If you're setting up a smart home and need a reliable Zigbee coordinator, the SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 is one of the most complete options available, and we don't say that lightly: Its EFR32MG24 chip, compatibility with open platforms and support for different firmwares making it a very versatile device for demanding users.
In addition to acting as a local Zigbee gateway in Home Assistant, openHAB, or Zigbee2MQTT, this dongle can take on other roles thanks to simple firmware flashing, extending its usefulness beyond the usual. That it performs better than previous generations and comes with a USB cable to minimize interference. These are details that are noticeable on a daily basis.
What is SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24?
The SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 (also called Dongle-PMG24) is a USB Zigbee coordinator based on the Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 Wireless SoCIn practice, it works as a local Zigbee 3.0 gateway to control devices of multiple brands from open source platforms such as Home Assistant (ZHA), Zigbee2MQTT, or openHAB.
One of its great virtues is that it can operate as central adapter in open ecosystems (See news from the Open Home Foundation), unifying the connection and management of Zigbee devices from different manufacturers and categories to build multi-vendor home automation networks without ties to proprietary clouds.
It comes from the factory prepared to coordinate your Zigbee network, but its design allows you to convert it into other pieces of the topology (Zigbee router, OpenThread RCP or even MultiPAN) using official tools, always maintaining local control and flexibility.
To quickly locate it, here's a brief model identification sheet, summarizing how the manufacturer names it and the exact product reference—something useful if you're documenting your installation: It is a minor but practical detail.
| Product name | SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 |
| Córdoba | Dongle-PMG24 |
SONOFF also offers a model-specific features page with more information and step-by-step documentation. You can find more details in the official guide. manufacturer: dongle.sonoff.tech/guide/dongle-pmg24/introduction-dongle-pmg24/.
Key technical specifications
The heart of the device is a Silicon Labs EFR32MG24, a modern wireless SoC targeting 802.15.4 and Matter/Thread. Its CPU is an Arm Cortex‑M33 at 78 MHz and it comes with abundant memory for demanding scenarios, something key in multi‑protocol firmwares or networks with many nodes.
- CPU: Arm Cortex‑M33 @ 78 MHz.
- Memory: 256KB RAM (a 300% jump over ZBDongle‑E).
- Storage: 1536KB flash (twice that of ZBDongle‑E).
- SoC Radios/Protocols: IEEE 802.15.4, Matter, OpenThread, Zigbee 3.0, BLE, Bluetooth Mesh, proprietary 2,4 GHz protocols and multi-protocol option. In this model Zigbee is used as the main use.
In wireless connectivity it offers Zigbee 3.0 with an external 3 dBi antenna via SMA connector, and it is possible to replace it with a higher gain antenna (e.g. 4,5 dBi) if you need to stretch the link a little further in specific scenarios. If you're looking for other options, check out alternatives to Zigbee and Z-Wave.
- Typical range: Up to 200 meters line of sight with the included 3 dBi antenna.
- Transmit power: up to ~20 dBm (supported by +3 dBi antenna gain).
The interface to the host is a port USB Type-A with CP2102(N) USB-Serial Bridge. A 1-meter USB cable is included in the box, which not only adds convenience but also helps minimize potential interference from nearby USB 3.0 ports.
- Power: 5V/100mA via USB.
- Standby power consumption: ~40 mW.
- Materials: aluminum housing with ABS+PC parts.
- Dimensions (MG24): 214 × 18 × 10 mm. Slim and robust format.
- Temperature range: −10°C to 40°C; Humidity: 5%–95% RH.
Operating system compatibility: runs smoothly on Windows, Linux, macOS and Raspberry Pi OS (and in general, on any OS with USB-Serial drivers).
Support for open source platforms
A strong point of the Dongle Plus MG24 is its role as central adapter for open-source ecosystems, simplifying the management of Zigbee equipment from multiple brands in a single local home automation system.
