HO
“The Shelly Plus 1 is a worthy successor to the successful original Shelly 1 — you should not hesitate to buy it for behind-the-switch automation.”
The Shelly Plus 1 ($15-$19) is recommended with a 8.3/10 consensus score across 9 expert reviews. Experts highlight sub-$20 price per relay is the lowest cost-per-device in smart switching and fits behind existing wall switches — keeps original switch plates. HomeTechHacker says: "The Shelly Plus 1 is a worthy successor to the successful original Shelly 1 — yo..." Best for: DIY home automation, Home Assistant users, Behind-switch installations.
Recommended9 Expert Reviews
Price Range$15-$19
Check Price on Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Shelly Plus 1
Smart Relays
SHE ScoreGood
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
7.3/10
9 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5.4/10
Setup Ease6.2/10
Reliability6.9/10
Value Rating9.8/10
Future-Proofing8/10
The Shelly Plus 1 earns a SHE Score of 7.3/10, driven by strong value (9.8/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5.4/10). Based on 9 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.3/10 across 9 sources
Last verified:“The Shelly Plus 1 is a worthy successor to the successful original Shelly 1 — you should not hesitate to buy it for behind-the-switch automation.”
Key Features
- ✓ 16A relay
- ✓ Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
- ✓ REST API
- ✓ MQTT
- ✓ No hub required
Best For
DIY home automationHome Assistant usersBehind-switch installations
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Sub-$20 price per relay is the lowest cost-per-device in smart switching
- ✓ Fits behind existing wall switches — keeps original switch plates
- ✓ Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth with no hub required
- ✓ Full REST API and MQTT for Home Assistant and custom automations
- ✓ 16A capacity handles high-load circuits including space heaters
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Installation requires electrical wiring knowledge — not renter-friendly
- ✗ No Zigbee or Thread — relies on Wi-Fi which can strain mesh networks at scale
- ✗ Physical size may not fit all European-depth junction boxes in US homes
What The Experts Say
TH
“Shelly relays are the gold standard for DIY smart home automation — local API, no cloud requirement, and under $20 per switch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shelly Plus 1 worth it?
Shelly Plus 1 earns a 8.3/10 consensus score across our 12 expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — DIY home automation. At $15-$19, The Shelly Plus 1 is a worthy successor to the successful original Shelly 1 — you should not hesitate to buy it for behi...
Who is the Shelly Plus 1 best for?
Shelly Plus 1 is best for: DIY home automation, Home Assistant users, Behind-switch installations. Experts rate it "Recommended" overall.
How does the Shelly Plus 1 compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have reviewed, Shelly Plus 1 ranks above average with a 8.3/10 score. Shelly relays are the gold standard for DIY smart home automation — local API, no cloud requirement, and under $20 per s...
What smart home systems does the Shelly Plus 1 work with?
Shelly Plus 1 works with major smart home platforms. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the Shelly Plus 1?
The main pros of the Shelly Plus 1 are sub-$20 price per relay is the lowest cost-per-device in smart switching and fits behind existing wall switches — keeps original switch plates. The main downside is installation requires electrical wiring knowledge — not renter-friendly. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.3/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 9 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.