This smart plug from Wemo is compatible with most voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. You get Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT support, along with options such as scheduling from the app. Pocket-lint is supported by its readers. A smart plug is a switch that you plug into a power socket, which you then plug another device into. This outdoor smart plug packs in several features, including energy monitoring, voice assistant compatibility, a built-in light sensor and vacation mode to make it look like someone is always home. Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from consumer tech to smart home devices and appliances, health, home and fitness. Importantly, its compact design means it wont obstruct neighbouring plug points. Just download the app, pop in the plug and youre off to the races. |News
Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Some smart plugs enable you to create schedules within the app, such as setting your coffee machine to turn on at 8 am or having your electric blanket turn on before you wake up on a cold morning. We also evaluate extra features such as energy monitoring and the ease of creating schedules and zones as well as operating smart plugs remotely when we're away from home. "I like that it can be controlled through the app or via wireless remote. |Contact Us. For instance, if you want to use a smart plug in the outlet behind the couch, you need to ensure you have enough space for the smart plug itself as well as your device's plug. Featuring a space-saving design, this smart plug is easy to set up and can be operated directly from the Alexa app so everything is in one place. Its compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands for basic functions if you prefer. You can also remotely check which plugs are on (so no more panic over whether or not you switched off your hair straighteners when youre sitting on the train) and turn on lights remotely, so it looks as though youre home. This TCP plug is an excellent option with pretty much everything youd want in a smart plug at a very good price point. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 109. As you might expect, theres integration with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control power to the connected device using your voice instead of opening up the app each time. It can be stacked in the same outlet as another smart plug or squeezed into smaller spaces like behind the couch. How much is laziness worth. Thats useful now, more than ever, when were all trying to keep a closer eye on how much electricity our appliances and devices are using. Get a couple of these and you have a cheap and efficient way of automating your home to respond to changes in the weather. Using your location, you can also choose the sunrise and sunset as triggers. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Humax is better known for its Freeview set-top boxes, but has branched out into smart home devices, starting with this smart plug. However, this also means you can control it with Siri voice commands and that it benefits from the full encryption that HomeKit offers. The engineers and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test smart plugs in our own homes, assessing each one for performance, ease of installation and use as well, as compatibility with other devices and smart home ecosystems. You'll need the gateway to connect the Ikea Smart Plug to your home network, as well as either the Control Outlet or a separate bridging device, but you can connect multiple plugs to the gateway and the controlling device. |Service
It feels very solid in your hand and the plug has held up well to extreme temperatures and heavy rains.". As well as remote access, voice control, countdown timers and scheduling, you can, in many cases, see how much energy the plugged-in device is using. Hey! Then you can pick which Wi-Fi network you want the plug to connect to: like the TP-Link, no additional hub is required. We also like that you can schedule your smart plug to turn on your lights or other appliances at a specific time like when the sun begins to set. They all work well. While we haven't tested each smart plug in this round-up, our experts have reviewed and vetted similar or previous models for performance and quality. 
Great comment all, thanks. Its controlled by iOS and Android apps, but also Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so, while youre at home, you can control your device hands-free. 
