Sonoff Basic Gen5 Matter

Sonoff Basic Gen5 – Matter Smart Relay

The most affordable way into a Matter smart home. The Basic Gen5 is a small in-line relay you wire between your power source and whatever you want to control – a light, a fan, a heater, a water pump. Once wired and paired, it works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings simultaneously thanks to Matter.

Different from the MINIR4 family – this is a standalone relay rather than a hidden wall-switch insert. Use it where you don’t have a wall switch to hide behind: appliance control, ceiling fan, exhaust fan, outdoor light circuit.

Why people buy it

• Cheapest Matter entry. If you want your devices in Apple Home, Google Home, AND Alexa simultaneously, the Basic Gen5 is one of the most affordable options.
• Use for resistive loads. Unlike the ZBMINIR2 (which can’t handle heaters), the Basic Gen5 is fine for small heaters, kettles, water boilers up to 10A.
• Control HVAC dry-contact inputs. Many central HVAC controllers have dry-contact “thermostat” inputs – the Basic Gen5 simulates a thermostat call for cooling/heating remotely.
• No hub, no bridge. Connects directly to your Wi-Fi like any Wi-Fi device.

Key Features

• Matter protocol – Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings simultaneously.
• 10A max load – lights, fans, small heaters, kettles, low-current appliances.
• Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) – no hub needed.
• Remote control from anywhere via eWeLink, Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa apps.
• Schedules + timers + scenes.
• Voice control – Siri, Google, Alexa.
• Compact – small enough to mount inside a junction box or appliance enclosure.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have central HVAC (chiller, heat pump, ducted AC) with a dry-contact thermostat input, the Basic Gen5 can act as a remote thermostat switch – pair it with a Sonoff temperature sensor and you can automate heating or cooling based on real room temperature, controlled from your phone. Massive upgrade over basic on/off scheduling.

⭐ Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work with Apple HomeKit?

Yes – it supports Matter, which Apple Home uses. Pair via Matter QR code, no bridge needed, and it shows up in Apple Home directly.

Can I use it with a heater or boiler?

Yes – unlike the Zigbee ZBMINIR2, the Basic Gen5 handles resistive heating loads. Up to 10A means small heaters, kettles, and similar appliances are fine. For high-power water heaters (15A+), use a smart breaker instead.

Will it work with my HVAC system?

If your HVAC controller has a dry contact input (a low-voltage thermostat connection), yes – the Basic Gen5 simulates the thermostat closing the circuit. Check with your HVAC installer if you’re unsure. Most modern systems support this.

Do I need a hub?

No. Connects directly to your home Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz). The Basic Gen5 won’t appear inside a Zigbee bridge – it’s a Wi-Fi device standalone.

Can I control it without a physical switch?

Yes – it can be wired without a wall switch at all. Control entirely via the app or voice. Useful for appliances you only access remotely (water pump, garden irrigation, server room fan).

Can I control it from a Sonoff wall panel?

Yes – create a scene in the eWeLink app that toggles the Basic Gen5, then trigger that scene from a Sonoff NSPanel or wall switch.

What’s the difference vs MINIR4M?

Both support Matter. MINIR4M is designed to fit behind your wall switch, so you can keep using the physical switch while adding smarts. Basic Gen5 is a standalone relay for appliances or installs without a wall switch. Pick based on your installation location.