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What Is A Smart Plug? An Extensive Guide

One of the most common questions asked by homeowners is what is a smart plug? Do you remember the clap switch? Just clap, and the lights will turn on and vice versa. This device makes the whole process of turning the lights On/Off much easier! What if all your home appliances can do the thinking for you or run on their own? 

It will save some energy without the need of you running around to turn the switches on and off. But how can you fulfil all the smart home wishes of yours? There is an easy way to step into home automation and smart appliances. Smart plugs are one way to stick your feet into the innovative world.

Are Smart Plugs Really “Smart”?

One question that might be boggling in your mind is, what is a smart plug and what makes these smart plugs “smart”? It’s a simple power-point connector that completes the circuit between the appliance and the power socket. 

But it becomes a very nifty device when connected with the smart home gadgets. Thus, they can control the home appliances even with your voice. There are multiple applications available that can even schedule the smart plugs. You leave for the office, and the lights will turn off automatically. Isn’t it a time saver or eco-friendly? 

Next up is to connect the smart plugs with the central WiFi network to control it from anywhere. It makes a central hub that manages information via a mobile app. That’s what makes these smart plugs really “smart”!

Awesome Things You Can Do With the Smart Plugs

We all have some fantasies about the different themes of houses. Moreover, many of us have always faced a dilemma when to turn off the Christmas lights at night. Let’s handle all these tasks in a smart way. These are the top things that you can do with the smart plugs:

Save Some Energy

Have you ever thought of the energy costs that a bulb consumes? Why not turn off the bulb when you’re not at home? We feel that you have a busy schedule; let’s put it on the smart plugs. These smart plugs will gather data about the electricity consumption of that particular appliance. Apart from that, you can make a schedule to turn the machine On/Off.

Take Stress Out

No need to take care of the lights on special occasions like Christmas and New Year! Take on the Christmas spirit at its best! Once you’re snuggled in your bed, no need to go out and turn the lights off!

Enjoy the Coziness

Have you ever wondered that your heater should turn on automatically before you came home? If so, bring these smart plugs into use and schedule the appliances.

Get Rid of Intruders

You should create an illusion that might tell the intruders that you’re at home even when you’re out! That’s where these smart plugs will help you turn the lights on automatically at night.

10 Best Smart Plugs for All Time

1. Amazon Smart Plug – Best Smart Plug for Alexa

It’s simple and convenient

Amazon always brings easiness to your doorsteps! The same is the case here with this Amazon Smart Plug, which brings Alexa compatibility in use. This way, you can add voice control to any of your home appliances. Just plug in the device in a smart plug and turn it ON/OFF with your voice.

Certified for Humans

Amazon called this smart plug “certified for humans”! This means that this smart plug has innovative yet straightforward features that every human can control. No need to take the stress and put yourself into the struggle! It’s easy to install and use it further.

Schedule the Appliances

Who wants to leave the coziness of bed at night! No worries, as you can make a schedule of your appliances via the mobile application. Schedule the fans, lights, and all other electrical gadgets remotely from anywhere. It also has an “away lightning” mode to turn the light on even when you’re away.

Easy to Set Up

As already mentioned, this Amazon Smart Plug is easy to install and use! You only need to plug it in the electrical switch, and then it’ll make a connection between the appliance and the electrical circuit. Then, start using it the way you want!

Pros

  • No central hub is required.
  • Compact design
  • Works with Alexa
  • Stress-free operations

Cons

  • Not compatible with Apple Homekit

2. Gosund Smart Plug – Best Smart Plug with Mini WiFi

Features

Voice Commands Control

If you ever questioned yourself what is a wifi smart plug? Then, this Gosund plug is the answer! Gosund has never disappointed its customers! This innovative smart plug is also a depiction of their brand’s excellence and superiority. 

Gosund Smart Plug has come up a long way by making new changes and has now become the advanced one. It works perfectly with the voice assistants like Google and Alexa. There is no need to install the central hub to control the appliances. It merely works with a stable 2.4 GHz of the network.

