t's a nice, realistic feature fo

2021/05/21

That's a nice, realistic feature for something like a lamp, TV or sound system. And we dismissed both the EZVIZ T30-10A and the T30-10B-US. As you should with any outdoor plug, you should plug the EP40 into a receptacle with a weatherproof box. Once we got it connected, we were disappointed that this $25 outdoor smart plug has two outlets but that they cant be controlled independently. Also, the operating temperature is 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a poor choice for some climates. And although the company refers to it as a surge protector, wed suggest its more accurate to consider it a smart power strip. If you cant find our top pick, the Wyze Plug is almost identical. For budget-conscious outdoor users: The Wyze Plug Outdoor performed reliably in our testing, and it keeps track of kilowatt-hours used (although its combined for both outlets). Our pick is the Geeni Current+Charge. Also, it is specifically designed for lights (and nothing else) and has two outlets that you cant control independentlyso you cant opt to turn on one outlet and not the other. Once we narrowed down our pick candidates, we reviewed their privacy policies and sent our own questions to the company behind each candidate, specifically looking for clauses or activities that were outside normal practice in this category. It also has three USB ports. Data sharing is a bigger concern, but its often what makes these devices work better. However, we found it difficult to squeeze some plugs into the Wyze Plug Outdoors tightly packed outlets. This makes on/off access easy from the Devices screen. Add at least two items to compare. As part of our vetting process for plug-in smart outlets, we looked at all of the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks. She hopes her neighbors read this bio because it would explain why she always has four video doorbells running simultaneouslyoutside her home. It will count down a set number of minutes or hours to when you'd like the device to turn on or off. Read this first, The best Google Assistant and Google Home devices of 2019. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini has a handful of features beyond just automated on and off control. However, if you opt to connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or IFTTT, you are bound to their rules.

The UltraPro Plug-In 1-Outlet WiFi Smart Switch performed well in our tests, but it doesnt have any of the extras offered by our top picks. We are going to keep testing this one on additional lamps (and with a light meter) and will report back with any new results. Of the smart power strips we tested, it also has the most USB ports (three) and the longest power cord. Both assistants allow you to set nicknames, so you can call your device "lamp" instead of "Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini." 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10), TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40), Security, privacy, and plug-in smart outlets, Our pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10), Our pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40), Power-strip pick: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300), Privacy and security: How our picks compare, TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer HS220, TP-Link Tapo P125 Smart Mini Plug and the TP-Link Tapo P306 Wall Power Strip, Monoprice Stitch Wireless Smart Power Strip, Leviton D215P-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch, Leviton D23LP-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Dimmer, Peace by Hampton Single Outlet Smart Plug, UltraPro Plug-In 1-Outlet WiFi Smart Switch, Meross MSS630 Smart Wi-Fi Indoor/Outdoor Plug, The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2021. For example, you can set the plug to turn a lamp on and off randomly from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays only. Yet it leaves enough room for you to plug another device (including a second Wyze Plug) into the remaining receptacle. TP-Link Kasa is the only company we picked that doesnt currently offer 2FA. The EP40 can operate in temperatures of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty typical for outdoor plugs (temperatures below or above those numbers may not even be an issuethe EP40 is just not guaranteed to work in those conditions). It doesnt work with Apple HomeKit, but this plug is an excellent choice if thats a feature you dont need. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40) is built to weather the outdoors. (Kasa allows for grouping, but you cant schedule multiple devices without using a third-party platform like Alexa.) Per TP-Link, this model is rated to reduce power spikes to 500 volts when exposed to a 6,000-volt surge in testing, which means it will clamp down high-voltage surges to that level and limit the damage to any connected devices. Otherwise, the Wemo Android and iOS apps are almost identical, offering on/off controls, scheduling, timers, and an Away Mode. