SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle

The Sonoff Dongle Max is a high-performance Zigbee and Thread gateway, specially designed for use with open-source platforms like Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT. One of its standout features is its flexible connectivity options: it can be connected via Ethernet (PoE), Wi-Fi, or USB, offering maximum flexibility and stability during installation. The PoE option is particularly useful in environments where no other power source is available but reliable power delivery is still required.

The internal hardware combination — an ESP32D0 microcontroller and an EFR32MG24 radio chip — enables simultaneous support for Zigbee and Thread protocols, while also delivering the performance and stability needed to run MultiPAN firmware.

Through its built-in web interface (accessible via mDNS domain), users can perform firmware updates, switch between operating modes (e.g., coordinator, router, or RCP), and activate features such as Webhooks, MQTT, VPN, and Turbo Mode — all with a single click.

Its robust construction features a metal-based housing and dual external antennas, ensuring complete 360° signal coverage. The product’s long-term reliability is backed by a 24-hour salt spray test as well as CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications. These features make the Dongle Max ideal for both advanced DIY smart home setups and professional environments.

About the Sonoff Brand

Sonoff is a long-established smart home brand known for its reliable and affordable products. Its most popular offerings include relay-based switches, various sensors, hubs, and gateway devices. Many of their products are designed to be compatible with open-source systems such as Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, or openHAB, benefiting from strong community support and development opportunities.

Key Product Features

• Chipset & Architecture – ESP32D0 microcontroller with Ethernet and Wi-Fi support, plus EFR32MG24 radio chip for Zigbee/Thread dual-protocol operation
• Connectivity Options – Ethernet (PoE), Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), and USB (USB-C port, 5V/1A)
• Web Interface – Web console accessible via mDNS domain for firmware updates, configuration, and logs
• Turbo Mode – One-click radio signal boost for improved coverage
• Robust Exterior – Metal housing with two replaceable external antennas (one for Wi-Fi, one for Zigbee/Thread); CE, FCC, and RoHS certified

Smart Home Protocols & Platform Compatibility

• Protocol Support – Zigbee and Thread supported within the same device; usable simultaneously via MultiPAN firmware
• Remote Control & Data Transfer – Integrates with multiple platforms using Webhooks and MQTT
• Supported Platforms – Primarily designed for open-source systems like Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB, etc.; VPN support allows for secure remote access
• Matter Support – Hardware-ready for Matter-over-Thread operation with appropriate firmware
• Cloud Integration – No native eWeLink service; optimized for local operation
• Voice Control – Indirect support via platform integrations (e.g., Home Assistant with Alexa/Google/Siri)

Smart Features

• Web-Based Firmware Switching – Easily update firmware or change modes (coord/router/RCP) via browser without physical interaction
• Web Monitoring – View logs, status, and debug info directly from your browser
• MQTT & Webhook Integration – Easily set up automations and notifications
• VPN Support – Enables secure remote access to your smart home
• Turbo Signal Boosting – One-click enhancement for improved wireless range
• Scalable Operation – Powerful hardware makes it suitable for larger, expandable networks

Electrical Features

• Power Supply – Powered via PoE (standard 802.3af) or USB-C (5V/1A)
• Power Consumption – Low typical consumption over USB; reliable power delivery via PoE depending on environment
• Antennas – Two separate antennas: one for Zigbee/Thread, one for Wi-Fi, ensuring optimal radio performance
• No Power Monitoring or Switch Input – Functions exclusively as a radio gateway device

Additional Features

• Design & Mounting – Wall-mount bracket included for optimal radio positioning
• Easy Management – Web interface and mDNS-based access streamline the user experience
• Safe & Long-Term Operation – Certified for reliability with CE, FCC, and RoHS compliance
• Future-Proof Hardware – ESP32 and EFR32MG24 combo enables easy updates and support for future protocols or firmware

Additional information