Our experts like that you can create schedules for devices and that whole-room control is easy within the app, enabling you to turn multiple items on at once. You can turn the switch on and off via the Apple Home app in iOS 10, or using the Eve app. Check that it has an IP rating of at least IP64, meaning it can withstand some exposure to outdoor elements. The Hey! Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China)
In addition to tracking energy consumption, these smart plugs allow you to create scenes such as the perfect setting for watching a movie (imagine turning on your Apple TV and surrounding lighting just by saying "Hey Siri, it's movie time," or by using your iPad or Apple Watch). It also features an on/off switch and status light. Please note that for MY envisioned use case I do NOT want to turn on my phone, get bathed in light, go into an app and turn the light on or off. Once you set them up with the Lightwave app, theyre compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. For a start, its affordable and, second, it connects via Wi-Fi directly to your router. D-Links Smart Plug is an attractive oval device with a glowing ring that tells you its status. Where some are enormous, Humaxs is surprisingly compact, and wont obscure adjacent sockets. SwitchBots Bot isnt a smart plug, but weve included it here because it can add smart functionality to wall switches (including rockers) and any other button or key thats not on a smart plug compatible device. For people who dont have a lot of experience with smart home technology, GE Cync makes it easy to get started," he says. I have 3 in wall dimmers. Or you can operate it with your voice via an Alexa-enabled device like the Echo. Night stand light? The compact design will help you to avoid the plug getting in the way of anything around the socket and ensure that you can get two plugs on a double socket point. To set up a Lightwave ecosystem, you can Setting up timers is possible using the Scenes tab in the app, but creating a schedule is more complicated than in other apps, such as TP-Links. She continues to stay on top of the industrys latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market. ", 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, Best Smart Plug Power Strip for Apple Users, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Rather than using Wi-Fi, the switch uses Bluetooth. But if you don't need quite as many outlets, you can also opt for this slightly smaller three-outlet power strip from Kasa Smart. (Pocket-lint) - We love smart plugs, they enable you to take almost any old piece of home electronics and make it smart. Also be mindful that while some smart plugs might fit into one outlet on your wall, they could end up blocking the other. Energenie has a range of smart plugs, but most of them require an expensive hub that connects to your router. Smart Home buyer's guides, Home Smart range of devices (previouslyTrdfri), Ikea Trdfri review: Affordable smart lights and plugs. One of the simplest and easiest ways to integrate smart home tech into your life is via a smart plug. The app has one killer feature though: it tells you how much power is being consumed in real time, as well the total amount of energy used today and overall. Once its ready to go, the app allows you to do the usual things like set schedules and timers. The Efergy Ego is reasonably inconspicuous but still a little too bulky not to get in the way of other sockets flick switches. Indoor/outdoor use: If you plan on using your smart plug outside to operate Christmas lights or lamps and fans on your patio, first double-check that the smart plug was created for outdoor use. Fanghua Guangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd.
You can get the "Etekcity" set for $30 which would give you 5 plugs and 2 remotes. I'm looking for an Echo-enabled smart plug that ALSO has a physical remote of some kind. It wont cover it, so you can still use it manually. Press J to jump to the feed. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/lighting/36812/. Top Products Tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and IFTTT, Features six individually controlled outlets, Requires more space than other smart plugs, Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Ring, Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple HomeKit, Does not support Alexa or Google Assistant, IP64 rating and operates in extreme temperatures, Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and SmartThings, Dimming feature requires dimmable LED lights.
When youve added the plug in the app, you can tap ON or OFF to manually control the switch (even when away from home) but you can also set up timers. It will work in most UK homes, but if you want to control it when away from home, youll need an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) or a spare home-based iPad (newer than iPad 2) running at least iOS 8.1. Tapo is a sub-brand from TP-Link. But for those you really want to control from afar, its worth the outlay. Another point to note is that the MiHome Wi-Fi Smart Plug supports 13 amp devices, whereas some of the cheaper offerings are limited to 10 amps or less. While our experts haven't tested this particular smart plug, we found the setup of similar previous models a breeze. Through the Bosch Smart Home app, you'll begivenan insight into the power consumption of the individual devices and you'll also be able toindividually control them and program them day-by-day with a time switch.
Need Help? Not only can you plug in and control six devices, and you can operate each one individually, making it a perfect choice for offices or living rooms with a lot of gadgets. She's also an expertly-tuned speaker that can fill any room with immersive sound. Some smart plugs will also offer energy use and cost monitoring. Lutron Caseta. A longtime smart plug tester, she has several set up in her NYC apartment to turn on all the lights and play Mozart whenever she says, "Hey Google, c'est Versailles. Huanhua Road When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Unless youre already locked into a different ecosystem, this smart plug is definitely one to consider. It doesnt monitor your devices energy usage but for a few quid more, you can get Learn more about our, 10 Best Smart Plugs in 2022, According to Tech Experts, Olivia Lipski, Good Housekeeping Institute, What to look for when shopping for smart plugs. Hive also has bulbs and sensors within its smart home portfolio if you want to expand beyond plugs. Before buying a smart plug, make sure that it will fit in your space and outlet. Here's a list of the best smart plugs to buy, according to testing and research. The Efergy Ego smart switch can work as a regular timer, and can also switch devices like lights on and off at random useful when youre trying to give the impression that your home is occupied when youre away.