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10) is easy to set up and use. Its also twice as expensive as the Kasa EP40 and doesnt have a very user-friendly app. If thats a feature youre interested in, consider the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug, our also-great pick. If youre worried about the fit, consider instead using a smart power strip, which sits on the floor. It never used the same pattern twice. But the newer model is also a lot easier to set up. These smart plugs are the secret to a seamless smart home, Want to buy a smart plug? Then there's away mode, in which the plug will turn on and off randomly during your specified window of time, to simulate someone being at home. All rights reserved. For example, we created this Routine: Every time we said, Alexa, make Christmas magic, the EP10 would turn on our Christmas tree lights, and Christmas music would play from an Echo speaker. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT. Scheduling and automation options are tucked under the Settings icon. Wirecutter takes this seriously, too. And there is an option to disable the Plug Status Light, which illuminates a small blue LED when the plug is on. Although some plug-in smart outlets use Bluetooth (or other wireless technology), most connect via your homes Wi-Fi. The TP-Link Kasa EP10 is our top pick and the Kasa EP40 is our outdoor pick. If you cant find the Wemo: The Meross MSS110 is a good, if basic, smart plug with support for Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and SmartThings. If the devices you plan to connect will do no more then 10 amps, then you can get the multiple 2 packs and those would work fine. The Kasa app allows scheduling, away modes and runtime monitoring. I plan on using the power strip for my hone entertainment areas, however I have a few places I wanted to put a stand alone. It has an app thats easy to use, and it works well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The KP (slim) models are sold exclusively for Walmart but is comparable to the HS105. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Just getting into smart plugs in my hone setup. But all of the Wi-Fienabled smart plugs we tested are able to connect only via 2.4 GHz networks. Weve added the TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini (EP25) to What to look forward to. The dual-outlet ConnectSense Smart Outlet2 is a double-plug model for users who want to go beyond the basicsbut its bulky and not very user-friendly. The HS105 (mini) and HS107 can do a max of 15 amps , while the HS103 (lite) does 10 amps. This smart plug is almost identical to the Kasa EP10. Ive also written tech articles for The New York Times, Wired, and Mens Health, among others. And that would be fine, if it werent so difficult to use. In my testing, both assistants set up quickly and executed commands with little to no lag. Unlike the apps of our top two picks, the Wemo app doesnt allow you to group plugs. The Ezlo PlugHub has an internal Z-Wave hub built in, which makes it chunky and may explain why its more than twice the price of our single-outlet picks. I first started testing smart-home devices more than 20 years ago, back when the only smart-home devices were X10. Weve also added 10 models to the Competition and Other good plug-in smart outlets. But it does offer two-factor authentication (along with the Wemo), for added securitysomething wed like to see offered on all of our picks. We named the plug Kasa Mini in the app and connected it to both Alexa and Google Home, after which we were able to say things like Alexa, turn the Kasa Mini off, and have it work seamlessly. You can control all of these through the clean, well-designed Kasa app for iOS or Android devices. Its also a little larger (about 3.25 by 1 by 1.25 inches), and is sold only in packs of two. Its well built, but the Cync Outdoor doesnt have special features (such as an Away Mode, energy monitoring, or even a timer) like our top outdoor pick. At 4.3 by 1.5 by 3.2 inches, the EP40 is slightly smaller than its predecessor (and our former outdoor pick), the KP400. We found that the Wemo was easy to use with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant; it linked quickly and responded consistently to on/off commands and automations. This weatherproof smart plug withstands snow, rain, heat, and dust, and it has two outlets that you can control independently. TP-Link's $30 Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini adds scheduling, voice commands and remote access to everyday devices. The $30 Ring Outdoor Smart Plug requires a Ring Smart Bridge, has two independently controlled outlets, and works with Amazon Alexa. During testing, we connected all devices to a Firewalla Blue, a firewall device that monitors the communications of all devices on a network and reports which devices are sending out data and to what country. We also had less than a handful of connectivity issues, so we dismissed it. Most of the switches easily connected to Wi-Fi and were simple to operate from inside (and outside, when needed) our 1,650-square-foot house. The Monoprice Stitch Mini is just as affordable as our top two picks, the Kasa EP10 and EP40 (and almost as small).

