![]() And most smart plugs also offer some form of scheduling. Every plug we've tested lets you use your phone to turn control power-so if you've plugged in a lamp, for instance, you can turn it on or off no matter where you are. Once you're sure a smart plug fits properly in your home, it's important to consider what it can do. Others that can withstand the elements are a better choice for your backyard or porch. Note that some smart plugs are exclusively for the inside of your home. Whether this layout is easier or more difficult to access depends on the type of power strip you're using. ![]() For instance, some feature outlets on the side. If you have a crowded power strip, it's important to consider the plug outlet's location. ![]() While most are svelte enough to fit next to one another in your typical wall outlet, not all of them are, and power strips are a different story entirely. With that in mind, the first thing to consider is where you want to place your smart plug. You don't gain or lose any outlets in the process-you're simply making an existing outlet smart by connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network. These devices plug directly into a wall outlet or traditional power strip and offer an outlet you can plug other things into for automation. Let's make this clear: Whether they're marketed as smart switches, smart outlets, or any variation thereof, smart plugs are ultimately plug-in outlets (or power strips). What Is a Smart Plug and Where Can You Use It? To help you out, we've rounded up the best smart plugs and power outlets we've tested, along with a few tips to consider when automating your home. Although installing and using these plugs is relatively simple, choosing which one is right for you is no easy task. Smart plugs (and power outlets) are an easy and affordable way to upgrade ordinary appliances, lighting, and any other electronics into smart home devices that you can control straight from your smartphone. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security SoftwareĪ high-tech home doesn't have to cost a fortune.After all, one of the most common ways your home wastes money is when you (or somebody) leave on lights and other appliances, like fans and heaters, when nobody is actually using them. The job of a smart plug is primarily convenience - to turn a dumb gadget into a smart one - but by integrating these gadgets in cycles as well as giving you the ability to control them from afar, it gives you the ability to turn something off when you're not using it. ![]() Yes, Smart Plugs Can Save You MoneyĪside from the convenience and the ability to create a more complete smart home, a smart plug can help you save money. And you want a physical button or switch because it allows you to control it when you don't feel like using your voice or opening up your smartphone. ![]() The smaller the better when it comes to smart plugs because they're less likely to cover up an additional outlet. The type of smart plug: There are just a few other things you want to consider before buying a smart plug: mainly its size and whether it has a physical button or switch on its side. For instance, if you have other smart home devices by Wyze or Philips Hue, it will be easier for you to control scenes and set timers if you get smart plugs from those same companies. The brand of smart plug: A lot of smart plug manufacturers make other smart home devices, such as smart lights, smart switches and smart cameras, and make it easier to set them up and control them all via one companion app. (Most popular smart plugs will work with Alexa or Google Assistant, but compatibility with Apple's HomeKit is a little harder to come by.) If you have an Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri smart speaker, you want to make sure that the smart plug will actually work with it. Smart home compatibility: When considering which smart plug you should buy, the most important thing is to make sure that it's compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem. ![]()
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