WiFi or Zigbee - which is better?

Zigbee is generally better for sensors and bulbs (mesh network, lower power consumption). WiFi is good for relays and plugs where you have power anyway. Shelly WiFi devices are a good compromise with local control.

Do many WiFi devices burden my network?

Yes, each WiFi device uses an IP address and sends data. 20-30 devices is typically fine for most routers. Consider a separate IoT network/VLAN for many devices.

Can I use Shelly without cloud?

Yes! Shelly has full local control via REST API, MQTT, or Home Assistant integration. Cloud is completely optional.

What happens if my WiFi goes down?

Shelly devices have a physical button and can still be operated manually. They remember their state and reconnect automatically.

Is it safe to install Shelly behind a switch?

Yes, but it requires basic knowledge of electrical installations. Shelly devices are CE certified. If you're unsure, get an electrician to help.

Can I flash Tuya devices with Tasmota?

Many Tuya devices can be flashed, but newer models use non-ESP chips. Check templates.blakadder.com for compatible devices. Alternatively, you can use the Tuya-Local integration in HA.

WiFi Smart Home Devices

Home Assistant Local control MQTT

WiFi smart home devices are the easiest way to get started with smart home. They connect directly to your WiFi network without an extra hub. But beware - many require cloud and don’t work without internet. This guide focuses on devices with local control.

🔑 Local Control vs Cloud

Why local control matters

Local control	Cloud-dependent
✅ Works without internet	❌ Requires internet
✅ Faster response	❌ Slower
✅ Private - no data to manufacturer	❌ Your data sent to cloud
✅ Works even if company closes	❌ Stops if service discontinued
✅ Full control	❌ Limited functionality

Brands with local control

Brand	Local control	Firmware flash	Note
Shelly	✅ Built-in	Possible but unnecessary	⭐ Recommended
Sonoff	⚠️ Partial	Tasmota/ESPHome	Newer models harder
Tuya/Smart Life	❌ Cloud	Tuya-Local or flash	Many cheap devices
Tasmota devices	✅ Full	Pre-flashed	Local from start
ESPHome DIY	✅ Full	You build yourself	Ultimate control

🏆 Shelly - The Best Choice

Shelly is a Bulgarian company that makes some of the best WiFi smart home devices. They have local control built-in, work perfectly with Home Assistant, and require no cloud.

Shelly Series

Gen3 Series - 2024/2025

Latest generation with:

ESP-Shelly chip (8MB flash)
Bluetooth gateway function
Matter-ready (firmware update)
Faster processor
3-year warranty

Models:

Shelly 1 Mini Gen3 - Relay without power metering
Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 - Relay with power metering
Shelly 2PM Gen3 - 2-channel relay with power metering
Shelly PM Mini Gen3 - Power metering only

🥇 Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 - Most Popular

Price: ~$18 | Capacity: 8A / 1920W

World’s smallest WiFi relay with power metering. Fits behind most switches and in lamp sockets.

Pros	Cons
✅ Extremely small (31x31x17mm)	❌ Only 8A (not for large loads)
✅ Power metering included	❌ Audible click when switching
✅ Local control via REST/MQTT	❌ Only 4 terminals
✅ Auto-discovered in HA
✅ Bluetooth gateway

Applications:

Behind light switches
In lamp sockets
Garage doors
Irrigation systems

Buy: Shelly.com, Amazon

Shelly 2PM Gen3 - For Blinds/Covers

Price: ~$28 | Capacity: 2x 10A

Perfect for motorized blinds and covers with tilt function.

Buy: Shelly.com

Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Smart Plug

Price: ~$20 | Capacity: 12A / 2880W

Smart plug with power metering and Matter support.

Buy: Shelly.com, Amazon

📊 Comparison: Shelly Relays

Model	Channels	Max	Power metering	Size	Price ~USD
1 Mini Gen3	1	8A	❌	31x31x17	$14
1PM Mini Gen3	1	8A	✅	31x31x17	$18
PM Mini Gen3	0	16A	✅	31x31x17	$14
Plus 1	1	16A	❌	42x36x17	$17
Plus 1PM	1	16A	✅	42x36x17	$21
2PM Gen3	2	2x10A	✅	42x36x17	$28
Pro 1PM	1	16A	✅	DIN	$49
Pro 3EM	0	3x120A	✅	DIN	$112

⚡ Sonoff WiFi Devices

Sonoff makes cheap WiFi devices, but many require cloud (eWeLink). Some can be flashed with Tasmota/ESPHome for local control.

With Local Control (DIY Mode)

Model	Type	Local	Flash	Price ~USD
Sonoff Basic R4	Relay	✅ DIY mode	Possible	$7
Sonoff Mini R4	Relay	✅ DIY mode	Possible	$10
Sonoff POWR3	Relay + metering	✅ DIY mode	Possible	$17
Sonoff S31	Plug (US)	⚠️	Tasmota	$11
Sonoff S26	Plug (EU)	⚠️	Tasmota	$10

🔧 Tasmota & ESPHome

Tasmota - Ready Firmware

Tasmota is open source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 devices. Provides full local control via MQTT or web interface.

Pros:

✅ Easy setup via web UI
✅ Supports 1000+ devices
✅ MQTT integration
✅ No programming required

Devices with Tasmota:

Nous A1T smart plug (pre-flashed)
Athom smart plug (pre-flashed)
Many Tuya devices (requires flash)

Find compatible devices: templates.blakadder.com

ESPHome - DIY Firmware

ESPHome lets you build custom firmware with YAML configuration. Perfect for DIY projects.