Topgreeners TGWF115PQM is more compact but lacks the options of our top picks. We also recognize that the following may not paint a complete picture of a products supply chain and overall environmental impact. Both the Leviton D215P-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch and the Leviton D23LP-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Dimmer are twice as expensive as all three of our single-outlet picks. We recommend the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10) for inside the home and the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40) for outdoor use, since they both work really well on their own, as well as when paired with other devices through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. (You should never attempt to use a typical smart plug outdoors.) These include keeping track of how many hours and minutes devices are used on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, as well as scheduling of individual devices (you can use a third-party system such as Alexa to schedule groups) and an Away Mode. In early 2021, Wyze released a newer version of the plug, which now uses Bluetooth for a quicker setup process; it is otherwise identical to the original model. For instance, geofencing is a feature that turns your plug on and off based on the location of your smartphone. Sometimes you want more than one thing to be automated. If these types of features are of no interest to you, you can turn off location sharing in your smartphones settings. Here are a few easy tips to get the most of smart lighting. You shouldnt need to pay more than that, unless you want a multi-outlet model. So you can pair the EP10 with other devices to do cool smart-home things. The Satechi Dual Smart Outlet packs two outlets into a strip that doesnt crowd the wall receptacle and offers energy monitoring in kWh. And because most of our top picks (except for the Wemo) allow you to keep tabs on how much youre actually using a device, you may learn a little something about your consumption habits, and this may prod you to adopt more energy-wise habits. You can also group the outlets together (perhaps in an Outside group), so that one tap of a button on your phone or a voice command turns off both outlets. The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is almost half the size of its predecessor, but it packs the same features, including support for Apple HomeKit (as well as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT). Store #0906712 Elec. And even though it has two outlets, they cant be controlled independently. Unlike our other picks, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug doesnt include any sort of energy or device tracking (which we didnt mind, but this could be a dealbreaker for some people). The D23LP-2RW does offer a dimming feature, which could make it attractive for some people. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) is a little pricier than the average smart plug. The Wemo doesnt have as many features as the Kasa EP10 or the Wyze Plug. You'll see only the devices you've connected. Only the Kasa HS300 power strip actually keeps tabs on kilowatt-hours (kWh); this can help you dictate not just how much youre using a device but also how much youre spending to use it. Hd. The Tapo P306 is a power strip with no cordit just plugs straight into the wall and includes three smart outlets, two type-C USB pots, and two type-A USB ports (a corded model is also expected but we dont have a release date yet.). We found it straightforward to created Schedules based on specific times and local sunrise/sunset times, to control Christmas lights and fans. Its still small enough to easily fit into outlets placed next to trim or entryways, and its shallow enough to fit well between furniture and a wall. Toggling on Away Mode triggers devices randomly during set periods so that it looks like someone is home. Ultimately, we found both to be frustrating, thanks to a lot of extra steps and error messages. We appreciate your feedback. And we found this $80 single-outlet model (which also requires the $80 Lutron Smart Bridge for remote operation) to be lacking some of the special features our lower-cost picks offer. However, unlike with the Wyze Plug, you cant use this group for scheduling purposes; you will need to schedule those separately or use a third-party platform, such as Amazon Alexa. We then tested plugs using several table lamps, fans, a white noise machine, a radio, and Christmas lights, both inside the house and while at the grocery store (2 miles away), the gym (10 miles away), and other locations (up to 50 miles away). At 2.7 by 1.1 by 1.5 inches, the Wyze Plug isnt the smallest plug weve seen. Its also the only one of our single-plug picks that allows you to group multiple plugs for one-click control and scheduling. We also reached out to all of the companies that produced our top picks. For instance, we created a group with the EP10 and EP40 (our outdoor pick) so we could turn indoor and outdoor Christmas lights on and off at the same time with one click. With so many smart plugs on the market, that's a requirement for me these days. That means it cant tolerate being submerged in water, but it can withstand splashes and dust. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Smart plugs allow you to control the amount of time you use any electronic devicewhether thats by putting it on a set timer or making sure that a table lamp is turned off after youve already embarked on a weeklong vacation. This Kasa plugs Away Mode is more advanced than the Wyze Plugs Vacation Mode; it allows you to set specific start and end times, as well as specific days of the week. There's a timer option as well. Both look and function the same, but they have different branding and different apps, and theyre sold at different retail locations (UltraPro on Amazon and Jascos website, Enbrighten at Lowes and on Jascos website). It supports all three major voice platforms (Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit) and typically costs about half the price of most other HomeKit-compatible plugs. Then set it up with an app, andboomyoure making magic. You can also create scenes with one or more devices and set those scenes to activate on a schedule. The latest incarnation of the Eve Energy provides energy monitoring. They can also be a crucial aid for those who have difficulty reaching light switches or turning inline rotary light switches. (And Wemo requires it for new accounts.) But the app isnt as easy to use, and its special features are really confusing since no instructions are included or available online. Setting up the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini doesn't take much time at all. We tested a number of smart plugs that we didnt prefer as overall picks but that are perfectly fine choices. But it transforms one wall plug into six independently controllable outlets, so you can turn different devices on and off as well as create separate Schedules and triggers.