Broadlink vs Shelly: Smart Home Controllers Compared by Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When comparing broadlink vs shelly smart home controller options, you face two distinct approaches. Broadlink focuses on infrared control for existing appliances, while Shelly provides relay switches for direct electrical integration. Both connect via Wi-Fi and support major voice assistants. The main difference lies in how they interact with your devices. Broadlink mimics remote controls, whereas Shelly manages power flow directly. This affects compatibility and installation requirements significantly.
Key differences
| Aspect | BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub | Shelly 1PM Gen4 16A Smart Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | IR (38Khz), Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri | Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant |
| Device Type | IR Smart Remote Hub | Smart Relay Switch |
| Power Monitoring | Not listed | Yes |
| Certification | Not listed | UL or Non UL |
Which one should you choose?
Choose BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub if
- You need to control non-smart appliances like TVs or AC units via infrared signals.
- You want to use Siri voice control without additional hubs.
- You prefer a device that learns and programs its own IR codes.
Choose Shelly 1PM Gen4 16A Smart Relay if
- You require real-time energy monitoring for specific appliances.
- You want support for Matter and Zigbee protocols alongside Wi-Fi.
- You plan to install the device behind wall switches or sockets.
Verdict: Choose Broadlink if you primarily need to automate legacy IR devices like televisions and air conditioners. Select Shelly if you need direct power control, energy tracking, and broader protocol support for modern smart home integrations.
Broadlink vs Shelly Spec Comparison
Connectivity protocols
Broadlink RM4 Mini relies solely on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for communication. It uses Infrared signals at 38Khz to control devices, meaning it needs a clear line of sight to your appliances. Shelly 1PM Gen4 offers a much broader range of connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth. This multi-protocol approach allows Shelly to act as a Bluetooth gateway and integrate with more diverse smart home ecosystems without additional hubs. Broadlink is limited to Wi-Fi and IR only.
Smart home compatibility
Broadlink RM4 Mini works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. It also supports Siri voice control on iPhone through specific integrations. Shelly 1PM Gen4 supports Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant. It also connects with Samsung SmartThings. Shelly includes Matter support, which is a newer standard for interoperability. Broadlink does not list Matter or Home Assistant compatibility in its specifications. Shelly provides access to more open-source and advanced home automation platforms compared to Broadlink's focus on major voice assistants and IFTTT.
Control method
Broadlink RM4 Mini functions as a smart remote hub. It mimics traditional IR remotes to control TVs, air conditioners, fans, and other entertainment devices. It cannot control devices via direct electrical connection. Shelly 1PM Gen4 is a smart relay switch. It installs behind wall switches or sockets to control power directly. It is designed for lights, water heaters, and kitchen appliances. Shelly allows you to automate devices by cutting or restoring power, while Broadlink sends invisible light signals. They control different types of hardware entirely.
Power monitoring
Broadlink RM4 Mini does not offer any power monitoring capabilities. It simply sends IR commands to devices. It cannot tell you how much energy a TV or air conditioner is using. Shelly 1PM Gen4 includes precise power metering. It tracks real-time power consumption for connected appliances. You can identify energy-hungry devices and optimize usage to improve efficiency. This feature allows for detailed energy management directly through the Shelly Smart Control app. Broadlink lacks this data entirely, making Shelly superior for energy tracking.
Physical size
Broadlink RM4 Mini measures 1.85 inches in width and length, with a height of 1.65 inches. It weighs 2.12 ounces. Shelly 1PM Gen4 is significantly more compact. It measures 1.65 inches wide, 1.46 inches high, and only 0.63 inches deep. It weighs just 0.92 ounces. Shelly’s slim profile is designed to fit behind most wall switches and sockets without protruding. Broadlink is a standalone hub that requires a USB power source and space on a shelf or table. Shelly is easier to conceal in tight electrical spaces.
Which smart controller fits your setup
You have standard IR appliances like TVs
The Broadlink RM4 Mini supports over 50,000 IR devices at 38Khz. It controls TVs, ACs, and fans via line-of-sight signals. You get remote access through the app and voice control with Alexa or Google. It works with IFTTT for extra automation. This hub is ideal if you want to unify legacy entertainment gear without rewiring.
You need energy monitoring for appliances
The Shelly 1PM Gen4 provides real-time power tracking for devices like water heaters. It monitors consumption to help you identify energy-heavy appliances. You can automate schedules and scenes directly from the Shelly Smart Control app. This relay switch is perfect for users who want to track and manage electricity usage for specific circuits.
You want modern smart home standards
Shelly 1PM Gen4 supports Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth. It acts as a Bluetooth gateway and integrates with Home Assistant and SmartThings. You get a compact design that fits behind wall switches. This multi-protocol approach ensures compatibility with future devices and diverse platforms, making it a flexible choice for advanced smart home setups.
The products compared
BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub
Best for: controlling legacy IR appliances via voice
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri
- Network Interface
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Power Source
- USB
- Connectivity
- Infrared
- Application
- Air Conditioners, Televisions
- Dimensions
- 1.85 × 1.85 × 1.65 inches
View on Amazon: BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub Affiliate link
The Broadlink RM4 Mini is a compact smart remote hub designed to control legacy infrared devices. It connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and supports over 50,000 IR codes for TVs, ACs, and fans. You can manage devices remotely through the app or via voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. It integrates with IFTTT for automation. This unit requires a USB power source and does not include a wall adapter. It is ideal for users with mixed smart and traditional home entertainment gear.
