Review of SONOFF’s latest Matter Smart Switches – Basic Gen5 and Tx Gen2

Today, we’re about to review not one, but two new Matter devices: the SONOFF Basic Gen5 Smart Switch and the SONOFF Tx Gen2 Smart Wall Switch. Both are upgraded versions of their previous models, now adding support for the Matter protocol (over Wi-Fi).

The Basic Gen5 is the fifth generation of the popular Basic series, known for being affordable and widely used in the market. It’s a Wi-Fi smart switch that can control all kinds of devices, such as lights or small electrical devices. Basically, anything within its 10A limit. What’s new compared to the previous BasicR4 is the addition of Matter and near-field control via Bluetooth.

As for the Tx Gen2 (T6), it’s an upgraded version of the older T2/T3 lineup. Besides adding Matter, it also brings a few new features, like adjustable backlight brightness and the Detach Relay mode. Both models support voice control via Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Let’s take a quick look at the details.

SONOFF Basic Gen5 unboxing and teardown

Firstly, the exterior looks quite different from the previous model — this one has a much more minimal design. Once you peel off the sticker, you’ll see the clean all-white body, which actually looks nicer and less technical than before. You could even leave it without putting it in a case, and it still wouldn’t look bad.

The Basic Gen5 doesn’t have the small black button like the previous model. Instead, you can press anywhere on the top of the device — the whole top surface works like a giant button. It’s super easy and convenient to use. Also, inside the box, you’ll find a small metal tool for opening the Basic Gen5’s case, since there are no screws.

The picture below shows a few different 3D printed cases to install the switch. However, our favorite setup is using it as a floor switch, since the Basic Gen5’s big touch area makes it super easy to press and quite convenient to use in that way.

When we removed the top to see the components inside, the main change inside Basic Gen5 is the MCU. It looks like SONOFF has switched from using Espressif’s ESP32 to a Beken 7238 chip instead. We assume that the Beken chip offers better power efficiency and lower cost, while still being good enough for basic IoT devices like smart switches or wall switches.

DIY enthusiasts will notice the Tx/Rx pins that could be used to flash other firmware, like ESPHome, which now supports Beken chips too. Sadly, since this is a Matter-certified device, the firmware is locked and does not allow the flashing of custom firmware. However, if the reason to flash custom firmware is to let it work locally, the Matter standard already supports local control.

SONOFF Basic Gen 5 specifications

• Model Name – BASIC-1GS
• MCU – Beken BK7238 32-bit MCU at up to 160 MHz with 288 KB RAM, 2 MB flash (SiP), 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n WiFi 4, and Bluetooth LE 5.2
• Connectivity – Matter Over WiFi
• Rating: 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 10A Max Resistive load
• Wiring – T40, copper conductors only, limited to 16AWG to 14AWG SOL/STR
• Dimensions – 80.5 x 41.5 x 23.6mm
• Weight – 44.8 grams
• Casing material – PC
• Temperature Range – -10°C to +40°C
• Humidity – 5-95%RH, non-condensing

Using SONOFF Basic Gen5 with the eWeLink mobile app

Adding the Basic Gen5 device to eWeLink, SONOFF’s default app, is pretty much the same as with their other devices from SONOFF. Just tap the “+” icon on the top right of the home screen and follow the setup steps. We already covered this process in our BasicR4 review. However, you can also check out the images below for a quick walkthrough.

After playing around with the Basic Gen5 for a while, we found that it pretty much has all the same features as the previous BasicR4. For example, things like scheduling, LAN control (intranet mode), alerts/notifications,  power-on state, inching mode (both auto-on and auto-off), and even Magic Switch mode.

What’s new with the Basic Gen5 is features like automatic updates, Matter support, and near-field local control via Bluetooth.

However, a few things are missing compared to the older models — the Timer and Loop Timer options are gone, and it no longer supports the eWeLink Remote Gateway. That means it can’t act as an eWelink gateway device for other eWelink remote products like the R5 or S-MATE2 anymore. That’s a trade-off the buyer should know.

We also tested one of the new features — Offline Near-field Control, also known as Local Control via Bluetooth. We simulated a setup where the Basic Gen5 had no TCP/IP connection at all (no internet or Wi-Fi intranet). Then we used an iPhone with the eWeLink app and Bluetooth turned on. Once we are within a 10-meter range from the Basic Gen5, the app reconnects to the device automatically, as you can see in the screenshots below. It’s an alternative way to control the device, aside from using the app over Wi-Fi, voice commands, and the physical button.

Using SONOFF Basic Gen5 with Home Assistant

Next, we tested adding the Basic Gen5 to Home Assistant, the popular open-source smart home platform, directly through Matter integration. This method doesn’t require the eWeLink app at all.

Here’s our test environment:

• Raspberry Pi 4B, 8GB RAM
• Home Assistant OS 15.2
• Home Assistant Core 2025.10.3

Adding the device was pretty straightforward, just like any other Matter device setup. Once added, you’ll see only a few entities appear in Home Assistant — mainly the on/off control and Power On State. Some advanced features are missing as expected, since those are only available through eWeLink.

As we’ve mentioned in our previous SONOFF Matter reviews, the best way to get the most out of your device is to use multiple platforms together. You don’t need to pick just one. Since Matter allows devices to be shared across platforms and even syncs their status in real time, you can easily control your devices from multiple apps at once.

For example, if you prefer using Apple HomeKit because it’s easy, go ahead. However, you can still launch eWeLink occasionally to set up features that HomeKit doesn’t support if needed, for instance, Inching mode to count down on or off. That’s one of the biggest advantages of Matter.

Sharing devices via Matter across platforms just takes one extra step — you’ll need to copy the pairing code to another platform. We’ve already shown how to do this in our previous SONOFF Matter review.

