Is the Shelly Plus 1 worth it?
The Shelly Plus 1 is recommended with a 8.3/10 consensus score. 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. Best for: DIY home automation, Home Assistant users, Behind-switch installations.
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Shelly Plus 1
Smart Relays
Expert consensus
How we scoreKey Features
- ✓ 16A relay
- ✓ Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
- ✓ REST API
- ✓ MQTT
- ✓ No hub required
Best For
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shelly Plus 1 worth it?
The Shelly Plus 1 earns a 8.3/10 consensus score and is rated "Recommended". At $15-$19, it is best for DIY home automation. It ranks among the top picks in its category.
How much does the Shelly Plus 1 cost?
The Shelly Plus 1 is priced at $15-$19. With a 8.3/10 score and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Automation products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Shelly Plus 1 best for?
The Shelly Plus 1 is best for DIY home automation, Home Assistant users, Behind-switch installations. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.3/10 consensus.
How does the Shelly Plus 1 compare to other Automation options?
Among the Automation products we have aggregated, the Shelly Plus 1 ranks above average with a 8.3/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the Shelly Plus 1 work with?
The Shelly Plus 1 works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
Does the Shelly Plus 1 need a hub or a subscription?
No separate hub is required — it connects over Wi-Fi or your existing network, so there is no extra box to buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Shelly Plus 1?
If the Shelly Plus 1 ($15-$19, 8.3/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Automation are Sonoff Mini R4, SwitchBot Bot, Inovelli Blue Switch. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Shelly Plus 1?
The main strengths 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 most-cited downside is installation requires electrical wiring knowledge — not renter-friendly. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.3/10 consensus score.
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Featured in these buying guides
See how the Shelly Plus 1 ranks against the full field in our Automation buying guides.
Sources & Methodology
Consensus score based on available data. See how we build consensus scores.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This is a consensus review — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Shelly and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Shelly or any other manufacturer named in this article.