Shelly Smart Plug review: A cheap TP-Link alternative that's seriously versatile

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Shelly Gen4 Smart Plug is available for $20.
• It is compact, efficient, and supports Wi‑Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Matter.
• No hub is required for Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth use, but a Matter hub is needed to connect via Matter.

What makes a smart plug one of my favorite smart‑home devices? It’s a versatile gadget that delivers a high level of convenience at a very low up‑front cost. You don’t have to shell out big bucks for expensive smart appliances; just plug a smart plug into an existing outlet and you’re set.

Also: 10 cheap gadgets that seriously upgraded my smart home (and are easy to install)

While most smart plugs cost under $30, the selection is overwhelming. After testing multiple brands, I’ve settled on the one that offers the biggest bang for your buck: the Shelly Gen4 Smart Plug.

At only $20, the Shelly Gen4 is a powerhouse. It works out‑of‑the‑box with Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, and can also be added to an existing hub via Zigbee or Matter. This lets you integrate it with Google Home, Apple Home, or Amazon Alexa.

Also: Your smart plug is seriously underutilized: 7 ways I’ve programmed mine to automate my home

As a standalone device, a smart plug lets you control existing electronics with your phone or voice, without replacing them with expensive smart versions. Use it for a fan, space heater, floor lamp, or holiday lights, and set schedules or automations.

Using a home‑automation system lets you create complex “if this, then that” routines. With HomeKit, Home Assistant, or any other platform, you can have the Shelly Gen4 turn on a dehumidifier when humidity reaches a specific threshold.

Also: Why this $7 smart plug beats any other that I’ve tested in my home

I’ve used smart plugs for many household functions—including keeping pipes from freezing in winter. By connecting a space heater and a smart thermometer to a plug, I created an automation that turns the heater on when the temperature drops below 23 °F.

The Shelly Gen4’s support for local connectivity protocols, energy monitoring, and advanced automations makes it ideal for these scenarios and more. Bluetooth and Matter let you control the plug even if Wi‑Fi goes out, giving you an advantage over Wi‑Fi‑only plugs that rely on a cloud app.

With a 1800 W power rating, the Shelly Gen4 can handle most household electronics, from fans to TVs.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Even though cheaper options exist that offer basic voice control and Wi‑Fi, the Shelly Gen4 is the best smart plug for its flexible protocol coverage, real‑time energy monitoring, scripting capabilities, and low price.

The only scenarios where I wouldn’t recommend it are:

• Outdoor use – consider the Tapo Matter Outdoor Plug.
• Very basic smart‑control needs – a simpler, lower‑cost option like the Linkind Matter Smart Plug may be sufficient.