Sonoff Mini R3From real comments

Verdict distilled from 26 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment54%
PROS 54%
CONS 46%

Rank based on 26 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • Your switch box has no neutral wire and you need a smart + mechanical hybrid solution
  • You want the wall switch to keep working during WiFi or hub outages via the battery-powered S-Mate
  • You're fine relying on the eWeLink app rather than open firmware like Tasmota

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want ESP-based hardware for local control or Tasmota flashing
  • Your wall box is shallow and can't fit the larger module size
  • You need guaranteed long-range, reliable RF linking between switch and module

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
You are here
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

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Solves the no-neutral wiring problem in a clever way. Multiple commenters describe the same use case: the Mini R3 wires directly at the light fixture, while the S-Mate module sits behind the existing rocker switch, letting a mechanical switch keep working alongside smart control. Users called this approach 'clever' and 'genius,' particularly relevant to older UK-style homes where switch boxes commonly lack a neutral conductor for smart switches.

Battery backup keeps the switch functional offline. The S-Mate is powered by a CR2032 coin cell, allowing the physical wall switch to keep operating even without WiFi, hub connectivity, or mains power reaching the switch box. Some see this as a smart workaround, though others question how long the coin cell will actually last given it has no neutral wire to draw continuous power from.

Closed protocol, size, and reliability draw criticism. Several commenters are frustrated that the Mini R3 lacks ESP hardware, meaning no Tasmota support and no local remote triggering, unlike earlier Sonoff Mini versions. It's also described as much bigger than the original Mini R1. One user reported the S-Mate losing connection to the Mini R3 at roughly five meters, and others worry the module simply won't fit in shallow wall boxes.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?