The Best Smart Plugs
Welcome to the modern age, where we can turn on our lights and make a cup of coffee simply by uttering a few words. These days, smart technology is becoming everpresent in contemporary homes, and it's easy to see why. The marriage of convenience, functionality, and efficiency offers an ease of control over living spaces like never before. Smart plugs are a great way to experience the wonders of this relatively new technology without needing to splurge, and you'll be amazed at how much life you can get out of your old appliances when they're creatively integrated into a smart home system.
What to Look For
As we searched for the best smart plugs on the market, we asked ourselves three key questions: Does this plug offer a good price per outlet, and is each outlet afforded independent control? Does the power rating of these plugs accommodate the requirements of most common household appliances? Are these plugs compatible with common smart home hubs? We love Kasa’s smart outlet, which brings sophisticated intelligence to backyard energy logistics. These two outlets offer independent control, and a rugged IP44 weather-resistant casing means they’re sure to be safe from the elements. But for a premium indoor option, check out Amazon’s Alexa-integrated smart plug, which boasts effortless set-up and control possibilities. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Kasa Smart Outdoor Outlet
Double down, plug up
Double up on your power with this dual socket smart plug from Kasa. A wifi range up to 300 feet will accommodate even the largest gardens, and each outlet can be controlled independently for maximum flexibility when powering outdoor appliances. With a rugged IP64 weather-resistant exterior, this hardy pick ensures that its internal components are safe from rain, splashes, and dust.
Pros:
- We love the intuitiveness of the Kasa app, which boasts a simple design that puts the user in control of their appliances from any room of the house.
- Wireless setup is quick and easy, you can be up and running with Alexa in less than 10 minutes.
- The timer function allows for complex scheduling, with a limitless number of on and off periods.
Cons:
- The rubber plug protector is a little flimsy, so beware of applying excessive force to avoid accidental snapping.
BN-Link Smart Plug
Two for one
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards the smart home revolution or your house is already decked out with the latest in voice activation technology, these smart plugs from BN-Link provide a dependable solution for household energy management. Coming in a handy set of two, they provide plenty of options for implementation. Best of all, the straightforward app puts the power in your hands with remote control, timers and scheduling, group control, and more.
Pros:
- If you like to keep an eye on your projected energy costs and measure efficiency, the in-app electrical quantity manager will keep tabs on your power consumption.
- Sharing control with friends and family is made easy with the BN-Link app. Simply add their phone number to the device list and they’ll be good to go.
- We were impressed by the fast response times of these plugs. The connection is also super reliable, so you can say goodbye to waving your phone around in the air to find that wifi sweet spot.
Cons:
- The front light on these plugs is quite bright, so they may not be suited for bedroom use.
BN-Link Smart Heavy Duty Outdoor Outlet
Against the elements
This rugged weather-resistant design brings an intelligent three-in-one solution to backyard energy. The precise and flexible scheduling options within the BN-Link app make this an ideal choice for powering outdoor lights and heating, and remote in-app control means you can have the garden alight in time for your arrival home. Rated with 125V and 1875W of power, this outlet is well-suited for feeding the hungriest outdoor appliances.
Pros:
- The wifi receiver in this outlet is strong and sensitive, meaning it’s easy to get a responsive connection even at distances of over 125 feet in larger gardens.
- The durable IP44 weatherproofing will have you covered throughout the seasons, with a herculean resistance to moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
- We appreciate the dual compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant, making integration with existing smart home setups seamless.
Cons:
- These three outlets don’t work independently of each other, so you can’t turn one off and leave on another.
Amazon Smart Plug
Your virtual buddy
Go back to the source with this top-notch option from Amazon, designed with Alexa in mind. Set-up couldn’t be easier with this plug. Simply plug the device in, open the Alexa app to connect, and you’re good to go. The Alexa controls are packed with smart features that can help you build routines for your day through scheduling and smart voice commands. Integrating appliances into everyday life is easier with an assistant to help you.
Pros:
- This plug doesn’t require a smart home hub to operate, you can control all of its features simply using the Alexa app.
- With a slim, horizontally weighted design, this plug will leave space for you to easily access other wall outlets.
- We were amazed by the speedy set-up time. Compared to awkwardly designed apps and poorly documented manuals offered by some cheaper alternatives, this one is a breeze.
Cons:
- These plugs are noticeably pricier than competitors, but you get what you pay for.
Esicoo Smart Plugs
It's best to buy in bulk
If you’re just starting to deck out your home with smart tech, you can connect a host of appliances to the mainframe in one fell swoop. This value set of four from Esicoo offers just that, with a price per unit that undercuts most notable competitors. With a speedy setup through the Only Cloud Intelligence app, these plugs don’t waste time. Scene modes allow you to coordinate schedules and groupings between the plugs, and activated with a single press from your smartphone.
Pros:
- In-app remote control from any network makes these plugs a great option for managing power when your home is unattended. They could be a great choice for monitoring fishtanks while out of the house.
- We were surprised by the speedy response time. It’s almost instantaneous, so you won’t be waiting around for devices to power after activation from the app.
- A minimalist design avoids excessive bulkiness, which makes these plugs well suited to kitchen countertops or desks.
Cons:
- The shape and size of this design may block other surrounding outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices can I power with a smart plug?
When considering uses for smart plugs and timed electronics, we might immediately think of powering festive lights or the like. These devices can be used to power almost any standard home appliance, and with a host of smart features, they can revolutionize the way you interact with your home. We found so many uses for these devices that it’s hard to keep track. From pet care on holiday to cooking preparation during journeys home, the possible uses are endless. Whatever you’re powering, be sure to compare the energy rating of your smart plug against the consumption of appliances before use.
What are the wifi connection options for smart plugs?
Smart plugs can be managed from a smart home hub like those offered by Alexa or Google Assistant. However, many don’t require these hubs for use and can be operated from a smartphone app by simply connecting the device to your wifi network. Most smart plugs require a 2.4GHz wireless network to operate.
Do I need to download an app to use a smart plug?
This depends on your plug-of-choice. Most smart plug developers offer some kind of app that you can download for free. Others may integrate with already-familiar apps, like Alexa or Google Assistant.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.