Setting it up is simple via the app. She's always onjust ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. The HS110 Smart Plug works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and it is compatible with devices runningAndroid 4.1 or higher and iOS 8 or higher. Copyright 2022 IDG Communications, Inc. None to note, although we couldn't test Alexa skill, Great features including power monitoring, Support for Alexa, Google Assistant & IFTTT, May not fit plug point if flush with skirting board.
smart plug is affordable, practical and easy to use, with no hub required. Cync by GE has a history in smart lighting, so if you happen to already own a few smart bulbs from the brand, this smart plug is a great addition for other devices you want to get connected. Here's our choice of the best smart plugs on the market at the moment. The compact design of this plug (45% smaller than the older Wemo Mini, according to the brand) makes it a great fit for smaller homes or apartments that are tight on space. Emma is Home Tech Editor at Tech Advisor. Featuring voice control with Google Assistant and Alexa, vacation mode, scheduling, grouping, timers and remote control, there's not much the Wyze smart plug doesn't offer. We've installed and evaluated everything from smart light switches to video doorbells and smart refrigerators in our homes. However, it does limit the range over which it can be controlled. Our experts advise that you should never use an indoor-only smart plug outside. A smart plug can turn dumb tech, such as your favourite vintage lamp, into programmable smart tech that you can schedule or switch on via voice command. It has two forms of timer: the usual type that sets it to switch on or off on a schedule, plus a countdown timer. A smart plug is "a small device that plugs into an existing electrical outlet, which you then plug your appliance into," says Rothman. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 10 Best Dog Carriers of 2022 For the Dog On The Go, 9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers, 13 Best Workout Shoes for At-Home and Gym Fitness, These Are the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Heres something slightly different: the Lightwave Smart Socket lets you replace the actual sockets in your home with smart variants, so you can avoid having bulky plugs sitting on top. The Amazon Smart Plug is designed to work with Alexa, so you only need the Alexa app to get it up and running. When choosing the best smart plugs, we evaluated each one for its performance, ease of use and installation and compatibility with other devices and voice assistants. 5DP. Want to schedule your lamps to turn off at bedtime? You'll then be able to remotely control the electronics plugged into the Amazon Smart Plugs, use voice control from Alexa devices, as well as set schedules for routine operations, such as turning the living room lamp on at 7 pm. While this smart power strip may be one of the more expensive on this list, its sleek, modern design will suit any home. Smart plug start at around 12/$12, and rise to around 55/$55, and they are getting cheaper, with better features. With a smart switch you can dramatically cut down on this wasted standby time. The Eve Energy is a smart switch that also monitors how much power the connected device uses over time. If you decide to move on from the Alexa platform to Google Home, for example, the Amazon Smart Plug won't be compatible with Google Home voice control. Not sure if it's worth 30 to tell alexa to turn my TVs off. Its compact design means it should mean both sockets on a double socket can be used simultaneously still and although it doesn't offer Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant control, there isamanual override function on the plug if your smartphone isn't handy. The TP-Link HS110 Smart Plug will allow you to turn your electronics on or off from your smartphone, anywhere you have an internet connection, but it will also allow you to monitor the energy usage of anything plugged into it from your smartphone like the Eve Energy. products come with a set-up guide and are beautifully packaged, so theyd make a good gift even for people who are less tech-savvy. The Ikea Smart Plug is part of the furniture giant'sHome Smart range of devices (previouslyTrdfri), which includes smart lighting. Our pros love that it has an extended WiFi range, according to the brand, to avoid any dead spots in your backyard. You can also see at a glance the amount of power used by the device you have plugged in, broken down by day. Interpretation of the news based on evidence, including data; projecting how events might unfold based on past events or how products and services compare against each other. Many smart plugs are also compatible with smart home devices and ecosystems like Amazon Echo and Google Homeor Apple HomeKitso you can control them with your voice or have them in a central app alongside other devices in your home. The countdown timer means it can turn a device (such as a portable heater warming you while youre snoozing) on or off after a certain amount of time. UL/ CUL Constant Volatge LED Power Supply, UL/ CUL Constant Current LED Power