Timer and Schedules

Get your coffee or crockpot meal ready when you’re home! You can schedule the appliances like the coffee maker, oven, crockpot, and more by plugging into the smart plugs. Moreover, customize the lights of your home to transform it into a smart one. You can schedule the lamps, Christmas lights, and more to save some energy bills when needed.

Remote Control Technology

You don’t always need to control the smart plug via voice commands. Get rid of bounding at a single place to manage the gadgets now. You can even give orders to the home appliances via the Gosund application remotely from anywhere.

Pros

  • Easy to install and use
  • ETL certified
  • Works with Alexa and Google
  • No hub required

Cons

It only supports a 2.4 GHz network.

Features

Reliable Controls

What is a tp link smart plug? Kasa brings you the answer! It’s a matter of electrical appliances which are not just expensive but essential! Kasa brings some love for your costly gadgets via innovative technologies. 

This smart plug is designed and manufactured in Silicon Valley and has come out as a reader’s choice for PCMag 2020. It serves you with reliable controls that you can trust for their safety and consistency.

Better Controls

Better controls serve you with better operational ability! Gone are the days when you need to turn the electrical appliances On/Off physically. Just sign in to the Kasa application and control all types of electronics remotely. 

No matter you’re in the office or on vacation, Kasa Smart Plug is a way to a smart home. It only needs 2.4 GHz of a WiFi connection to run. Moreover, just plug in the appliance and follow the instructions via the Kasa application.

Hands-free Operations

What is a smart plug for alexa? Your answer is here! You can add voice control commands to any of the outlets of the smart plug. Isn’t it a fantastic feature! Enjoy the hands-free operations and control all the appliances with just your voice commands. It works extraordinarily with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Countdown schedule enabled
  • Remote control via Kasa app(TP-Link)
  • Two years warranty

Cons

  • No energy monitoring

4. Aoycocr Mini WiFi Smart Socket Switch – Best Remote Controlled Smart Plug

Features

No Hub Needed

You can make use of the Aoycocr Mini Smart Plug for a better smart home experience! But how? Let’s find out! One of the most noteworthy features of this Smart Socket Switch is that you can manually control it remotely. 

Plug-in, the smart plug, sign in to the application, and you’re good to go. There is no need to have the central WiFi hub or subscription, as it only needs the 2.4 GHz connection.

Your Voice Is Everything

Mini Smart Socket Switches are the first step towards a smart home. What if you can control them with your voice only! Yes, you read it right. Enjoy your bed’s coziness or comfort as this smart plug is compatible with all types of smart home gadgets, including Amazon Echo, Google Home Assistant, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. This way, you can give instructions via your voice only.

Customized Settings

You’ll get a countdown timer for customized settings! Your electrical appliances will automatically turn On/Off with a schedule as per your needs. This way, you can prevent all the hungry apps from looking for extra energy. It’ll save you some cost on the bills.

Pros

  • Control multiple smart switches
  • No hub required
  • Manual remote control
  • Timer function

Cons

  • Hard to connect sometimes 

5. TanTan Smart Plug Gosund Plug – Best Smart Plug with overload Protection

Features

Compact Style

Gosund Smart Plug has never compromised on the safety standards. It has a 16A smart plug, which falls under the FCC certification due to being compact, stylish, and user-friendly at the same time. Along with that, here comes the PC V0 class flame retardant finish that assures you safety and protection even in the rainy weather.

Voice Commands

Gosund WiFi supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which let you mimic the hectic routine. No need to physically turn the switches ON/OFF. You can simply tell Alexa to turn on the bread toaster or the coffee maker before you get home. It’s simple and easy!

Schedule the Appliances

Do you often forget to turn off the lights in your garage? Not anymore now! Bring this TanTan smart plug into use and get rid of extra energy bills. Schedule the timings, and your air conditioner, lights, and all other appliances will automatically turn them ON/OFF!

Easy to Install

No matter if you know the basics of electronics or not! Here is the simple and easy install smart plug switch that only needs a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and a smartphone application to run. A user manual will guide you with a step to step guide.

