Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) ($26.99) is worth considering with a 7.6/10 consensus score across 3 expert reviews. Experts highlight $26.99 for the stick that ran ha setups for over two years and efr32mg21 is actively-developed silabs silicon with mature emberznet. Best for: Lowest-risk, lowest-cost first HA radio with a documented OpenThread re-flash path.
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SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E)
Zigbee/Thread Coordinator
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
3 expert sources
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) earns a SHE Score of 6.6/10, driven by strong value (10/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5/10). Based on 3 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 7.6/10 across 3 sources
Updated this weekKey Features
- ✓ Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 radio, Zigbee 3.0
- ✓ External whip antenna, +20 dBm
- ✓ Official OpenThread RCP firmware available
- ✓ Works with ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB
Best For
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) vs. the alternatives
How the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) stacks up against other Automation options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.
| Product | Price | Consensus | SHE Score | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E)This page | $26.99 | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | major smart home platforms | Good Value |
| SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) | $35.90 | 8.9/10 | 7.1/10 | major smart home platforms | Must Buy |
| SMLIGHT SLZB-06M Zigbee 3.0 Ethernet/USB/WiFi PoE Coordinator | $72.99 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| SMLIGHT SLZB-07 Zigbee 3.0 / Thread Mini USB Coordinator | $34.99 | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | Matter | Recommended |
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) ($26.99) earns a 7.6/10 expert consensus and a 6.6/10 SHE Score across 3 sources, versus the Aqara Hub M3 at $119.99 (8.3/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ $26.99 for the stick that ran HA setups for over two years
- ✓ EFR32MG21 is actively-developed Silabs silicon with mature EmberZNet
- ✓ Official OpenThread RCP firmware — re-flash to Thread later
- ✓ +20 dBm radio with an external whip antenna for solid reach
Common Criticisms
- ✗ SONOFF spec lists ~30 direct children, below the ZBDongle-P's ~50
- ✗ USB stick lives at the host — use the extension cable to escape USB3
- ✗ MG21 carries less memory headroom than the newer MG24
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Ready to buy the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E)?
Check Price on Amazon$26.99 · 3 expert sources · 7.6/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) earns a 7.6/10 consensus score across 3 expert sources and is rated "Good Value". At $26.99, it is best for Lowest-risk, lowest-cost first HA radio with a documented OpenThread re-flash path. it ranks among the top picks in its category.
How much does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) cost?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) is priced at $26.99. With a 7.6/10 score from 3 expert reviews and a "Good Value" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Automation products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) best for?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) is best for Lowest-risk, lowest-cost first HA radio with a documented OpenThread re-flash path. Experts rate it "Good Value" with a 7.6/10 consensus across 3 sources.
How does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have aggregated, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) ranks above average with a 7.6/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) work with?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E)?
If the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) ($26.99, 7.6/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Automation are Aqara Hub M3, Amazon Smart Plug. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E)?
The main strengths of the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) are $26.99 for the stick that ran ha setups for over two years and efr32mg21 is actively-developed silabs silicon with mature emberznet. The most-cited downside is sonoff spec lists ~30 direct children, below the zbdongle-p's ~50. Overall, 3 expert sources rate it "Good Value" with a 7.6/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
Consensus score based on available data. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 3 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. SONOFF and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by SONOFF or any other manufacturer named in this article.