Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) ($35.90) is a top pick with a 8.9/10 consensus score across 3 expert reviews. Experts highlight newest actively-developed silabs silicon — the 2026 sweet spot per cnx software and 1.5 mb flash / 256 kb ram is +100% flash and +300% ram over the efr32mg21. Best for: Future-proof first HA radio with the newest actively-developed silicon and a real dedicated-Thread path.
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SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee)
Zigbee/Thread Coordinator
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
3 expert sources
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) earns a SHE Score of 7.1/10, 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: 8.9/10 across 3 sources
Updated this weekKey Features
- ✓ Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 radio (Thread + Zigbee 3.0)
- ✓ 1.5 MB flash / 256 KB RAM
- ✓ +20 dBm radio with 3 dBi external antenna
- ✓ Auto-discovered by Home Assistant
Best For
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) vs. the alternatives
How the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) 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 MG24 (Thread & Zigbee)This page | $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 |
| SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) | $26.99 | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | major smart home platforms | Good Value |
| 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 MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) ($35.90) earns a 8.9/10 expert consensus and a 7.1/10 SHE Score across 3 sources, versus the Aqara Hub M3 at $119.99 (8.3/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Newest actively-developed Silabs silicon — the 2026 sweet spot per CNX Software
- ✓ 1.5 MB flash / 256 KB RAM is +100% flash and +300% RAM over the EFR32MG21
- ✓ Real dedicated-Thread path: run it as your Zigbee radio or your Thread radio
- ✓ Home Assistant auto-discovers it for ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, or OpenThread setup
Common Criticisms
- ✗ USB stick lives at the host — use the cable to escape USB3 interference
- ✗ No web management UI like the PoE SMLIGHT coordinators
- ✗ Newest silicon means a shorter community track record than the ZBDongle-E
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Ready to buy the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee)?
Check Price on Amazon$35.90 · 3 expert sources · 8.9/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) earns a 8.9/10 consensus score across 3 expert sources and is rated "Must Buy". At $35.90, it is best for Future-proof first HA radio with the newest actively-developed silicon and a real dedicated-Thread path. it ranks among the top picks in its category.
How much does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) cost?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) is priced at $35.90. With a 8.9/10 score from 3 expert reviews and a "Must Buy" rating, that price represents strong 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 MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) best for?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) is best for Future-proof first HA radio with the newest actively-developed silicon and a real dedicated-Thread path. Experts rate it "Must Buy" with a 8.9/10 consensus across 3 sources.
How does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have aggregated, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) ranks above average with a 8.9/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) work with?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) 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 MG24 (Thread & Zigbee)?
If the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) ($35.90, 8.9/10) 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 MG24 (Thread & Zigbee)?
The main strengths of the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus MG24 (Thread & Zigbee) are newest actively-developed silabs silicon — the 2026 sweet spot per cnx software and 1.5 mb flash / 256 kb ram is +100% flash and +300% ram over the efr32mg21. The most-cited downside is usb stick lives at the host — use the cable to escape usb3 interference. Overall, 3 expert sources rate it "Must Buy" with a 8.9/10 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.