There are more and more connected or smart devices that we find in our homes, making it increasingly common to be able to control them remotely from the mobile when we are not at home. However, there are still many devices that we cannot control in this way. However, thanks to smart plugs, it is possible to control certain actions on the devices or devices that we connect to them. In this way, it is possible to turn these devices on or off even when we are not at home or even control them with our own voice. If we are thinking of controlling some of the devices in your house, these are some of the best smart plugs and everything we must take into account when choosing one.
Gone is that of having to go home because we had left a device or appliance on, since thanks to smart plugs we can control this type of thing remotely. And it is that although the devices themselves do not have an Internet connection or intelligent functions, the fact of being connected to a socket with connectivity, means that we can control them through the socket itself . Some models are even compatible with the most popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa or the Apple assistant, allowing us to send certain actions on the device through the plug.
What is a smart plug
A smart plug is a device with which we can control any device connected to it in different ways. Specifically, we will not be able to control the functions of the device, but it is possible to turn it off or on without having to interact with the device itself.
For this, depending on the models and characteristics of the plug, we will be able to use our mobile phone or through a voice command if it is compatible with any of the assistants such as Google or Alexa .
Therefore, these types of plugs will allow us to turn off any device or appliance that we have left on or to turn it on before we get home, very useful for example with heating or air conditioning, for example.
Now, it is important to note that through the smart plug we will not be able to access or control other characteristics or functions of the devices connected to it. That is, we can turn the television on and off, but not tell it to change the channel, increase the volume, etc.
Features to consider when choosing one
There are many options or functions that a smart plug can have, therefore, before deciding on one model or another, it is advisable to carefully review all of them to see if it meets our needs, both for its correct operation and for its function. that we want to play with them and thus avoid surprises later.
Programmer: There are many models that offer the option of programming the on or off of the plug. Many of them have their own programmer in the socket, while others allow it to be done remotely through an app. In this case, the models with built-in programmer usually have a larger size and this can be a problem when connecting it in certain places.
WiFi: It is one of the main characteristics of smart plugs. We can find models with WiFi, capable of connecting to the Internet to receive orders, and models without WiFi. In this second case, they may be equipped with their own remote control or offer connectivity via Bluetooth. In this case, we can manage them from a distance, but always when we are at home. However, a socket with WiFi can be controlled from anywhere, as long as it is connected to the Internet.
SIM: There are certain models that have a SIM card slot, capable of sending us notifications through text messages, SMS, to our mobile phone.
Bluetooth: We all know how bluetooth connectivity works. In this case, those smart plugs with bluetooth connectivity allow their synchronization with the mobile so that in this way, we can control them from the mobile phone or a tablet. However, their range is limited and therefore we will not be able to control them remotely when we leave home.
IFTTT: In certain cases, it may also be interesting to use smart plugs that support IFTTT. In this way, we can create recipes to help us program certain actions or tasks automatically in the socket.
Voice control : It is another of the characteristics to take into account, since today, the use of assistants is very popular. The fact that a smart plug is compatible with the assistant of Google or Alexa, allows us to control the plug through commands with our own voice.
Consumption control: A very interesting option to take into account when choosing a smart plug is the ability to control the consumption made by the device connected to that plug. That is, we can know the energy consumption of the device connected to it.
Size and design: The size and design of a plug is also important, since sometimes the space to place a plug of this type may be reduced. In this case, it will be necessary for us to choose a model as small as possible, without an additional programmer, etc.
Price: Of course, the price is another fact to consider. Luckily, today we can find plugs of all prices and affordable for all budgets. We can even find packs with several smart plugs that reduce the cost compared to your purchase individually.
The best smart plugs
TP-Link HS100
This smart plug is one of the most popular and best valued by users on Amazon. It has remote access, which allows us to control the connected devices from the kasa app installed on our phone, programmer, away from home mode, so that we can turn the devices on and off at different times to give the appearance that we are at home, WiFi and voice control. A plug that we can buy on Amazon individually for 14.90 euros, but that we can also buy in a pack of 3 for 59.87 euros.
TP-Link TAPO P100
It is another TP-Link model, this time it is a small size WiFi smart plug to be able to dock it anywhere in our house and control the device that we have connected to it. It is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, so we can send you orders through our own voice, it has a remote control, programmer, timer, absent mode and it is very easy to configure through the app on our mobile. Its price is 13.32 euros.
Teckin SP22
This Teckin SP22 is a small size WiFi smart socket that has a remote control, voice control (Google and Alexa), timer, to set a time or program when we want a device to turn on or off and energy control, which allows us Allows you to have information on the amount of energy consumed by each device connected to one of these plugs. Its price on Amazon is 24.99 euros the pack of two units.
Meross MSS310
The Meross MSS310 is a very complete smart plug and also has a fairly compact design. It has an energy monitor, which allows us to control the energy consumption of the device or device connected to it, a remote control and is compatible with the assistants of Google, Alexa and IFTTT. It is a WiFi socket whose pack of two units can be obtained from Amazon for 25.89 euros.
Maxcio W-DE004
The Maxcio W-DE004 Smart Plug is a WiFi model with USB port, LED lamp and compatible with Alexa and Google Home. It has a remote control function through the Smart Life app, a LED lamp with 16 million colors and 8 different scene modes, a timer, a programmer, etc. The pack of two of these plugs is available on Amazon for a price of 26.99 euros.
Maxcio strip
A great option to control several devices or devices centrally is this power strip from Maxcio, which has three conventional plugs and four USB connections. It has remote control, WiFi, timer function, WiFi, voice control (compatible with Google and Alexa), programmer, overload protection and is priced at 26.99 euros.
Zoozee SE131
Another interesting pack of two smart plugs that we can find on Amazon is this one from Zoozee. It contains two Zoozee WiFi plugs compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, remote control function with the Smart Life app, timer, Family Sharing function, which allows us to share our devices with members of our family or friends, etc. Its price is 24.99 euros for both units.
TAOCOCO strip
Along with the aforementioned power strip, we can also find this other TAOCOCO model on Amazon. A smart Smart Power Strip with four plugs and three USB ports. Supports voice control, since it is compatible with Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT, timer function, protection against overloads or overheating, etc. Its price is 37.99 euros.
Lunvon
If we are looking for something simple, this pack of three smart plugs for the remote control with remote control can be a great alternative. It has a remote control with a range of up to 30 meters, very useful to ensure that we leave everything off when we leave the house, since with a simple press on the control we can turn off what we want. A pack with three plugs and a remote control that we can buy on Amazon at a price of 17.99 euros .
