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Smart Home · head to head

Shelly vs SwitchBot

Shelly logo

Shelly

Smart Home

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SwitchBot logo

SwitchBot

Smart Home

Simple automation for any device

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Shelly has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup; SwitchBot switchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo
  • They diverge on capability: Shelly covers Local Control, SwitchBot covers Button automation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shelly and SwitchBot actually diverge.

Attributes where Shelly and SwitchBot differ
AttributeShellySwitchBot
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local networkIOS, Android
Founded20162015

Identical on both: 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
  • Web support

Only in SwitchBot

  • Button automation
  • IR control
  • Schedules
  • Sensors
  • Scene automation
  • Voice control
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant

Both cover

  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Shelly

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

SwitchBot

  • Retrofit automationnot Shelly
  • Curtain controlnot Shelly
  • AC controlnot Shelly
  • Simple automationnot 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

SwitchBot

  • SwitchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo

Pricing, plan by plan

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly review.

SwitchBot

On request
  • Bot$29/month
    • Button pusher
    • Schedule
    • Voice control
  • Curtain$89/month
    • Solar powered option
    • Light sensor
    • Schedule
  • Hub Mini$39/month
    • IR control
    • Cloud access
    • Voice assistants

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 SwitchBot if

  • You need button automation.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want ir control.
SwitchBot review

Questions people ask

Is Shelly or SwitchBot better?
Neither clearly leads. Shelly starts at Free and SwitchBot at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shelly or SwitchBot?
Shelly has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Shelly and On request for SwitchBot.
Does Shelly or SwitchBot run on more platforms?
Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network. SwitchBot runs on IOS, Android.
Can I use Shelly for free?
Yes. Shelly has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SwitchBot starts at On request.
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 SwitchBot is typically brought in for.
What can Shelly do that SwitchBot cannot?
Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Energy Monitoring. SwitchBot covers Button automation, IR control, Schedules, Sensors. Both handle SmartThings, IOS support, Android 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
SwitchBot: What is the price range for SwitchBot products?

SwitchBot hardware products vary in price. Examples include the Roller Shade at $199.99, Lock Ultra Vision Pro Combo at $279.99, K11+ robotic vacuum at $399.99, and Standing Circulator Fan at $129.99.

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
SwitchBot: Do SwitchBot products require a subscription or ongoing fees?

The product pages do not mention recurring subscription costs associated with SwitchBot hardware products. They appear to be sold as one-time purchases.

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
SwitchBot: What is SwitchBot's warranty policy?

While the website references a warranty policy, the specific warranty terms and duration are not detailed in the publicly visible page content. Users should consult the dedicated warranty policy page or contact support for details.

Source
SwitchBot: Can I use SwitchBot products in a commercial or business setting?

The website does not explicitly address commercial use restrictions or permissions. The focus appears to be on consumer smart home solutions, but commercial applicability should be verified with SwitchBot support.

Source
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