Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-PFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment40%
PROS 40%
CONS 60%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable, well-supported Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant
  • You're comfortable troubleshooting driver/firmware issues if they arise
  • You need to manage a large number of Zigbee devices (50+) reliably

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want a truly plug-and-play device with zero driver/flashing hassle
  • You specifically need the EFR32-based E-version's flashing workflow to match this guide
  • You've had repeated bootloader/driver detection failures on your OS

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Budget
Sonoff S31
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashingBuilt-in power monitoringNo-solder flashing optionDifficult initial WiFi pairingFlashing/installation failuresGuest/5GHz network incompatibility
Sonoff S31
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashing
Built-in power monitoring
No-solder flashing option
Difficult initial WiFi pairing
Flashing/installation failures
Guest/5GHz network incompatibility
2
Sonoff Mini R3
Solves no-neutral wiringWorks without WiFi or hubKeeps mechanical switch functionalBulky sizeNo ESP hardware or open firmwarePhysical fit uncertainty
Sonoff Mini R3
Solves no-neutral wiring
Works without WiFi or hub
Keeps mechanical switch functional
Bulky size
No ESP hardware or open firmware
Physical fit uncertainty
3
Lenovo Smart Plug
Fast HomeKit SetupWorks Immediately Out of the BoxApp Disconnect IssuesDual-Band Wifi Connection ProblemsReported Setup Hassles
Lenovo Smart Plug
Fast HomeKit Setup
Works Immediately Out of the Box
App Disconnect Issues
Dual-Band Wifi Connection Problems
Reported Setup Hassles
4
TP-Link Tapo P115
Energy monitoring featurePhysical on/off switchPossible subscription fee for energy monitoringRequires continuous Wi-Fi connection
TP-Link Tapo P115
Energy monitoring feature
Physical on/off switch
Possible subscription fee for energy monitoring
Requires continuous Wi-Fi connection
5
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
Utility Program PerkWi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
Utility Program Perk
Wi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
6
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125
Matter and ecosystem compatibilityPower monitoring interestAutomation capability uncertainNo live power reading displayUnclear API access for developers
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125
Matter and ecosystem compatibility
Power monitoring interest
Automation capability uncertain
No live power reading display
Unclear API access for developers
7Mid
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Long-term reliability for some usersWorks without a Hue bridgeGood battery lifeV2 removed useful V1 featuresConnection and pairing failuresLong-term support and subscription concerns
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Long-term reliability for some users
Works without a Hue bridge
Good battery life
V2 removed useful V1 features
Connection and pairing failures
Long-term support and subscription concerns
8Mid
Sonoff NSPanel
Custom firmware unlocks local controlActive community supportAttractive design and buildRisky, technical flashing processBuggy thermostat and sensor readingsWeak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
Sonoff NSPanel
Custom firmware unlocks local control
Active community support
Attractive design and build
Risky, technical flashing process
Buggy thermostat and sensor readings
Weak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
9
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103
Helpful Setup VideoSatisfaction Within TP-Link EcosystemDifficult Initial Setup for Some UsersReliability Failures Over Time
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103
Helpful Setup Video
Satisfaction Within TP-Link Ecosystem
Difficult Initial Setup for Some Users
Reliability Failures Over Time
10Budget
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E
Reliable pairing for many usersBroad device compatibilityCompelling price pointDifficult bootloader/flashing processInconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devicesWindows driver recognition problems
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E
Reliable pairing for many users
Broad device compatibility
Compelling price point
Difficult bootloader/flashing process
Inconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devices
Windows driver recognition problems
You are here
17Budget
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-P
Handles large device networks wellEasy migration from other coordinatorsFirmware updates resolve pairing problemsBootloader/flashing failuresWindows driver recognition issuesZigbee2MQTT configuration errors
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-P
Handles large device networks well
Easy migration from other coordinators
Firmware updates resolve pairing problems
Bootloader/flashing failures
Windows driver recognition issues
Zigbee2MQTT configuration errors

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Setup and pairing generally succeed, often impressively so. Multiple commenters report large, trouble-free deployments: one user has 50+ devices spanning Ikea, Philips, Aqara, and unbranded brands with zero issues after months of use, another reports 35 devices paired with Aqara and Zemismart after resolving placement, and others confirm pairing works within seconds using IObroker or Home Assistant. Firmware updates frequently resolve earlier pairing struggles, turning a frustrating start into a stable long-term setup for many users.

Firmware flashing and driver recognition are the most common obstacles. Numerous users hit bootloader mode failures with errors like 'ACK/NAK not received' or 'No response from device,' and struggled to get Windows to recognize proper drivers, sometimes seeing it labeled CH9102 or unknown device instead of Silicon Labs. Some resolved this via computer restarts or the alternative Python flashing method, while others remained stuck even after trying multiple machines and driver update attempts.

Zigbee2MQTT integration and specific device pairing cause frustration for some. Several commenters describe Zigbee2MQTT throwing 502 Bad Gateway errors, unclear MQTT configuration steps, or needing specific adapter settings like 'adapter: zstack' to start properly. Others report failures pairing certain devices such as Tuya TRVs, some Aqara door/window sensors, or newer Ikea STYRBAR remotes, unsure whether the dongle or the end device firmware was at fault.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?