Switching to energy-saving devices is now more imperative than ever, with global climate change becoming more serious. Home automation plays a big role in this mission, and one of the primary devices to consider when it comes to energy efficiency is a smart plug. In this article, we will review the top smart plugs that let you control your electric devices remotely, monitor energy usage, and set schedules, allowing you to save energy and consequently, trim your electricity bill.
##TP-Link HS110 Smart Plug
The TP-Link HS110 satisfies consumers on many levels. Firstly, it monitors real-time and historical power consumption for any device plugged into it, offering a sophisticated solution to track and control your energy usage. The accompanying smartphone app, Kasa Smart, provides a detailed overview of the power consumption of your appliances. You can use the app’s countdown timer or schedule features to switch your devices on or off at designated times. It also integrates with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, for seamless voice commands.
However, the HS110 is a little bulky and may block adjacent sockets on a power strip. Still, its energy saving feature, affordable price, and other user-friendly characteristics make it a highly recommended option.
##WeMo Insight Smart Plug
Known for reliability and excellent power-monitoring capability, WeMo Insight has a dedicated user base. This smart plug lets you monitor your home’s energy consumption and costs from your smartphone or tablet. It’s also able to switch appliances on and off based on your daily routines. It supports IFTTT (If This Then That), integrating smoothly with a series of other smart devices and apps.
WeMo Insight provides an ‘Away Mode’ that gives an appearance of occupancy when you’re not home by turning plugged-in devices on and off randomly. However, with slight latency in response time and occasional connectivity issues, it might not be the best fit for everyone.
##Elgato Eve Energy
Designed exclusively for Apple users, the Elgato Eve Energy is a standout choice. It syncs well with Apple HomeKit, allowing Siri voice control and making it easy to create custom scenes and timers. Detailed power consumption and projected costs can be checked via the app’s “At a Glance” view.
The major downside is that it doesn’t support Android and non-HomeKit smart home systems. Yet, With robust energy monitoring and seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, the Eve Energy Smart Plug is a worthwhile consideration for Apple ecosystem users.
##Etekcity Smart Plug
Etekcity Smart Plug is an economical choice offering excellent energy-saving features. It comes with detailed energy monitoring, providing real-time reports, and tracks daily, monthly, and annual power consumption. It supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for voice control and automating your smart home.
The Etekcity app enables programming schedules for your appliances, helping reduce unnecessary power consumption. It includes a Sunrise & Sunset feature, allowing your lights to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise intuitively. Despite occasional lagging issues in response time, its low cost and a plethora of practical features make Etekcity an attractive option.
##Samsung SmartThings Outlet
Easy to integrate with a SmartThings Hub, the Samsung SmartThings Outlet is packed with energy conservation and smart home functionality. It notifies you when certain electronics are left on, and you can remotely control the smart plug to turn them off. It also allows for automation when synced with other SmartThings products.
The drawback is its need for a SmartThings Hub to function, which may carry extra cost. Yet, if you already use the SmartThings ecosystem, this smart plug can be a valuable energy-saving addition.
##Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon’s Smart Plug is an excellent pick for Alexa homes. It allows you to schedule routine automation and manage your home’s energy use efficiently. With voice control, you can command Alexa to turn on or off the devices plugged into it. It does not, however, offer energy monitoring features and does not support other voice assistants like Google Assistant. Yet, for those integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, this is a straightforward and effective smart plug option.
##D-Link DSP-W115
The D-Link DSP-W115 is a budget-friendly smart plug possessing decent energy-saving features. It lets you track power consumption through the mydlink app and set schedules to control your appliances automatically. It offers compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, and includes a thermal protection system that automatically turns off overheating devices.
While it lacks third-party integrations and suffers occasional connectivity glitches, its straightforward setup, user-friendly app, and adequate energy-saving features recommend it for budget-conscious buyers.
Making energy-efficient choices is not just advantageous for your pocket but also for the environment. The above-listed smart plugs not only effectively control energy consumption but also add convenience to your life, making them excellent options to consider. While purchasing, ensure you choose one that integrates seamlessly with your smart home system or voice assistants and fulfills your energy-saving goals.
