Zigbee & Z-Wave Coordinators
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle
$43.25lowest, at Amazon AU
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Buy at Amazon AUAbout this product
The Sonoff ZBDongle E is a Zigbee 3.0 USB dongle that functions as a universal gateway for local control of Zigbee devices. It connects to platforms including Home Assistant, openHAB, and Zigbee2MQTT, and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspbian, and Ubuntu. The dongle includes a 1.5m USB extension cable and operates at 5V with maximum power consumption of 100mA.
Highlights
- Power SourceDC 5V
- Power Consumption100mA Max
- Interface TypeUSB
- Ports and InterfacesUSB
- USB StandardUSB 3.0
- Wireless Standard802.11a
Features and specifications in this description are as the brand describes them.
This is a USB dongle that connects to your computer and creates a Zigbee network gateway. The brand describes it as a universal solution for controlling Zigbee devices locally, meaning your automation rules and commands run on your own system rather than relying on cloud services or manufacturer apps. It works with open-source platforms including Home Assistant, openHAB and Zigbee2MQTT, so you can integrate it into your chosen smart home setup.
The dongle uses Zigbee 3.0, a low-power wireless protocol used by many smart home sensors, bulbs and switches. It supports extended network range and lets you automate device interactions—like turning lights on when you open a door—all controlled locally. The specifications indicate it draws up to 100mA of power from your USB port and includes a 1.5 metre extension cable.
You will need a computer or Raspberry Pi running your chosen open-source platform to function as a gateway. The brand positions it as a way to avoid investing in different manufacturers' Zigbee hubs, instead using one universal gateway for all your Zigbee devices.
Key features
- Zigbee 3.0 protocol for broad device compatibility
- Local control via open-source platforms
- Works with Home Assistant, openHAB and Zigbee2MQTT
- Universal gateway, no brand-locked hubs required
- Includes 1.5 metre USB extension cable
Setting it up
- Plug the dongle into a USB port on your computer (use the included extension cable if needed)
- Install drivers for your operating system if required (Windows and macOS drivers are available)
- Add the dongle to your chosen open-source platform following that platform's Zigbee setup instructions
- Pair your Zigbee devices to the gateway as directed by your platform
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific setup
Good to know
- Suited to users comfortable with open-source smart home platforms like Home Assistant or Zigbee2MQTT
- Requires a computer or Raspberry Pi running your chosen platform to function as a gateway
- It provides local control without needing separate hubs from different manufacturers
- Check your open-source platform's documentation to confirm Zigbee support before purchasing
- Compatible with macOS, Linux, Raspbian, Ubuntu and Windows according to the specs
Research-based: compiled from the manufacturer's information and Australian retailer listings. NXT Smart Home has not tested this product.
Best for: Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or openHAB users who want one local Zigbee coordinator for mixed-brand devices instead of a brand-specific hub
Pros
- Home Assistant's ZHA documentation lists the ZBDongle-E (EFR32MG21 variant) among its recommended EZSP adapters, and Zigbee2MQTT lists it under its EmberZNet adapters
- ITEAD says it works with ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB, ioBroker, Domoticz and Jeedom, so Zigbee devices can be controlled locally without a vendor cloud
- Powered from a USB port (ITEAD lists DC 5V, 100mA max), so there is no extra power adapter or mains plug to find a spot for
- ITEAD says it can be reflashed as a Zigbee router, and Sonoff's dongle guide says Thread (OpenThread RCP) firmware is another option
Cons
- Not a standalone hub - it needs a computer or single-board machine running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or similar software
- ITEAD quotes 30 direct child devices in coordinator mode, so larger networks lean on mains-powered Zigbee routers
- Windows and macOS need a USB serial driver, according to ITEAD
- Several similarly named Sonoff dongles exist, so it is easy to buy a different variant from the one a guide assumes
This is a USB stick that turns a computer running open-source home automation software into a Zigbee coordinator. The catalogue entry describes the Sonoff ZBDongle-E, which ITEAD sells as the "Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus". Plug it into a Raspberry Pi, mini PC or home server and, according to ITEAD, it can act as the Zigbee gateway for Home Assistant, openHAB, Zigbee2MQTT and other platforms. You can then pair sensors, switches and bulbs from different brands to one network rather than buying each brand's own hub.
Which dongle is this?
