart Hubs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from the official Sonoff site.
2026 verdict
Two Sonoff Zigbee gateways that both bridge into Matter, and the newer Sonoff Bridge Max edges it on value, connectivity and what it can bridge.
Sonoff Bridge Max
Winner
Sonoff Bridge Max
$59.90
Buy on Amazon USA
It adds dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and a local web console that runs with no app, account or internet, plus Bluetooth device bridging for BTHome and eWeLink-Remote accessories, and it is the lower priced and better reviewed of the two. The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra answers with a higher device ceiling of 256 against 128, and it publishes its hardware where the Bridge Max does not: a dual-core 1.5 GHz CPU, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. Both are Matter bridges that reach Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant, both run over Ethernet, and both carry a two-year warranty. Pick the Sonoff Bridge Max for cloud-free local control and Bluetooth bridging, and the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra for the largest mesh.
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FeatureSonoff Bridge MaxSonoff Zigbee Bridge UltraWinner
Rating4.64.4Sonoff Bridge Max
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet2.4 GHz WiFi, EthernetSonoff Bridge Max
ProtocolsBluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Matter Bridge, Third-Party DevicesZigbee Coordinator, Matter Bridge, Third-Party DevicesSonoff Bridge Max
Warranty2 years2 yearsTie
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantTie

What the differences mean

Local management

The Sonoff Bridge Max is configured from a local web console in a browser with no app, account or internet, while the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra works through Sonoff's app and account. The Bridge Max is the cloud-free option.

Bluetooth bridging

The Sonoff Bridge Max also bridges Bluetooth accessories such as BTHome sensors and eWeLink-Remote gear and exposes them to Matter. The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra has no Bluetooth radio.

Device capacity

The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra is rated for up to 256 Zigbee devices against a stable figure of 128 for the Sonoff Bridge Max. A very large mesh suits the Ultra's higher ceiling.

Wi-Fi

The Sonoff Bridge Max has dual-band Wi-Fi 6 plus Ethernet, and the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra has 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi plus Ethernet. The Bridge Max is the more forgiving on a modern network.

Hardware transparency

The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra publishes a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage; the Sonoff Bridge Max's memory and storage are not published. The Ultra's hardware is the more transparent.

Which one to buy if

  • you want a hub that runs with no app, account or cloud
    Sonoff Bridge Max

    The local web console sets up the whole system offline.

  • you want to bridge Bluetooth sensors into Matter
    Sonoff Bridge Max

    It bridges BTHome and eWeLink-Remote accessories too.

  • you are building a mesh of more than 128 Zigbee devices
    Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra

    It is rated for up to 256 sub-devices.

  • you want dual-band Wi-Fi
    Sonoff Bridge Max

    Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 and 5 GHz, plus Ethernet.

  • you already run a large Sonoff Zigbee setup through the app
    Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra

    It is the higher-capacity hub in Sonoff's own line.

Winner
Sonoff

Sonoff Bridge Max

Prime exclusive deal
$59.90
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Rating: 4.6
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet
  • + Protocols: Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Matter Bridge, Third-Party Devices

What owners say

Owners of both Sonoff hubs value the same thing: a Zigbee network that stays reliable at scale, with one Ultra owner consolidating two older bridges into one and a Bridge Max owner running roughly 70 devices without a fault. Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra owners single out the beefier hardware and 256-device ceiling and how cleanly it works with the official app and Home Assistant, but note third-party Zigbee support is limited, Philips Hue bulbs will not pair, and the advertised range needs repeaters. Sonoff Bridge Max owners talk about running the whole thing locally from a browser, with no app or account, and bridging Zigbee, Bluetooth and eWeLink devices into Matter, with their complaints being the English-and-Chinese plain-HTTP console and pre-release firmware on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Sonoff Bridge Max or Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra?

The Sonoff Bridge Max wins on price, rating, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth bridging, and it runs with no app or cloud. The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra answers with a higher 256-device capacity and published, more powerful hardware.

What is the biggest difference between the Sonoff Bridge Max and the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra?

How it is managed and what it bridges. The Sonoff Bridge Max is configured from a local web console with no app or account and also bridges Bluetooth devices, while the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra works through the Sonoff app and offers a larger device ceiling.

Which one works with Bluetooth sensors?

The Sonoff Bridge Max, which bridges BTHome devices and eWeLink-Remote accessories into Matter. The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra has no Bluetooth radio and is Zigbee plus Matter only.

Which supports more devices?

The Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra, rated for up to 256 Zigbee devices against a stable figure of 128 for the Sonoff Bridge Max, which can also bridge Bluetooth, eWeLink and Home Assistant devices on top.

Who should buy the Sonoff Bridge Max?

Buyers who want a cloud-free hub, configured from a browser with no app or account, plus Bluetooth bridging and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Who should buy the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra?

Anyone scaling a large Sonoff Zigbee mesh past 128 devices who is happy to manage it through the Sonoff app.

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