Plugs · Head to head

Aqara Smart Plug (US) vs Shelly Smart Plug (US)

Full Smart Plugs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from the official Aqara and Shelly sites.
2026 verdict
The Aqara Smart Plug (US) is the stronger smart plug here, carrying a higher owner rating, a slightly higher 1875W maximum load and a broader integration list, plus Zigbee router functionality that extends your mesh.
Aqara Smart Plug (US)
Winner
Aqara Smart Plug (US)
$29.99$32.999% OFFPrime exclusive deal
Buy on Amazon USA
The Shelly Smart Plug (US) makes its case as the more affordable, connectivity-rich alternative: it pairs directly over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with no separate hub, exposes an open API with WebSocket and MQTT, and is a favorite for scripting and Home Assistant. Both are Type B plugs with energy monitoring and overheat/overload protection, and both work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. Pick the Aqara Smart Plug (US) if you run Zigbee and want HomeKit, Matter (via hub) and mesh extension; pick the Shelly Smart Plug (US) if you want a cheaper, hub-free plug you can script and automate deeply.
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FeatureAqara Smart Plug (US)Shelly Smart Plug (US)Winner
Rating4.44.5Shelly Smart Plug (US)
Maximum Load Power1875W1800WAqara Smart Plug (US)
ConnectivityZigbee2.4 GHz WiFi, BluetoothShelly Smart Plug (US)
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterGoogle Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantAqara Smart Plug (US)
Zigbee RouterYESNOAqara Smart Plug (US)
Weather ResistanceNONOTie
Plug FormatType BType BTie
Overheat/Overload ProtectionYESYESTie
Energy MonitoringYESYESTie
On/Off ButtonYESYESTie
Winner
Aqara

Aqara Smart Plug (US)

9% OFF
Prime exclusive deal
$29.99
$32.99
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Maximum Load Power: 1875W
  • + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
  • + Zigbee Router: YES
  • - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.5
  • - Connectivity: Zigbee vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
Shelly

Shelly Smart Plug (US)

Price unavailable right now
Buy on Amazon Spain
  • + Rating: 4.5
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
  • - Maximum Load Power: 1800W vs 1875W
  • - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aqara Smart Plug (US) or Shelly Smart Plug (US)?

The Aqara Smart Plug (US) wins overall, with a higher owner rating, a higher 1875W load and more integrations including Apple HomeKit, plus Zigbee router functionality. The Shelly Smart Plug (US) is the cheaper, hub-free Wi-Fi option that stands out for its open API and scripting.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Smart Plug (US) and the Shelly Smart Plug (US)?

How they connect. The Aqara is a Zigbee plug that needs a Zigbee hub and doubles as a Zigbee router, while the Shelly connects directly over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with no hub and adds an open API with WebSocket and MQTT for custom automations.

Does the Shelly Smart Plug (US) do anything the Aqara cannot?

Yes. The Shelly Smart Plug (US) works without a separate hub and exposes an open API, WebSocket and MQTT for scripting, which home-lab and Home Assistant users lean on. It does not support Apple HomeKit or Matter, though, and it is not a Zigbee router.

Who should buy the Aqara Smart Plug (US)?

Choose the Aqara Smart Plug (US) if you already run a Zigbee hub and want HomeKit support, Matter through the hub, a higher load rating and a plug that strengthens your Zigbee mesh.

Who should buy the Shelly Smart Plug (US)?

Choose the Shelly Smart Plug (US) if you want an affordable, hub-free plug you can wire into Home Assistant and script through its open API, WebSocket or MQTT, and you do not need HomeKit or Zigbee.

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