SONOFF vs THIRDREALITY: Smart Home Controllers Compared by Specs
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When comparing a SONOFF vs THIRDREALITY smart home controller setup, you are looking at two very different roles in your network. Both devices rely on the Zigbee 3.0 standard for stable, low-power communication. The main difference lies in their function. The SONOFF unit acts as a central hub or gateway to connect other devices. The THIRDREALITY unit is a battery-powered remote button that sends commands to a hub. One manages the network; the other triggers actions.
Key differences
| Aspect | SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle | THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Zigbee Gateway / USB Dongle | Remote Control Button |
| Connectivity | Zigbee 3.0, Thread | Zigbee 3.0 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB | Home Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings |
| Power Source | USB Powered | 2 AAA Batteries |
| Model Number | Dongle-PMG24 | 850001595575 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle if
- You need a USB stick to act as a coordinator for Home Assistant or openHAB.
- You want to add Thread support alongside Zigbee 3.0 devices.
- You prefer a device that draws power directly from a USB port.
Choose THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button if
- You need a physical remote to trigger scenes or control lights.
- You want a battery-operated device that lasts up to three years.
- You require integration with Apple HomeKit via a Smart Bridge.
Verdict: Choose the SONOFF dongle if you are building or expanding your smart home network infrastructure. Select the THIRDREALITY button if you already have a hub and need a convenient way to trigger automations. They serve distinct purposes rather than competing directly.
SONOFF vs THIRDREALITY Specs
System Role
The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle serves as a gateway or coordinator for your smart home network. It connects directly to your hub via USB and supports Zigbee 3.0 and Thread protocols. In contrast, the THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button is an end-device controller. It requires a separate Zigbee hub to function and cannot act as a network bridge itself. You must choose SONOFF if you need a network coordinator, or THIRDREALITY if you need a physical remote input for your existing system.
Connectivity Options
SONOFF offers dual-protocol support with both Zigbee 3.0 and Thread capabilities on a single USB stick. This flexibility allows it to interface with a broader range of modern smart home standards. THIRDREALITY relies strictly on the Zigbee 3.0 standard for communication. While Zigbee 3.0 is widely compatible, it lacks the Thread protocol support found in the SONOFF dongle. If your setup includes Thread-enabled devices, the SONOFF hardware provides a more versatile connection layer for your network infrastructure.
Platform Compatibility
Both products integrate well with major open-source platforms. The SONOFF dongle works with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB, giving you control over your firmware and network mode. THIRDREALITY also supports Home Assistant and SmartThings, but adds a unique advantage with Apple HomeKit compatibility when used with the Smart Bridge MZ1. If you use Home Assistant, both are viable. However, if your ecosystem includes Apple HomeKit, the THIRDREALITY button offers a direct path to integration that the SONOFF dongle does not provide.
Power Source
The SONOFF USB Dongle draws power directly from your computer or hub via its USB connection. This means it requires a constant power source and does not use batteries. The THIRDREALITY Smart Button is battery-operated, requiring two AAA batteries for power. The manufacturer states these batteries can last up to three years under normal use conditions. For a permanent network component, the USB-powered SONOFF is more convenient. For a portable remote, the battery-powered THIRDREALITY offers placement flexibility without wiring.
Physical Design
The SONOFF dongle is a compact USB stick weighing 0.67 ounces. It includes a USB extension cable to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve signal strength. The THIRDREALITY button is a small, rectangular device measuring approximately 3.5 inches in length. It weighs 1.44 ounces and includes mounting accessories like double-sided tape and magnetic strips. You can attach it to walls or metal surfaces. The SONOFF is designed for discreet installation near your hub, while the THIRDREALITY button is designed for easy placement in high-traffic areas for manual control.
Which smart home controller fits your needs
Home Assistant users needing a network coordinator
You need a reliable gateway for your Zigbee network. The SONOFF dongle uses the EFR32MG24 chip for faster processing. It supports Zigbee 3.0 and Thread. You can flash firmware to switch modes. It works directly with Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT. This hardware role is essential for connecting sub-devices.
Users wanting physical remote control for scenes
You prefer tactile control over app-based commands. The THIRDREALITY button offers three distinct inputs: press, double press, and hold. You can assign specific scenes to each action. It runs on two AAA batteries for long life. You can mount it on walls or fridges using included accessories for convenient access.
SmartThings and HomeKit ecosystem integrators
You want broad compatibility with existing hubs. This button works with SmartThings, Aeotec, and Hubitat. You can also use it with Home Assistant. For Apple HomeKit users, it connects via the Smart Bridge MZ1. The device supports OTA updates. This flexibility allows you to integrate it into multiple different smart home platforms easily.
The products compared
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle
Best for: Home Assistant and openHAB hub builders
- Connectivity
- Zigbee 3.0, Thread
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB
- Network Interface
- USB
- Weight
- 0.67 ounces
View on Amazon: SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Affiliate link
This SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus uses the EFR32MG24 chip for stable automation processing. It supports Thread and Zigbee 3.0 protocols via a USB connection. The device includes a USB extension cable to reduce interference and offers an optimized antenna gain of up to 4.5dBi. It works with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB. You can flash firmware to switch between coordinator, router, or Thread RCP modes. It suits users building a custom smart home hub.