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. It also has a constantly lit red LED (which we wanted to be able to turn off), along with a blue LED that popped on whenever the plug was in use. (Just remember, it should still be installed with a covered outlet.). We found that the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug worked more reliably than its predecessor, and its the best smart-plug option for those who like HomeKit (though it also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT). Weve started testing an updated version of our current Also Great pick, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. But it works with Apple HomeKit only, and its usually three times the price of the Wemo, which makes it a hard sell. This smart plug is easy to use, cheap, and small enough to hide behind furniture. Available in Q4 2022, the EP25 will be sold in a two-pack for $30 and a four-pack for $50. We independently review everything we recommend. After tons of research I decided on the Kasa family of products. Whether youre home or away, you can turn outlets on and off, have them trigger at set or random times, or have plugs turn other smart devices on and off (or vice versa). Those timers need to be scheduled, which means if you set a lamp to turn off after a minute, it will do that every time the lamp is turned onuntil you unschedule the timer. The Meross is also a bit bigger than the Wemo, measuring 2.65 by 1.5 by 1.5 inches. I tested out the smart plug with a table lamp, but supported load types reach up to 1,500 watts for appliances like heaters and irons. Many smart-home devices ask you to enable location services on your smartphone to unlock specific features. We hope to test it soon. The Wyze Plug quickly responds to app and smart speaker voice commands, and it performs equally well when handling daily on/off schedules. (And Apple says no data is shared with third parties via HomeKit.). We also grouped the Kasa Mini with our in-wall dimmer pick, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer HS220. If youre prone to torrential downpours: The Lutron Casta Outdoor Smart Plug is IP65-rated, so it can handle water at a slightly higher pressure than the other smart plugs we tested. The Wyze Plug is very similar to our top pick. And in our own tests using 5,000-volt surges, our top surge-protector picks were able to reduce that even further, to 200 volts. The Tapo P125 is similar to our current pick, the EP10, but includes support for Apple HomeKit and is made with V-0 flame retardant materials. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini fits into any standard outlet, and its rectangular design keeps the plug from blocking outlets above or below it. : Elec. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini works with your Wi-Fi, so you'll need a good 2.4GHz internet connection. This thread has been locked for further replies. Should we find any privacy or security issues with any of our selected models, well report them here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations.

Most plugs can handle 15 amps of current, so theyre best for low-power devices like lamps and small appliances. Feel free to let us know more. And we had them answer an extensive questionnaire (see Privacy and security: How our picks compare) to confirm information we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer. And you can control it with its app as well as with Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings. Smart plugs can make your life a bit easier, not to mention more fun. An important buying consideration: Currently, this new version of the Wyze Plug is sold on Wyze.com; however, you may end up getting the new or older version when purchasing from other online retailers, such as Amazon. Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and investigates as much as possible how the companies we recommend deal with customer data. Even though the app supports a host of devices, it doesn't feel cluttered or full of menus.

The Tp-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini has a thin design to keep adjacent outlets accessible. Not responsible for typographical or illustrative errors. This allowed us to control lights connected to the dimmer in our entryway and a living room lamp simultaneously. Download the Kasa app, then log in or create an account. Since 2016, Ive been covering smart-home gear for Wirecutter, and Ive had my hands on everything from in-wall light switches, smart bulbs, and water-leak sensors to smart video doorbells, indoor security cameras, and security systems. Enter new zip code to refresh estimated delivery time. There is a page within the Kasa app that displays the current length of time your device has been on, as well as 7-day and 30-day averages, but with TP-Link's mini smart plug, you won't see anything with regard to kilowatt hours. At just 2.05 by 1.34 by 1.81 inches, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is the smallest of our single-outlet plug picksand about half the size of the Wemo Mini (now discontinued), our previous also-great pick. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. When possible, we paired switches to an Amazon Echo Dot, an Echo Plus, an Echo Show 5, HomeKit (via an Apple TV), a Google Home Mini, IFTTT, and other switches.