Supply, Room 8055, 5th floor. The Ego also has the ability to learn and automatically turn off appliances that have been on standby for a long time. Our pros like that this plug even offers an away mode, a feature that makes it look like you're at home when you're not by randomly turning on connected devices such as lamps. If you prefer a quick solution, smart plugs are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform some of the electronics you already own into smarter, connected ones. Enter your phone number and we'll send you a download link. Though it doesn't offer energy monitoring, you can still save money on your bill by creating schedules for your appliances so they're not drawing energy when not in use. Olivia Lipski is the Media & Tech Reviews Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers tech, home, appliances, health and more; prior to joining GH, she was a writer for Android Central and Lifewire reporting on all things smart home and cellular, as well as a content creator for the Association of National Advertisers where she wrote about marketing trends and innovation. It also works with IFTTT. Otherwise, it works in the same way, so its incredibly easy to set up. It's one of the most reliable, affordable picks on this list and is well-equipped to transform your existing devices and get your home connected. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our home improvement and tech analysts, experts and engineers have been testing smart devices since they were introduced. With a well-designed and good-looking app, no need for a hub and a decent price, the TP-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug is one of the best you can buy right now. On the right are three buttons: one to turn the attached device on and off manually, another to turn the LED on and off, and a third to reset the plug or use WPS setup with your router. Weve rounded up some of the market leaders and tested them out, to help make sure you buy the best smart plug, with the right features, at the best price. Theres a button on top for manual control as well. The design has also been simplified, with a single power button on the top and an LED indicator. Theres also a timer mode so you can turn the plug on or off after a preset time, which could be handy for a sleep timer or to turn off the TV once the kids have had enough screen time. 2003 - 2022 Pocket-lint Limited PO Box 4770, Ascot, SL5 Voice assistant compatibility: If you plan on using a voice assistant such as Google Assistant or Alexa with your smart plug, make sure that the smart plug is compatible with that assistant and ecosystem. You might see smart plugs that offer energy monitoring to understand how much energy your appliances are consuming, while others offer a dimming option for your lights. If you want to find out more, weve rounded up the These can also be countdown timers and most usefully for lights schedules based on sunset and sunrise which you can customise to your hearts content. At the time of review, the Alexa skill had not yet been approved so we were unable to test it. Once we plug smart plugs into outlets, we assess how easy they are to set up and operate physically, within the app and via voice control. Like all smart plugs, you just need to plug the HS110 into a normal plug socket, followed by the device you want to control into the smart plug. It has an adhesive pad on the back and you stick it to the switch you want to control. Featuring three individually controlled outlets, this power strip is ideal for Apple HomeKit users and Siri fans. I have that as well as "dedicated" tp-link smart plugs. Shes particularly interested in environmentally conscious brands and products that save people time and money. Set-up is quick and straightforward (although youll need to make sure you have a decent Wi-Fi signal during the process). This means that, at a minimum, you'll be able to turn devices on or off remotely through the compatible app," says Rothman. Sign up to receive exclusive offers in your inbox. "Most smart plugs work with their own proprietary app, but as with many smart home products they oftentimes can integrate with other, more robust, ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to leverage features like voice control," says Rothman. the TCP model that does. That means it doesnt need a hub. If you already have Lutron smart lighting set up in your home this outdoor plug is a great choice, enabling you to have everything consolidated in one app. Devices are often left on standby when not in use for large parts of the day, and standby use accounts for up to 16 percent of the average electricity bill. This power strip comes with a lot of bells and whistles, featuring energy monitoring, voice assistant compatibility and surge protection. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. Make sure you dont mistakenly install Xiaomis MiHome app: look for the Energenie one instead. Its just a shame that the instructions arent particularly clear on how to set this up. Some switches can even monitor multiple devices on a single power strip. Theapp lets you control the plug from anywhere, as well as giving you the option to set it to turn on and off on a schedule. Hongmei Neon Equipment Factory Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, you can use voice control or a smartphone to turn plugged in appliances on and off. Another benefit is its small size. England and Wales company registration number 5237480. