Shelly Plug M Gen3 vs Shelly Plug S: Which Wi-Fi Smart Plug Should You Choose?

Quick Answer

If you need a compact, Matter-compatible plug with multicolor LED feedback and reliable power monitoring, the Shelly Plug M Gen3 is the modern choice. If you prefer a smaller footprint and Bluetooth setup with basic power metering, the Shelly Plug S Gen3 still holds up well. For most users, the Plug M Gen3 offers better future-proofing with Matter support and clearer status indication.

Choosing between the Shelly Plug M Gen3 and the Shelly Plug S Gen3 comes down to how you plan to use a smart plug. Both are Wi-Fi smart plugs from Shelly Europe, but they differ in design, connectivity, and the level of feedback they give you.

The Shelly Plug M Gen3 stands out with its multicolor LED ring, which can show status or energy usage at a glance. The Shelly Plug S Gen3 is a more compact option that focuses on simplicity and basic power monitoring. Let's break down the differences so you can pick the one that fits your setup.

Design and Footprint

The Shelly Plug M Gen3 is designed with a visible LED ring that can display different colors based on status or events. This makes it easy to see if a device is on, off, or if power consumption is high. The Shelly Plug S Gen3, on the other hand, is a smaller plug that takes up less space on a wall outlet, which is handy when you need to stack plugs or fit them behind furniture.

Both plugs are built to handle typical household loads, but the compact size of the Plug S Gen3 might be a deciding factor if space is tight. The Plug M Gen3's LED ring adds a bit of bulk, but it provides useful visual feedback that the Plug S lacks.

• Measure the space around your outlet before buying if you plan to use multiple plugs.
• The LED ring on the Plug M Gen3 can be customized to show different colors for different states.

Power Monitoring and Matter Support

Both the Shelly Plug M Gen3 and the Shelly Plug S Gen3 offer power monitoring, allowing you to track energy usage of connected devices. However, the Plug M Gen3 is certified Matter-compatible, which means it can work with a wider range of smart home ecosystems without needing a Shelly hub. The Plug S Gen3 relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which is fine for Shelly's own app but may not integrate as seamlessly with non-Shelly Matter controllers.

If you're building a smart home that uses Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa and want local control, the Matter support on the Plug M Gen3 is a strong advantage. The Plug S Gen3 is still a solid choice if you're already invested in the Shelly ecosystem and don't need cross-platform compatibility.

• Check if your smart home hub supports Matter before choosing the Plug M Gen3.
• For basic energy monitoring in the Shelly app, the Plug S Gen3 is sufficient.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Matter support vs. Bluetooth-only: The Plug M Gen3's Matter certification makes it more future-proof and compatible with non-Shelly ecosystems. The Plug S Gen3 uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which is fine but may limit cross-platform control. Choose the Plug M Gen3 if you use multiple smart home platforms.
• LED ring vs. compact size: The Plug M Gen3's multicolor LED ring provides clear status indication. The Plug S Gen3 is smaller and less obtrusive, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. If visual feedback matters, go with the Plug M Gen3.
• Price vs. features: The Plug M Gen3 typically costs more due to its advanced features. The Plug S Gen3 offers a more budget-friendly entry point with basic power monitoring. Weigh the cost against the need for Matter and LED feedback.

Product Facts

• Shelly AZ Plug White: Certified Matter-compatible smart plug with power monitoring & multicolor LED indication. Shelly Plug S Gen3 is a small smart plug with Bluetooth connectivity and power metering. It supports up to 2500 W and features customizable LED indicators. The Matter certification ensures broad compatibility with major smart home platforms, while the multicolor LED gives you at-a-glance status. The 2500 W rating means you can use it for high-power appliances like heaters.
• Shelly EM Mini Gen4: The Shelly EM Mini Gen4 is a smart switch and dimmer with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity in a compact Mini form factor. Gen4 technology for improved performance and efficiency. If you need to monitor a hardwired appliance rather than a plug-in device, the EM Mini Gen4 offers a different approach with direct wiring, which might be more suitable for permanent installations.

Which Plug Should You Choose?

Best for

• Smart home enthusiasts who want Matter compatibility and visual status indication.
• Users who need to monitor energy usage of high-power appliances up to 2500 W.

Not for

• Those with extremely tight outlet space who prioritize a minimal footprint.
• Budget-conscious buyers who only need basic on/off control and simple energy tracking.

In the end, the Shelly Plug M Gen3 and Shelly Plug S Gen3 both deliver reliable smart plug functionality. The Plug M Gen3 wins on future-proofing and user feedback with its Matter support and LED ring. The Plug S Gen3 remains a practical, compact choice for straightforward automation. Assess your need for Matter, space constraints, and budget to make the right call.