If you want to run Zigbee, Thread or Matter devices at home without relying on a manufacturer cloud, you need a hub or gateway. Sonoff has four options that I have covered on the site: the ZBBridge-P, the ZBBridge-U (Zigbee Bridge Ultra), the iHost and the Dongle Max. They solve different problems, so here I explain what each one is for and which one I would choose.
Looking for Sonoff switches to connect to them? See my Sonoff smart switches buyer’s guide.
Sonoff hubs and gateways at a glance
| ZBBridge-P | ZBBridge-U | iHost | Dongle Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Zigbee bridge | Zigbee gateway and Matter bridge | Local smart home hub | Zigbee/Thread PoE gateway |
| Zigbee | Zigbee 3.0 | Zigbee 3.0 (Silicon Labs EFR32MG21) | Zigbee 3.0 (Silicon Labs EFR32MG21) | Zigbee 3.0, EFR32MG24 |
| Sub-devices | Up to 128 | Up to 256 | Not specified in the review I used | Not specified |
| Other protocols | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | Matter bridge, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, Matter (added after launch) | Thread, Bluetooth LE |
| Connection | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi and 10/100 Ethernet | 100 Mbit Ethernet and Wi-Fi | Ethernet with PoE, Wi-Fi |
| Power | 5 V / 1 A (micro USB) | 5 V / 1 A (USB-C) | 5 V / 2 A (USB-C) | 5 V / 1 A (USB-C) or PoE |
| Software | eWeLink app | eWeLink / SONOFF ecosystem and Matter controllers | Own web interface with eWeLink Smart Home, Node-RED and Homebridge add-ons | Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, ioBroker, openHAB |
Specs from the manufacturer and independent reviews at the time of writing. Hardware revisions, features and prices change, so check the official product page before buying.
Sonoff ZBBridge-P: the cheap Zigbee bridge
The Zigbee Bridge Pro is the entry point. It uses a Texas Instruments CC2652P for Zigbee and an ESP32 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, supports up to 128 sub-devices, and is controlled from the eWeLink app, with Alexa and Google Home support. It can act as a local alarm with home, away and sleep modes and has a built-in buzzer. Choose it if you want an inexpensive way to connect Sonoff Zigbee sensors and switches without building a server.
Sonoff ZBBridge-U (Zigbee Bridge Ultra): Zigbee plus Matter
The Zigbee Bridge Ultra raises the limit to 256 Zigbee 3.0 sub-devices and works as a Matter bridge, so Zigbee devices can appear in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings. It has a Rockchip RV1109 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and a 10/100 Ethernet port. It is aimed at the eWeLink and Sonoff ecosystem: Sonoff stated it does not support other brands’ Zigbee devices. Read my full Sonoff ZBBridge-U article.
Sonoff iHost: a local smart home hub
The iHost is more than a Zigbee bridge: it is a small computer that runs a local platform. It comes in versions with 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM, includes 8 GB of eMMC storage, a microSD slot and a USB port, and has Zigbee 3.0, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and 100 Mbit Ethernet. It runs eWeLink Smart Home plus add-ons such as Node-RED and Homebridge, so it is a good fit if you want local control without installing Home Assistant. Matter was not available at launch and was planned as an update, so check the current firmware notes. See my iHost first impressions.
Sonoff Dongle Max: Zigbee and Thread over PoE
The Dongle Max combines a Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 radio (Zigbee 3.0, Thread and Matter-capable) with an ESP32 for networking. It has an Ethernet port with PoE, a USB-C port and two antennas, and ships with Zigbee coordinator firmware. It is designed for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, ioBroker and openHAB, and it can work as a Thread border router. For Zigbee2MQTT or Home Assistant, the Ethernet connection is the one to use, as running a coordinator over Wi-Fi is discouraged because of reliability. Read my Sonoff Dongle Max review.
Which Sonoff hub should you choose?
- Simple and cheap, eWeLink app: ZBBridge-P.
- Zigbee devices in Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa through Matter: ZBBridge-U.
- A local hub without building a server: iHost.
- Home Assistant or Zigbee2MQTT, wired and PoE-powered: Dongle Max.
If you are still deciding which switches to connect, my Sonoff mini switch comparison helps you pick between Wi-Fi, Matter and Zigbee models.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Sonoff hub to use Sonoff Wi-Fi devices?
No. Wi-Fi models such as the Mini R4 work with the eWeLink app on their own. A hub is only needed for Zigbee devices.
What is the difference between the ZBBridge-P and the ZBBridge-U?
The ZBBridge-U supports up to 256 sub-devices instead of 128, works as a Matter bridge and has an Ethernet port. The ZBBridge-P is the simpler, cheaper Wi-Fi bridge.
Which Sonoff gateway is best for Home Assistant?
The Dongle Max is the one designed for Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT, preferably connected over Ethernet.
Is the iHost a replacement for Home Assistant?
It is its own local platform with different goals: it is simpler to maintain, but less flexible than Home Assistant.