Pros
- Supports over 50,000 IR codes for TVs, ACs, and fans
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice control
- Allows remote control via iOS and Android app
- Integrates with IFTTT for custom automation scenes
- Compact size at 1.85 x 1.65 x 1.85 inches
Cons
- Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
- Does not control RF devices
- Requires line of sight for IR signals
Good fit if
- You need to control non-smart TVs or air conditioners
- You want voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant
- You have existing 2.4GHz Wi-Fi infrastructure
Skip if
- You require 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
- You need to control RF-based appliances
- You want a device with a built-in power adapter
Verdict: The Broadlink RM4 Mini Smart IR Hub is a practical solution for integrating legacy infrared devices into a smart home. It fits buyers who want to add voice control to TVs and ACs without replacing them.
Shelly 1PM Gen4 16A Smart Relay
Best for: Energy monitoring and multi-protocol smart home integration
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, Bluetooth
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant
- Dimensions
- 0.63 × 1.65 × 1.46 inches
- Weight
- 0.92 ounces
View on Amazon: Shelly 1PM Gen4 16A Smart Relay Affiliate link
The Shelly 1PM Gen4 is a compact smart relay switch with built-in power metering. It supports Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth connectivity for flexible integration. You can monitor real-time energy usage and control appliances remotely via the Shelly app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. This 1-channel 16A unit fits behind standard wall switches, making it a practical retrofit for automating lights and high-draw devices in your home.
Pros
- Supports Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth protocols
- Built-in real-time power consumption monitoring
- Compact 1.65 x 1.46 x 0.63 inch size fits behind wall switches
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant
Cons
- Non-UL listed size option available
- Requires separate hub for Zigbee if not using Wi-Fi
- Single-channel 16A limit restricts multi-device control
Good fit if
- You need precise energy monitoring for specific appliances
- You want a compact relay that fits behind wall plates
- You use Matter or Zigbee alongside Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You require UL-listed components for strict code compliance
- You need to control multiple devices with one switch
- You prefer a device with a built-in display
Verdict: Shelly 1PM Gen4 Smart Relay is a versatile choice for users who need detailed energy tracking and multi-protocol support in a small form factor. It suits those retrofitting existing switches who value Matter and Zigbee compatibility over simple Wi-Fi-only setups.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub | Shelly 1PM Gen4 16A Smart Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | not stated | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri | Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant |
| Network Interface | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | not stated |
| Power Source | USB | not stated |
| Application | Air Conditioners, Televisions | not stated |
| Dimensions | 1.85 × 1.85 × 1.65 inches | 0.63 × 1.65 × 1.46 inches |
| Weight | 2.12 ounces | 0.92 ounces |
| Size | RM4 mini (No Sensor Cable) | Non UL |
| Color | black | not stated |
| Model | RM4 mini | 3800238070717 |
Frequently asked questions
Can Broadlink control devices without Wi-Fi?
No, the BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub requires a Wi-Fi connection to function. It connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi to communicate with your smartphone or voice assistant. Without this network link, you cannot send commands to the hub or receive status updates from it remotely.
Does the Shelly 1PM Gen4 monitor energy usage?
Yes, the Shelly 1PM Gen4 Smart Relay includes built-in energy monitoring capabilities. This feature allows you to track power consumption in real-time through the app. It provides detailed data on how much electricity your connected devices use, helping you manage your home's energy efficiency effectively.
Is Broadlink compatible with Alexa?
Yes, the BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub supports Alexa integration. You can use voice commands to control legacy infrared appliances like TVs and air conditioners. This compatibility lets you add voice control to existing devices without replacing them with new smart versions.
What is the size of the Shelly 1PM Gen4?
The Shelly 1PM Gen4 measures 1.65 inches in width, 1.46 inches in height, and 0.63 inches in length. It weighs only 0.92 ounces. This compact form factor makes it easy to fit behind standard wall switches or into tight electrical boxes during installation.
Can Broadlink control devices through walls?
No, the BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub uses infrared signals at 38Khz. Infrared requires a clear line of sight to the target device. Walls and other opaque objects will block the signal, so you must place the hub where it can directly see the appliance.
Does Shelly support Matter protocol?
Yes, the Shelly 1PM Gen4 Smart Relay supports Matter and Zigbee compatibility. This multi-protocol support allows it to integrate seamlessly with various smart home ecosystems. It offers more flexibility than Wi-Fi-only setups, making it suitable for users who want future-proof integration with different platforms.
What appliances does Broadlink best control?
The BroadLink Mini IR Smart Remote Hub is best for controlling legacy infrared appliances. It works well with air conditioners, televisions, and fans that use IR remotes. It fits buyers who want to add voice control to these existing devices without replacing them with new smart models.
Is the Shelly 1PM Gen4 UL listed?
No, the Shelly 1PM Gen4 Smart Relay is listed as Non UL. This means it does not carry UL certification for safety standards in the United States. You should consider this factor when deciding if it meets your local electrical codes and safety requirements for installation.