Smart plugs are causing a stir at the moment, so we thought we’d take a look at 3 of the latest smart plugs and see how they stack up against each other, with help from Portable.technology.
Amazon Smart Plug
The Amazon Smart Plug is designed to work with Alexa, so you only need the Alexa app to get it up and running. 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 operation, such as turning the living room lamp on at 7PM.
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. You’ll still be able to remotely control the plug through the Alexa app on your smartphone though.
Ikea Smart Plug
The Ikea Smart Plug is part of the furniture giant’s Trådfri range of smart home devices, which includes smart lighting. You’ll need the Trådfri 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.
Once connected, the Ikea Smart Plug can be controlled remotely from your smartphone through the Ikea Trådfri app and you can schedule electronics plugged into the Smart Plug to turn on or off at set times. The Ikea Smart Plug also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
Belkin WeMo Switch
The Belkin WeMo Switch works with both Android and iOS devices and it allows you to turn electronic devices on or off from anywhere, so long as you have an internet connection. It uses your existing home Wi-Fi network to provide you with wireless control of anything from TVs and lamps to irons and heaters, via the free WeMo app or voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The WeMo Switch is a modular system so you can add multiple switches to your home and turn them all off at once or program each one to turn on or off at specific times. The WeMo Switch plugs into a standard plug socket, while the WeMo Mini Switch has a smaller form factor in order to allow for two in one US socket. The appliance you want to control wirelessly then plugs into the WeMo Switch, with the rest of the installation completed through the app.
For more smart plug reviews, check out http://www.portable.technology/best-smart-plugs/.