Part of my complete Sonoff Mini R4 guide. Here I compare the Mini R4 with the other Sonoff mini switches so you can pick the right one.
Sonoff sells several mini relay modules that look almost identical but behave very differently: the Mini R4 (Wi-Fi), the Mini R4M (Matter), the ZBMINIR2 (Zigbee) and the older Mini R2 (Wi-Fi). The right one depends less on price than on the platform you use. This is how I choose between them.
Sonoff Mini R4 vs R4M vs ZBMINIR2 vs Mini R2: quick comparison
| Feature | Mini R4 | Mini R4M | ZBMINIR2 | Mini R2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth LE | Wi-Fi with Matter | Zigbee 3.0 | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz |
| Needs a hub? | No (eWeLink app, LAN control) | No for Matter over Wi-Fi; needs a Matter controller (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa…) | Yes, a Zigbee gateway or coordinator | No |
| Max load | 10 A / 2400 W | See the official specs | 10 A / 2400 W | 10 A |
| Voltage | 100–240 V AC | 100–240 V AC | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz | 100–240 V AC |
| Neutral wire | Follow the official wiring diagram | Required | Required | Follow the official wiring diagram |
| External switch | Yes, several types, with detach relay | Yes | Yes (S1/S2 terminals), with detach relay | Yes |
| Extra features | ESP32, ESPHome via serial | Matter interoperability | Zigbee router for up to 64 sub-devices; works with Zigbee2MQTT | DIY mode |
| Size | 39.5 × 33 × 16.8 mm | See the official specs | 39.5 × 33 × 16.8 mm | Larger than the R4 |
Data taken from the official Sonoff documentation and independent reviews. Always check the product page before buying, as hardware revisions and prices change.
Sonoff Mini R4 vs Mini R4M (Matter)
The R4M is the Matter version. If you use Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa and want the module to appear in them without going through the eWeLink cloud, the R4M is the logical choice. If you already use the eWeLink app, LAN control or ESPHome, the standard Mini R4 does the job and avoids paying for a feature you will not use. I cover the R4M in detail in New Sonoff Mini R4M: Matter arrives at Sonoff.
Sonoff Mini R4 vs ZBMINIR2 (Zigbee)
The ZBMINIR2 is the Zigbee 3.0 equivalent. It has the same footprint and the same 10 A / 2400 W rating, and it acts as a Zigbee router (up to 64 sub-devices), which helps extend your mesh. The trade-off is that it needs a Zigbee coordinator such as a Sonoff bridge or a dongle with Zigbee2MQTT. If you are building a Zigbee network, choose the ZBMINIR2; if you just want Wi-Fi without a hub, choose the Mini R4. See my guide to Sonoff hubs and gateways if you are choosing a coordinator.
Sonoff Mini R4 vs Mini R2
The Mini R2 is the older Wi-Fi model. It is a good low-cost option and supports DIY mode, but the R4 is smaller and is the model Sonoff currently promotes. My Mini R2 article explains where the R2 still makes sense.
Sonoff Mini R4 vs Shelly and other brands
If you are comparing Sonoff with Shelly or Aqara, read my Sonoff vs Shelly vs Aqara comparison. It covers protocols, prices and when each brand makes sense.
Which one should you buy?
- I want the simplest Wi-Fi option with local control: Sonoff Mini R4.
- I use Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa and want Matter: Sonoff Mini R4M.
- I have or plan a Zigbee network: Sonoff ZBMINIR2.
- I am on a tight budget or already have Mini R2s: Sonoff Mini R2.
Need help installing it? Follow my Sonoff Mini R4 setup guide.
Buy the Sonoff Mini R4
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Sonoff Mini R4 and the R4M?
The R4M is the Matter version, designed to work with Matter platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa. The R4 uses the eWeLink ecosystem.
Does the ZBMINIR2 need a hub?
Yes. It is a Zigbee device, so you need a Zigbee gateway or coordinator, for example a Sonoff bridge or a USB/PoE dongle running Zigbee2MQTT.
Which Sonoff mini switch is smallest?
The Mini R4 and the ZBMINIR2 share the same 39.5 × 33 × 16.8 mm size. The Mini R4 is about 40% smaller than the Mini R2.
Is the Mini R4 compatible with Matter?
Not the standard Mini R4. For Matter, choose the Mini R4M.
