Shelly Guide
Detailed guide to Shelly products.
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
Section titled “🔑 Local Control vs Cloud”Why local control matters
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “🏆 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
Section titled “Shelly Series”Gen3 Series - 2024/2025
Section titled “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
Plus Series - 2022/2023
Section titled “Plus Series - 2022/2023”Mid-generation with:
- ESP32-based
- Bluetooth setup
- Scripting support
- Webhooks and MQTT
Models:
- Shelly Plus 1 / 1PM - Standard relay
- Shelly Plus 2PM - 2-channel / cover control
- Shelly Plus Plug S - Smart plug
- Shelly Plus i4 - 4 input scene controller
Pro Series - Professional
Section titled “Pro Series - Professional”DIN rail mounting with:
- Ethernet + WiFi
- Up to 3 phases
- High capacity
- 5-year warranty
Models:
- Shelly Pro 1/1PM/2PM - DIN relays
- Shelly Pro 3EM - 3-phase energy monitoring
- Shelly Pro 4PM - 4-channel with metering
🥇 Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 - Most Popular
Section titled “🥇 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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “📊 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
Section titled “⚡ 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)
Section titled “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
Section titled “🔧 Tasmota & ESPHome”Tasmota - Ready Firmware
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “🔌 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
Section titled “🥇 Nous A1T - Best Value”Pre-flashed with Tasmota from factory. 16A capacity and energy metering.
Buy: Amazon, AliExpress
🥇 Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Best Quality
Section titled “🥇 Shelly Plug S Gen3 - Best Quality”Shelly’s latest smart plug with Matter support.
Buy: Shelly.com, Amazon
💡 Smart Bulbs
Section titled “💡 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
Section titled “🏠 Home Assistant Integration”Shelly Integration
Section titled “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
Section titled “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 discoveryESPHome Integration
Section titled “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
Section titled “🛒 Buying Strategy”Starter Kit - Shelly (~$55)
Section titled “Starter Kit - Shelly (~$55)”- 2x Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 ($36)
- 1x Shelly Plug S Gen3 ($20)
- Total: ~$56
Advanced - Mixed (~$110)
Section titled “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)
Section titled “DIY Kit - ESPHome (~$40)”- 5x ESP32 DevKit ($35)
- Various sensors (DHT22, PIR, relay) ($7)
- Total: ~$42 + your time
🛒 Where to Buy?
Section titled “🛒 Where to Buy?”Shelly
Section titled “Shelly”- Shelly.com - Official, free shipping over $50
- Amazon.com - Fast delivery
- Amazon.de - EU delivery
Tasmota Devices
Section titled “Tasmota Devices”- Amazon - Nous, Athom
- AliExpress - Cheapest
DIY / ESP32
Section titled “DIY / ESP32”- AliExpress - ESP32 boards
- Mouser - Quality components
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “❓ 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
Section titled “📚 Next Steps”ESPHome
Build your own smart home devices.
Last updated: December 2025