✔ Tested 3+ months
Sonoff Basic R4 WiFi Smart Switch
The Sonoff Basic R4 is the gold standard for budget smart home switches. At $8, it's the cheapest way to make any dumb appliance smart. I've installed 4 of them in my house over the past 6 months.
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👍 Pros
- Extremely easy setup (5 minutes max)
- Works perfectly with Alexa and Google Home
- eWeLink app is stable and fast
- Supports 10A / 2200W loads (even heaters!)
- OTA firmware updates work reliably
👎 Cons
- Requires neutral wire (won't work in old houses)
- No built-in energy monitoring
- Plastic case feels flimsy
- Cloud-only control (no local API without hacking)
Technical Specifications
| Voltage | 90-250V AC |
| Max Load | 10A / 2200W |
| WiFi | 2.4GHz only |
| Protocols | eWeLink, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT |
| Dimensions | 88x38x24mm |
| Chip | ESP8266 |
📦 Delivery Timeline
- OrderedJanuary 10, 2026
- ShippedJanuary 12, 2026
- ArrivedJanuary 25, 2026
- InstalledJanuary 26, 2026
- Tested UntilJuly 2026
Installation
Warning: you need basic electrical skills. The wiring is straightforward (L-in, L-out, N-in, N-out), but working with mains voltage is dangerous. Always turn off the breaker.
Reliability After 6 Months
All 4 switches I installed are still working perfectly. Zero disconnects from WiFi. Automation routines (sunset/sunrise) trigger every time.
Final Verdict
The best $8 you can spend on smart home. If you need energy monitoring, get the Sonoff POW Elite ($25). For basic on/off control, the R4 is unbeatable.
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