Joe TriesSmart relays and in-wall modules
A smart relay is a module about the size of a matchbox that hides in the wall behind an existing switch, or up inside a light fixture. The wall keeps looking normal and the switch keeps working for everyone else. It is the cheapest way to make a lot of lights smart at once, and the option that most assumes you are comfortable working inside an electrical box.
- In the catalog
- 38
- Work without a hub
- 23 of 38
- Hub required
- 15
- Most common radios
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Z-Wave, Zigbee
- Price range
- $5 to $143
What decides compatibility
- Box space is the usual blocker. The module has to fit behind the switch alongside the existing wiring.
- Most need a neutral wire, and load ratings differ for resistive versus inductive loads (a motor is not a light).
- Check whether the module supports a momentary or a toggle switch input. Wiring a toggle to a momentary input gives you an inverted switch.
- Many are Wi-Fi with no hub. Zigbee and Z-Wave modules need one.
How these connect to your system
A works-with badge does not say how the device gets there, and the path changes what you get. Direct means the maker built the integration and the device's own features tend to come with it. Via Matter means the standard controls work and anything unusual about the device may not carry over. Via a hub means you need a second box, usually the maker's own, before it works at all.
- Google Home26 work with itDirect 23Via a hub 3
- Alexa26 work with itDirect 23Via a hub 3
- Home Assistant24 work with itVia Matter 7Via an add-on 17
- SmartThings22 work with itDirect 14Via Matter 7Via a hub 1
- Hubitat14 work with itDirect 14
- Apple Home9 work with itDirect 1Via Matter 7Via a hub 1
Smart relays and in-wall modules we list
Filter and compare these in the catalog
Aeotec Nano Switch
Aeotec · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$50
Aqara Dual Relay Module T2
Aqara · Smart relay · Zigbee
Hub requiredSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$35
Meross Smart Wi-Fi DIY Switch, MSS710HK
Meross · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubAppleGoogleAlexa
$22
Shelly 1 Gen4
Shelly · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$25
Shelly 1 Mini Gen4
Shelly · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$25
Shelly 1PM Gen4
Shelly · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$29
Shelly 2PM Gen4
Shelly · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$39
Shelly Plus 1PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$27
Shelly Plus Uni
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$20
Shelly Pro 1
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$70
Shelly Pro 1PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$90
Shelly Pro 2PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$120
Shelly Pro 3
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$110
Shelly Pro 4PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$143
Shelly Wave 1
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$40
Shelly Wave 1PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$43
Shelly Wave 2PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$46
Shelly Wave PM Mini
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$30
Shelly Wave Pro 1PM (Z-Wave)
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$106
Shelly Wave Pro 2PM
Shelly · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$139
Shelly X MOD1
Shelly · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$7
SONOFF 4CHR3/4CHPROR3
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$21
SONOFF BASICR4 Wi-Fi Smart Switch
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$5
SONOFF DUALR3
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$12
SONOFF MINIR4M Matter Wi-Fi Smart Switch
Sonoff · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$13
SONOFF POW Elite
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$17
SONOFF POWR3
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$35
SONOFF TH Elite
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$17
SONOFF TH Origin
Sonoff · Smart relay · Wi-Fi
No hubGoogleAlexa
$13
SONOFF ZBMINIL2 Zigbee Smart Switch (No Neutral)
Sonoff · Smart relay · Zigbee
Hub requiredSmartThingsGoogleHome AssistantAlexaHubitat
$14
SONOFF ZBMINIR2 Zigbee Smart Switch
Sonoff · Smart relay · Zigbee
Hub requiredSmartThingsGoogleHome AssistantAlexaHubitat
$13
SwitchBot Relay Switch 1PM
SwitchBot · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$17
SwitchBot Relay Switch 2PM
SwitchBot · Smart relay · Matter
No hubSmartThingsAppleGoogleHome AssistantAlexa
$22
Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave Dry Contact Relay ZEN51
Zooz · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$33
Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave Long Range Double Relay ZEN52 LR
Zooz · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$30
Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Long Range DC Signal Sensor ZEN55 800LR
Zooz · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$40
Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Long Range Universal Relay ZEN17 800LR
Zooz · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$40
Zooz ZEN16 MultiRelay
Zooz · Smart relay · Z-Wave
Hub requiredSmartThingsHome AssistantHubitat
$36