If you've been running the SONOFF ZBDongle-P and considering an upgrade, the new Dongle Plus MG24 brings some compelling improvements to the table.
What's Changed?
The most significant upgrade is the EFR32MG24 chip, which delivers faster automation processing and more stable device control. Compared to its predecessors, this means 300% more RAM at 256KB and 100% more flash at 1536KB—a substantial boost for managing larger Zigbee networks without performance hiccups.
The antenna has also received attention. The MG24 ships with 3dBi antenna gain that can be optimized up to 4.5dBi, providing stronger signal strength and broader coverage throughout your home. This addresses one of the common pain points with earlier dongles: dead zones and connection drops.
Beyond Zigbee: Thread Support
One of the standout features is dual-protocol capability. The MG24 supports both Zigbee 3.0 and Thread/Matter simultaneously through MultiPAN firmware. This future-proofs your smart home setup as Matter adoption grows, letting you run both protocols from a single dongle rather than occupying multiple USB ports.
Practical Improvements
SONOFF thoughtfully includes a 1-meter USB extension cable with the MG24. This isn't just a nice-to-have—it reduces Zigbee 3.0 electromagnetic interference for better signal range when the dongle is plugged directly into your server or Raspberry Pi. The new design is also more compact, solving the old problem of blocking adjacent USB ports.
Firmware flexibility remains excellent. The official SONOFF Dongle Flasher web tool makes it simple to switch between coordinator, router, or Thread border router roles in under a minute.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
For ZBDongle-P users with growing networks or those interested in Thread/Matter integration, the MG24 represents a solid upgrade. The improved performance, better antenna, and dual-protocol support make it a strong foundation for modern smart home setups—especially with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, or OpenHAB.
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