Shelly 1 and Shelly 1 Plus are both compact smart relays from Allterco Robotics that offer automation and remote control for your home appliances.
Although they share the same essential functionality, there are some key differences that might affect your decision depending on your specific requirements and preferences.
Shelly 1
Shelly 1 is a versatile smart relay that supports remote control of a single circuit. It accommodates a wide voltage range, working with both 110-240V AC and 24-60V DC, and can manage loads up to 16A. The device integrates seamlessly with various third-party services via the Shelly Cloud, enhancing its adaptability across different smart home setups.
Shelly 1 Plus
As an enhanced version of the Shelly 1, the Shelly 1 Plus retains all the capabilities of its predecessor but adds some exciting features. One notable improvement is its energy monitoring functionality, allowing you to keep track of your energy consumption.
The Shelly 1 Plus also handles a broader voltage range of 110-230V AC or 24-60V DC and has a higher load capacity, reaching up to 25A. Furthermore, it supports direct MQTT integration, a protocol commonly used in home automation, in addition to the cloud services available with Shelly 1.
Shelly 1 Plus i4
The Shelly 1 Plus i4 is an advanced version of the Shelly 1 Plus with additional features and improvements. It retains the core functionalities of the Shelly 1 Plus, such as supporting a wide voltage range and managing significant loads, but includes added capabilities that make it more versatile and convenient for home automation.
One key feature of the Shelly 1 Plus i4 is its enhanced support for input connections. It can connect and control up to four different input devices, effectively serving as a relay for multiple circuits or devices.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to streamline their smart home setups by managing multiple devices with a single smart relay.
Like other Shelly devices, the Shelly 1 Plus i4 integrates well with various third-party services via Shelly Cloud and supports MQTT protocol, which is commonly used in home automation. This ensures its compatibility with a wide array of other smart devices and platforms.
The Shelly 1 Plus i4 also carries forward the energy monitoring functionality seen in the Shelly 1 Plus. This feature allows you to keep track of your energy consumption, helping you to manage and potentially reduce your energy use.
What's the difference between Shelly 1, Shelly 1 Plus, and Shelly 1 Plus i4?
The Shelly 1, Shelly 1 Plus, and Shelly 1 Plus i4 are all smart relays from Allterco Robotics, each offering unique features and capabilities.
Shelly 1 is a versatile and reliable device, providing broad compatibility with a wide array of third-party services. It supports a wide voltage range and can manage a single circuit, making it a reliable choice for a variety of smart home setups.
In contrast, the Shelly 1 Plus is an enhanced version that introduces additional features. It offers the same core functionalities as the Shelly 1 but adds energy monitoring and MQTT support. This makes it a more advanced option suitable for users looking for these additional features.
The Shelly 1 Plus i4 builds on the Shelly 1 Plus by supporting up to four different input devices. This makes it even more versatile and convenient for managing multiple devices or circuits with a single smart relay.
Pros & Cons
Shelly 1
Pros
- Broad voltage range support.
- Compatible with multiple third-party services.
- Reliable and versatile.
Cons
- Lower load capacity compared to Shelly 1 Plus and Shelly 1 Plus i4.
- Lacks advanced features like energy monitoring and MQTT support.
Shelly 1 Plus
Pros
- Energy monitoring capability.
- Higher load capacity than Shelly 1.
- Supports MQTT integration.
Cons
- More expensive than Shelly 1.
- Supports fewer input devices compared to Shelly 1 Plus i4.
Shelly 1 Plus i4
Pros
- Supports up to four input devices.
- Energy monitoring capability.
- Higher load capacity than Shelly 1.
Cons
- More expensive than Shelly 1 and Shelly 1 Plus.
Comparison Table
| Features | Shelly 1 | Shelly 1 Plus | Shelly 1 Plus i4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Range Support | Broad (110-240V AC and 24-60V DC) | Broad (110-230V AC or 24-60V DC) | Broad (110-230V AC or 24-60V DC) |
| Third-party Services Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reliability and Versatility | High | High | High |
| Load Capacity | Up to 16A | Up to 25A | Up to 25A |
| Energy Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
| MQTT Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Input Devices Supported | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Price | Lower | Higher | Highest |
Conclusion
Choosing between Shelly 1, Shelly 1 Plus, and Shelly 1 Plus i4 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you're looking for a reliable and versatile smart relay that provides broad third-party service compatibility, the Shelly 1 could be your pick.
If energy monitoring and MQTT support are important features for you, it would be worth considering the more advanced Shelly 1 Plus.
If you require an even more advanced solution, which in addition to all the features of Shelly 1 Plus, can handle multiple (up to four) input devices simultaneously, then Shelly 1 Plus i4 would be the most suitable choice for you.
Buy the Shelly 1 Plus i4 here.