Pros:

✅ Native Home Assistant integration
✅ OTA updates
✅ On-device automations
✅ Full control over all features
✅ ESP32 and ESP8266 support

Popular DIY projects:

Temperature/humidity sensors (DHT22, BME280)
Presence sensors (LD2410, HLK-LD2450)
LED strip controllers
Blind/cover motors
IR blasters (AC control)

🔌 Smart Plug Comparison

Product	Protocol	Local	Energy metering	Max	Price ~USD	Score
Shelly Plug S Gen3	WiFi	✅	✅	12A	$20	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nous A1T	WiFi (Tasmota)	✅	✅	16A	$14	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Athom Smart Plug	WiFi (Tasmota)	✅	✅	16A	$17	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sonoff S26R2	WiFi	⚠️	❌	10A	$10	⭐⭐⭐
Tuya/Smart Life	WiFi	❌	Varies	16A	$7-11	⭐⭐

🥇 Nous A1T - Best Value

Pre-flashed with Tasmota from factory. 16A capacity and energy metering.

Buy: Amazon, AliExpress

🥇 Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Best Quality

Shelly’s latest smart plug with Matter support.

Buy: Shelly.com, Amazon

💡 Smart Bulbs

If you still want WiFi bulbs:

Product	Local	Color	Price ~USD
Shelly Duo	✅	White (CCT)	$14
Shelly Bulb	✅	RGBW	$21
Athom (Tasmota)	✅	RGBW	$11
Tuya/Smart Life	❌	RGBW	$6-8

🏠 Home Assistant Integration

Shelly Integration

Shelly devices are automatically discovered in Home Assistant:

Connect Shelly to WiFi via Shelly app or Bluetooth
Home Assistant finds the device automatically
Click “Configure” in Integrations
Done!

Features:

Instant status updates (push)
All sensors exposed
Scripting support
Cover (blind) control with tilt

Tasmota Integration

Tasmota devices can be integrated via:

MQTT (Recommended) - Auto discovery
Tasmota integration - Direct connection

MQTT setup:

# In Tasmota console:
SetOption19 1  # Enable MQTT discovery

ESPHome Integration

ESPHome devices are added directly in Home Assistant:

Install ESPHome Add-on
Create new device with YAML
Flash firmware
Device is discovered automatically

🛒 Buying Strategy

Starter Kit - Shelly (~$55)

2x Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 ($36)
1x Shelly Plug S Gen3 ($20)
Total: ~$56

Advanced - Mixed (~$110)

3x Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 ($54)
2x Nous A1T smart plugs ($28)
1x Shelly 2PM Gen3 for blinds ($28)
Total: ~$110

DIY Kit - ESPHome (~$40)

5x ESP32 DevKit ($35)
Various sensors (DHT22, PIR, relay) ($7)
Total: ~$42 + your time

🛒 Where to Buy?

Shelly

Shelly.com - Official, free shipping over $50
Amazon.com - Fast delivery
Amazon.de - EU delivery

Tasmota Devices

Amazon - Nous, Athom
AliExpress - Cheapest

DIY / ESP32

AliExpress - ESP32 boards
Mouser - Quality components

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

WiFi or Zigbee - which is better?: Zigbee is generally better for sensors and bulbs (mesh network, lower power consumption). WiFi is good for relays and plugs where you have power anyway. Shelly WiFi devices are a good compromise with local control.
Do many WiFi devices burden my network?: Yes, each WiFi device uses an IP address and sends data. 20-30 devices is typically fine for most routers. Consider a separate IoT network/VLAN for many devices.
Can I use Shelly without cloud?: Yes! Shelly has full local control via REST API, MQTT, or Home Assistant integration. Cloud is completely optional.
What happens if my WiFi goes down?: Shelly devices have a physical button and can still be operated manually. They remember their state and reconnect automatically.
Is it safe to install Shelly behind a switch?: Yes, but it requires basic knowledge of electrical installations. Shelly devices are CE certified. If you're unsure, get an electrician to help.
Can I flash Tuya devices with Tasmota?: Many Tuya devices can be flashed, but newer models use non-ESP chips. Check templates.blakadder.com for compatible devices. Alternatively, you can use the Tuya-Local integration in HA.

📚 Next Steps

Shelly Guide

Detailed guide to Shelly products.

See Shelly guide →

ESPHome

Build your own smart home devices.

Get started →

Last updated: December 2025

WiFi Smart Home Devices

🔑 Local Control vs Cloud

Why local control matters

Brands with local control

🏆 Shelly - The Best Choice

Shelly Series

Gen3 Series - 2024/2025

Plus Series - 2022/2023

Pro Series - Professional

🥇 Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 - Most Popular

Shelly 2PM Gen3 - For Blinds/Covers

Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Smart Plug

📊 Comparison: Shelly Relays

⚡ Sonoff WiFi Devices

With Local Control (DIY Mode)

🔧 Tasmota & ESPHome

Tasmota - Ready Firmware

ESPHome - DIY Firmware

🔌 Smart Plug Comparison

🥇 Nous A1T - Best Value

🥇 Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Best Quality

💡 Smart Bulbs

🏠 Home Assistant Integration

Shelly Integration

Tasmota Integration

ESPHome Integration

🛒 Buying Strategy

Starter Kit - Shelly (~$55)

Advanced - Mixed (~$110)

DIY Kit - ESPHome (~$40)

🛒 Where to Buy?

Shelly

Tasmota Devices

DIY / ESP32

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

📚 Next Steps

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