Pros

  • Polycarbonate material
  • Plug-in type
  • PC V0 Class flame retardant

Cons

  • Hard to set up

6. T TECKIN Mini Smart Outlet – Best Smart Plug with Timer

Features

Remote Control

Electrical items are needed to care a lot! You need to turn them ON/OFF physically. But wait, are you ready to do this hectic job? If not, shift towards smart and innovative gadgets. Teckin Smart Plugs are one of them! You can control all types of appliances and lights of your home with these smart plugs via your phone.

Speak What You Want

Get rid of all those physical switches’ problems and transform them into a smart home! A smart home will listen to you as you speak. You can schedule the timer and turn the appliances ON/OFF using voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The timer is a Life Saver

Get ready to save some electricity bills using the smart plugs. This smart plug or switch brings in the timer and schedule option to customize your home appliances’ settings. Turn On/Off lamps, Christmas lights, and all other smart home chore appliances like a coffee maker and ovens to ease life.

Pros

  • ABS plastics
  • 2.4 GHz of WiFi connectivity
  • Perfect for Home electronics
  • 1200 watts

Cons

  • No IFTTT Support

7. Smart Plug Gosund WiFi Outlet Extender Dual Socket – Best Smart Home Plug with Dual Extender

Features

Smart Plug with Two Socket

Gosund has surpassed the limits with its dual-socket functionality! This smart plug brings in the space-saving design and multiple-connectivity options that can bridge four devices at a time. It serves you with ease and comfort by behaving as an independent socket. Followed by the one demand controls, this Smart Plug can create a WiFi group for smart functioning.

Go Hands-free

Gosund dual smart plug has a built-in voice control feature! You can make sure that your house’s lights are turned ON/OFF via the Gosund application. Moreover, apart from the application, just speak what you want via Google Assistant or Alexa! It’ll bring some relief to your mind!

Remote Control from Anywhere

What is a smart plug for echo dot? Finish searching and bring this Gosund WiFi Plug that remotely helps you to connect with the electrical appliances at your home! It is fully compatible with the Alexa Echo, Google Home Assistant, and many other voice assistant platforms. 

Connect with the coffee maker at your house to prepare the cappuccino before you arrive! With this automation, you can take the stress out of your mind.

Pros

  • 2 in 1 compact size
  • Timer Function
  • Dual Control
  • 1200w Max power

Cons

  • Only supports 2.4 GHz

Features

Perfect for Every Age

What is a wi-fi smart plug? BN-LINK brings you the answer to this question! Here’s how! You must take care of older people and old aged ones who cannot physically turn the lights ON/OFF. BN-LINK WiFi brings in such smart features and attributes, which is perfect to use for every person. No matter you’ve someone old, disabled, or lazy in your family, they can make use of this smart plug to control all home appliances.

Easy to Access

All the plugs in your homes are hard-to-reach? No worries! You can easily control the electronics or home appliances with your voice! Isn’t it amazing to enjoy such comfort? Alexa and Google devices will listen to your commands and turn the electronics ON/OFF as per need.

Comfort and Convenience

Do you often have a hard time installing the switches! That’s not the case anymore with this smart BN-LINK WiFi Smart Plug. It’s simple, easy, and quick to install. Moreover, it has a heavy-duty build quality, which can easily take up a heavy load.

Pros

  • No hub required
  • Countdown timer
  • Perfect for every age
  • Remote control

Cons

  • Works only indoor 

9.  TOPGREENER Smart WiFi Powerful Plug – Best Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring

Features

A 4-Pack WiFi Outlet

Are you tired of complex installation processes? Worry no more! Bring this TOPGREENER Smart Plug to your arsenal, which features a 4-pack WiFi outlet to ridge multiple home appliances with a single, smart plug.

Monitor Energy Consumption

You’ll no longer be charged more for the electricity bills! Measure the energy consumption by plugging in each home appliance in this smart plug to know about the cost and a better replacement for that gadget. This way, you can get the optimized settings for your home appliances.

Advanced Scene Control

Connect multiple smart switches to make a group! You can make a connection to numerous smart plugs for assemblage and better control.

