The Best Smart Plugs and Switches for Your Home


While most modern homes are built with a smart touch, a lot of older homes do not have preexisting smart features. You may find it useful to upgrade major gadgets, such as switching to a smart thermostat, but what about gadgets which are used less frequently?
To transition from a regular home to a smart one, adding a few initial features is a good place to start. This is where smart plugs and switches can be of help. 
Most of your electronics plug into your home’s outlets to function. A smart plug or switch can help give these electronics certain smart features which make their functioning a lot smoother. Getting a plug is a much quicker, cheaper and easier alternative to purchasing smart gadgets for your home, and is a preference for a lot of homeowners. 

Benefits of Smart Plugs and Switches

Considering how often plugs and switches are used in our homes, making them easier to use can save a lot of time and energy. The following are some reasons why you may want to install them in your home. 

Easy to Install

To incorporate smart plugs into your home, all you have to do is plug them into any regular outlet in the house. Then, you can set the device up through its corresponding app on your smartphone. After the smart plug has been set up, all you need is any regular device, such as a lamp or a coffeemaker, and you can begin controlling it through your phone. 
Installing smart switches is trickier as compared to plugs, since this installation requires you to work with wires. If you have basic knowledge of electrical wiring, you may be able to do this at home; however, getting professional assistance for this installation is always an option.

Cost Effective

As mentioned previously, these gadgets are a good alternative to a smart home. While smart home automation can be a huge investment, smart plugs and switches are relatively much cheaper. They give you the basic features of a smart home, including updates on your devices’ energy usage. This can help you save a good amount of money while still having a semi-automated home. 

Convenience 

Remote control is only one of the many benefits offered by smart plugs and switches. These plugs are portable, which means you can take them with you on local trips. This way, you can turn any room into a smart one. You can program your lights to turn on and off on schedule, which means you no longer have to navigate your way through the house in the dark. This can also be helpful if you leave your home and forget to switch the lights on or off in your absence. This feature is also great for ensuring better safety for a home in your absence.

Major Difference

If you’re wondering how a smart plugs differs from a smart switch, the difference is quite basic. A smart plug can be plugged into any outlet in your home, and you can set it up through your smartphone for easy access. To this plug, you can connect any of your regular electronics to make their functioning a lot easier.
A smart switch is a bit more complex in terms of installation. Since it is a switch, the installation requires some knowledge of wiring. You can either put your skills to use and do it yourself, or get a professional to help you install the switches around your home. Some switches may even require a smart hub to function. 

Which Devices to Get?

Whether you are new to smart technology or have an already automated home, it is always helpful to have a guide on what gadgets to buy. The following are some of the best smart plugs and switches you can get for your home.

Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Plug

This device is very easy to use, and requires no complicated installation. The Wemo Wi-Fi smart plug allows you to control your devices using your smartphone or tablet, and simply needs to be plugged into a regular outlet to start working. With a strong and secure Wi-Fi connection, you can have wireless control of any of your compatible regular devices.

Sengled Smart Light Switch

This smart switch is very convenient, since once again, it requires no wiring. It can be used separately as a switch, or mounted on your wall. This way, you can conveniently control the smart lighting in your home through the touch of a button. This switch allows you to control multiple lights, and you can control it using the Sengled app on your smartphone. 

Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch/Indoor Smart Plug

This switch is also one which does not require rewiring, which makes installation very convenient. It can control up to 10 lights, and can be connected to the Hue Bridge for additional features. The device can be controlled as a separate remote, or mounted on the wall. The indoor smart plug allows you to convert any light into a smart one. It can be connected either through the Hue App, or through Bluetooth for easy control of your lights. Moreover, the simple design fits into any décor seamlessly. 

A Cheap, Yet Effective Upgrade

Homeowners with an older home no longer have to feel left out when it comes to having a modern home. Even if you can’t do a full home upgrade, getting smart plugs or switches is a great alternative to a fully automated home.