
⚡ SONOFF Basic Gen5 — Matter WiFi Smart Switch (BASIC-1GS)
The legendary SONOFF Basic, now in its 5th generation — with Matter protocol built in. This compact inline smart switch turns any light, fan, or appliance into a smart device for under R200. Control from your phone, your voice, or your favourite smart home platform. Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, and eWeLink — all from one device, no hub required.
🌐 Matter Protocol — One Device, Every Platform
The Basic Gen5 is Matter-certified, meaning it works natively with Apple Home (Siri), Google Home (Google Assistant), Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant — without needing separate integrations or cloud bridges for each platform. Set it up once in eWeLink, then add it to any Matter-compatible ecosystem. Your household can control the same switch from different apps and voice assistants.
⚡ Key Features
- Matter Protocol — certified for cross-platform compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant
- WiFi 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required — connects directly to your router, no bridge or gateway needed
- 10A / 2,200W Max Load — handles lights, fans, heaters, and most household appliances at SA 220V
- Magic Switch Mode — stays controllable via app even when the physical wall switch is turned off (requires L1/L2 wiring with a double-pole rocker switch)
- Local Control — operates reliably without internet via Bluetooth near-field control (up to 10 m) and LAN mode
- Large Touch Button — wide surface for easy manual on/off, plus press-and-hold for pairing mode
- eWeLink App — full-featured app with remote control, scheduling, countdown timers, smart scenes, inching mode, device sharing, and power-on state memory
- Voice Control — works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant for hands-free control
- Smart Scenes & Automation — link with other SONOFF and Matter devices to create if-then automations
- Compact Design — 80.5 × 41.5 × 23.6 mm, fits inside wall boxes, ceiling roses, or DB board enclosures
- Home Assistant Native — integrates via Matter directly, or via the eWeLink integration
- 3D-Printable Mounts — wall-mount and DIN-rail brackets available on MakerWorld for tidy installation
🪄 Magic Switch Mode
The Problem
With traditional smart relays, turning off the wall switch cuts power to the relay — and you lose app & voice control until someone turns the switch back on.
The Solution
Magic Switch Mode keeps the Basic Gen5 powered and online even when the wall switch is flipped off. The relay draws a tiny current through the load to stay alive — so app and voice control always work.
💡 What Can You Automate?
Lights
Install behind any light switch to add remote control, scheduling, voice control, and Matter integration to your existing lights.
Fans & Extractors
Automate bathroom extractors, ceiling fans, or kitchen extractors with timers, smart scenes, and voice commands.
Appliances
Control heaters, lamps, water features, or any resistive load up to 10A. Set schedules to match your daily routine.
Irrigation & Pumps
Set watering schedules for your garden. Turn pool pumps on and off automatically based on a daily timer.
🔄 Basic Gen5 vs BasicR4 — What's New?
| Feature | Basic Gen5 (1GS) | BasicR4 |
| Matter Protocol | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Apple Home / Siri | ✅ Native via Matter | ❌ Not supported |
| Bluetooth Near-Field | ✅ BLE 5.2 (up to 10 m) | ❌ No |
| Magic Switch Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| eWeLink App | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support |
| LAN / Local Control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Smart Scenes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Voice Control | Siri · Alexa · Google | Alexa · Google |
| MCU | Beken BK7238 | ESP32 |
| Max Load | 10A | 10A |
| Home Assistant | Matter + eWeLink | eWeLink only |
🔧 How It Works
Simple Inline Installation
The Basic Gen5 is an inline relay switch — it wires between your power source and your appliance or light fitting. Connect Line In, Neutral, and Line Out. Power on, and the device enters pairing mode (LED flashes two short + one long). Add it to the eWeLink app, then optionally add it to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa via Matter. Installation must be done by a qualified electrician.
🏠 Complete Your Smart Home
SONOFF T5 TX Ultimate
Premium smart wall switch with full-surface touch and LED edge lighting. For rooms where you want a visible upgrade on the wall.
View Product →SONOFF T6 TX Gen2
Touch wall switch with Matter — same cross-platform compatibility as the Basic Gen5, but as a visible wall switch.
View Product →SONOFF M5 SwitchMan
Physical button wall switch with Matter. For rooms where you prefer a click-button smart switch on the wall.
View Product →SONOFF NSPanel Pro 120
4.7″ touchscreen control panel. Create smart scenes that include your Basic Gen5 alongside Zigbee sensors and other devices.
View Product →📋 Technical Specifications
| Product | SONOFF Basic Gen5 |
| Model | BASIC-1GS |
| Type | Matter Over WiFi Smart Switch (1 channel, inline relay) |
| Input Voltage | 100-240V AC 50/60Hz (SA 220-240V compatible) |
| Max Load | 10A / 2,200W @ 220V (resistive load) |
| WiFi | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.2 — near-field control up to 10 m |
| Protocol | Matter over WiFi · eWeLink |
| Hub Required | No — connects directly to WiFi router |
| App | eWeLink (iOS & Android) |
| Voice Control | Siri · Amazon Alexa · Google Assistant |
| Smart Home Platforms | Apple Home · Google Home · Alexa · SmartThings · Home Assistant |
| Local Control | Yes — LAN mode + Bluetooth near-field |
| Magic Switch Mode | Yes — stays online when wall switch is off (requires L1/L2 wiring) |
| Smart Scenes | Yes — eWeLink if-then automations |
| Inching Mode | Yes — auto-on and auto-off pulse timing |
| Power-On State | Configurable — on, off, or last state |
| MCU | Beken BK7238 |
| Dimensions | 80.5 × 41.5 × 23.6 mm |
| Weight | 44.8 g |
| Casing Material | PC (polycarbonate) |
| Wiring | Copper conductors only, 16AWG–14AWG SOL/STR |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5–95% RH, non-condensing |
| Certifications | CE · FCC · RoHS |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hub or bridge?
How does Matter work on this device?
Does it work with Apple Home / Siri?
What is Magic Switch Mode?
Can I still use my existing wall switch?
What can I control with it?
How does it compare to the BasicR4?
Can I flash custom firmware (Tasmota/ESPHome)?
Does it work during load shedding?
Can multiple people control it?
🤝 Need Help? We're Here for You!
Visit Us
8 Wildebraam Street
Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort
Gauteng, 1709
The Smart Switch That Started It All — Now With Matter
Five generations of the world's most popular DIY smart switch. Under R200.

