Imagine a smart switch so tiny that it’s smaller than a matchbox and can hide behind your normal light switch or inside a plug point. That’s exactly what the Shelly Mini Gen3 is. It turns any regular light, fan, exhaust, or even garage door into a smart device you can control with your phone or voice.
What’s New in the Mini Gen3 (2025–2026 version)?
- It’s 35 × 28 × 16 mm – truly the smallest smart switch in the world right now.
- Runs on a faster, custom Shelly chip with double the memory compared to the old model.
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Home Assistant right out of the box (thanks to Matter support).
- Connects using Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Bluetooth makes setup super quick – just like pairing earphones).
The Three Main Models (and what they do)
| Model | What It Does | Best For | Approx. Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly 1 Mini Gen3 | Simple on/off switch (no energy reading) | Lights, fans, garage doors | $10–12 |
| Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 | On/off + shows exactly how much power is used | Bathroom exhaust, water pump, fridge | $12–15 |
| Shelly PM Mini Gen3 | Only measures power (no switch) | Track AC, geyser, or any appliance | $10–13 |
Most people buy the 1PM Mini Gen3 because it does both jobs and costs just a little more.
How Easy Is It to Install?
Very easy if you’re a little comfortable opening a switchboard:
- Turn off the mains (safety first!).
- Connect 3–4 wires (live, neutral, and the wire going to your light/fan).
- Tuck the tiny Shelly behind your existing switch – no need to break the wall.
- Turn the power back on, open the Shelly app, and pair it using Bluetooth in 2–3 minutes.
If you’re not comfortable with wires, any electrician can do it in 10 minutes for $20–30.
What I Loved (Real-Life Wins)
- Fits in almost any switchboard – even old, crowded ones.
- Works even when the internet is down (you can still flip the physical switch).
- The app shows exactly how many watts your fan or light is using – helped me save ~15% on my electricity bill.
- Super fast response – less than half a second when I say “Alexa, turn on the porch light”.
- No extra hub needed.
Small Drawbacks (Nothing’s Perfect)
- You hear a soft “click” sound every time it turns on/off (normal for relays, but noticeable in a silent bedroom).
- Only handles up to 8 amps – perfect for lights and fans, but not for heavy AC units or geysers (use the bigger Shelly Pro for those).
- Setup is easy, but the first Bluetooth pairing can sometimes take two tries.
Who Should Buy It?
- You live in an apartment and don’t want to replace beautiful switch plates → Perfect.
- You want to make old fans/lights smart without renovation → Perfect.
- You love tracking exactly how much electricity each appliance uses → Perfect.
- You already use Home Assistant or want future-proof Matter devices → Perfect.
Final Verdict – 4.8/5
At just $12–15, the Shelly 1PM Mini Gen3 is the smartest, smallest, and most useful smart switch you can buy in 2026. Start with one or two for your bedroom or bathroom – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Buy from: Amazon, Shelly official store, or Home Depot (2-year warranty everywhere).
