Smart plugs are an essential part of any smart home, providing convenient control over various electronics such as lamps, fans, coffee makers, and humidifiers with the use of voice or app commands. You can even schedule routines through the proprietary app of the brand or your preferred smart home ecosystem. However, when considering purchasing a smart plug, compatibility is a crucial factor in determining which system works best with which plug. Each brand’s app offers varying features, making it necessary to compare and decide which one offers the most benefits. To help with this, we tested ten popular options to determine which ones are worth investing in.
When selecting a smart plug, it is helpful to understand what it can and cannot do. They work best with on/off switches, making them ideal for controlling lights, but not programmable devices or stand-by modes. Installation is relatively easy using the manufacturer’s app, and once connected, you can add the plug to compatible smart home systems. However, for control over different brands and devices, ensure compatibility and consider using smart home platforms such as Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit, or Samsung’s SmartThings.
Compatibility is a critical concern when selecting a smart plug as smart home devices communicate wirelessly through various protocols. Most smart plugs use WiFi, while some newer ones use a low-power network standard called Thread. Devices that require a controller that stays at home, such as a smart speaker, can only be managed when you’re at home. Matter, a new wireless standard, aims to solve compatibility issues between different brands and manufacturers and improve security and reliability.
Furthermore, sharing your smart plug with others is convenient with some devices requiring app invites via email, while some platforms only allow app access to other users within the same OS. We tested ten smart plugs from various manufacturers and identified the TP-Link Kasa EP25 as the best overall option. The EP25 works seamlessly with all major smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. With easy installation and zero connectivity issues, the Kasa app has an intuitive interface with features such as timers, schedules, vacation mode, and smart actions. At just $13 each, the TP-Link Kasa EP25 is one of the cheaper options on the market and an excellent investment for those looking to expand their smart home ecosystem.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