Handle Heavy Load

Have you got heavy appliances in your home? Not a problem! Give this TOPGREENER a chance to win your trust. It can reliably

Pros

  • Heavy duty
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Remote control feature
  • Works with voice commands

Cons

  • Cheap quality construction

10. VeSync Smart Plug by Etekcity – Best Smart Plug with Away Mode

Features

Unlimited Management

Are you looking for an all-in-one smart plug that can control multiple home electronics all at once? If so, your search is over! VeSync Smart Plug has an in-built professional-grade management ability, which helps you make a bridge between the appliances. This way, you can control multiple Etekcity smart essentials at once.

Schedule the Time

No one want’s to keep an eye on the lights and electrical appliances the whole night! Bring this VeSync in use to schedule the entire setup of lights, lamps, fans, and multiple other devices at once. You can set the timer to turn the lights off when the sun is about to rise.

A House Guardian

Virtual presence is the new way of protection! You can set the away mode, automatically turning the lights ON/OFF to show your presence at home. Moreover, you can make a group of Etekcity smart products to control them all at once.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Plug-in mount style
  • Abnormal power protection
  • Energy-saving mode

Cons

  • No support for Apple Homekit 

Comparison Chart

ProductsSizeWeightMax. CurrentVoice AssistantsNetwork Connectivity
1. Amazon Smart Plug3.2” x 1.5” x 2.2”3.5 Oz.15AAlexa2.4 GHz only, 802.11 b/g/n
2. Gosund Smart Plug1.8 x 1.25 x 1.25 inches8.9 Oz.10AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz
3. Kasa Smart Plug2.62 x 1.5 x 2.38 inches7.2 Oz.12AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz
4. Aoycocr Mini WiFi Smart Socket Switch2.16 x 2.16 x 2.16 inches8.8 Oz.10AAlexa and Google Assistant, Amazon Echo,2.4 GHz
5. TanTan Smart Plug Gosund Plug6.8 x 4 x 2.5 inches12Oz.16AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz
6. T TECKIN Mini Smart Outlet1.65 x 1.65 x 1.92 inches8.8 Oz.10AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz
7. Smart Plug Gosund WiFi Outlet Extender Dual Socket1.46 x 3.66 x 1.18 inches8.01 Oz.10AAlexa, Google Home, Gosund App2.4 GHz
8. BN-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug3 x 2 x 2 inches12 Oz.15AAlexa, Google Home2.4 GHz
9. TOPGREENER Smart WiFi Powerful Plug2.75 x 2.75 x 4.25 inches26.4 Oz.15AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz
10. VeSync Smart Plug by Etekcity2.4 x 1.18 x 2.2 inches3.2 Oz.10AAlexa and Google Assistant2.4 GHz

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How smart plugs pave the way towards smart homes?

A. Smart plugs are the very first step towards smart homes. These plugs can control the lights and all other electrical appliances with just your voice or a mobile application- no need for physical contact!

Q. Will smart plugs work for all the appliances?

A. Most of the time, Yes! It works with almost all types of electronics, but the appliance must remain ON all the time.

Q. Can smart plugs help you in energy conservation?

A. Some of the smart plugs come with an energy monitor that lets you check the units consumed. Also, you can schedule the appliances to turn them ON/OFF automatically for an energy-saving experience.

Speaking of saving energy, we’d also like to recommend some top-notch light switches. Give this article a read to get in-depth information.

Q. Are smart plugs safe to use?

A. Yes, the smart plugs, like the ordinary ones, are entirely safe to use and user-friendly. All the above mentioned smart plugs are also certified and have abnormal current protection for additional safety.

Conclusion

Didn’t you think you need a lot of money to convert your current boring home into a smart one? If so, a smart plug will help you do that at a nominal price. You just need to plug it between the appliance and the electric supply and enjoy the innovative functionalities like automatic switching, overcurrent protection, scheduling, and more. We hope that this guide has cleared your doubts regarding “what is a smart plug” and which one to buy! Happy shopping!

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