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

Updated June 2026

Data from Amazon and 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. 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.

Winner

Aqara

Aqara Smart Plug (US)

9% OFF

$29.99

$32.99

Buy on Amazon USA

Shelly

Shelly Smart Plug (US)

29% OFF

$22.00

$30.87

Buy on Amazon USA

Feature	Aqara Smart Plug (US)	Shelly Smart Plug (US)	Winner
Price	$29.99	$22.00	Shelly Smart Plug (US)
Rating	4.5	4.4	Aqara Smart Plug (US)
Maximum Load Power	1875W	1800W	Aqara Smart Plug (US)
Connectivity	Zigbee	2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth	Shelly Smart Plug (US)
Integrations	Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant, IFTTT, Matter	Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant	Aqara Smart Plug (US)
Zibgee Router	YES	NO	Aqara Smart Plug (US)
Weather Resistance	NO	NO	Tie
Plug Format	Type B	Type B	Tie
Overheat/Overload Protection	YES	YES	Tie
Energy Monitoring	YES	YES	Tie
On/Off Button	YES	YES	Tie

Winner

Aqara

Aqara Smart Plug (US)

9% OFF

$29.99

$32.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.5
+ Maximum Load Power: 1875W
+ Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant, IFTTT, Matter
- Price: $29.99 vs $22.00
- Connectivity: Zigbee vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth

Shelly

Shelly Smart Plug (US)

29% OFF

$22.00

$30.87

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $22.00
+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
- Rating: 4.4 vs 4.5
- Maximum Load Power: 1800W vs 1875W

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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