As always, full reviews of all the smart plug hardware on the market follow at the end of the buyers guide. At the bottom are two plugs, each protected by a rubber flap. My priorities are wifi and precise power monitoring. This way, lights won't be going on and off during the day when no one can see them anyway. The Ring also comes with three screws and wall anchors. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Smart Home Connectivity: How many other smart home systems does the plug work with? In all, the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is a good device for those invested in the Ring ecosystem. Support for Apples Siri is less common, but not hard to find. The Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit is one of the best smart plugs because it works with any desk or table lamp (and up to 800 different bulbs), making the "dumb" device smart. Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit. I also like their rounded, matte design, which is a nice break from most smart home devices. A Bigger Powerstrip (With Smart USB Ports). Here are some others we like. Integrated dimming: If youre hooking up a lamp to a smart plug, you can easily turn it into a dimmable lamp if the switch includes an onboard dimmer.
Number of plugs: Designs vary widely here. That way when someone is around who doesnt have access to your Alexa app, or isnt as familiar with smart home devices, the connected appliance can still be controlled. Kasa plugs are usually a tad cheaper and come from a better-known brand, but I personally like all Nooie products so far. Most of these smart power strips also have built-in surge protection to keep you and your devices safe. The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is our top choice among the best smart plugs. You use the Alexa app for setup and control, so you don't need to install a separate app (the others on our list need to be set up with the manufacturer's app prior to connecting to your preferred smart assistant). Before you start shopping for a smart plug, you'll need to keep a few things in mind. It not only beats the competition on price, it also delivers some features those devices dont have. This doesn't affect our editorial independence. You will receive a verification email shortly. To create a true smart home, you need to upgrade the way your wiring works, so that it can be controlled, managed, and monitored from afar.
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug is an upgrade from the brand's Plug Lite HS103, which was only rated for 12 amps. By Using the Teckin Smart Plug app, you can remotely monitor and control your appliances, and can control and schedule each outlet individually. I've never been disappointed by a Wyze product, and that includes this smart plug. When you have a smart power strip, you get both convenience and functionality in a single, easy-to-use package. Some smart plugs are chunkier than they look in the pictures, so make sure you check and measure out the dimensions. Learn more. The fact that it has a total of six outlets, with three of them being smart, as well as four USB ports, means you have a ton of flexibility. You can control its two outlets independently, for example, and thanks to its integrated photo cell, you can program the device to turn its outlets on at sunset and off at sunrise, even if the plug is out of range of your Wi-Fi network (just program while connected to your network and then move it to its final destinationthe instructions will be stored in its memory).
Certified protection ensures that your gear will be safe. 
Some smart plugs, such as this GE by Jasco model, accept only two-prong plugs and are not directly grounded. Will it work with more than Alexa?
Wyze has built a reputation on making good low-cost smart home devices, and the Wyze Plug outdoor is yet another such product. The less premium smart plugs come with less intuitive apps, which can make it difficult to schedule and control your smart plug. The smart outlets are clearly marked and numbered on the strip itself. And while it doesn't have energy monitoring like some other smart plugs, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug does work with all the major smart assistants. We have plenty of other recommendations to help you build a smarter home, so check out our guides to the best Smart Bulbs, Security Cameras, Smart Speakers, and Smart Displays. 
To top things off, the APC Smart Plug Surge Protector includes four USB ports, which add a little extra convenience. These smart Wi-Fi-enabled power strips give you the ability to control, monitor, and manage all of your devices, anytime and anywhere. There are dozens to choose from; well help you find the right one. Smart plugs are handy in all kinds of ways. Linganzh's Smart Power Strip is an affordable option for those who are looking for just the basics in smart control. Better yet, if you have the Wyze Bulb, Wyze Cam or Wyze Smart Lock, you can integrate the Wyze Plug with your existing system. Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT, 12 essential tips for saving on your energy bill, 10 things you never knew you could do with a smart plug, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 review: A new standard for Android tablets, Apple M2 chip New feature, specs and everything we know so far, The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and rated, PS5 and Steam Deck just got some good supply chain news, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Most are rated to handle just a few hundred watts of power consumption, which is fine for a lamp or a coffee maker, but you might encounter problems if you connect a hair dryer or a professional blender to one. We've also added an outdoor plug from Cync and Kasa's power strip as an option. You could hire an electrician to rip out your existing outlets and replace them with smart in-wall models, but theres an easier, less-expensive way: Stick a smart plug in those outlets.