The name is confusing because Sonoff has sold several versions under nearly the same title. ITEAD's product pages list the ZBDongle-P, built on a TI CC2652P chip, and the ZBDongle-E, built on a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21. Amazon also lists a newer "Dongle Plus MG24" on the EFR32MG24 chip. The Amazon Australia listing is titled "ZBDongle E", which matches our catalogue description, so this page covers the E model. ITEAD says the E comes with Zigbee coordinator firmware based on EmberZNet (EZNet 6.10.3) and supports 30 direct child devices, plus more through Zigbee routers. Check the model code before buying, because setup guides for one variant do not always apply to another.
Who it suits, and Australian notes
It suits people already running Home Assistant (ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT) or openHAB who want local control and are comfortable with some setup. If you want an app-driven hub that works out of the box with Alexa or Google Home, skip it. It has no app of its own and does nothing without host software.
There is no mains plug to worry about. ITEAD lists the power input as DC 5V at 100mA maximum over USB, so it runs from any Australian computer or USB power source. Home Assistant's ZHA documentation recommends plugging Zigbee adapters into a USB 2.0 port on a shielded USB extension cable, away from USB 3.0 devices and other interference. That matters in a cramped comms cupboard or behind an NBN box. ITEAD lists a 24-month limited warranty, but none of the sources checked name an Australian distributor, so warranty claims may go through the seller. Of the Australian retailers we checked, Amazon Australia lists it.
Running costs are just the power drawn by whatever device hosts it. The dongle needs no subscription.
Alternatives in our catalogue: the Aqara Hub M3 Matter & Zigbee Coordinator is a self-contained Aqara hub for people who would rather not run their own server. The Aqara Hub M2 Multi-Protocol Hub is another Aqara hub for households standardising on Aqara's app and sensors. The Tuya Smart Home Bridge is an app-driven bridge for the Tuya ecosystem.
- Brand
- SONOFF
- Model
- Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle
- Interface Type
- USB
- Ports and Interfaces
- USB
- USB Standard
- USB 3.0
- Wireless Standard
- 802.11a
- Dual Band
- Single-Band, No
- Wireless Protocol
- Zigbee 3.0
- Wireless Type
- Zigbee
- Number of External USB Ports
- 1
- Compatible OS
- macOS, Linux, Raspbian, Ubuntu, Windows
- Compatible Device
- Laptop
- Compatible Brand
- Sonoff
- Data Transfer Rate
- 5 Gigabits Per Second
- Range
- Extended network range (with flash router firmware)
- Latency
- Low-power (Thread)
- Type
- Zigbee gateway, Smart Home Hub, Universal Zigbee gateway, Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle, Zigbee USB stick
- Form Factor
- Dongle
- Drivers
- Yes (for Windows and macOS)
- Chipset
- EFR32MG21
- Power Source
- DC 5V
- Power Consumption
- 100mA Max
- Top Use Cases
- Locally control all your Zigbee devices
Features
Highlighted Features
+20dBm output gain
Included
1.5m USB extension cable (optional)
Specifications are sourced from the manufacturer listing. Confirm details on the retailer's product page before purchasing.
- Brand
- SONOFF
- Category
- Hubs & Platforms
- Product type
- Zigbee & Z-Wave Coordinators
- SKU
- sonoff-zigbee-3-0-usb-dongle
- Catalogue ID
- 1645985719470422606
- Last Updated
- 22 October 2026
Prices are indicative and in Australian dollars — confirm on the retailer's site.We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.
- https://itead.cc/product/zigbee-3-0-usb-dongle/
- https://itead.cc/product/sonoff-zigbee-3-0-usb-dongle-plus/
- https://dongle.sonoff.tech/guide/zbdongle-e/introduction/
- https://www.amazon.com.au/Gateway-Universal-Assistant-Zigbee2MQTT-Wireless/dp/B0B6P22YJC
- https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/zha/
- https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/guide/adapters/
FAQs
What open-source platforms does this dongle work with?
It works with Home Assistant, openHAB, Zigbee2MQTT and other open-source platforms that support Zigbee gateways.
Do I need to buy a separate hub for this to work?
No. The brand describes it as a universal gateway, so you can use it instead of buying separate Zigbee hubs from different manufacturers.
What does local control mean?
Local control means your Zigbee devices and automations are managed through your own computer or system rather than cloud services, so your setup keeps running even if your internet goes down.
Price history: SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle
Lowest price we recorded across Australian retailers, last 30 days.
- Now
- $43.25
- 30-day low
- $43.25
- 30-day high
- $47.79
- Change
- −$4.54
We began recording on 17 Oct, so this shows 12 days so far. Prices are checked on retailer pages and can change at any time; confirm on the retailer's site.
Where to Buy SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle in Australia
Compare stock availability and AUD pricing across verified Australian retailers. Prices checked 22 October 2026 — confirm on the retailer's site.
