So you’re looking for a smart plug that’s compatible with Alexa, but you don’t know which one is the best. In this article, I discuss some of my favorite smart modules that are compatible with virtual home assistants.
What is the smart plug?
The Smart Plug looks like an ordinary plug, but has a number of smart features, such as B. the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and turn the connected device on or off via the Internet.
Smart connections allow you to turn an ordinary device into a smart device and control it through a home assistant like Alexa, Google Home or Homekit. From there, the device is simply turned on by a voice command.
The end result is full automation of the device. For example, you can B. Turn on your coffee maker, control the lights, air conditioning and heating, and much more. Smart plugs have many practical uses and are generally not very expensive.
Without further ado, let’s move on to the list.
Best Smart Caps for Alexa
1 – Amazon Smart Plug, works with Alexa
Notable feature: Cost effective, works only with Alexa
To start our list, we have an excellent and clever plugin from Amazon itself. As you’d expect, the Amazon Smart Connector is compatible with other Amazon devices. Amazon’s smart plug-in is only compatible with Alexa; other voice assistants won’t work.
In terms of functionality, it can automatically connect to a standard 2.4 GHz WLAN network, as faster 5 GHz networks are not yet supported. Installation is very simple and straightforward. Plug the smart plug into an outlet, turn it on and you should receive a notification from the Alexa app on your phone with further instructions.
You must use the Alexa app on your mobile device or tablet to change the settings and assign the name or group. All in all, it’s a very simple and convenient smart plug that works very well with Alexa devices. There is, however, one major drawback:
Some critics have pointed out that Amazon’s smart plug could disable electronics, posing a fire hazard. I recommend using this plug for devices that don’t need much power, for example. B. small lamps or light fixtures.
2 – TECKIN 13A smart plug WiFi smart socket
Notable feature: Compatible with all Home Assistant devices and applications
Teckin’s Smart Connector is a handy device that not only allows you to control your devices when you’re not home, but also allows you to create schedules.
As you can imagine, it connects directly to your wifi and can be found by any home app. The smart plug-in is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri and other smart home applications. The application recommended by the company is Smart Life.
Setting up the smart plug is also very easy. To get started, plug in the power cord and turn on the power. Then download the Smart Life app on your phone, hit Add Device, select a device type, and it should find a location. You can also use other applications to set up the Smart Connector.
Message: The Teckin Smart Connector only works on 2.4 GHz WiFi networks.
3 – Gosund WiFi connection works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Notable feature: Budgetary compliance, control of energy use and savings
Here we have an affordable smart plugin from Gosung that is compatible with both Alexa and Google Home Assistant. It doesn’t seem to work with Siri.
At first glance, the Gosund Wifi Smart Plugin does not have many features, but the application unlocks many special functions and monitoring tools. The benefit of this particular smart plug-in is the application (called Gosung on iOS and Google Play) that allows you to set schedules, monitor your energy usage, and even control your voice.
The energy consumption monitor is particularly useful because it shows you not only the energy consumption of the connected device, but also how much energy you are saving. It doesn’t have many super advanced features, but for the most part, the Gosund Smart Plugin does the job.
The downside is that the outlet can be a bit bulky and block nearby outlets.
4 – WiFi Meross Smart PlugWiFi Socket
Notable feature: Supplementary safety and child protection
This clever Merossa fork is another good choice. There are a few features worth noting.
The plug is designed to be as safe as possible, with overload protection and a fire retardant housing. The box is also pretty small, so you don’t have to worry about it blocking other outlets – a problem most smart outlets face. Secondly, the application has a scene frame that allows you to create all kinds of custom themes.
In addition to these features, it is compatible with SmartThings, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and even IFTTT. You can also use the Meross application for other functions, such as schedules, timers and even to monitor energy consumption. As you may have guessed, it only works with 2.4 GHz wifi networks. No power outlet is required.
5 – TP-LINK Kasa Smart Plug
Notable feature:
The Kasa Smart TP-LINK connector is one of the most affordable options on our list. Although it is cheaper than the other connectors, the functions are about the same. It should be noted that TP-LINK offers a wide range of smart outlets, and even sells smart devices.
The Smart Connector TP-LINK is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and even Samsung SmartThings. Not to mention that they have their own app called Kasa, which is free on iOS and Google Play. There is no need for a hub, simply connect it directly to the 2.4 GHz router.
The application allows you to create schedules and timers. You can also select the away mode, which allows you to turn off devices when you are away from home, which is an easy way to save energy. The cheapest smart plug on the list has no power control, but others do. It’s really worth a look.
What to look for in Smart Connection:
While most smart gates work as they should, there are a few features you may want to check.
Schedules and timers
The smart plugin you choose should at least be able to create schedules and timers. You can set a schedule for something like turning on the coffee maker every morning or something similar. These are probably the most important features you need.
Voice control
Most smart plugins do not have built-in voice controls, but voice controls can be added through applications like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It’s best to find a smart outlet that’s compatible with your favorite home assistant.
If you have a Samsung phone, it’s Google Assistant or SmartThings. There are other smart plugins for Android devices, but there are many more that work with Siri. Plus, smart plugs work very well with Alexa.
Warning: Check the supported voltage
Smart plugs can’t handle electricity. Connecting an energy-intensive device to a smart outlet can cause problems, in extreme cases short circuits or even fires.
Most smart plugs send an overheating message to your phone when they try to control the power supply. Note the rated power of the chip socket you purchased and verify that the device you are trying to connect is within this rated power.
Why doesn’t my smart socket connect to my wifi?
The most common reason your smart socket won’t connect to wifi is that your wifi is broadcasting at 5 GHz. To change this, you need to go into the router settings and change the transmit mode to 2.4 GHz. Most smart plugs do not work with 5 GHz wifi networks.
Do I need to wear the smart modules on my router?
Most intelligent modules do not require port forwarding because they use the UPNP protocol, which automatically opens ports on your router. However, the router must be connected to the Internet.
Photo Credits :
alt=Ezoic data-ezsrc=https://www.bluecinetech.co.uk/ezoimgfmt/go.ezoic.net/utilcave_com/img/ezoic.png /> Report this ad.
Related Tags:
google home smart plug, homekit smart plug, alexa smart plug, google smart plug, wemo smart plug, google home smart plug uk, smart power plug, homekit smart plug uk