It also offers a lifetime warranty.
Sitting at a desk for hours? This strip has six smart outlets enabling the ultimate in control. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. By introducing them to your home, you never have to flick a light switch again, and you can finally make use of those previously out-of-reach power outlets. Just below the buttons is a small light sensor; this can be used to tell the outlet when to turn on or off, based on the ambient lighting conditions. Smart plugs are useful in more ways than one. Alternatives: We've tried, and like, a bunch of other TP-Link products. All rights reserved. The hub in Lutrons starter kit can control more than just the smart plugs that come with it. which can make it seem like youre home even when youre not by turning a lamp on intermittently. Energy monitoring features: Curious as to how much power your connected device is sucking down? Its a large outdoor plug, measuring 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches, but its housing does contain a Wi-Fi radio which can connect to a router 300 feet away. Eve's strip comes in an aluminum frame that is sure to last for years. The Wyze Plug has two sockets; at the top of the front of the Plug are two buttons to control each socket, with small LEDs that show which is active. Setup couldnt be easier, being compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT, and you can schedule exactly when you want your lights on and off. Updated February 2022: The TP-Link Kasa Mini is our new top pick. It provides you with two outlets for all of your outdoor electronic needs, such as Christmas or landscape lights, swimming pumps, speakers, and any other appliances that you need to plug in. After testing dozens of available smart plugs, we think the best overall is the $25 Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. last updated 13 May 22. Away mode turns the plugs on and off randomly during the time you choose, without your having to actually set timers and schedules. iMore is supported by its audience. If youre in the market for a smart plug, consider how your environmentand what you plan to connect to the smart plugmatches the following list of features. If you plug lamps into them, you can make it look like someone's home and potentially thwart burglars. It's cheap, but it doesn't skimp on quality or function. It also supports Lutrons in-wall dimmer switches and you can use it to schedule and automate Lutrons line of Serena powered window shades. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. The Amazon Smart Plug is simple, compact, and a great value purchase for a low price. In my testing, schedules set to simultaneously turn off one device and power on others worked flawlessly. If you have other TP-Link devices installed, adding the Kasa Wi-Fi Plug Lite to the mix is a no-brainer. It is small and compact, so it won't look bulky and out of place outside of the house. Here's what you should be wary of purchasing. We steer you to products you'll love and show you how to get the most out of them. Here are our top choices, plus a shopping guide that will help you decide which one is right for you if none of our picks fits your needs. These switches include hardware buttons to control dimming directly on the switch itself in addition to app-based control. The example the app gives is a fish tank oxygen pump that needs to go on for 10 minutes every houryou can set the loop timer to turn the plug on for 10 minutes and turn it off for 50. Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It also has two USB ports, but those are not smart. If you are in the market for the absolute best smart power strip that has a solid, durable design with smart capabilities and protection, you just can't beat the APC Smart Plug Surge Protector. There are many smart plugs out there with similar features and designs, so buying one might come down to price and brand. Like most smart power strips, you can name each outlet so you don't have to guess what is plugged in where.
TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. It's more compact than the previous category champ, ironically called the Wemo Mini, while maintaining all the handy scheduling features. Like Kasa, Nooie also has a travel mode for turning lights on at random times to mimic someone being home.
