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We live in a world in which we have more and more devices connected to the network of networks. IoT devices and home automation are slowly changing the conception we have of our home. We no longer only have our PCs, laptops or smartphones connected to the Internet. Now we have smart speakers, Smart TV and many more devices. This time we are going to focus specifically on smart plugs to automate your home.
Some of you may have heard of these kinds of devices, but you may not be clear about what advantages they offer and what they can be used for. Therefore, before talking about the best smart plugs, let’s briefly explain what these devices can bring to our home.
What do smart plugs bring us
Now we are going to explain what it is for having some of the best smart plugs in our home. When we buy a device with these characteristics, we do it with two main functions in mind:
- Saving energy.
- The automation of tasks.
Energy savings depend on the appliance and schedule; the plug itself also consumes power. Measure the load before assuming a worthwhile saving. Cutting avoidable standby use can help, but savings must be compared with the plug’s consumption and price.
As for the automation of tasks, it is closely related to the first element. In that sense, we want these smart plugs to turn off those devices that we are not using. For example, there are devices that when we go to bed still have a very low consumption, even if we are not going to use them. Although it is true that we could turn them off ourselves, in the end we end up getting tired and forgetting to do so. To solve this we have the smart plugs, which provide us with a time schedule doing the work for us completely automatically.
How they work and what should we look for when buying one
Check the radio and ecosystem separately. Many Wi-Fi plugs use 2.4GHz, but FRITZ DECT plugs use DECT and need compatible FRITZ equipment. Matter can support control from multiple ecosystems; it does not mean every feature works identically in every app.
- Match the physical socket, voltage and regional model.
- Check the stated current, resistive-load and motor limits; they are not interchangeable ratings.
- Verify app, hub, remote-access and account requirements.
- Check energy monitoring and whether it is exposed in your preferred app.
- Use indoor models indoors, and follow the exact outdoor model and location instructions.
A rated wattage is not permission to remotely start any large appliance. Follow both manufacturers’ instructions, including startup loads and restrictions. Do not use a generic smart plug to bypass a heater’s safety controls or to start unattended equipment that requires supervision.
Smart plug families to compare
AVM FRITZ! DECT 200
The 200 family is an indoor DECT smart socket, not an outdoor Wi-Fi plug. The current manufacturer listing uses the name FRITZ Smart Energy 200. Check compatible FRITZ equipment and the precise model label. Do not transfer the DECT 210 outdoor rating to the 200.
AVM FRITZ! DECT 210
FRITZ DECT 210 is the outdoor-focused DECT model. Its IP44 rating describes splash protection, not immersion or unrestricted placement in rain. Use the specified installation conditions and inspect the regional electrical rating. DECT control still requires compatible FRITZ equipment.
TP-Link Tapo P100
Tapo P100 is a Wi-Fi family; check its region-specific label and whether it has the features you need. Do not assume that P100, P110 and P110M have identical monitoring or Matter support.
A Matter-enabled alternative
The Tapo P110M listing includes Matter, energy monitoring and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The checked regional specification lists 16A/3680W for general or resistive loads and a separate motor rating. Those figures must not be applied to a different country’s plug or every appliance.
Check the ecosystem’s controller requirements and feature support even when the plug itself does not need a dedicated Tapo hub. No current price is quoted here because regional offers and multipacks vary.
Plan the rest of the system
Match the plug with your iPhone home-automation ecosystem. For heating controls, compare smart thermostat compatibility rather than using a generic plug as a thermostat.