Among the most common integrations are Home Assistant with ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) and Zigbee2MQTT, as well as implementations in IoBroker and openHAB. You'll also see references to Domoticz and Jeedom via compatible plugins. For those curious, here are some starting points in the public documentation:
- ZHA (Home Assistant): https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/zha
- Zigbee2MQTT (supported hardware): https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/guide/supported-hardware.html
- ioBroker deCONZ: https://github.com/Jey-Cee/ioBroker.deconz
- Domoticz plugin deCONZ: https://github.com/Smanar/Domoticz-deCONZ
- openHAB binding deCONZ: https://www.openhab.org/addons/bindings/deconz/
- Jeedom Zigbee: https://compatibility.jeedom.com/index.php?v=d&p=home&protocol=Zigbee
Beyond the official lists, it is common to consult the Blakadder compatibility lists, which aggregate information on devices supported by multiple platforms. And by brand, the dongle easily manages Sonoff, Aqara, Philips Hue, Huawei, IKEA, Tuya, and many more devices, with the caveat that final compatibility depends on the platform and firmware you use.
Firmware and operating modes
As standard, the SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 comes with EmberZNet (EZSP), Silicon Labs' traditional stack for Zigbee over serial interface, widely supported by ZHA and other integrations.
If you want to change the paper, the manufacturer provides the SONOFF Dongle Flasher, a utility that simplifies the process of flashing other firmwares: Zigbee NCP, Zigbee Router (for use as a repeater), OpenThread RCP, or MultiPAN RCP, as well as custom options for those who want to experiment.
The MG24 variant is particularly well positioned for scenarios MultiPAN due to its increased resources (RAM and flash) compared to the previous generation MG21, which translates into headroom for protocol stacks, routing tables and network buffers in large installations.
If your goal is Matter over Thread, OpenThread's RCP role is key: the dongle acts as the transceiver and the network layer is handled by your host platform. This hardware/host separation is flexible and makes it easier to maintain local control of the network.
Range, antenna and wireless performance
In clear conditions, the MG24 reaches up to 200 meters line of sight using the supplied 3 dBi external antenna. Indoors, the geometry of the home, partition walls, and radio noise can reduce this value, but the replaceable antenna offers room for improvement.
The transmission power of the SoC is around 20 dBm, and the antenna gain (+3 dBi) helps strengthen the signal on more vulnerable links. It's worth remembering that the quality of the coordinator is only part of the equation: Zigbee mesh networks benefit greatly from well-positioned routers.
To reduce the impact of interference from USB 3.0 (which emits noise near 2,4 GHz), a 1 meter USB cablePhysically separating the dongle from USB 3.0 ports and metal chassis often improves the RSSI and LQI of the devices.
The consumption is very low: we are talking about ~40 mW at rest with power supply 5V/100mA via USB, which makes it ideal for running 24/7 plugged into a mini PC, NAS or Raspberry Pi without worrying about power.
Comparison with other SONOFF dongles
Within the manufacturer's catalogue, this MG24 is the natural evolution of the ZBDongle-E (MG21) and coexists with other models that have existed or are yet to come. The key difference is in RF resources and performance.
Compared to the ZBDongle‑E based on EFR32MG21, the MG24 offers 300% more RAM (256 KB) and twice the flash (1536 KB), plus the included USB cable, designed to mitigate interference. In larger or MultiPAN networks, that extra memory makes all the difference.
The ZBDongle‑E, on the other hand, is a Zigbee 3.0 gateway with USB that can act as a coordinator or router after changing the firmware. Use the converter CH9102F as a UART-USB bridge and operates under the EmberZNet Serial Protocol (EZSP), with compatibility on Windows, macOS and Linux (including Raspberry Pi OS). Its specifications typically list 20 dBm of power, low consumption (≤100 mA) and more compact dimensions (approx. 75 × 25,5 × 13,5 mm) with a weight of about 30 g.
If we look even further back, there was a popular dongle based on EFR32MG21 + CH340 whose cycle was affected by the chip shortage, and SONOFF ended up launching another line based on TI CC2652P + CP2102N (with external antenna, aluminum housing and hardware flow control), highly appreciated by the community.