That last feature can help keep your energy bills at a minimum too. With a Smart plug, you can experience the convenience of the smart home without expensive equipment or potentially prying eyes. Get the best of iMore in in your inbox, every day! Energy monitoring features let you use the devices mobile app to track power consumption over time, giving you a better argument to use against your wasteful, wasteful children who never turn off the TV. There was a problem. Not all smart plugs are as good as the claim, so we spent hours testing options to find the best smart plugs worth buying. Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. We just wish there were more outletsthere's only three, plus two USB ports (those are not smart). Wyze Labs smart plug wont report your energy consumption, and its limited to on/off functionality, not dimmingbut its the least-expensive smart plug youll find, and it incorporates into the broader Wyze Labs smart home ecosystem, so it was an easy choice to be our top pick in the budget category. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! I used it for controlling my outdoor Christmas decorations, as well as year-round string lights. 11 Ways to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi and Make Your Internet Faster. In the Gadget Lab, we prefer Google Assistant, but if you use Alexa, the Amazon Smart Plug might be worth considering. 2. Using a hub will also make it easier to interconnect various devices, so if you want to press a single button to turn on both overhead lights and lamps at the same time, a hubs a great way to get this done. Wi-Fi plugs typically dont require a hubyour router serves that rolewhile Zigbee and Z-Wave models do.
Read our full Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit review. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission.
We've tested other smart plugs and smart home devices from TP-Link and found them to be safe, easy-to-use and reliable. Unlike most other smart plugs, the Ring needs to connect to a hub, which can either be a Ring Bridge ($49) or an Amazon Echo smart speaker. Surge protection and four smart outlets make it suitable for most tasks.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. You can also use other Wyze products as triggers - for example, having the plug turn on a light if a Wyze Cam detects motion. It's bigger and bulkier than other power strips because of its two rows, but it has a handy 6-foot-long power cord and can be mounted to keep it off the ground. Maybe you don't want your phone number, email, home address, and other details out there for all the web to see. Each outlet can be individually controlled through Alexa or Google Assistant, via TP-Link's App, or even by pressing a conveniently located button. This power strip includes APC's device protection policy and features little things such as handy USB ports that make it stand out from the rest. 3. Some models have built-in dimmers, so you can adjust the brightness of the lamp thats plugged into them; others can power small appliances, such as a fan or space heater. There was a problem. Hubspace devices in the big-box retailers house brand familiesCommercial Electric, Defiant, EcoSmart, and Hampton Bayconnect directly to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. If you want to invest in smart plugs, but youre not sure which to choose, worry not. We tested three popular photo scanning apps against a scanner. A two-pack can cost as little as $15, which is cheaper than many of the best smart plugs are for a single unit. It's more compact than most offerings out there, so you won't block your outlet, too. Whether you need workout earbuds or gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks. However, the app unfortunately lacks two-factor authentication. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. You can also create scenes and automations which will work with other Kasa devices. Like most outdoor smart plugs, the Wyze Plug Outdoor is a black box, with a cord on one end and two outlets on the other. New York, APC's power strip has six outlets, three of which are smart, and two of the four USB ports are smart. The Starter Kit includes a handy remote, but you can skip that if you want to control it with your voice assistant. Power limitations: You cant plug anything into a smart plug. When the Wyze Plug is on this setting, it will turn your stuff on and off your electronics at random, making it seem like youre home. Some are so sizable, that they can block alternative outlets. Wireless standard: As with all smart home gear, smart plugs support one of several wireless technologies, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi. Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs. Read our full Wemo WiFi Smart Plug review. To reiterate, many smart plugs are not as secure or easy to use as advertised, so theres something to be said for TP-Links consistency and versatility. However, because you're paying less, you'll have to miss out on USB ports. Heres why you can trust us. Do any Smart Switches turn on device based upon a yearly rather than weekly schedule? There are LED lights on the unit to indicate when it's properly connected, and it is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. TP-Link's Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400 comes with two outlets, which means you can control two devices separately. TP-Link's Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip provides a total of six smart outlets and three USB ports, enabling it to handle as many devices as you can throw at it. Weve conducted extensive online research and have tested a range of models for ourselves to find the best. An individual plug is just $13, and the company's other smart home products have generally been very reliable. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation.
