Shelly 1 Mini Gen4 vs Gen3: What’s Changed in Gen 4?

If the Shelly 1 Mini Gen 3 proved that powerful automation can fit in the palm of your hand, the new Shelly 1 Mini Gen 4 shows just how much further that idea can go. It builds on everything people loved about the Gen 3, speed, compactness, and reliability, and refines it with smarter connectivity, more responsive performance, and installer-friendly design tweaks that make real-world integration even easier.

At first glance, Gen 4 looks almost identical to its predecessor. Yet under the familiar miniature casing lies a next-generation ESP-Shelly-C68F processor, expanded memory, and true multi-protocol connectivity that now includes Wi-Fi 6, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and full Matter certification. For users, this means more choice in how they connect, greater range, and smoother control, without losing the simplicity that made the Mini series a go-to retrofit solution for smart lighting and small-load automation.

For professional installers and advanced DIYers, these upgrades mean faster onboarding, less troubleshooting, and fewer compromises when fitting devices behind tight switch plates. For homeowners, it means a more resilient, responsive smart home that speaks the same language as the rest of your connected ecosystem.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what’s new in Gen 4, how it streamlines setup compared with Gen 3, and when upgrading makes sense for your projects, whether you’re chasing Matter compatibility, Zigbee reliability, or simply smoother day-to-day control.

What’s New in Shelly 1 Mini Gen4 (at a glance)

Shelly 1 Mini Gen4

Shelly 1 Mini Gen4 keeps the familiar Mini footprint and upgrades everything that matters day to day. It is built to reduce friction in setup and integrations while staying true to the trusted form factor that fits almost anywhere.

• Multiprotocol connectivity
  Choose the radio that suits your project: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Matter. Bluetooth streamlines first-time onboarding so devices join your network quickly and reliably.
• New platform silicon
  The ESP-Shelly-C68F platform with 8 MB memory delivers snappier responses, smoother automations, and headroom for future features.
• Same compact footprint, tougher hardware
  Still ultra-small for tight back boxes, with improved terminal durability and the familiar ratings: up to 8 A at 240 V AC or 5 A at 30 V DC.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Zigbee repeater capability
  Wi-Fi 6 support improves efficiency on busy home networks. In Zigbee mode the device can bolster your mesh, helping signals reach further with fewer dead spots.
• No hub required
  Control locally with Shelly Smart Control, integrate with popular ecosystems, and use voice assistants. Setup remains simple and flexible.
• Developer-friendly by design
• First-class local control with scripting, webhooks, MQTT, WebSocket, HTTPS and TLS, plus custom certificates for secure, automation-rich deployments.

Bottom line: Gen4 is all upside. You get more connectivity choices, better performance, and sturdier hardware without changing how or where you install it.

Gen4 vs Gen3: Key Differences That Matter Day-to-Day

Gen3 set a high bar for compact, reliable relay control. Gen4 builds on that solid foundation and lifts the experience with smarter connectivity, more headroom, and fewer compromises during installation.

Connectivity choice

• Gen3: Wi-Fi with Bluetooth onboarding, dry contacts, and a strong local API with scripting.
• Gen4: Adds Zigbee and Matter options, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Zigbee repeater capability for more robust, local-first automations across larger homes.

Performance and headroom

• Gen3: Fast and efficient on the Shelly ESP platform.
• Gen4: Newer processor with 8 MB memory for snappier responses, smoother scene execution, and room for future firmware features.

Install and durability

• Both: Ultra-compact, retrofit friendly, 8 A switching, improved terminal durability in the latest hardware.
• Gen4: Multiprotocol options and repeater functionality reduce wiring compromises by giving you more network topology choices, especially where adding conductors isn’t practical.

Positive takeaway: If you liked Gen3 for its simplicity and size, Gen4 delivers the same familiar experience with noticeably more flexibility and speed.

Connectivity Made Simple: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Matter?

Shelly 1 Mini Gen4 takes the guesswork out of connectivity. Every option, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter, or Bluetooth, is built to make setup faster and control more reliable, whichever ecosystem you prefer.

Wi-Fi (now with 802.11 b/g/n/ax support)

If your access point lists the device as “n” rather than “ax”, don’t worry, the gain isn’t about headline speeds, it’s about reliability and range. Gen4’s Wi-Fi 6 capability keeps connections stable even on busy networks, ensuring your automations trigger instantly and stay responsive.
Bluetooth onboarding simplifies first-time setup, while local LAN control keeps performance smooth and cloud-independent.

