Shelly 2PM Gen3

The older model still makes a strong case

For an ordinary retrofit, Shelly 2PM Gen3 is easy to justify at its current €19.90 EU single-unit price. It puts two independently switched circuits and their power meters in one small module. The September 9, 2026 offer includes VAT, with shipping calculated separately; the two-pack costs €38.90.

That is a useful saving against 2PM Gen4 at €29.90 each. Both can keep existing wall switches, both offer local control, and both have a Matter path. Gen4's additional Zigbee option is a reason to spend more if you expect to use it. It is not a reason to replace a working Gen3 that already does the job.

The black 37 × 42 × 16 mm module is meant to disappear into an electrical box. Keeping the room's existing switch design is part of the appeal, but the small enclosure is not an invitation to squeeze it into unsuitable wiring space. Budget for an electrician to check the box, load and connections.

Two lights or one blind

The two channels serve two different purposes. In switch mode they control separate loads on the same phase, with power monitoring for each. For example, one module can switch two lighting circuits without replacing their visible controls. It switches them on and off; it does not dim them.

In cover mode, both outputs work together to drive one compatible bidirectional AC motor. You gain blind or shutter positioning after calibration, rather than two independently controlled motor channels. The motor must have correctly set end-position switches. The module's ability to accept a 24 V DC supply for switching does not establish compatibility with a DC blind motor.

The AC limits are 10 A per channel and 16 A combined, not 20 A available across two channels. Those limits and the load type belong in the installation decision. This is also not a pair of isolated dry contacts for arbitrary control circuits.

Matter is available, but update the old stock

Early descriptions called Gen3 Matter-ready. It now has released support: firmware 1.6.1 added the 2PM Gen3's Matter window-covering function on May 7, 2025. An older unit should be updated to current stable firmware, with Matter enabled in its web interface, before pairing. There is no need to buy Gen4 simply to obtain that connection.

Shelly's browser controls, local schedules and integration options are valuable beyond Matter. You can use the module within the local network without relying on Shelly Cloud. Detailed meter views, motor settings and automation tools remain reasons to use Shelly's own interface; do not assume every Matter app offers the same controls or history.

There is one drawback for enthusiasts: enabling Matter on Gen3 reduces the memory available to scripts. If substantial custom scripting is central to the project, evaluate that combination before buying a houseful. For straightforward switching, metering and blind routines, Gen3's lower hardware cost makes it our first comparison. For existing owners, a firmware update is a much more sensible starting point than replacement.