Introduction
When building a smart home ecosystem, selecting the appropriate Zigbee gateway is crucial. SONOFF offers a range of Zigbee gateways, including USB dongles and Zigbee bridges, each catering to different user requirements. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of all SONOFF Zigbee gateways to assist you in making an informed decision.
SONOFF ZBDongle-E
ZBDongle-E is a Zigbee 3.0 USB dongle based on the CC2652P chip. It offers plug-and-play functionality with pre-installed Z-Stack 3.x.0 coordinator firmware, supporting platforms such as Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant’s ZHA integration. The external antenna enhances signal range and stability.
Now, we have officially released an online quick flash tool for SONOFF Dongles: SONOFF Dongle Flasher. It provides the best compatibility for SONOFF Dongle products, is capable of automatically recognizing product models, no need for disassembly, supports firmware uploading, offers fast flashing speeds, and is easy to operate.
SONOFF ZBBridge-P
ZBBridge-P is a Zigbee 3.0 bridge that can connect all SONOFF Zigbee devices to the eWeLink app. It supports up to 128 sub-devices and offers features like local smart scenes and security modes. The plug-in devices can act as Zigbee routers to extend the network range.
SONOFF ZBBridge-U
ZBBridge-U is an advanced Zigbee 3.0 gateway and Matter bridge powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. It supports up to 256 Zigbee sub-devices and offers dual connectivity via Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Featuring Turbo Mode communications, it ensures wide coverage and a reliable connection throughout your home. What’s more, this bridge can integrate Zigbee devices into Matter ecosystems, enabling compatibility with platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.
Comparison Table
Name | |||
Type | USB Dongle | Zigbee Bridge | Zigbee Bridge |
Chipset | ZBDongle-E: EFR32MG21 | ESP32 + CC2652P | RV1109 + EFR32MG21 |
Connectivity | USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi / Ethernet |
Platform Compatibility | Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and other open-source platforms | eWeLink App | eWeLink App, Matter Ecosystems |
Max Sub-devices | 40-50 | 128 | 256 |
Matter Support | No | No | Yes |
Zigbee Router Functionality | Yes (with firmware flashing) | No | No |
Use Case | Developers, DIY Enthusiasts | App-Controlled Automation | Advanced Users, Cross-Platform Integration |
How to Choose the Right SONOFF Zigbee Gateway
For Developers and DIY Enthusiasts: If you require firmware flexibility and advanced features, the ZBDongle-E is suitable due to its powerful chipset and compatibility with various platforms.
For Users Preferring App Control: ZBBridge-P allows control of Zigbee devices via the eWeLink app, supporting local smart scenes and security modes without complex configurations.
For Advanced Users Needing Extensive Device Support and Matter Integration: The ZBBridge-U supports a higher number of sub-devices and integrates Zigbee devices into Matter ecosystems, providing broad compatibility with major smart home platforms.
Selecting the appropriate Zigbee gateway is essential for a stable and efficient smart home system. Consider your specific needs, technical expertise, and desired features to choose the SONOFF gateway that best fits your smart home setup.