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Smart Home · head to head

Shelly vs Tasmota

Shelly logo

Shelly

Smart Home

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tasmota logo

Tasmota

Smart Home

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based devices

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; Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • They diverge on capability: Shelly covers Open API, Tasmota covers Web Interface.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shelly and Tasmota actually diverge.

Attributes where Shelly and Tasmota differ
AttributeShellyTasmota
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local networkESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices
Founded20162017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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

  • Open API
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

Only in Tasmota

  • Web Interface
  • OTA Updates
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED
  • ESP8266 support
  • ESP32 support
  • Compatible devices support

Both cover

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Home Assistant

What people use each for

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

Shelly

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

Tasmota

  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based smart plugs and switchesnot Shelly
  • Controlling smart home devices locally over MQTT or HTTPnot Shelly
  • Integrating off the shelf Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant without a cloud accountnot 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

Tasmota

  • Tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • Initial installation requires opening the device, bridging GPIO0 to ground during boot and using a 3.3V serial programmer; a 5V programmer damages the chip
  • The ESP chip needs at least 150mA at 3.3V, so an underpowered supply causes flashing and stability failures
  • The Wi-Fi setup access point stays active for only 3 minutes, after which the device must be power cycled to try again
  • The Power Cycle Recovery feature can reset a device to firmware defaults where mains power fluctuates, and the docs advise disabling it in that case

Pricing, plan by plan

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly review.

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

Which should you pick?

Choose Shelly if

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

Choose Tasmota if

  • You need web interface.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
  • You also want ota updates.
Tasmota review

Questions people ask

Is Shelly or Tasmota better?
Neither clearly leads. Shelly starts at Free and Tasmota at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shelly or Tasmota?
Shelly starts at Free and Tasmota at Free.
Does Shelly or Tasmota run on more platforms?
Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network. Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
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 Tasmota is typically brought in for.
What can Shelly do that Tasmota cannot?
Shelly covers Open API, Energy Monitoring, Alexa, Google Home. Tasmota covers Web Interface, OTA Updates, Domoticz, OpenHAB. Both handle Local Control, MQTT Support, Home Assistant.

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
Tasmota: What is the cost of Tasmota?

Tasmota is completely free as open-source firmware for ESP devices. Source code is available on GitHub, and the project accepts donations for continued development.

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
Tasmota: Can Tasmota be modified and redistributed?

Yes, Tasmota is open-source software allowing users to access, compile, modify, and redistribute builds according to the project LICENSE.

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
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