That said, at $79 for the unit, it's a bit pricey compared to other options. We like that the Amazon Smart Plug has a physical on/off button and an LED to indicate its status. Christopher Close HomeKit support: If youre looking for compatibility with Apples HomeKit devices (and want to tell Siri to turn lights on and off), youll need to look for this support, which should be well-labeled on a products website and packaging. For the price, the Kasa Smart WiFi Lite is perfect for adding to all your homes lamps or other low-power gadgets. The Eve Energy Strip provides a sleek, modern take on the traditional power strip. This helps to reduce the number of bulky charging blocks that you may have, making it perfect under a desk or nightstand. TechHive recently showered praise on a model from TP-Link. Extras plugs cost about $54 each. On the front of the Ring is a large circular button thats blue in the center; you can press on either side of the button to control each outlet independently. With four outlets and four USB ports, it can accommodate as many devices as some surge protectors can. Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy seats. The Ring Outdoor smart plug is a massive brick. However, its worth it for spaces where you have several appliances set up, like in a home office or entertainment center.
Similar to a power strip, this has a cord that plugs into the wall, so you get two smart outlets while only taking up one in the actual wall.
If youd like a smart power strip for less, our favorite choice is the Teckin Smart Power Strip. It also has a clever Away mode. Is the app any good? An aluminum silver and black frame with its three outlets make the energy strip stand out from the competition and is something that you may not want to hide under the desk. You might want to download your intended smart plugs app before you purchase to see what youre dealing with. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This low-cost power strip covers all of the basics. Thank you for signing up to iMore. Christine Chan Heres an easy and inexpensive way to control the lamps and small appliances in your smart home. But at only $29.99, it's less than half the price of its upscale competitors. Thoughtful touches such as the generously spaced, 90-degree outlets make worrying about fitting bulky adapters in a thing of the past. , The timers and schedules aren't as easy to navigate. Her favorite thing to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time. The Wyze Plug Outdoor isnt the $10 bargain it was when first announced last December, but its still an incredible value. The best budget smart plug is the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Lite by TP-Link. Leviton continues to make our favorite smart plug, and its second-generation devicemodelD215Padds HomeKit compatibility to its repertoire (although we encountered a little difficulty getting that feature to work right off the bat).
You can toggle the plug on and off or set a timer, see your daily and weekly run time, and set it to vacation mode, which is what Kasa and Nooie call away mode. But, if you dont have Alexa, make sure the smart light youre looking at can connect to the alternatives, such as Google Home. Setup: How easy is it to connect the plug to your Wi-Fi network, and to its app. TP-Link makes great products, and I particularly love its Kasa line of mini smart plugs.
With added features like energy monitoring, it also becomes much easier to determine what devices are draining power, and managing everything remotely with a tap or your voice is just so handy to have. These designs are small enough that they wont block secondary outlets. Which smart plug is best for your home? The Kasa Smart KP400 Outdoor Smart Plug is one of the best smart power strips that you can use outdoors. Copyright 2022 IDG Communications, Inc. There's always something you can do to improve your connection at home. If you need a smart plug made to withstand the elements, we like this one from Cync. The Wyze app is easy to navigate and the control screen is straightforward. Reviewing a smart plug isn't as simple as plugging it in. NY 10036. We consider indoor as well as outdoor smart plugs to find the best for every circumstance. Smart plugs might seem like a commodity, but they cover a wide range of design styles, capabilities, and compatibilities. Some Amazon reviews from 2019 show plugs that have overheated to the point of melting.
By Smart plugs arent just for inside your home. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Zigbee is one of the more popular smart-home protocols on the market. One of the benefits of the Wyze Plug is Vacation mode, which is similar to the Wemo's Away mode. Better yet, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip has a surge protector built in, which most individual smart plugs (and most of the best smart plugs) lack. Please refresh the page and try again.
And even though it is only compatible with Amazon Alexa, you can still use the APC Home app on your iPhone for full control. You can also click here to see a list of the all the smart plugs weve reviewed to date. Appliances like TVs and lamps can go from mindless to smart as soon as you install the app. We found this device easy to set up and control, but theres not a lot thats unique about this ecosystem to recommend it over any that of any other brand, ranging from Levitons Decora Smart to TP-Links Kasa Smart and Wyze Labs. A table with amperage would also be nice (third priority 15 amps). You can control each connected device individually using the Kasa app, Alexa or Google Assistant, or buttons on the device itself. Smart power strips are useful if you have a lot things to plug into one location, like behind your TV or in an office. A few of our other picks have this setting too.
