Sonoff MiniFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 31 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment48%
PROS 48%
CONS 52%

Rank based on 31 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a compact relay that fits behind existing wall switches
  • You plan to flash Tasmota or use ZHA/Home Assistant instead of the stock app
  • You need a no-neutral or dry-contact variant for blinds, garage doors, or boilers

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want a fully standalone device without any cloud/app dependency
  • You rely heavily on Aqara Zigbee devices in the same network
  • You need guaranteed high-amp (13A+) UK-rated switching

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
12Mid
Sonoff Mini
Strong Tasmota and Home Assistant supportBroad smart home ecosystem compatibilityCompact size fits behind switchesConfusing relay/detach behavior for blinds and garage doorsNo-neutral wiring limitationsPossible standby noise and power draw concerns
Sonoff Mini
Strong Tasmota and Home Assistant support
Broad smart home ecosystem compatibility
Compact size fits behind switches
Confusing relay/detach behavior for blinds and garage doors
No-neutral wiring limitations
Possible standby noise and power draw concerns

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Hardware and compatibility impress DIY smart-home users. Commenters repeatedly praise the small form factor that lets Sonoff Minis fit behind crowded wall switches, plus support for Tasmota, Node-Red, Home Assistant, ZHA, Alexa, and Google Home. Specialized variants like the dry-contact MINI-D and no-neutral models add flexibility for garage doors, boilers, and blinds. Several users report years of solid performance, calling the underlying hardware genuinely impressive despite software gripes.

The official app and cloud dependency frustrate power users. Multiple commenters criticize the eWeLink API as clunky and prefer switching to Tasmota for better integration with Node-Red, HA, and Domoticz. Others directly compare Sonoff unfavorably to Shelly, noting Shelly can run standalone without cloud access, which some flag as a security concern. Wi-Fi units also reportedly dropped connection and struggled to reconnect after extended use, pushing some users toward Zigbee alternatives.

Wiring and relay-behavior confusion recur across use cases. Several users struggled with no-neutral wiring setups, unclear S1/S2 terminal voltage labeling, and detached relay/switch modes not working as expected for blinds or garage doors. One user found the relay stayed engaged indefinitely when using external buttons for roller shutters, wanting different edge-mode behavior. Others reported Zigbee units dropping Aqara sensors from the network and limited signal range inside metal-backed sockets.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?