What they are, how they work, which ones to buy, and eight recommended models for all types of users


Smart plugs are versatile devices that allow us to control any device connected to them: a router, heater, heating… so that We can turn them on when we need them, even when we are not at home.

If they are already useful in themselves, when they become part of a home automation ecosystem that turns our home into a smart place like Google or Apple, the possibilities are greatly increased.

Our selection of smart plugs, at a glance

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Some preliminary questions

  • Compatibility: If you’re going to buy a smart plug that’s controlled via an app, this is a must The application is compatible with the version of your operating system. We will find it in the market Works with all iOS and Android.
  • Smart plug A ground connection is requiredA safety system that exists by law in current buildings, but may be lacking if you live in an older construction.
  • Range from the current intensity that most smart plugs withstand 10 to 16 amps. Make sure your appliances and electrical devices are compatible with this intensity, otherwise you cannot use them.
  • Be careful with design: Some smart plugs are too large, which blocks access to other nearby components such as other nearby plugs or switches. If this is your case, it is better to choose a compact or use an extension cord.
  • If your home already has a virtual assistant or already has smart components, make sure to do so Compatible with your ecosystem. Without going any further, most work with the Android and Google ecosystems, leaving the Apple ecosystem much more limited. Although home automation is expanding bit by bit, it’s always good to check that all the gadgets “understand” each other before investing.
  • All smart plugs that connect to Wi-Fi They work with the 2.4 GHz band, common in routers in recent years. However, if you have a latest generation router, it may have dual bands that include 5GHz in addition to 2.4 GHz, so you need to choose which band they are compatible with when connecting to these devices.

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Features of Smart Plug

In addition to enabling the passage of electrical current through the device, smart plugs have multiple features

  • modo “away”: Especially intended for lamps, TVs or music devices. This feature turns them on and off randomly when you’re away to make it look like someone is home
  • Cost monitoring: Some models monitor electrical usage, providing how much electricity has passed through them over a period of time, so we know how much a particular appliance consumes.
  • Voice control: Using commands directed to virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, we can turn the smart plug on or off.
  • Connecting to other devices. You can synchronize other smart devices so they can understand each other, such as Apple TV or smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo.
  • conditional event– Enhance your home automation with additional commands via the app IFTTTso that it allows the passage of current depending on other factors such as position or sensor.

But the basic function is to turn connected devices on and off, something that can be done in three ways that will determine its complexity and additional functions.

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with a timer

The simplest smart plugs are programmable plugs, which you can configure to operate only for a certain period of time, useful for specific needs such as using the heater in the morning.

Garza Analog Electrical Programmer

Garza Analog Electric Programmer
Garza Analog Electric Programmer

  • Best: Easy to use, cheap, well known brand, compact and powerful.
  • the worst: Little flexibility while programming.

This is the solution Easiest and cheapest (5.09 euros) that exists on the market for programmable plugs: it has a roulette that covers 24 hours a day with a tab every 15 minutes. You need to lower the tabs when you want the plug to work. The good thing is that it occupies virtually the same space as the switch, so it doesn’t get in the way. With child protection and on/off switch. Maximum power: 3,680W.

Garza 400603

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Orbegozo PG10 analog electrical programmer

Orbegozo Pg10 Analog Electric Programmer
Orbegozo Pg10 Analog Electric Programmer

  • the best: Easy to use, cheap, waterproof.
  • the worst: Heavy when programming, little flexibility.

Like the previous one, this analog programmable plug is easily programmed by simply pressing the tabs you want to turn it on. It is designed specifically for the outdoors, as it is IP44 protection that resists water. It is suitable for devices up to 16 amps and 3,500 watts of power. For 5.90 euros on Amazon.


Orbegozo PG 10

*Some prices may have changed since last review

With a programmer

Another slightly more advanced option allows us to automatically turn devices on and off following different temporal patterns by coordinating with a calendar and a clock. For example, an office light may only be turned on during business hours Monday through Friday.

Garza Mini Power Digital Electrical Programmer

Garza Mini Power Digital Electric Programmer
Garza Mini Power Digital Electric Programmer

  • the best: Easy to use, well-known brand, compact and powerful.
  • the worst: Access to screens and controls, limited programming.

A step up is the Garza Mini Programmable Plug, which has a small digital screen and 5 buttons to program it with up to 16 different daily programs 7 days a week. Includes preset programs for holidays, random start-ups and countdowns.

Like the analog model of the same brand, it Quite compact, so it barely takes up space, but its compact design also makes it difficult to access programming because it’s located at the top. The maximum power is 3,680 W, which allows up to 16 amps: 16 A at 230 volts. 14.95 euros on Amazon.

Garza

*Some prices may have changed since last review

By remote control

Thus, On and off are selected separately, either at the user’s will or some conditional parameters are met. Within this range we find control through voice control with a remote control, an app or virtual assistant. In order for smart plugs to work through the app, they must connect to the router.

TP-Link Tapo P100

Tp Link Tapo P100
Tp Link Tapo P100

  • the best: Compact and low cost
  • the worst: Do not measure costs

Whether you want to control it from your mobile or use the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant ecosystem, this compact TP-Link Tapo P100 plug (10.90 euros) This is a great option at a reasonable price. With schedule and away mode, it supports up to 2990 W at a maximum of 13 A. If your idea is home automation for your home, it is available cheaper if you buy it in a package.

TP-Link TAPO P100

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Meros

Meros
Meros

  • the best: Compact, ambitious technical features, measurement cost and low cost
  • the worst: Not compatible with Apple ecosystem

Although not a well-known brand, this “smart” plug from Meros (22.99 euros for a pack of 2 units) is among the Amazon’s best-selling models for months for their good value for money. With reduced dimensions, it is compatible with the Amazon and Google ecosystems and allows you to plug in devices up to 16A/3680W.

Meros Smart Plug

Meros Smart Plug

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug 2

Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug
Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug

  • the best: Well known brand, reasonable price
  • the worst: It’s heavy

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug (23.99 euros) is a versatile solution and relatively inexpensive among Chinese brands. It connects to the global Mi Home app via Wi-Fi and is compatible with the Google ecosystem.

Xiaomi Smart Plug 2

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Philips Hue Smart Plug

Philips Hue Smart Plug
Philips Hue Smart Plug

  • the best: Versatile in terms of compatibility and connectivity, relatively compact
  • the worst: Price, requires a hub if you connect it via Zigbee

Although it is the most expensive on the list, the Philips Hue Smart Plug (31.30 euros) One of the most fully integrated plugsNot only because of the quality of the brand, but also because it is valid for the Apple, Amazon and Google ecosystems.

It has two connection options: either via the ZigBee protocol (in which case you’ll need a hub which will increase the investment) or with Bluetooth, a very powerful option when the power goes out.


Phillips Hugh

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Refuse Smart Power Strip

Refuse Smart Power Strip
Refuse Smart Power Strip

  • the best: Inexpensive, versatile voice and app control, individual control of each socket.
  • the worst: Lesser Known Brands,

With 3 plugs and 4 USB ports, this smart power strip (42.99 euros) allows you to control the electrical current using your mobile phone (Android or iOS) thanks to its connection to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit. Allows you to create operating programs. With protection to avoid overload.

Refos WiFi Smart Power Strip

Refos WiFi Smart Power Strip

*Some prices may have changed since last review

Note: Some of the links published here are affiliate links. Nevertheless, none of the mentioned articles are recommended by the brand or the store, their role is the sole decision of the team of editors.

Picture | Refoss, Meross, Xiaomi, Philips, Tapo, Orbegozo, Garza

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