If you’re looking for a smart Sonoff button that truly delivers versatility, advanced control, and solid compatibility with leading home automation ecosystems, the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 is one of the most feature-rich options in its category. This in-depth review covers its technical specifications, real-world functionality, Zigbee vs WiFi differences, and includes recommended purchase links.
What Is a Smart Button?
A smart button is a physical device designed to trigger automations, scenes, or actions within a smart home system. Unlike a traditional wall switch, a smart button does not directly cut or supply electrical current. Instead, its primary role is to send a command to the home automation platform, which then executes the action you’ve programmed.
In simple terms, a smart button allows you to:
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Activate routines such as “night mode”, “movie mode”, or “turn off all lights”.
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Control lights, plugs, or appliances through predefined scenes.
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Trigger complex automations without using your phone or voice assistants.
Depending on the communication technology used (Zigbee, WiFi, Bluetooth), the device’s performance and reliability can vary significantly.
What Is the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 Smart Button?
The Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 is a smart scene button designed to trigger automations through multiple types of press actions. Each button supports four interaction types: single press, double press, triple press, and long press. That means you can configure up to sixteen different scenes across platforms like eWeLink, Home Assistant, or Zigbee2MQTT.
This smart button works in both Zigbee mode and eWeLink-Remote mode, making it compatible with a wide range of hubs and smart home systems.
Operating Modes of the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1
Zigbee Mode
This is the recommended mode due to its stability, low latency, and fully local operation. When you pull the battery tab, the button automatically enters pairing mode. If pairing times out, simply press and hold the reset button for five seconds to reactivate it.
This mode allows integration with:
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Home Assistant (ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT)
eWeLink-Remote Mode
In this mode, the Orb acts as a direct trigger for Sonoff devices that support eWeLink-Remote. It does not behave like a switch but functions as a scene activator within the eWeLink app.
Zigbee Smart Button vs WiFi Smart Button: Key Differences
A crucial consideration for smart home users is the difference between Zigbee-based buttons and WiFi-based buttons.
A Zigbee smart button, like the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1:
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Uses far less energy
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Offers significantly longer battery life (years on a single cell)
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Does not require continuous network communication
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Works even if Internet is down (local control)
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Integrates better in complex home automation ecosystems
A WiFi smart button:
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Depends entirely on Internet and cloud services
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Consumes more energy, resulting in shorter battery life
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May suffer from latency or instability based on network quality
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Is generally less reliable for local-only operation
For these reasons, if you value reliability, speed, and long-term efficiency, a Zigbee smart button is typically the superior choice—especially in installations with multiple devices.
Advanced Features of the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1
TouchLink
TouchLink allows the Orb to pair directly with compatible Zigbee bulbs without using a gateway. This provides instant, fully local control.
Zigbee Bindings
Bindings let the Orb communicate directly with another Zigbee device (typically a light), bypassing the hub entirely. This ensures:
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Immediate response
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Maximum stability
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Total independence from the main controller
These advanced features set the Orb 4-in-1 apart from more basic smart buttons.
Installation and Mounting
The Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 offers multiple mounting methods:
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Included VHB adhesive for quick installation
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Screw mounting on a standard electrical box
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Magnetic base for easy removal and repositioning
Sonoff recommends installing the button at a height of up to two meters for comfortable use.
Battery Life and Safety
The device uses a CR2477 battery, larger and more powerful than the common CR2032. Depending on the mode and usage pattern, battery life ranges from two to four years.
The manual highlights several safety guidelines regarding button cell batteries, especially for households with children. The battery compartment opens easily by rotating it with a coin.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Up to sixteen configurable scenes
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Compatible with Zigbee and eWeLink-Remote
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Long battery life
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Flexible installation options
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TouchLink and Zigbee Bindings for advanced local control
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Full integration with Home Assistant
Cons
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Triple press not available in eWeLink-Remote mode
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Requires a Zigbee gateway for full functionality
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Does not execute direct actions without scenes unless using TouchLink or Bindings
Price of the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1
The Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 typically costs around €20.47 (or the equivalent in USD depending on region). While slightly above the price of basic Zigbee buttons, it offers superior functionality, improved battery life, and broader compatibility.
Considering its capabilities, design, and advanced features, it offers excellent value for money.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home automation system with a reliable, versatile smart button, the Orb 4-in-1 is a highly recommended choice.
Where to Buy the Sonoff Orb 4-in-1
You can purchase the device here:
Buy Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 – Official Website
Discount Code for All Products on Sonoff’s Official Website: AXLM10
Conclusion
The Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 smart button is one of the most versatile Zigbee controllers on the market. Its compatibility with TouchLink, Bindings, Zigbee, and eWeLink makes it suitable for both simple setups and advanced home automation systems.
If you need a reliable button with extensive autonomy and the ability to manage numerous scenes without relying on your phone or Internet connection, this model is an excellent option.
Let me know in the comments what you think about this new Sonoff release and whether you already knew about it. If you enjoyed this review, feel free to share it with others who might benefit from this solution.