Zigbee

Switch to Zigbee mode for ultra-low-latency control. The Gen4 Mini can even act as a Zigbee repeater, strengthening your mesh and eliminating dead spots.
Tip: Always update to the latest firmware before changing modes, this ensures a one-and-done pairing experience.
Note for planners: Pick either Zigbee or Wi-Fi per device for a cleaner, more predictable topology.

Matter

Gen4 is Matter-certified, integrating effortlessly with Apple Home and any other Matter-enabled ecosystem. Think of Matter as your cross-platform future-proofing layer, ideal if you want long-term compatibility across brands.

Pro tip: When upgrading from Gen3 to Gen4, group devices by role. Use Wi-Fi for data-rich or LAN-first automations, Zigbee for responsive lighting and low-latency control, and Matter for universal interoperability across platforms.

Reliability by design: keeping installs cool, tidy, and consistent

Gen4 is built for dependable, everyday use. A few best-practice habits will keep your Minis running cool and consistent for years.

Thermal and load best practice

• Stay within the 8 A / 2000 W AC envelope for switching loads, or 5 A / 150 W DC for low-voltage applications.
• Prefer roomy back boxes and avoid cramming conductors. Air space helps heat dissipate and makes servicing simpler.
• Keep high-inrush or inductive loads (motors, transformers) within spec and consider snubbers or contactors where appropriate.

Terminal care

• Gen4 brings improved terminal durability. Support that with good workmanship: correct conductor gauge, clean copper, and firm but not excessive torque.
• Use strain relief so the Mini isn’t bearing cable weight. Neatly dress wires to prevent pressure points or accidental loosening.
• After first power-on, recheck terminations once the device has warmed through a cycle.

Firmware hygiene

• Run the current stable firmware before changing modes or pairing via Zigbee or Matter. It smooths onboarding and avoids edge-case behaviours.
• Schedule occasional maintenance windows to apply updates across your Minis together, then verify automations and input type settings.
• Keep a brief site note of device names, modes, and key options (detached vs toggle). It makes future swaps or reinstalls effortless.

Why this matters: these aren’t “gotchas,” just simple habits that Gen4 rewards. Respect the load limits, treat the terminals well, and stay current on firmware. You’ll get cool-running hardware, clean installs, and rock-solid behaviour day to day.

Choosing Mini vs PM Mini (and when 16 A makes sense)

Shelly 1PM mini Gen 4

Picking the right Shelly is easy once you match the relay to the job.

Mini (dry contact)

Best for low-voltage control and contactor applications where potential-free (dry) contacts are required. Ideal when you need the relay to switch signalling circuits rather than pass mains power directly.

1PM Mini

Everything you love about the Mini, plus energy monitoring. Perfect for insight-driven automations such as power-based scenes, anomaly detection, and usage tracking on lighting and small appliances.

16 A models

Choose the full-size 16 A variants for heavier loads or circuits with higher inrush. Minis remain the sweet spot for lighting and small appliances where space is tight.

Not sure which to pick? See the quick scenario guide below.

Quick scenario guide

• Smart bulbs kept powered, wall switch triggers scenes → Mini Gen4 in Detached mode
• Lighting with energy stats → 1PM Mini Gen4
• Large loads or grouped circuits → Full-size 16 A Gen3/Gen4 siblings
• Mesh strengthening in a big home → Mini Gen4 in Zigbee mode (acts as a repeater)

Conclusion: Gen4 is the most flexible Mini yet

Shelly 1 Mini Gen3 earned its reputation as one of the most capable, space-saving smart relays on the market, and Gen4 doesn’t replace that legacy. It refines it. The latest generation builds on everything that made the Mini great, adding modern connectivity options, smoother installs, and a processor designed for tomorrow’s automations.

With Wi-Fi 6, Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth now under one roof, Gen4 gives you the freedom to design your smart home your way, whether you’re optimising for speed, interoperability, or resilience. The familiar compact form means upgrades take minutes, not hours, and the stronger terminals, scripting support, and repeater capabilities make everyday operation cleaner and more dependable.

In short: Gen3 owners already have a solid foundation. Upgrading to Gen4 simply unlocks more flexibility and future-proof performance.

Pick your preferred protocol, follow the upgrade checklist, and enjoy a faster, quieter, and more capable generation of Shelly Minis that’s ready to work seamlessly with any modern smart ecosystem.

Buy Shelly 1 Mini Gen4 from Partstoyou.com.

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