Dongle for SONOFF Dongle-Max Home Automation Gateway

Designed for advanced home automation installations, the SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle combines an ESP32D0 microcontroller and an EFR32MG24 radio chip to run Zigbee and Thread protocols simultaneously via MultiPAN firmware. Compatible with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB, it connects via Ethernet PoE, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, or USB-C depending on your setup, and is fully managed from a web interface without the need for a command line.

 

Simultaneous Zigbee and Thread, one-click firmware management, and flexible connectivity

Where most dongles require choosing a protocol, the SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle manages Zigbee and Thread in parallel thanks to its MultiPAN firmware, making it Matter-over-Thread compatible depending on the installed firmware. From the web interface accessible via an mDNS domain, you can switch between coordinator, router, or RCP modes, update the firmware, view logs, and activate features like Webhooks, MQTT, VPN, or Turbo Mode radio, all without disassembly or physical manipulation. The 802.3af PoE option allows powering and connecting the dongle via a single Ethernet cable, especially useful in areas where no power outlet is available near the router.

 

A robust, reliable home gateway dongle designed for large networks

The SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle's metal casing is salt spray tested for 24 hours and CE, FCC, and RoHS certified for long-term reliability in various environments. Its two adjustable 5 dBi external antennas ensure full 360° radio coverage, with one dedicated Zigbee/Thread antenna and a separate Wi-Fi antenna to avoid interference. Turbo Mode boosts radio range with a single click from the web interface. Compatible with MQTT and Webhooks, it integrates into complex and scalable home automation architectures, suitable for both DIY installations and professional environments. A wall mount is included for optimal placement.

 

FAQ

Does the Dongle-Max work with the SONOFF eWeLink app?

No, the Dongle-Max is optimized for local operation without the eWeLink cloud. It is designed for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB, with indirect voice access via these platforms connected to Alexa, Google, or Siri.

Can the Dongle-Max be used only with Wi-Fi without Ethernet?

Yes, the Dongle-Max supports three independent connection modes: Ethernet PoE, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and USB-C. Each can be used alone depending on your installation constraints, without sacrificing functionality.

Is the Dongle-Max compatible with Matter?

The hardware is ready for Matter-over-Thread depending on the installed firmware. Effective Matter compatibility therefore depends on the firmware version used and the associated home automation platform like Home Assistant.

Specifications	Details
Model / SKU	Dongle-M (SONOFF Dongle-Max)
EAN Code	6920075743227
Product Type	Smart Home Bridge / Gateway / Coordinator / Hub
Chipset & Architecture	ESP32D0 MCU (Ethernet/Wi-Fi management) + EFR32MG24 Radio Chip
Supported Protocols	Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
Dual-Protocol Operation	Simultaneous Zigbee & Thread operation via MultiPAN firmware
Platform Compatibility	Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB
Power Supply Options	PoE (Power-over-Ethernet 802.3af) or USB-C (5V ⎓ 1A)
Network Connectivity	Ethernet, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, USB-C
Admin Interface	Built-in Web console accessible via mDNS domain (Firmware updates, logs, config)
Antennas	Two external, replaceable 5 dBi antennas (1x Zigbee/Thread, 1x Wi-Fi)
Advanced Features	Turbo Mode (Radio signal booster), VPN Support, MQTT & Webhooks integration
Enclosure & Build	Robust metal casing (tested with 24-hour salt spray)
Installation Type	Plug & Play (Wall mount bracket included)
IP Rating	IP20 (Indoor use only)
Operating Temperature	-10°C to 40°C
Operating Humidity	5% – 95% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions	16.0cm × 2.0cm × 17.5cm
Certifications	CE, FCC, RoHS