Shelly
Bulgarian device maker whose relays, plugs and sensors work through an app, Matter or an open API
Quick Overview
| Company | Shelly Europe Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Category | Smart Home Platforms and Hubs |
| Headquarters | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Bulgaria (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated on pages read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Smart switches and dimmers, plugs, energy meters, sensors, thermostats, wall displays, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNXnet/IP, Shelly Cloud app, API docs |
| Pricing | Per device, see shelly.com |
| Best For | Retrofitting an existing switch or circuit with a small controllable device |
| Replaces | Samsung SmartThings devices, Philips Hue switches |
Detailed Review
Shelly is mainly a hardware brand: small modules that sit behind a wall switch or inside a junction box and add Wi-Fi control. The shop and privacy policy name Shelly Europe Ltd., UIC 202320104, with its seat in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Its wall displays are described as 4 inch touchscreens to 10 inch home hubs, which gives a Shelly-only home a local control point.
Many protocols, one brand
The shop filters devices by technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN and KNXnet/IP. Matter support lets the devices appear in other platforms, and the site links to API documentation for developers.
Retrofit focus
Product groups include smart switches and dimmers, energy meters, plugs, door locks and professional devices. The strength is cheap retrofit of what is already in the wall rather than replacing fittings.
Certifications and warranty
The site states ISO 14001:2015, ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 9001:2015 certificates for Shelly Europe, and warranty terms that depend on the product line.
Limitations to Consider
Shelly is a device maker, not a full automation platform, so serious automation usually moves into Home Assistant, openHAB or Homey. Installing relays behind switches means working with mains wiring. Where cloud data is stored was not stated on the pages read, and the checkout is handled with a third party named Global-e.
Who Should Use Shelly
Home owners and installers who want to add smart control to existing wiring and are comfortable with, or hire help for, mains installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide protocol range including Matter and KNXnet/IP
- Fits behind existing switches
- Documented API
- Bulgarian company with a stated registry number
- ISO 27001 stated
Cons
- Devices, not a full platform
- Mains wiring needed for relays
- Data location not stated on pages read
- Checkout handled with a third party
Alternatives to Shelly
Other European smart home platforms and hubs worth comparing before you decide:
Home Assistant
Switzerland · Open-source smart home hub that runs locally in your home
Homey
Netherlands · Dutch smart home hub with a free cloud start and a local Pro
openHAB
Germany · Vendor-neutral open-source home automation from a German foundation
Bosch Smart Home
Germany · Controller-based system for heating, security and lighting
See all European smart home platforms and hubs or compare them directly against Samsung SmartThings devices on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not mainly. It sells devices, plus wall displays that the shop describes as home hubs, and the devices also work with other platforms through Matter or its API.
Shelly Europe Ltd., registered in Sofia, Bulgaria, UIC 202320104, according to its terms.
The shop lists Matter as one of the technologies it filters devices by.