The best smart plug or smart switch is one of the most affordable ways to start your smart home journey. They ensure you can control your lights or any appliance connected to the smart plug or smart switch remotely, even when you’re not close by.
A smart plug is the easiest of the two to install – just connect it to an existing power outlet, while a smart switch is slightly more complicated and may require the services of a professional. Whichever of the two you choose, they’re compact and discreet, so they won’t look out of place in your home.
As well as making life easier, the best smart plug or smart switch can also help when it comes to saving energy, and money. If you’re forgetful and often leave the house with the lights or the coffee maker still on, you’ll no longer have to wait until you get home to switch them off, you can use your smartphone instead. Many smart plugs can also track how much energy the appliance connected to it is using, which can be a handy tool when it comes to reducing your energy usage.
A smart plug or smart switch will also integrate with one of the best smart speakers or smart displays, ensuring you don’t even need to reach for your smartphone to control them – just use your voice. They can also be set to work with other smart home devices such as smart lights or smart thermostats so you can automate your property and create a cozy atmosphere with just one command.
There’s a wide array of smart plugs and smart switches on the market, from tech stalwarts such as Amazon and Hive to smaller brands including TP-Link, WeMo, and Eve, which may leave you struggling to decide which is best for you. We’ve put a number of models to the test to find out just which is the best smart plug and switch for 2021.
Best smart plug and switch of 2021
How we test smart plugs
To identify the best smart plugs and switches you can buy right now, we evaluate how easy they are to install and control. We assess how responsive they are to being controlled from a smartphone, both when we’re away from home and close by. We also check which voice assistants each model integrates with and whether they integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, and how effectively Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri respond to commands related to the smart plug.
We also evaluate each design on how durable it is, and any extra features such as energy monitoring and Away modes that control the plug at random times in a bid to simulate occupancy. We also assess any extra kit such as hubs that’s also available for the smart plugs and consider whether it requires reading a thick instruction manual before use.
What to consider when buying a smart plug or smart switch
When selecting the best smart plug or smart switch for you, there are a number of aspects that should be considered before plumping for a particular model
Start by thinking about how the smart plug or switch is installed. Most smart plugs simply connect to an existing outlet, however, there are some available that replace your existing outlets, just as smart switches replace the existing wall switches that control your lights. These smart plugs and switches look stylish but they require much more DIY expertise, so you may have to employ a professional.
With smart plugs, it’s also important to consider the number of outlets a smart plug offers. The majority will have one, but if you have several devices close together than you want to control from your smartphone, a powerstrip, which can have up to four smart outlets in one device, will be a more cost effective solution.
Also consider if you need the ability to monitor how much energy a device connected to the smart plug is using, and if so, does the smart plug work out the subsequent cost if you enter your energy tariff details, too.
Some smart plugs and smart switches connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth, but that means you’ll only be able to control them if you’re close by. However if you’re the forgetful type that struggles to remember to turn devices off, a model with Wi-Fi built-in or that uses a bridge to connect to the internet and relay instructions from the cloud, will ensure it can be switched on or off even if you’re no longer at the property.
Not all smart plugs and smart switches integrate with all voice assistants, so check if a model is compatible if you already use a voice assistant in your home, and whether it will integrate with other smart home devices you already own such as home security cameras, video doorbells and smart lights.
What is a smart plug good for?
A smart plug is ideal for making any standard appliance smart so it can be controlled from an app on your smartphone. Perhaps you want to be able to brew your coffee without having to get out of bed, or perhaps you’re forgetful and are looking for a way to switch your hair straighteners off after you’ve left the house.
It connects to an existing power outlet and can be used with any appliance that has a standard plug on it – the possibilities are endless. Smart plugs can also be useful for monitoring how much energy an appliance is using. The figure, which is usually in Kwh can be viewed in the companion app. However, some smart plugs also allow you to add the energy cost and work out a monetary value for this energy usage too.
What are smart plugs and how do they work?
Smart plugs allow you to power an electrical socket on or off from your smartphone, even when you’re not at home. Some use Bluetooth to allow you to use an app on your smartphone to control them, while others connect to Wi-Fi and use internet access to relay the command.
Smart plugs come in two styles; the simplest and most common versions plug into an existing power outlet, with the likes of Amazon, Philips Hue, We-Mo, and even IKEA producing this design of smart plug.
Alternatively, opt for a smart outlet that replaces your existing power outlet. However, you won’t have as many models of this type of smart plug to choose from, and you’ll need to access your home’s wiring to replace these, which will mean calling in a professional. Find out more in our article What is a smart plug, and how it can stop your fear of leaving the coffee maker on?
Do smart plugs save energy?
Smart plugs can save you money, but only if you’re the sort of person that forgets to turn off electrical devices. For example, if you leave your laptop constantly on charge, even when the battery is full it will continue to use energy, or perhaps you regularly forget to turn side lamps, or the radio off when you leave the room? If so, then using a smart plug could be the answer.
Do smart plugs and smart switches work with Alexa (and other voice assistants)
Many smart plugs snd smart switches will work with Amazon Alexa, as well as Google Assistant and Siri so you can use your voice to control the gadgets, either by asking a smart speaker, or smart display, or by using the voice assistant on your smartphone or tablet.
You can also create automations controlling several smart home devices at once with one command, or when a certain situation happens. For example, if your home security camera detects motion, a DAB radio connected to a smart plug could switch on or a smart switch will automatically illuminate the lights, to give the impression there’s someone at home.
It’s worth noting that not all smart plugs and smart switches work with all voice assistants, so if your smart home is well established, make sure you opt for a model that integrates with your current setup.
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