How do I choose a smart plug?
Choosing the best smart plug for you begins with voice assistant compatibility. Choose a plug that works with whichever voice assistant you’re using, whether it’s a smart phone, a tablet or other device. You can usually find this information on the product box, website or in your voice assistant’s mobile app.
Which smart plugs are the best?
The best smart plugs you can buy in 2021
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP115. Compact and reliable with a great app.
- Hive Active Plug.
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip KP303.
- Amazon Smart Plug.
- Philips Hue Smart Plug.
- Belkin Wemo WiFi Smart Plug.
- TCP Smart Wi-Fi Plug.
- Innr SP222 Smart Plug.
Are all smart plugs the same?
Not all smart plugs are created equal. Much like smart bulbs, they connect differently – some using Wi-Fi, some Bluetooth, and some using specific smart home protocols such as Zigbee or Z-Wave.
Is Kasa a good brand?
A compact, affordable smart plug option Priced at just $8 per plug, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug is one of the best smart plugs in terms of value. We’ve tested other smart plugs and smart home devices from TP-Link and found them to be safe, easy-to-use and reliable.
Can smart plugs be programmed?
The Alexa app allows you to set timers and routines for all of the Smart Plugs in your home, and lets you control your devices remotely and with your voice.
Can you mix smart plugs?
You can mix and match throughout your entire home, fitting each individual light with the most appropriate smart light option.
Can you name Amazon smart plug?
You can also change it in the alexa app on your phone. Touch the devices button in the lower right corner of your screen, then touch “All Devices”, and then “First Plug”. Now touch the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, and touch “edit name”.
Can multiple smart plugs have the same name?
While each device be it a plug, smart bulb etc needs to have a specific label like Lamp 1, you can group any set of devices. Thus if you put devices such as Lamp 1 and Bulb 1 under a group called upstairs and told Alexa to turn on Upstairs, all devices in that group would be turned on.
Is Alexa Zigbee or Z-Wave?
However, right now, Alexa is not quite powerful enough to truly stand alone, in the way SmartThings can. There’s the fact it only supports Zigbee (no Z-Wave), but even within this Alexa is limited in exactly how much control you can wield over your connected devices, and Routines are not always totally reliable.
Why are Z-Wave devices so expensive?
Z-Wave is therefore usually more expensive because Z-Wave members have to pay membership fees, and agree to produce their devices in a particular way so that they are all compatible with each-other.
Are smart plugs worth it?
For many users, smart plugs are worth it. They use less energy than other devices providing they’re set up correctly. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and CLEAResult found that using smart plugs saves between 1 and 4.58\% of energy usage or about 500-1000 Kilowatts each year.
What is the best smart plug for your home?
We think the Belkin WeMo Insight Switch is the best smart plug because it ticks all the boxes above. It works with Amazon, Apple and Google services, can slot readily into smart home setups, and can monitor energy usage as well as letting you turn your appliances on and off from your phone.
Why should you buy the second type of smart plug?
However, the reason to opt for the second type of smart plug shouldn’t be price: rather, you’d buy these because they might integrate with another system you have or are planning to buy, such as smart lighting. Amazon Echo Dot Smart Device… Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) -…
Should I buy a smart plug for my smart speaker?
If you already have a smart speaker with a smart assistant on it (let’s say Amazon’s Alexa on an Echo Dot as an example), it makes good sense to buy smart plugs that are compatible so that you can control the plug not just from your phone but with your voice, too. Most plugs are compatible with more than one smart assistant, but always check first.
Are smart plugs compatible with Alexa?
There is a lot of choice when it comes to smart plugs. If you already have a smart speaker with a smart assistant on it (let’s say Amazon’s Alexa on an Echo Dot as an example), it makes good sense to buy smart plugs that are compatible so that you can control the plug not just from your phone but with your voice, too.