Home automation has allowed us equip our house with intelligence, so that, currently, we have at our disposal from security cameras to smart bulbs through all kinds of sensors that alert us to any danger. In this sense, a simple device that can serve as a starting point to create a home automation ecosystem is a WiFi socket.
Just connect it to a WiFi network to pair it with our mobile and insert it into a power outlet, and we can remote control on and off of any device that we connect to it: a router, the radiator, the radiator, a lamp … Then we go through what should be taken into account when buying one and we compile the best models that exist on the market.
What to consider before buying a plug
As we said, smart plugs allow us, easily and remotely, supply or interrupt current devices connected to it. How? ‘Or’ What? Thanks to the mobile, so that it is possible, for example, to turn on a light as a deterrent when we are away, to activate the air conditioning or heating before arriving home, or to start the coffee maker without get out of bed.
In the market there is multitude of proposals from different brands, but before acquiring a certain model, we must take into account a series of considerations:
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Compatibility: Smart plugs are controlled via an app, which in the vast majority of cases (if not all) is available for iOS and Android. However, not all models are compatible with all voice assistants, so if you intend to give it voice commands, you should see if they offer support for Alexa, Siri, and / or Google Assistant. .
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Connectivity: these devices usually connect via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band, so if you have a latest generation router with dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz), you need to connect them to the Wi-Fi network with which they are compatible. And be careful, because there are some that only have bluetooth and can only be controlled within a radius of 10 meters.
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AmperageAlthough in most cases it is typically 10 amps, it is important to know the maximum amperage supported by the outlets to make sure your appliances and other devices are compatible with this amperage.
On a practical level, it is also important to ask whether they are Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and look at their dimensions, as they are generally bulky devices. And something fundamental: they all require an earth connection, which is very common in today’s homes, but not so much in older ones.
TP-Link Tapo P100
In addition to bulbs and security cameras, TP-Link’s TAPO range includes several smart plugs that are controlled directly from the TAPO mobile app. This model allows you to program automatic switching on and off, as well as set a timer to disconnect electronic devices.
Supports voice commands via Alexa or the Google Assistant, and has an absent mode that automatically turns lights or other equipment on and off at different times to simulate that someone is at home
TP-Link Tapo P100 – Mini WiFi smart plug to control your device from anywhere, no hub needed, works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, 1 pack
SPC smart plug
Within SPC’s home automation ecosystem, we have the Clever Plug smart socket, which through the SPC IoT app allows you to control home appliances from your mobile. It supports both with Alexa and Google Assistant
In addition to establishing rules such as automatic activation and deactivation at specific times, this outlet monitor consumption data to optimize energy expenditure. It works with a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection.
SPC Clever Plug – Inteligente Wi-Fi Enchufe
Amazon smart plug
How could it be otherwise, this proposal from Amazon works with Alexa, so it allows you to control any take with your voice. It doesn’t require any driver: to set it up, just plug it in, open the app and start using it with your voice.
Among other functions, it offers the possibility of programming the automatic on and off lights, coffeemakers and other appliances, or control them remotely when you are away from home. Of course, it requires a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and can only be used indoors.
Amazon Smart Plug, Compatible with Alexa, Certified Device for People
Philips Hue Enchufe smart plug
In the Philips Hue catalog we have this simple plug that connects to the mobile Bluetooth or Zigbee mediante (Hue Bridge). It stands out in particular for its wide compatibility with different ecosystems, as it can be used with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.
However, keep in mind that does not integrate WiFi connectivity, it can therefore only be controlled nearby (indoors). If we want to activate or deactivate it outside our house and access more features, it is necessary to purchase the Hue Bridge which is sold separately.
Philips Hue Smart Plug Socket, with Bluetooth, compatible with Alexa and Google Home
D-Link DSP-W115
The D-Link DSP-W115 connects via WiFi to your home or work router, allowing you to turn it on or off remotely. From your mobile application, you can also to program the ignition lamps or radiators to turn on and off automatically at the time you want.
In addition to working with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, it supports IFTTT recipes to automate it with other compatible smart devices. Although it withstands temperatures between 0 and 40 ° C, it is designed for indoor use.
D-Link DSP-W115 – WiFi Smart Plug, control from mobile or tablet via the free mydlink app, ON / OFF time programming, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, IFTTT, white
Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Socket GMR4015GL
You just need to connect this Xiaomi smart plug to the WiFi network (2.4 GHz) and, through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app, you can create schedules to automatically turn your devices on and off. With away mode You can turn the lights on and off at different times to simulate that there is someone in your house.
It has a safety shutter function for protect children and animals, and it has a built-in sensor that sends notifications and automatically cuts off the power when the temperature is too high. It also supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.
Xiaomi GMR4015GL – Band
Ledvance Smart + WiFi socket
Osram’s home automation range includes several sockets with Bluetooth, ZigBee technology or WiFi. In the latter we find this model, which can be purchased Indoor (indoor) or outdoor (outdoor) version.
In any case, by integrating WiFi connectivity, it allows remote control via the LEDVANCE SMART + WiFi app. Among other functions, it monitors the use of connected devices and monitor energy consumption. Moreover, it supports voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa.
Ledvance SMART + Plug home, irrelevant, Pack of 1
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