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Smart Home · head to head

Shelly vs SmartThings

Shelly logo

Shelly

Smart Home

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup; SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • They diverge on capability: Shelly covers Local Control, SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shelly and SmartThings actually diverge.

Attributes where Shelly and SmartThings differ
AttributeShellySmartThings
PlatformsWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local networkiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub
Founded20161938

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Shelly

  • Local Control
  • Open API
  • MQTT Support
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Home Assistant
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings

Only in SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • IFTTT integration

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Shelly

  • Smart home automation and controlnot SmartThings
  • Energy monitoring and managementnot SmartThings
  • WiFi/Bluetooth/Matter device integrationnot SmartThings

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Shelly
  • Automation routinesnot Shelly
  • Device integrationnot Shelly
  • Remote monitoringnot Shelly

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Shelly

  • Premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • Device-specific capabilities vary; not all features available across entire product range

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

Pricing, plan by plan

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly review.

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Which should you pick?

Choose Shelly if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
  • You also want open api.
Shelly review

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings review

Questions people ask

Is Shelly or SmartThings better?
Neither clearly leads. Shelly starts at Free and SmartThings at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shelly or SmartThings?
Shelly starts at Free and SmartThings at Free.
Does Shelly or SmartThings run on more platforms?
Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network. SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
Can I use Shelly for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Shelly best used for?
Shelly is most often used for smart home automation and control, energy monitoring and management, wifi/bluetooth/matter device integration. Of those, smart home automation and control and energy monitoring and management are not what SmartThings is typically brought in for.
What can Shelly do that SmartThings cannot?
Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Energy Monitoring. SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Shelly: Does Shelly offer a free tier or paid premium service?

Shelly offers a free service with an option to upgrade. The site mentions Go Premium in the Shelly app, which provides more automation and control capabilities. A Shelly Cloud Premium Voucher is available for purchase.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Shelly: What is the difference between free Shelly and Shelly Cloud Premium?

The free version provides basic functionality, while Premium unlocks more automation options and additional control features. Specific pricing for Premium is not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Shelly: Can I purchase Shelly Cloud Premium directly?

Yes. Shelly Cloud Premium Vouchers are available for purchase through the Shelly shop. Pricing details are available on the product shop page.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
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