If you’re looking for the best smart plug to try your hand at home automation the best way is to start small with a smart plug outlet, this will allow you to control the devices you plug into the smart plug outlet. You won’t have to run wires or remove any outlets… Just plug the smart plug into the existing outlet and then plug the device you want to control into the smart plug.
What Exactly is a Smart Plug?
A smart plug is a device you plug into an existing plug outlet that uses smart technology to allow more functionality to the devices that are plugged into it. Once you have plugged your device into the smart plug you can now control scheduling, remote access to the smart plug, and monitor the amount of power the device is using. This is all done with an app that’s installed on your smartphone or any other device.
The best smart plug will be able to mix with your home automation system and if you’re using a voice assistant you can give commands and the smart plug will carry out your instructions. While a smart plug is limited as to what it can do, it’s the perfect way to test drive some home automation without spending hundreds!
Smart Plug Application
Smart plugs can be used in a variety of situations for your daily use and for occasions when you’re away from home on business or away for a vacation.
Let’s take a quick look at the applications:
– 110-volt applications such as small electric heaters, fans, and small AC units.
– Lighting control of lamps and any other types of lights that are plugged into a 110-volt electrical plug outlet. This is very useful when you’re away from your home so you can schedule the various times to turn the lights on or off.
– Your small appliances like a coffee pot or other devices that you use.
– Heavy appliance 240-volt smart plugs are less common and are much more expensive, they do have some safety applications such as controlling a home stove.
Some Pros and Cons to Consider
Just like any advancements in technology, there are pros and cons to consider. I have looked at the most common benefits and disadvantages of smart plugs and have listed them below.
Pros of Using a Smart Plug
– You can make any device a lot smarter.
– Once a device is connected to the smart plug you will be able to control it with a simple app on your smartphone from anywhere.
– With the best smart plugs they allow you to set up schedules to turn on or off lights or turn on a coffee pot so your morning coffee is ready for you when you get up.
– Smart plugs won’t cost you an arm and leg and will work without any type of home automation system or required home hub. Most of the smart plugs will cost you between $25.00 to $50.00 each depending on where you buy them. A 240-volt smart plug will cost you over $100.00.
– You can control the smart plugs from a device or from your smartphone. There are even ones that come with their own remote control device. This allows anyone in the home to use the smart plug without having to use a smartphone or other device.
– A large variety and usually easy to find, and as technology advances more and more options and features are becoming available.
– They are a great way to try your hand at home automation without having to spend hundreds.
Cons of Smart Plugs
– May limit access to both outlets because of their larger size. This is not the case for every smart plug and you can choose which one to get depending on where you plan on using it.
– Will require more depth space because some of these devices extend past the regular outlet depth and some have their outlet on the side. Again buy the one that will best suit the application you’re going to use it in.
– Smart plugs have a higher cost than just using the standard plug outlet and if you’re going to use several the costs could go up. You’ll need to take this into consideration if the added convenience is worth the added cost.
Let’s Look at the 6 Best Smart Plugs
I have researched the 6 best smart plugs you can get today, there are others but I have only listed the 6 best ones. I have done a bit of a review on each to help you with your research so you can make an informed decision on which smart plug will suit your lifestyle and application.
1. iDevices Switch
This is a Wi-Fi smart plug that has easy-to-use energy monitoring so you can keep track of home much power the device plugged into it is using. The smart plus does not require any hub to work and is compatible for use with Amazon Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit, it will also work with your smartphone or other devices.
This is a great-looking device and I love the fact that it doesn’t block the second plug outlet when you use it. The night light LED can be set to display any color of light you want and you can also control the intensity of the light strip. And the fact that the outlet is on the side keeps everything neat and tidy without taking up a lot of space.
What also makes it one of the best smart plugs is it’s very simple to set up and use. It will maintain a Wi-Fi connection even if you move it to another location. Setting up the schedule/s is simple to do, and you can control it from outside of your home. It has a great energy monitoring system that provides all your energy costs and it tracks it daily, weekly, and monthly for you.
2. Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug by TP-Link
This is another of the best smart plugs that will be perfect for someone on a budget. It offers simplicity and great looks so it will blend into any décor. Has a great energy monitoring option and with its proven record will be a great addition to any room. The only issue I can see is if you plug in on the bottom outlet it will block access to the upper plug. Simply plug it in the top outlet and you will still have the bottom outlet available.
Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which will be handy if you’re using these devices. If not there’s a smartphone app for Android and iOS devices, once you have installed it, you’ll have a secure connection from your app to the smart plug. It has a very useful timer that has a countdown feature that users can set to turn off the device that is plugged into it without having to be home.
You can also program the plug to turn off and on at a pre-determined schedule, which is great if you’re going to be away from home for a few days.
3. Etekcity WiFi Mini Smart Plug
Being number 3 of the best smart plugs offers a small footprint that’s app controlled from your smartphone or other device giving you the ability to take control from anywhere. Programming operating schedules is fast and simple and the small round shape fits in with its surroundings, get full use of the 2 outlets by plugging the Etekcity mini into the bottom socket.
Are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use voice control when your home. You can save on your power usage by programming this smart plug to turn off when it’s not needed. If you’re trying to cut down on your energy costs you’ll find the power usage reports very helpful to fine-tune the operating schedule to cut your electric bill.
I love using these smart plugs for waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The nice thing about this smart plug is it comes in handy 1 pack and 4 packs. They even make a smart plug outlet for outside use so you can control any outdoor lighting too.
4. Wemo Mini Smart Plug
This smart plug offers many useful features like monitoring power consumption and this one is a compact size that allows you to plug 2 of these smart plugs into a 2 outlet plug. Only requires Wi-Fi to operate. No need for a home hub and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit.
Another nice advantage is it’s also compatible with Nest products giving you a lot more options. You can even add IFTTT to it.
5. iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug
Here’s another one of the best smart plugs and it’s made for use in compact areas and takes up less of the plug space. It works with Android and iOS and will work with most smart home automation systems. Can operate your 110-volt devices up to 1800 watts.
Provides power consumption usage for the device that’s plugged into it, because of its higher wattage rating it can also be used with AC units, heaters, and any other device that uses less than 1800 watts.
It’s Wi-Fi enabled and doesn’t require a hub to control the device and you can use voice assistants to control the device as well. Will work with smart things, wink, and ness, its small size and depth make it usable almost anywhere.
6. D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Similar to the other smart plugs giving you the ability to control the device that’s plugged into it. I like the thermal sensor that the D-Link uses that detects and turns off devices before they become overheated and a fire hazard. The D-Link smart plug needs to be plugged into the top outlet to allow for the use of the bottom outlet.
Comes with monitoring data and can be scheduled to turn devices off and on. Has the easiest setup and connects with your Wi-Fi fast. It is compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home to give you voice control over the smart plug.
Works with other mydlink products, and when coupled with a D-Link motion sensor it will turn the device on [light] when motion is detected.
Conclusion
There are a lot of smart home devices available, but if you’re just looking for a simple device that won’t break the bank then choosing one of the best smart plugs above will get you into the world of home automation at minimum cost.
