Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) ($39.99) is worth considering with a 6.1/10 consensus score across 3 expert reviews. Experts highlight highest direct-child spec of the usb sticks at ~50 and cc2652p is the battle-proven zigbee2mqtt classic. Best for: Router-poor Zigbee2MQTT legacy meshes that lean on direct children and will never need Thread.
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SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P)
Zigbee/Thread Coordinator
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
3 expert sources
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) earns a SHE Score of 4.9/10, driven by strong value (6.1/10) with room to improve in reliability (3.8/10). Based on 3 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 6.1/10 across 3 sources
Updated this weekKey Features
- ✓ TI CC2652P radio, Zigbee 3.0
- ✓ External antenna, +20 dBm
- ✓ SONOFF spec: ~50 direct children, 200 with routers
- ✓ Works with HA, ioBroker, Zigbee2MQTT
Best For
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) vs. the alternatives
How the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) 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 (ZBDongle-P)This page | $39.99 | 6.1/10 | 4.9/10 | major smart home platforms | Mixed |
| 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 |
| SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) | $26.99 | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | major smart home platforms | Good Value |
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) ($39.99) earns a 6.1/10 expert consensus and a 4.9/10 SHE Score across 3 sources, versus the Aqara Hub M3 at $119.99 (8.3/10 consensus).
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Highest direct-child spec of the USB sticks at ~50
- ✓ CC2652P is the battle-proven Zigbee2MQTT classic
- ✓ +20 dBm radio with external antenna for solid reach
- ✓ Up to 200 devices with routers per SONOFF spec
Common Criticisms
- ✗ CC2652P has no maintained Thread firmware path for HA
- ✗ TI stopped active SDK development for the chip
- ✗ MG24 sticks cost less and add a real Thread path
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Ready to buy the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P)?
Check Price on Amazon$39.99 · 3 expert sources · 6.1/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) worth it?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) earns a 6.1/10 consensus score across 3 expert sources and is rated "Mixed". At $39.99, it is best for Router-poor Zigbee2MQTT legacy meshes that lean on direct children and will never need Thread. it ranks among the top picks in its category.
How much does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) cost?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) is priced at $39.99. With a 6.1/10 score from 3 expert reviews and a "Mixed" rating, that price represents a premium ask 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 (ZBDongle-P) best for?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) is best for Router-poor Zigbee2MQTT legacy meshes that lean on direct children and will never need Thread. Experts rate it "Mixed" with a 6.1/10 consensus across 3 sources.
How does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have aggregated, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) ranks below average with a 6.1/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) work with?
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) 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 (ZBDongle-P)?
If the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) ($39.99, 6.1/10) 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 (ZBDongle-P)?
The main strengths of the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) are highest direct-child spec of the usb sticks at ~50 and cc2652p is the battle-proven zigbee2mqtt classic. The most-cited downside is cc2652p has no maintained thread firmware path for ha. Overall, 3 expert sources rate it "Mixed" with a 6.1/10 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.