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There is currently a lot of discussion around smart lighting modules, particularly Shelly Wifi Modules vs Fibaro (or Aeotec) ZWave modules.
Both types of device offer very similar functionality - they allow normal lights, using normal light switches to be either manually controlled or to have 'smart functionality' without either sets of usage compromising the other (unlike Philips Hue (Zigbee) which if the switch is turned off. the smart bulb stops working).
The Shelly modules use 2.4GHz wifi for their smart functionality. They require no hub and are relatively cheap to entry at £10 for a Shelly 1 (Single) smart switch and £20 for a dual switch or dimmer module.
The Fibaro modules use 868 MHz for their smart functionality and require some form of Hub or Controller for them to work, but unlike WiFi modules these devices build a mesh radio network, all talking to one another. They are relatively expensive to market at £50 whether it is a single switch, double switch or dimmer. Plus the cost of a controller (£100+)
Both types of module are pretty much the same size and both are wired in a very similar fashion. So what are the Pro's and Cons
Shelly Pro's
- Cheap to buy (£10 - £20)
- Does not require a separate hub or controller
- Easy to integrate with Google and Alexa
- Easy to use App
Shelly Con's
- If you lose internet connection you lose control of the smart functionality (unless you have a hub)
- Need good wifi coverage
- 2.4 GHz is a a congested part of the radio spectrum
- A lot of WiFi devices on your network will require a better than average router (which will probably cost as much as decent Smart Home Hub)
Fibaro Pro's
- Will form a radio mesh and hence greater range
- Will work even without an internet connection
- Operate in a less congested part of the radio spectrum
Fibaro Cons
- Expensive (compared to Shellys) £50
- Require a hub (£100+)
- Hub is potentially a single point of failure - hub goes down, so do all of the Zwave devices
So which is best ? If you dont want the expense or complexity of installing some form of smart hub, then Shelly wins hands down. If you are working on a budget, Shelly wins hands down (per module cost). If you want offline control, as long as you have a hub, either are great otherwise Fibaro wins. If you are in a built-up area with a lot of 2.4GHz, wifi Fibaro will be more reliable, as the 2.4GHz spectrum is getting more and more congested)
Personally I have the best of both worlds. I run Homeseer as my hub and all of my internal smart lighting is on Fibaro modules, as it forms mesh in the house. As I have Ubiquiti Outdoor Mesh AP in my garden and have really good outdoor wifi, all of my garden lighting is controlled using Shelly Smart modules.
Both are very reliable and both suit my applications very well.
Both types of device offer very similar functionality - they allow normal lights, using normal light switches to be either manually controlled or to have 'smart functionality' without either sets of usage compromising the other (unlike Philips Hue (Zigbee) which if the switch is turned off. the smart bulb stops working).
The Shelly modules use 2.4GHz wifi for their smart functionality. They require no hub and are relatively cheap to entry at £10 for a Shelly 1 (Single) smart switch and £20 for a dual switch or dimmer module.
The Fibaro modules use 868 MHz for their smart functionality and require some form of Hub or Controller for them to work, but unlike WiFi modules these devices build a mesh radio network, all talking to one another. They are relatively expensive to market at £50 whether it is a single switch, double switch or dimmer. Plus the cost of a controller (£100+)
Both types of module are pretty much the same size and both are wired in a very similar fashion. So what are the Pro's and Cons
Shelly Pro's
- Cheap to buy (£10 - £20)
- Does not require a separate hub or controller
- Easy to integrate with Google and Alexa
- Easy to use App
Shelly Con's
- If you lose internet connection you lose control of the smart functionality (unless you have a hub)
- Need good wifi coverage
- 2.4 GHz is a a congested part of the radio spectrum
- A lot of WiFi devices on your network will require a better than average router (which will probably cost as much as decent Smart Home Hub)
Fibaro Pro's
- Will form a radio mesh and hence greater range
- Will work even without an internet connection
- Operate in a less congested part of the radio spectrum
Fibaro Cons
- Expensive (compared to Shellys) £50
- Require a hub (£100+)
- Hub is potentially a single point of failure - hub goes down, so do all of the Zwave devices
So which is best ? If you dont want the expense or complexity of installing some form of smart hub, then Shelly wins hands down. If you are working on a budget, Shelly wins hands down (per module cost). If you want offline control, as long as you have a hub, either are great otherwise Fibaro wins. If you are in a built-up area with a lot of 2.4GHz, wifi Fibaro will be more reliable, as the 2.4GHz spectrum is getting more and more congested)
Personally I have the best of both worlds. I run Homeseer as my hub and all of my internal smart lighting is on Fibaro modules, as it forms mesh in the house. As I have Ubiquiti Outdoor Mesh AP in my garden and have really good outdoor wifi, all of my garden lighting is controlled using Shelly Smart modules.
Both are very reliable and both suit my applications very well.