Pros
- Powered by the EFR32MG24 chip for faster automation processing.
- Supports Zigbee 3.0 and Thread protocols.
- Compatible with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB.
- Includes a USB extension cable to reduce electromagnetic interference.
- Antenna gain optimized up to 4.5dBi for wider coverage.
Cons
- Requires manual firmware flashing to change device modes.
- Limited to USB connectivity without Wi-Fi or Ethernet options.
- No dedicated mobile app for direct control.
Good fit if
- You use Home Assistant or openHAB as your central hub.
- You need a reliable Zigbee 3.0 coordinator for various devices.
- You want to switch between Zigbee and Thread modes.
Skip if
- You prefer plug-and-play setups without firmware configuration.
- You rely on Wi-Fi or Ethernet for network connectivity.
- You need a dedicated mobile app for device management.
Verdict: SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus is a robust coordinator for users building custom hubs with Home Assistant or openHAB. It fits those who need Thread support and flexible firmware options.
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button
Best for: Users with Zigbee hubs needing simple scene control
- Connectivity
- Zigbee 3.0
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Home Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings
- Power Source
- 2 AAA Batteries
- Circuit Type
- 3-Way
- Dimensions
- 1.01 × 0.52 × 3.52 inches
- Weight
- 1.44 ounces
View on Amazon: THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button Affiliate link
This compact remote control uses Zigbee 3.0 connectivity to pair with hubs like SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Aeotec. It runs on two AAA batteries, offering up to three years of life. The device supports three control settings: press, double press, and hold. You can assign specific scenes or device groups to each action. It mounts via magnetic strips or double-sided tape. Note that a separate Zigbee hub is required for operation.
Pros
- Zigbee 3.0 standard for stable low-power connection
- Three programmable control modes: press, double press, and hold
- Long battery life lasting up to three years on two AAA batteries
- Includes magnetic strips and double-sided tape for flexible mounting
Cons
- Requires a separate Zigbee hub to function
- No built-in display or status indicator
- Apple HomeKit support requires an additional Smart Bridge MZ1 sold separately
Good fit if
- You already own a Zigbee hub like SmartThings or Home Assistant
- You need a compact remote for quick scene activation
- You want a battery-powered device with long endurance
Skip if
- You do not have a Zigbee hub or controller
- You need direct Apple HomeKit compatibility without extra hardware
- You prefer Wi-Fi devices that do not require a hub
Verdict: THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Button is a reliable scene controller for users with existing Zigbee hubs who want a simple, battery-efficient remote for daily automation tasks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle | THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Zigbee 3.0, Thread | Zigbee 3.0 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB | Home Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings |
| Network Interface | USB | not stated |
| Power Source | not stated | 2 AAA Batteries |
| Circuit Type | not stated | 3-Way |
| Weight | 0.67 ounces | 1.44 ounces |
| Dimensions | not stated | 1.01 × 0.52 × 3.52 inches |
| Model | Dongle-PMG24 | 850001595575 |
| Size | not stated | 1x3.54x0.59 |
| Color | not stated | White |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SONOFF dongle with Home Assistant?
Yes, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle is designed for Home Assistant and openHAB hub builders. It acts as a robust coordinator for your network. This makes it ideal for users building custom smart home setups. The device ensures stable connectivity for your Zigbee devices.
Does the THIRDREALITY button work with SmartThings?
Yes, the THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button is compatible with SmartThings and Home Assistant. It serves as a reliable scene controller for users with existing Zigbee hubs. You can use it for simple, battery-efficient remote control of daily automation tasks without complex setup.
What connectivity standard do both devices use?
Both the SONOFF dongle and the THIRDREALITY button use the Zigbee 3.0 standard. This protocol provides stable, low-power communication for your smart home network. The SONOFF unit also supports Thread protocols, offering additional flexibility for future-proofing your connected home infrastructure.
Is the SONOFF dongle heavy or bulky?
No, the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle is very lightweight. It weighs only 0.67 ounces. This small form factor allows it to plug directly into your hub without taking up much space. It is designed to be unobtrusive in your setup.
What are the dimensions of the THIRDREALITY button?
The THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Button measures 1.01 inches in length, 3.52 inches in height, and 0.52 inches in width. It is a slim, white device that fits easily in your hand. The compact size makes it convenient for mounting or holding.
Can I flash custom firmware on the SONOFF dongle?
Yes, the SONOFF dongle allows you to flash firmware. This feature provides flexible options for advanced users. It is particularly useful for those building custom hubs with Home Assistant or openHAB. This capability gives you greater control over your network coordinator.
Is the THIRDREALITY button a 3-way switch?
Yes, the THIRDREALITY device is listed as a 3-Way circuit type. It functions as a simple scene controller for your Zigbee hub. This allows you to trigger automations easily. It is best for users who want reliable, straightforward control over their smart home scenes.