SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle

Flexible Zigbee Connectivity Without Being Tied to Your USB Port

Build a more flexible smart home network with the SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle (Dongle-M). Designed for advanced Zigbee gateway, Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT setups, it gives you Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity so you can position your coordinator where your network needs it.

✔ EFR32MG24 + ESP32-D0WD-R2 Dual-Chip Architecture
✔ Ethernet, Wi-Fi & USB Connectivity
✔ PoE Support Through RJ45
✔ Dual Adjustable 5dBi Antennas
✔ Web Console & Firmware Management
✔ Zigbee Coordinator, Router & Thread RCP Modes
✔ Home Assistant & Zigbee2MQTT Compatible
✔ Aluminum + PC/ABS Housing

Built for smart homes, advanced automation systems, network cabinets, developers, and users who need flexible Zigbee and Thread connectivity.

Built for Flexible Smart Home Networking

Not every smart home has the same layout. Your Home Assistant server may be in one room while the best location for your Zigbee coordinator is somewhere else.

The SONOFF Dongle Max gives you the flexibility to connect through Ethernet, Wi-Fi or USB. Use PoE for a clean wired installation, Wi-Fi for flexible network placement, or USB when you prefer a direct connection to your host device.

Whether you're expanding a Zigbee network, setting up Zigbee2MQTT, building with Home Assistant, or developing a more advanced smart-home system, Dongle Max gives you more control over how your coordinator is installed.

Why Choose the SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle?

Choosing a Zigbee coordinator is about more than connecting devices. Connection method, placement, management and operating modes all matter when building a smart-home network.

SONOFF Dongle Max combines:

EFR32MG24 + ESP32-D0WD-R2 dual-chip architecture for the device's Zigbee gateway and network functionality

Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for flexible installation options

PoE support for compatible wired network installations

Dual adjustable 5dBi antennas for flexible antenna positioning

Web-based management for configuration, monitoring and firmware management

Zigbee Coordinator, Zigbee Router and Thread RCP modes for different supported applications

Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT compatibility for popular open-source smart-home platforms.

Every feature is designed around one goal: giving you a more adaptable smart-home Zigbee gateway.

Why SONOFF Dongle Max Compared to Standard USB Coordinators

The main advantage is installation flexibility. Instead of being limited to the location of your computer's USB port, Dongle Max can communicate with compatible platforms through Ethernet, Wi-Fi or USB. Zigbee2MQTT currently lists Dongle-M as an EmberZNet adapter with Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity.

The Difference You Notice Immediately

Install Your Coordinator Where It Makes Sense

Ethernet and Wi-Fi allow the Dongle Max to be positioned independently from the computer running your automation software. This gives you greater freedom when planning your Zigbee network infrastructure and coordinator placement.

Simplify PoE Installation

Connect through a compatible PoE network source to provide network connectivity and power through the Ethernet connection. SONOFF specifies 48V DC, 0.25A for the PoE input.

Manage Your Device Through a Web Console

Access the built-in web console to manage settings, firmware and supported operating modes. Firmware can be updated directly through the web interface, with automatic update functionality also available.

Adapt to Different Automation Applications

Configure the Dongle Max for supported Zigbee Coordinator, Zigbee Router or Thread RCP operation. These modes are mutually exclusive, so the device should be configured according to the application you intend to use.

Manage Multiple Dongle Max Devices

The web console allows users to switch between multiple Dongle Max units and configure backup settings individually, making the device suitable for more advanced installations.

Premium Features

SONOFF currently specifies Zigbee 3.0 and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, RJ45 Ethernet, a working temperature of -10°C to 60°C, and aluminum/PC+ABS casing for Dongle Max.

How to Use the SONOFF Dongle Max

Using the Dongle Max starts with selecting the connection method that suits your setup:

1. Choose your connection.

Connect through USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For PoE operation, use a compatible PoE network source.

2. Access the web console.

Connect to the same local network and access the device through Dongle-M.local or its assigned IP address.

3. Configure your network.

Set up Ethernet or connect to a compatible 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network according to your installation requirements.

4. Update the firmware.

Use the web console's Firmware section to check and update the device firmware. Automatic firmware updates are also available.

5. Select the required working mode.

Configure the device for Zigbee Coordinator, Zigbee Router or Thread RCP operation, depending on your intended setup.

6. Connect your smart-home platform.

Use the appropriate configuration for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or another supported platform. Zigbee2MQTT currently supports Dongle-M through USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.

Who Is It For?

SONOFF Dongle Max is ideal for:

Home Assistant users

Zigbee2MQTT users

Smart-home enthusiasts

DIY automation builders

Developers and integrators

Network-conscious smart-home users

Advanced Zigbee users

Users requiring remote coordinator placement

Installers building network-connected automation systems

If your smart home is expanding and you need more flexibility than a basic USB Zigbee adapter provides, Dongle Max gives you multiple ways to build and manage your Zigbee infrastructure.

Compatibility

SONOFF Dongle Max is designed to connect compatible Zigbee devices to open-source platforms including Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT. It supports USB and TCP-based connections, giving users options for direct or network-based deployment.

Zigbee2MQTT currently identifies the Dongle-M as an EmberZNet/EFR32MG24 adapter and documents Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. For network-connected Zigbee2MQTT installations, its documentation recommends careful network configuration because Wi-Fi can be affected by latency or packet loss.

Specifications

Specifications are based on SONOFF's current product documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SONOFF Dongle Max used for?

The SONOFF Dongle Max (Dongle-M) is a Zigbee gateway designed to connect compatible Zigbee devices to open-source platforms such as Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT. It supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for flexible installation.

Does SONOFF Dongle Max support PoE?

Yes. Dongle Max supports Power over Ethernet through its RJ45 connection. SONOFF specifies a 48V DC, 0.25A input for the PoE port.

Can I use SONOFF Dongle Max with Home Assistant?

Yes. SONOFF lists Home Assistant as a supported open-source platform. The exact configuration depends on your chosen connection method and integration.

Can I use Dongle Max with Zigbee2MQTT?

Yes. Zigbee2MQTT currently supports Dongle-M as an EmberZNet/EFR32MG24 adapter and documents USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connection options.

Can Dongle Max connect through Wi-Fi?

Yes. Dongle Max supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, allowing network-based installation without a direct Ethernet connection.

Can I connect Dongle Max by USB?

Yes. The Dongle Max features a USB Type-C interface, allowing it to connect directly to a compatible host device.

Can I update the Dongle Max firmware?

Yes. Firmware can be updated through the built-in web console, and SONOFF also provides an automatic update option.

What makes Dongle Max different from a basic Zigbee USB dongle?

Dongle Max combines Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, PoE, dual adjustable antennas, web-based management and multiple operating modes in one device. Its main advantage is the flexibility to deploy and manage the Zigbee gateway according to your network setup.

Build a More Flexible Smart Home Network

Your Zigbee coordinator is an important part of your smart-home infrastructure. The SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle combines EFR32MG24 + ESP32 hardware, Ethernet, PoE, Wi-Fi, USB, dual adjustable 5dBi antennas and web-based management to give advanced users greater control over how their Zigbee gateway is installed and managed.

Whether you're expanding Home Assistant, configuring Zigbee2MQTT, creating a network-connected Zigbee installation or working with supported Thread applications, Dongle Max gives you the connectivity and configuration flexibility to build around your actual setup. Choose your connection, configure your operating mode and upgrade your smart-home infrastructure with SONOFF Dongle Max.