As one of the best smart plugs for outdoor use, the Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400 will raise the IQ of your front porch or backyard deck. The app is pretty simple to navigate, and there are scenes, timers, and schedules you can program to your liking. Wi-Fi connectivity enables the Linganzh Smart Power Strip to be set up in a matter of minutes, without the need of an additional smart home hub. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. I especially like that the prongs are at a right angle to the cord; it makes it much easier to close the door. The Teckin Smart Power Strip also offers more features than most of the other best smart plugs.
While these are the best overall smart power strips, we also have some of the best HomeKit power strips if you want more HomeKit integration. With either the Alexa app or any of the best Alexa speakers, you can control the Amazon Smart Plug from wherever you are in your home. Here are our favorites (and a few we don't like). Its design is thin enough that you can fit two per outlet, too. New York, For example the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is six smart plugs built into one (with three USB ports to boot). HomeKit and IFTTT fans will also want to know that Hubspace does not currently support either of those ecosystems. Not all plugs are created equal. Does it have a physical on/off switch or indicator lights? Smart connectivity and voice control are brilliant features to have nothings more convenient than asking Alexa to switch off your lights, and watching technology do the rest. Will it block my other outlet? At the top is a 6.5-inch cord thats long enough to plug the Ring into an outdoor outlet, but still be able to close your outlets door. What makes this one smart is that it connects to your Wi-Fi network with a range of up to 300 feet, which is more than enough for most households. published 23 June 22, These are the best smart plugs for raising your home's IQ. Alexa and Google Assistant should be givens. These too, can be time-based, but you cant specify if something should work only after it gets dark out. Smart power stripswhich offer multiple, individually controlled smart plugs in a single deviceare also entering the market. You should highlight power monitoring and make it more clear which competitors have it.
They work just the way they sound: The outlet in the wall doesnt change, you just configure the add-on plug using an app, connect it to your network, and use it to control whatevers plugged into it. The best smart plugs are useful for bringing every appliance into your smart home regime. As of this writing, the Wyze Plug Outdoor works with Alexa, but not Google Home. Theres isnt a lot of competition in this area, but its not just that TP-Link wins by default. We love the app that comes with this device and its really what sets it apart from other outdoor smart plugs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Extra savings up to $15 with TurboTax discount, $10 off $100 Student Finish Line promo code, Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code 2022, GoPro Hot Deal: $150 off the new HERO10 Black Bones, Samsung promo code - Up to 40% off sitewide, 2022 Cond Nast. It's small enough to fit anywhere outside, allowing you to control two devices with full weather resistance and voice control. Youll also encounter two proprietary standards: Clear Connect, used in Lutrons Casta products; and Insteon, a hybrid of wireless and powerline home networking. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. It's is one of the few smart plugs that works with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit. The button makes a little clicky sound. Works with Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, Power cord harder to fit into electrical box, One of the best outdoor smart plugs for scheduling, A simple smart plug, but it only works with Alexa, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Whats more, you can incorporate the kit into a broader smart home system, and its compatible with Apples HomeKit ecosystem, too. As they come with smart connectivity, that means you can wirelessly switch appliances on and off via your phone and monitor the energy use. If you don't want to pay for the word processor, and Google Docs won't work for what you need, you have options. Three smart outlets, three normal outlets, and four USB ports make it a great pick. Some brands, such as iHome, can also work with Apple Homekit. This nearly became our favorite power strip, but its biggest downfall is that it only works with Alexa. The plug will also monitor and report on your energy consumption. Yes, even Siri. Each of the Eve Energy Strip's outlets works independently from each other through the iOS Home app, the Eve for HomeKit App, Siri, and with the physical buttons on the device itself. Unfortunately, there are only small spaces between the outlets, which might make plugging in your devices difficult.
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