Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen 4 test: The smartest power strip

The world of home automation is developing rapidly, and one name has become an integral part of the scene: Shelly. With the introduction of the Power Strip 4 Gen4, the manufacturer launched a smart power strip that is far more than just a simple power distributor. At a time when energy efficiency and seamless integration into the smart home are top priorities, this device sets new standards. The fourth generation promises not only a more stable hardware base, but above all flexibility, which is achieved through support for the new Matter standard and the integration of powerful scripting functions. For users who want to control their devices precisely and monitor power consumption in detail, this model offers a promising solution that appeals to both beginners and professionals.

• Matter support: Seamless integration with ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home and Amazon Alexa thanks to the new connectivity standard.
• Individual control: Four slots that can be switched separately and whose energy consumption can be measured individually.
• Enhanced connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure a stable connection and easy setup via smartphone.
• Scripting functionality: Support for local control logic (mjS scripts) to execute complex automation directly on the device.

Technical data

Physical:
Size	43x237x56 mm
weight	560 grams
Compatible sockets	CEE 7/1, CEE 7/3 (Type F / Schuko) or CEE 7/5 (Type E)
Compatible plugs	CEE 7/2, CEE 7/4 (Type F / Schuko), CEE 7/7, CEE 7/16 (Type C) or CEE 7/17
Material	plastic
Colors	black white
Cable length	1.5 m H05VV-F 3G 1.5 mm²
Environment:
Working temperature	-20 °C to 40 °C
Air humidity	30 % to 70 % RH
Electrical:
Power supply / consumption	220 – 240 V~ 50/60 Hz / < 1 W
Total output	16 A
Output per socket	12 A
Max output power	3680 W
Max. switching operations	10000
Switch configuration	SPNO (single-pole, normally-open)
Sensors	Voltmeter (AC), ammeter (AC), consumption and power measurement, temperature sensor (internal)
Connection technologies:	WiFi Protocol: 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2412 – 2472 MHz Indoor range up to 30 meters, outdoor range up to 50 meters Bluetooth Protocol: 5.0 2402 – 2480 MHz Indoor range up to 10 meters, outdoor range up to 30 meters Zigbee Protocol: 802.15.4 Zigbee repeater 2400 – 2483.5 MHz Indoor range up to 100 meters, outdoor range 300 meters
Controller	ESP-Shelly-C68F, Flash 8 MB

Hardware design and technical refinements under the hood

The Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 comes in a simple, white plastic housing that looks robust and functional at first glance. With a cable length of 1.8 meters, it offers enough space for placement behind the desk or in the entertainment center. However, the heart of the new generation is its inner workings. In contrast to many cheaper competitor products, Shelly relies on high-quality relays, each of which is designed for a load of up to 12 amps (max. 3680 watts in total). This is particularly important for users who want to connect power-hungry hardware such as gaming PCs or server racks. Each of the four slots has a physical button directly on the housing, which can also be used to manually interrupt the power supply – a practical feature if the smartphone is not at hand.

A key advantage of the Gen4 series is the integration of the ESP Shelly C38F chip. This ensures a noticeably faster response time for switching commands. Integration into the home network is possible either via WLAN (2.4 GHz) or Bluetooth, whereby the latter speeds up the pairing process considerably. The thermal monitoring deserves special attention: the power strip has internal overheating protection, which immediately switches off all channels at critical temperatures. This achieves a safety standard that goes beyond mere functionality and provides peace of mind, especially when IT equipment is in continuous operation. The sockets are also arranged at a 45-degree angle, which makes it much easier to use bulky power supply units next to each other without blocking neighboring spaces.

Initial setup in no time at all

The initial setup of the Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 is deliberately designed to be intuitive. As soon as the strip is connected to the mains, it automatically switches to pairing mode, which is signaled by the flashing LEDs. Using the Shelly Smart Control app, the device can be found via Bluetooth within a few seconds and integrated into the home 2.4 GHz WLAN. Integration via Matter is particularly convenient: all you have to do is scan the QR code printed on the housing with a compatible app such as Apple Home or Google Home.

Those who prefer manual configuration can also access the integrated web interface directly by connecting to the device’s access point. This hybrid approach ensures that the power strip is immediately ready for use, regardless of the preferred platform. If required, it can even be integrated via Zigbee by pressing a key combination.

Matter and energy measurement as central pillars

The biggest leap forward is probably the native Matter support. Matter acts as a universal language for smart home devices and eliminates the barriers between the various platforms. It no longer matters whether control is via Siri, Alexa or Home Assistant – the Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 can be integrated directly without a bridge. This not only simplifies setup, but also increases reliability, as communication takes place within the local network. At the same time, Shelly’s own tried-and-tested ecosystem remains in place, offering in-depth configuration options via the web interface or the app. Here, schedules can be created, switch-on delays defined or the bar configured as a Wi-Fi range extender to improve wireless coverage in remote corners of the room.

Another highlight for statistics lovers and energy savers is the precise energy measurement. Each of the four outputs measures the current consumption in real time and saves this data in the cloud or locally. This makes it possible to specifically identify hungry standby devices in the household. The integration of scripts also allows intelligent logics to be created: For example, if the gaming PC (on plug 1) is switched off and the power consumption falls below a threshold of 10 watts, the monitor and sound system (on plugs 2 and 3) can be automatically disconnected from the mains after five minutes. Such automation runs directly on the power strip thanks to the powerful hardware, which reduces dependency on an active internet connection or a central hub. The accuracy of the measurements is high enough to reliably detect even small load changes.

Even though the Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 has an enormous range of functions, one important function is missing in the app or in the integration via Home Assistant. When using the socket in darkened rooms, the LEDs can only be controlled via the web interface. No other way is possible. A comparatively minor point in an otherwise outstanding product.

Conclusion and availability

The Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 is far more than an evolution of its predecessors. The combination of Matter compatibility, precise single-user measurement and the option of local script execution positions it as one of the most versatile tools for modern smart homes. It impresses with solid workmanship and a depth of software that you won’t find in standard products. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want full control over their energy flows. The power strip is available immediately at a recommended retail price of 59.90 euros directly from the Shelly webshop and from reputable electronics retailers. In view of the range of functions and future-proof Matter integration, it offers excellent value for money.