The Shelly Plug US Gen4 smart outlet breaks from tradition by supporting Wi-Fi 6, Matter, and Zigbee in one device. Unlike most smart plugs that force you to choose between protocols, this Gen4 model eliminates that compromise. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 means better performance with dozens of IoT devices without network slowdowns.

What makes this stand out is the rare combination of technologies. Most smart plugs stick to older Wi-Fi standards or require separate bridges for different ecosystems. The Gen4 works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa directly through Matter, no proprietary hub needed. While an Apple TV or HomePod is required for remote access with Apple Home, the device can even be flashed for Home Assistant users who want Zigbee functionality.

The power metering feature is genuinely useful - the LED ring shows energy usage at a glance with color-coded indicators, while the companion app provides detailed consumption data. This enables smart safety automations like automatically turning off devices that have been drawing high power for extended periods. The only notable omission is 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, which would have made this nearly perfect.