Sonoff Basic R2From real comments

Verdict distilled from 19 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment40%
PROS 40%
CONS 60%

Rank based on 19 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheap DIY module to smart-ify old lamps or fixtures
  • You enjoy hardware hacking like garage door or PSU mods
  • You're comfortable with wiring and app pairing setup

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want a no-wiring plug-and-play smart device
  • You're not confident with WiFi app pairing troubleshooting
  • You need guaranteed long-term relay reliability out of the box

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Budget
Sonoff S31
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashingBuilt-in power monitoringNo-solder flashing optionDifficult initial WiFi pairingFlashing/installation failuresGuest/5GHz network incompatibility
Sonoff S31
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashing
Built-in power monitoring
No-solder flashing option
Difficult initial WiFi pairing
Flashing/installation failures
Guest/5GHz network incompatibility
2
Sonoff Mini R3
Solves no-neutral wiringWorks without WiFi or hubKeeps mechanical switch functionalBulky sizeNo ESP hardware or open firmwarePhysical fit uncertainty
Sonoff Mini R3
Solves no-neutral wiring
Works without WiFi or hub
Keeps mechanical switch functional
Bulky size
No ESP hardware or open firmware
Physical fit uncertainty
3
Lenovo Smart Plug
Fast HomeKit SetupWorks Immediately Out of the BoxApp Disconnect IssuesDual-Band Wifi Connection ProblemsReported Setup Hassles
Lenovo Smart Plug
Fast HomeKit Setup
Works Immediately Out of the Box
App Disconnect Issues
Dual-Band Wifi Connection Problems
Reported Setup Hassles
4
TP-Link Tapo P115
Energy monitoring featurePhysical on/off switchPossible subscription fee for energy monitoringRequires continuous Wi-Fi connection
TP-Link Tapo P115
Energy monitoring feature
Physical on/off switch
Possible subscription fee for energy monitoring
Requires continuous Wi-Fi connection
5
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
Utility Program PerkWi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
Utility Program Perk
Wi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
6
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125
Matter and ecosystem compatibilityPower monitoring interestAutomation capability uncertainNo live power reading displayUnclear API access for developers
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125
Matter and ecosystem compatibility
Power monitoring interest
Automation capability uncertain
No live power reading display
Unclear API access for developers
7Mid
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Long-term reliability for some usersWorks without a Hue bridgeGood battery lifeV2 removed useful V1 featuresConnection and pairing failuresLong-term support and subscription concerns
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Long-term reliability for some users
Works without a Hue bridge
Good battery life
V2 removed useful V1 features
Connection and pairing failures
Long-term support and subscription concerns
8Mid
Sonoff NSPanel
Custom firmware unlocks local controlActive community supportAttractive design and buildRisky, technical flashing processBuggy thermostat and sensor readingsWeak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
Sonoff NSPanel
Custom firmware unlocks local control
Active community support
Attractive design and build
Risky, technical flashing process
Buggy thermostat and sensor readings
Weak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
9
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103
Helpful Setup VideoSatisfaction Within TP-Link EcosystemDifficult Initial Setup for Some UsersReliability Failures Over Time
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103
Helpful Setup Video
Satisfaction Within TP-Link Ecosystem
Difficult Initial Setup for Some Users
Reliability Failures Over Time
10Budget
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E
Reliable pairing for many usersBroad device compatibilityCompelling price pointDifficult bootloader/flashing processInconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devicesWindows driver recognition problems
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E
Reliable pairing for many users
Broad device compatibility
Compelling price point
Difficult bootloader/flashing process
Inconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devices
Windows driver recognition problems
You are here
14Budget
Sonoff Basic R2
Highly hackable for DIY modsBudget-friendly for DIYersEasy app and voice integrationUnclear or missing documentation for advanced useDifficult WiFi pairing/discoveryRelay reliability issues
Sonoff Basic R2
Highly hackable for DIY mods
Budget-friendly for DIYers
Easy app and voice integration
Unclear or missing documentation for advanced use
Difficult WiFi pairing/discovery
Relay reliability issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A flexible module for smart-home DIY retrofits. Commenters describe using the Basic R2 to bring old classic lamps and fixtures into their smart home app ecosystem, since smart plugs aren't always practical. It integrates well with eWeLink and works smoothly with Alexa and custom routines, according to a long-time multi-unit user. This makes it appealing for tinkerers wanting to modernize existing devices rather than buy new smart hardware outright.

Popular target for hardware mods and creative reuse. Multiple users repurposed the Basic R2 beyond simple switching: powering it via 5V for a PSU remote switch, converting it to a dry relay for garage door control with RF remotes, and asking about running it on 12V, 24V, or battery power. This hackability, using the exposed GPIO pins, seems to be a major draw for electronics hobbyists despite lacking official documentation for these use cases.

Setup and reliability can be inconsistent. Several commenters had trouble getting the device discovered during app pairing, connecting to WiFi but showing no internet, or wiring it up correctly for lights that then didn't work. Others reported hardware issues: one relay failed after six months despite five other units lasting three years, and some units showed fast self-shutoff or nonstop blinking LEDs, indicating occasional quality or firmware inconsistency.

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