On the horizon, SONOFF has shown a Dongle Max (also referred to as Dongle M) with a distinct design that integrates PoE, an ESP32 for Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth and a SiLabs MG24 for Zigbee 3.0. It is a more ambitious concept in terms of hardware and connectivity, oriented to advanced topologies.
In terms of prices, the MG24 has been seen around 35,50 USD, while the ZBDongle‑E (MG21) moves in more contained figures (for example, 23,16 USD in published references). Occasionally, promotional codes appear (such as cnxsoft) in manufacturer's stores with general discounts. Obviously, may vary depending on the store and time.
What is Zigbee and where does the MG24 fit in?
Zigbee is a wireless standard designed for low consumption and contained latency, ideal for sensors, switches, and lighting. It operates in the 2,4 GHz band (among others) and its typical data rate reaches up to 250 kbps, sufficient for events and telemetry.
A Zigbee network is structured into three types of devices: the coordinator (ZC), which is unique and steers the network by storing keys and parameters; routers (ZR), which forward traffic and extend the mesh; and the end devices (ZED), who usually sleep to save energy and report when it's time.
The MG24 plays the role of coordinator when you use it as a USB gateway, and it can also become router Zigbee If you flash it with specific firmware. Thanks to mesh, the more reliable routers you have, the better coverage and stability you'll get throughout your home.
The modest speed and robustness of the protocol make Zigbee perfect for multi-brand smart home, and with an open coordinator like this you can integrate devices from Sonoff, Aqara, Philips Hue, IKEA, Tuya and many more, consolidating control into a single local hub.
Installation, use and good practices
The setup is straightforward: you connect the dongle to the host with the 1m cable, install (if applicable) the CP2102(N) USB-Serial Drivers and add the integration of your choice (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, etc.). On modern systems, the drivers come by default, so you're usually ready in minutes.
For best performance, try to place it away from USB 3.0 ports, metal chassis, or sources of 2,4 GHz noise. Elevates the dongle and avoids RF shadows To improve LQI, if you need more coverage, strategically add powered Zigbee routers (plugs, light bulbs, repeaters).
If you are going to flash, use the SONOFF Dongle Flasher and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid corrupting the bootloader. Keep in mind that switching stacks (for example, to OpenThread RCP) involves adjusting your host platform and its software for the new role.
In Home Assistant, ZHA facilitates an integrated experience with the quirk database for popular devices, while Zigbee2MQTT offers great control and telemetry via MQTT and a very complete web panel to manage the network and its links.
Build quality, materials, and box contents
The Dongle Plus MG24 combines aluminum with ABS+PC plastics, achieving a lightweight and resistant body that helps dissipate heat while protecting the radio module.
As for the content, it includes the dongle with USB‑A connector, a 3 dBi external antenna with SMA thread, and a 1-meter USB cable. This combination allows you to place it high and clear of the host computer.
If you compare with the ZBDongle‑E, this one usually comes with 1× dongle + 1× antenna in its standard package and a more compact body (approx. 75 × 25,5 × 13,5 mm, 30 g), while the MG24 comes in an elongated format (214 × 18 × 10 mm) and integrates cable from day one for the interference mitigation.
As part of the ecosystem, SONOFF has shown a strong commitment to simple and affordable home automation, covering everything from Zigbee and Wi‑Fi switches to plugs, lighting, and accessories. In its eWeLink universe, you'll see integration with assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Siri, although the dongle itself is geared towards local platforms, not direct voice control.
Before closing, it is worth remembering that the manufacturer maintains training resources such as SONOFF Academy, with guides and product reviews (e.g., of the ZBDongle-E), useful for anyone who wants to dig deeper or validate compatibility and best practices.
The SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 is positioned as a very solid option for coordinating your local Zigbee network, with plenty of power for complex scenarios, a flexible firmware set, and compatibility with the most popular open platforms. If you're looking for local control, performance, and room for growth, this model meets the requirements.