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. Our experts like that it can be programmed to create illusions that you're home even when you're not. According to Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, "Smart plugs are one of the best entries into the smart home experience as they are low cost and can quickly and easily add automation capabilities to otherwise 'dumb' electronics." "For example, its very easy to integrate a Cync smart sensor into the system, so that a lamp plugged into the smart switch will turn on automatically when you enter the room. Learn more about our Its worth noting, however, that you cant use it with the Kasa app, so it isnt ideal if you already have TP-Link smart plugs or other smart devices. As the name suggests, this is a smaller version of D-Links regular smart plug. You set it up with a broadlink pro as a bridge(can also control TV etc) , and then use it with Alexa as well as Google Home. TP-Links Wi-Fi Smart Plug is another one of our top picks. Theres even an away mode which will turn a light on and off randomly, to make it look like youre still at home. Size: Not all smart plugs are created equally, and some are larger than others. By syncing your smart plugs with your favorite smart assistant, you can turn your appliances on or off just by asking! It has one button on the left-hand side to manually turn on and off the connected device, which is useful if you have it on a strip. Ended up getting the broad links. Theyre not the most budget-friendly option either. The Ikea Smart Plug also works with Amazon Alexa,Google Assistant,andApple HomeKit. This makes it easy to set up and also means you dont need to have a hub connected to your router. It also features an on/off switch and status light, so it can be turned off without the app. Investing in smart home devices can certainly make life around the house easier, but the cost of each individual device can quickly add up. It also has all the features weve come to expect in the best smart plugs. Once connected, you'll be able to turn any electronics plugged into it on or off remotely, as well as schedule up to six time slots a day to mimic someone being home. The plug itself has a compact design, meaning you should be able to fit it into any socket (including one on a power bar) and it wont cover up the spot next to it, or cause problems if your socket is flush with your skirting board. Any Homekit smart plug and a Homekit remote like the Philips and Logitech remotes.
This doesn't affect our editorial independence. Thats great news, as it will talk directly to your router via Wi-Fi. IKEA's smart lighting has remote controlled lightbulbs if you don't want to go the smart plug route. Our pros love that this smart plug from Wyze comes with two individually controlled outlets, making it the perfect choice for outdoor spaces that need a few appliances connected. Alexa is designed around your voice. ), these are our favorite smart plugs of 2022. First off, it works using Wi-Fi, meaning that you dont need a hub. buy one of the starter kits and start building a system of sockets, light switches, and smart heating products. Its an Apple HomeKit plug, which means it only works with iOS devices. Its Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, so you can use voice commands for basic controls. Once the plug is connected, the well-designed app makes it easy to switch your plug on and off or schedule days and times to do so. "The nice thing about GE Cyncs Indoor Smart Plug is the family of smart products around it," says Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Stick around after our picks to learn more about how we evaluate smart plugs plus several shopping tips to ensure you select the right ones for your home. The ihome solution meets my requirements most directly (handheld remote, not wall switch) but I am going to check out the Etekcity solution - don't know much about it. The sockets are available in either chrome or white, so they should fit in with your home decor. What's more, you can set up automation so that lamps turn on at sunset, for example, making them really handy bits of kit. Like some other smart plugs on this list, the Hive Active Plug is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant meaning you'll be able to control your electronics with your voice through anAmazon Alexa-enabled device, like the Amazon Echo or aGoogle Assistant-enabled devicelike Google Home. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. She covers everything from kitchen appliances to smart home devices, from floor care to personal care to air care technology. While most smart plugs work across multiple platforms, some may not support all of them. For starters, its one of the most affordable on the market. Tel: +86 20 81608506, Home There are downsides obviously, youll need to actually install the sockets rather than just plug them in.