Relays · Head to head

Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) vs Shelly 1 Gen3

Full Smart Relays comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official Aqara and Shelly sites.
2026 verdict
Where the switch box has a neutral wire, the Shelly 1 Gen3 is the better smart relay by a wide margin, with a 16A rating, dry contacts and a three-year warranty.
Shelly 1 Gen3
Winner
Shelly 1 Gen3
$18.39
Buy on Amazon USA
It handles resistive, inductive and capacitive loads, runs from AC or low-voltage DC, joins Wi-Fi with no hub and works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant and, through Matter, Apple Home. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) exists for the box without a neutral, which the Shelly cannot use on mains power. It is a Zigbee module that needs a hub, switches resistive loads up to 5A and 1250W, and adds a physical button and power-off memory; it pairs directly with SmartThings and reaches Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Matter through an Aqara hub. Choose the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) only when there is no neutral, and the Shelly 1 Gen3 everywhere else.
Works with
Connectivity
vs
Winner
Shelly 1 Gen3
Shelly

Shelly 1 Gen3

Prime exclusive deal
$18.39
Buy on Amazon USA

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Works with
Connectivity
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FeatureAqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral)Shelly 1 Gen3Winner
Price$27.87$18.39Shelly 1 Gen3
Rating4.24.6Shelly 1 Gen3
Warranty1 year3 yearsShelly 1 Gen3
ConnectivityZigbee2.4 GHz WiFi, BluetoothShelly 1 Gen3
Dry Contact ModeNOYESShelly 1 Gen3
SafetyOverheating protectionOverheating protectionTie
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterTie
Relay Channels11Tie
Energy MonitoringNONOTie
Wet Contact ModeYESYESTie
Zigbee RouterNONOTie
Local ControlYESYESTie

What the differences mean

Neutral wire

The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) installs in a box with only live and switched live, common in older homes. The Shelly 1 Gen3 is powered from live and neutral on AC, so without a neutral it needs a DC supply instead.

Load capacity

The Shelly 1 Gen3 switches 16A and handles LED drivers, transformers and fans. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) stops at 5A and 1250W on resistive loads only, which rules out motors and many LED drivers.

Hub and radio

The Shelly 1 Gen3 runs on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with Matter, no hub needed. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) is Zigbee and needs a hub, an Aqara one for Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Matter.

Dry contacts

The Shelly 1 Gen3 can close a potential-free contact for garage doors, gates and boilers. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) only switches mains to the load.

Warranty

The Shelly 1 Gen3 carries three years of cover against one year for the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral).

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Shelly 1 Gen3 owners are struck by how much fits in so small a module. They tuck it behind an existing switch so the wall switch keeps working, and use its dry contacts for garage doors, sump and bilge pumps, pool filtration, irrigation, 3D printers and even heavy relays in solar battery setups. Setup over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is called easy, Home Assistant, Alexa, Google and SmartThings integration seamless, and power users single out on-device scripting and ESPHome. Their caveats are no energy monitoring, a tight fit in crowded boxes that sometimes needs an extender, DC and solar installs that call for real electrical skill, and no push notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aqara vs Shelly: which smart relay is better?

The Shelly 1 Gen3, whenever a neutral wire is available. It switches 16A, has dry contacts, needs no hub and carries a three-year warranty. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) is the choice only for boxes without a neutral.

Does the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) need a neutral wire?

No. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) is designed to install without one. The Shelly 1 Gen3 needs a neutral when powered from 110 to 240V AC, though it can run from a DC supply instead.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) and the Shelly 1 Gen3?

Capacity and wiring. The Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) works without a neutral but switches only 5A resistive loads over Zigbee, while the Shelly 1 Gen3 needs a neutral on AC and switches 16A of almost any load over Wi-Fi.

Do they work with Apple Home?

Both can. The Shelly 1 Gen3 reaches Apple Home through Matter directly, and the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) through an Aqara hub.

Who should buy the Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral)?

Owners of older homes with no neutral in the switch box who already run an Aqara or other Zigbee hub and are switching simple lighting.

Who should buy the Shelly 1 Gen3?

Anyone with a neutral available who wants a small, hub-free relay for lights, pumps, garage doors or DIY projects, with local control and scripting.

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