Unboxing the SONOFF Tx Gen2

Time to move to the second Matter device: the SONOFF Tx Gen2.

At the time of this review, the Tx Gen2 was only available in the 120 (US) version. We expect the square (EU/UK) models will roll out shortly after, just like previous generations. The Tx Gen2 comes in 1, 2, and 3-gang versions, and the body is made of a mix of tempered glass and flame-retardant plastic.

Compared to the previous generation, the Tx Gen2 has a thinner and lighter glass panel, but it still feels solid when you tap it. The touch areas are now more clearly outlined, making it easier to know exactly where to press. You can also adjust the button backlight brightness through the eWeLink app, which is great if you don’t want bright lights bothering you at night.

Inside the Tx Gen2, you’ll see that the MCU has also been changed from ESP to Beken BK7238, the same as in the BasicR5 above.. Not sure yet whether the BK7238 chip will become the new standard for SONOFF’s future Matter devices, but it does look like that.

On the back, you’ll notice mounting holes on all four sides. This makes installation more flexible since wall boxes differ from house to house or electrician to electrician. Some may have only left-right holes, and some top-bottom. After pressing the buttons multiple times during testing, the response speed felt just as good as the previous model. The relay click sound when turning on or off was about the same, too.

SONOFF Tx Gen2 specifications

• Models T6-1C-120M, T6-2C-120M, T6-3C-120M
• MCU – Beken BK7238 32-bit MCU at up to 160 MHz with 288 KB RAM, 2 MB flash (SiP), 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n WiFi 4, and Bluetooth LE 5.2
• Connectivity – Matter over Wi-Fi
• Rating
  • T6-1C: 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 10A Max (Resistive load)
  • T6-2C: 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 10A Max/gang, Total 16A Max (Resistive load)
  • T6-3C: 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 10A Max/gang, Total 16A Max (Resistive load)
• LED
  • T6-1C: 150W @ 100V, 300W @ 240V
  • T6-2C: 150W @ 100V/gang, 300W @ 240V/gang, total: 300W @ 100V, 600W @ 240V
  • T6- 3C: 150W@100V/gang, 300W@240V/gang, Total 450W@100V, 900W@240V
• Diameter of wiring (recommend) – 16AWG to 11AWG SOL/STR copper conductor only
• Dimensions – 120 x 74 x 37.7mm
• Weight – T6-1C: 133.3g, T6-2C: 140.7g, T6-3C: 149.5g
• Casing material – PC+Glass
• Temperature Range – -10°C to +40°C
• Humidity – 5-95%RH, non-condensing

SONOFF Tx Gen2 review with the eWeLink app

Adding the Tx Gen2 to the eWeLink works just like with the BasicR5 we reviewed earlier. You can follow the step-by-step screenshots below

Once the Tx Gen2 shows up in eWeLink, its Device Settings menu looks similar to other SONOFF smart wall switches, except it now includes Button Backlight’s brightness control and the Detach Relay mode.

For new users or those not familiar with SONOFF devices, using Tx Gen2 together with eWeLink gives you access to a few extra features that you won’t find when using it with other platforms. They are

• Power On State – Lets you select what happens after a power outage: turn on, stay off, or restore the previous state. You can even add a delay for any reason. For example, turn on 5 seconds later after the power is back, to avoid power surges during storms.
• Inching Mode – Lets you set a timer to automatically turn on or off after some delay. For example, set Auto-Off to 5s so the switch turns itself off after 5 seconds. Or Auto-On to turn the switch on automatically after x seconds. A handy feature for things like periodically rebooting a router.
• Detach Relay – Useful when you don’t want the physical switch to control the device directly and prefer to manage it only through the app.

Using SONOFF Tx Gen2 with Home Assistant

Next, we tried adding the Tx Gen2 to Home Assistant, again through Matter integration. The process is basically the same as with the Basic Gen5. Just follow the steps shown in the screenshots below.

We see entities for the switch (in our case, the 3-gangs model) and a Power On State setting. However, it only lets you choose the state itself, as there’s no delay option as seen in eWeLink. Why? We believe this could be the Matter standard, where some detailed features aren’t yet fully supported compared to each brand’s own app. Again, in the Matter world, you don’t need to worry since Matter can be shared across platforms to maximize the feature.

Conclusion

After spending some time testing these two new Matter devices from SONOFF, we’d say both performed smoothly and reliably under the Matter standard. They’re easy to set up, and device sharing across multiple smart home platforms worked perfectly. We tested them with both Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant without any issues.

The Basic Gen5 comes with a cleaner, more minimal design and a big, easy-to-press button. It adds Detach Relay mode, Bluetooth near-field control, and changes the MCU to a new Beken chip, replacing the “traditional” Espressif ESP32 chip. Interestingly, even with more features, its price is lower than the previous model. The only drawback is that (SONOFF) Matter devices can’t be flashed with custom firmware due to security and compliance restrictions of the Matter standard. If flashing is needed, the BasicR4 would be a better alternative.

The Tx Gen2 follows the same path — using the new Beken chip and adding Matter support. It also brings button backlight adjustment, perfect for bedrooms, and the Detached Relay mode for more flexible control. The build quality feels solid with tempered glass and flame-retardant plastic, though it’s a bit pricier than the previous Tx models. Still, it’s a good option for those who want a touch-style smart wall switch that works across multiple platforms via Matter.

Big thanks to SONOFF for sending these new Matter devices for review! The Basic Gen5 (BASIC-1GS) can be purchased for just $5.99 on the SONOFF store (not on Amazon yet), while the 3-gang TX Gen2 (T6-3C-120M) goes for $23.90 on the SONOFF store or Amazon.  You can also use the coupon code “cnxsoft” to get a 10% discount on any order on the SONOFF store.

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