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The smart home concept is rapidly gaining popularity. More and more people want to live like they’re in a futuristic world and control everything with their voices. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant are found in many homes, and these work hand-in-hand with different smart devices and appliances. Not everyone is willing to spend a hefty sum to get these more expensive options, but the fantastic thing is that you can turn an ordinary device or appliance into a smart one with the help of a smart outlet.
The “smart” aspect is found in these outlets, and then you’ll be able to sync them with compatible apps. Once the outlet is in use, your devices or appliances can then be turned on or off via voice control or a mobile app, even when you aren’t home. The lack of walking up to a device to control it is an obvious advantage, but there’s more to that. For example, smart outlets allow you to simulate your presence at home during vacations, thus increasing home security.
If you’d like to modernize your home, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ve compiled the best smart outlets on the market. Here, you’ll find options controlled via any voice assistant for various budgets and needs, both indoor and outdoor. Read on to find the perfect smart outlet for your home.
Multiple socket power strips are incredibly convenient for small spaces with lots of appliances, such as the kitchen. The Smart 6-Outlet Power Strip from Kasa features six plugs and three USB ports, so you can connect nine devices at the same time.
Furthermore, each device can be controlled independently via the native Kasa app. Additionally, the app shows how much energy your appliances consume. Voice control is also supported – via Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. Most competitors only allow two voice assistants, so the Kasa power strip is a clear winner in terms of universality.
If that’s not enough, no hub is required, so you won’t have to spend additional money. You might think that having that many outlets and ports on a power strip could be dangerous, but you’ll be glad to know that this power strip has ETL-certified surge protection. You can rest assured that any appliances or devices you plug into the strip will be safe during random power outages. The Kasa Smart 6-Outlet Power Strip features an LED power button, and you can also monitor the energy levels all the connected devices are taking up. You can use the app to turn off particular devices or appliances that you feel consume too much power. Considering the wide functionality and the price, this smart outlet is a bargain that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Connect nine devicesGreat pricingThree voice assistants supportedNo hub requiredUser-friendly app
A bit bulky compared to single outlets
The Leviton D215P-2RW is a straightforward smart outlet you can use for a wide range of devices or appliances. It can turn your lights, fans, and more into smart appliances. The outlet works as an adaptor for the plug of your appliance, and it will automatically connect to Wi-Fi. From there, you’ll be able to control everything using the Leviton app. Users can effortlessly shut anything off to turn them on using their voice since the outlet supports Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Apple users who have HomeKit can even use it to control the device or appliance plugged into the outlet.
The magic happens in the Leviton app because aside from controlling your devices and appliances, you can also create schedules, so you don’t even have to lift a finger. You can have all your lights turned off in a second once the sun rises and then shut off once it goes dark outside. You don’t need to go through any complicated setup process for the outlet to work, so you’re good to go once you plug it in.
AffordableCompatible with Siri, Alexa, and Google AssistantWorks with Apple HomeKitCreate schedules on the app
Design could be more aesthetically pleasing
The Wemo Smart Plug is a unique smart outlet because it has a physical button on the outlet itself for times when your phone might not have any battery left, and you want to turn off a particular appliance or device. The outlet features Thread technology, which makes all your things connect faster. You shouldn’t worry if you have an appliance that doesn’t support Thread since it also has built-in Bluetooth.
It works perfectly for those who use Apple devices since it’s compatible with Apple Homekit and the Apple Home App. Setting the outlet up is easy since it supports NFC technology. You’ll automatically get a prompt on your iPhone seconds after your plug in the smart plug. Unfortunately, the Wemo Smart Plug with Thread isn’t compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so it’s only ideal for all you Apple fanatics out there. Its functions are also pretty limited compared to its rivals because you can only turn on/off your devices and appliances. You won’t get any access to dimming or track your energy consumption.
Easy and quick setupWorks well with Apple HomeModern and compact designThread technologyNFC technology
Can only be used by Apple usersNo dimming or energy tracking
Not all the gadgets and appliances you want to use with smart outlets are found inside your home. You might want to use one for something in your backyard, and if that’s the case, your best option would be the Wyze Plug Outdoor. This smart outlet has an IP64 weather-resistant body, so it can survive all types of weather conditions it may face when you leave it outside your home.
This outlet is intelligent enough to track your energy consumption and give you consumption alerts on the companion app. You will also get to see a track record of your energy usage, so you can quickly know when to cut down on your consumption. The companion app is user-friendly, and it gives you voice-control capabilities. You also have the option to use Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled devices. The outlet features a 300-foot Wi-Fi range, so you can control your appliances even if you’re in your bedroom. The Wyze Plug Outdoor comes with two built-in outlets, so it’s as if you bought two smart outlets. You can conveniently shut down your backyard lights while leaving the pool lights on. The outlet will undoubtedly make your life easier, and the best part is that it’s highly affordable. Customers can get the outlet bundled with a bulb or light switch.
IP64 weather resistance ratingEnergy usage monitoringTwo outlets in oneWorks with Alexa and Google AssistantAffordable
Won't work with Apple HomeKit
If the six outlets of the TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip are too much for you, you can buy its smaller relative, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim. It would cost you around $40, but you will already get four smart outlets. It’s an excellent option to have when you use Apple HomeKit, but the outlet will also work with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You can also access its voice-control function on its companion app.
Users must download the Kasa Smart app to access handy features like energy monitoring and historical power consumption tracking. Setting up the outlet is quick and easy using the app, and it supports Amazon Frustration-Free Setup and Google Seamless Setup. Other notable features the outlet offers are a timer and scheduling of when your devices and appliances turn off/on and an Away Mode that cuts the power off from all your connected devices when you’re not home. The outlet itself is compact, so you don’t have to worry about it blocking other wall outlets you have. You can use it confidently because the outlet has a UL-certified flame retardant design. Customers get a two-year limited warranty upon purchase.
AffordableWorks with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Assistant, and IFTTTSupports Amazon Frustration-Free Setup and Google Seamless SetupEnergy monitoring and historical power consumption trackingTimer and schedulingAway Mode
You can only buy it in a four-pack
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