Smart plugs offer an easy way to manage lights and other devices in your home, and can be controlled through an app or voice assistant.
However, some smart plugs don’t feature dimming capabilities, so be sure to thoroughly research the specifications of any potential purchase before making a decision.
Wi-Fi Smart Plugs
Smart plugs offer many uses, from turning appliances on and off while you’re away to controlling lights in your home with voice assistants. Some even feature dimmer switch capabilities which enable you to adjust brightness without having to turn off or unplug the device.
One popular use for smart plugs is to adjust the brightness of your home’s lighting. This helps keep your house looking lived-in even when you’re not there, as well as deter intruders from entering.
With a smart plug’s app or voice assistant like Alexa, you can set up schedules and routines that make your lighting appear more like you’re at home. This is especially helpful if you have many outdoor lights or are leaving for an extended period of time and want to deter potential intruders from trying to break in.
To get your smart plug up and running, you’ll need to download its app. Thankfully, this process is usually straightforward and involves only a few steps that will enable you to connect the plug to your Wi-Fi network and begin using it right away.
The ideal smart plug dimmers can be controlled via smartphone or voice assistant, such as Amazon’s Alexa. These devices also enable you to program scenes that alter lighting levels according to your preferences in a room automatically.
Most of these plugs can be connected to other smart devices in your home, so you can extend their capabilities with IFTTT. For instance, you could set the smart plug to turn on the lights whenever your doorbell picks up a phone call or someone tries to open your smart lock.
Selecting a smart plug with Wi-Fi capability is recommended, as this makes controlling the device from any location possible even when your network is down. Furthermore, monitoring energy usage helps save money on utility bills.
Bluetooth Smart Plugs
If you’re looking to make your home smarter, adding some smart plugs is one of the most cost-effective solutions. They enable you to control and automate a range of things such as lights and coffee machines from your smartphone or voice assistant.
The best smart plugs provide a range of features, from energy monitoring to USB charging. They’re an efficient way to reduce your energy bills by scheduling when lights and appliances are turned on and off.
Setup is simple and you can control them using either your smartphone or a voice assistant. They’re especially beneficial in areas without Wi-Fi coverage, since they use Bluetooth to connect to your device.
Some of the best smart plugs come with a dimmer switch you can control with your phone or voice. Plus, many even offer timers to automatically shut off the plug after a certain period of time. With these features, you’ll have complete control over how bright or dim your lights are while saving money on energy costs.
It’s wise to look for smart plugs with ongoing app support, as this demonstrates the manufacturer’s dedication to keeping their products up-to-date with technology. Furthermore, make sure the smart plug you select is compatible with your preferred smart home platform such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
The Wemo Insight Smart Plug is an affordable option that can be controlled using either your phone or voice assistant. It may not offer as many features as other smart plugs, but its main advantage lies in not needing a hub to use it. Compatible with all major smart home platforms, its app makes setup and use a breeze.
Another viable option is the Wyze Smart Plug. While it’s more expensive than its cheaper counterpart, it offers more features. For instance, its vacation mode will turn on and off throughout the day to create the illusion that you are at home.
Dual-Outlet Smart Plugs
Smart plugs in your home offer many advantages. Not only do they save you money on utility bills, but they allow for remote control of your environment and enhanced security as well. However, not all smart plugs are created equal, so be sure to consider which features you require before making a final purchase.
One of the most popular uses for a smart plug is to dim lights. This feature can be ideal for creating an intimate atmosphere at home while also helping reduce energy bills.
However, to achieve optimal results you’ll need a smart plug with built-in dimming capabilities. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market and we’ve curated some of the top products so you can find one perfect for your requirements.
In addition to dimming, you should also verify the power capacity of a smart plug. This will determine how much juice your appliances such as lamps and TVs can draw from it. A plug with insufficient wattage could cause your device to malfunction or even break, so make sure you pick one with adequate wattage for what you require.
Another important feature to consider when shopping for a smart plug is its compatibility with multiple devices. This is especially important if you have multiple items that need controlling from your smart phone or other home automation system.
If your home is filled with various appliances and light bulbs, investing in a smart plug that supports multiple devices is recommended. This way, you can control all of your home’s functions from one app.
Additionally, you should opt for a smart plug that can be controlled by voice assistants. This way, your favorite virtual assistants can help turn on and off your plug as well as set up schedules and routines.
There are a few options on the market that support this, such as the Wemo Mini Smart Plug and Decora Smart Plug. Both are compact and don’t need a hub – an advantage of these types of smart plugs – plus, they’re quite affordable so you can add them to your home without breaking your budget.
UL-Listed Smart Plugs
The best smart plugs are UL-Listed to ensure they’re safe for your home. These devices can be controlled remotely with your smartphone or voice assistant and help save on energy bills. Many also come equipped with features like timers, schedulers, and vacation modes.
When selecting the ideal smart plug for your home, you should take into account factors like design, compatibility and scheduling capabilities. For instance, a plug that doesn’t block an additional outlet is ideal when using with other smart products.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a smart plug is whether it can be dimmed. Many brands produce dimmable smart plugs, including TP-Link, Lutron and Leviton.
When searching for a dimmer plug, it’s essential to ensure it works with your lights and bulbs. The switch may come built-into the smart plug itself or be an accessory you can use on existing bulbs.
Certain bulbs, like CFLs and halogens, can only be dimmed down to about 20% before they start having issues. It is important to check the packaging to determine whether these bulbs are dimmable or not before purchasing them.
The TP-Link Kasa smart plug is an efficient way to monitor appliances and turn them on or off at designated times. It’s simple to set up, works seamlessly with Google Home and Alexa, according to online reviewers, and has received positive ratings from customers.
This smart plug is a thread-connected device, meaning it can communicate directly with other Thread-compatible devices and systems like HomeKit. Furthermore, its energy monitoring stats and automation help reduce utility bills.