Shunt resistors and current transformers each offer clear advantages for smart meter design, but they support different priorities. Shunt resistors often stand out for economy, direct sensing, and compact integration. Current transformers often stand out for isolation-related advantages, magnetic sensing structure, and suitability in certain robust metering architectures. The better option depends on the actual meter platform, including cost target, thermal strategy, safety concept, integration method, and long-term reliability goals. By comparing both methods from a full system perspective, project teams can make a more practical and more reliable current sensing decision.