Shelly Wall Display XL vs iSG Display Max
Shelly was one of the first brands of smart home devices we started selling at ameriDroid. Since then, we have been partnering with Shelly to offer as many of their devices as possible. Some time ago, Shelly released the Shelly Wall Display XL and sent us a unit for testing. A bit earlier, we had started offering a few LinkNLink products, and the iSG Display Max was one of the most promising ones. Here, I’ll share my thoughts on both units and compare them.
First, let’s look at a comparison table with the specs of each:
iSG Display Max vs Shelly Wall Display XL - Comparison
| Feature | iSG Display Max | Shelly Wall Display XL |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price at ameriDroid | $179.95 | $289.95 |
| Screen | 10" Touch (1280x800) | 10.1" Touch (1280x752) |
| CPU | 8-Core 1.8GHz | Rockchip RK3566 Quad-Core 1.8GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Built-in Zigbee/Z-Wave/Matter | Yes | No |
| Wall Mount | Desktop Stand (included) | Standard Electrical Wall Box |
| Power Supply | 5V/2A (USB-C) | 100-240V AC (Hardwired) or USB-C 5V/3A |
| Built-in Relay | No | Yes (5A) |
| Speakers | Built-in Speaker | 2x 2W Stereo Speakers |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz | Wi-Fi 6 (Dual Band) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Best For | All-in-one Home Assistant gateway with Zigbee | Wall-mounted control panel for Shelly ecosystem |
Let’s continue by addressing each of these comparison points:
- Price: Pricing for most devices can change quickly, so I’m comparing with current pricing as of May 28th, 2026. We currently offer the iSG Display Max for $179.95 (down from the original $219.95), while the Shelly Wall Display XL is priced at $289.95. That’s a $110 difference. The quality on the Shelly Wall Display is 100% worth the higher price — the build feels sturdy with nice finishes, the screen looks excellent, and despite being basically the same size as the iSG, the physical buttons on the sides make it feel significantly larger. The iSG has a plastic enclosure and the screen/touch feels more budget-oriented, which is expected given the price difference.
- Screen: As mentioned, the Shelly’s display is only 0.1" larger, but the side buttons make it feel much bigger in real use. The quality and feel of the Shelly touchscreen are noticeably nicer.
- CPU/RAM: The iSG has a more powerful 8-core 1.8GHz CPU (exact chipset not disclosed) compared to the Shelly’s Rockchip RK3566 quad-core 1.8GHz. Combined with 4 GB of RAM versus the Shelly’s 2 GB, the iSG feels faster and more responsive, especially when using video snapshots or heavier cards in Home Assistant.
- Built-in Zigbee/Z-Wave/Matter: The iSG Display Max has a clear advantage here if you plan to use it as your main Home Assistant hub. If you only want a clean control panel that connects to Home Assistant, these extras may go unused. The Shelly supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and works well with both the official Shelly app and Home Assistant.
- Wall Mount / Built-in Relay: This is one of the Shelly Wall Display’s strongest features. It is designed to replace a standard light switch in a wall box, supplying power to the display while still allowing switch functionality. With the iSG, users often cut a hole in the wall and install a recessed outlet. If you don’t want to hardwire the Shelly, we also offer a 3D-printed desktop mount.
-
Power Supply: The iSG is straightforward — it includes a 5V/2A USB-C power supply. The Shelly is more flexible but has some quirks when not hardwired:
- It requires 5V/3A, but many USB-C to USB-C cables/power supplies cause boot loops due to Power Delivery (PD) negotiation issues.
- USB-A to USB-C cables tend to work more reliably. We recommend using at least 5V/4A.
- Personally, I use a 5V/4A DC supply with a USB-C adapter and a 90-degree USB-C female-to-male adapter to keep the cable hidden.
- Speakers: Both are adequate for their intended use. The Shelly’s stereo speakers are excellent for notification chimes and alarms. The iSG can get a bit louder, making it better suited for videos or media.
- Wi-Fi / Bluetooth: The Shelly performs better here. Even when placed in a far corner of the house, it maintains a strong connection. Its Bluetooth range is also excellent. The iSG is slightly less stable but still acceptable for most users.
One thing I don’t love about both devices is that you need to create an account with LinkNLink (for the iSG) or Shelly to fully use them. If you prefer a solution that works directly with Home Assistant without any cloud account, we’ve recently started offering several excellent Elecrow and Heltec ESP32-based products:
- CrowPanel Advanced 10.1inch | ESP32-P4 HMI AI Display: Flash with ESPHome and use LVGL to build beautiful custom dashboards directly on the device.
- CrowPanel 1.46" ESP32 Rotary Display and CrowPanel 1.28" ESP32 Rotary Display: Great for compact dashboards with a useful physical rotary knob.
- CrowPanel Advanced 3.5" ESP32-S3 AI HMI Display: Excellent balance of size and usability for bedside or desk dashboards.
- E-Ink Devices (no touch): Perfect for always-on, ultra-low-power displays.
In summary: If you want the best quality, premium feel, and polished experience, the Shelly Wall Display XL is the clear winner. If you’re looking for more performance and RAM at a lower price, the iSG Display Max at $179.95 is an excellent value. And if you prefer a fully local, no-account DIY solution, check out our CrowPanel and Heltec ESP32 devices — they’re even more budget-friendly.