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When it comes to smart homes, typically we would need to purchase new appliances and gadgets that come with smart features. This includes lights, coffee makers, refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and so on. It can be an expensive affair and if you’re only dipping your toes into the smart home world, you don’t even know if these are things that matter to you.
The good news is that if you’re still on the fence or maybe you don’t really want to spend a lot of money on an appliance or gadget you already have, then what are you to do? That’s where smart plugs come in.
These are basically plugs that have smart features built into them so that they can be controlled using a phone or smart speaker/display and offer up some smart functionality. It won’t be 100% the same, but it is a good way to start especially if your needs are simple. So without further ado, here are some of the best smart plugs we’ve found for 2022.
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is really as straightforward as it gets, but one of the selling points of the plug is that it’s small and measures 4 x 1.75 x 2-inches, meaning that if you’re trying to fit it into a tight space like behind the bed or behind a couch, it shouldn’t have an issue.
It comes with support for digital assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and it also plays nicely with Apple’s HomeKit, meaning that regardless of whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, you will have no problems controlling it. Users can set schedules for devices to be turned on or off, and there’s even a Protect mode that turns your lights on every now and then to make it seem like you’re home even when you’re not.
Kasa Smart Plug
Some smart home devices require a central hub to connect to, which is troublesome and another gadget you’ll need to manage, but that isn’t the case with the Kasa Smart Plug. There is no hub required, plus it’s tiny so you can place it anywhere in your home without it being too obvious.
As usual, there is support for digital assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and it will also work with IFTTT so you can program certain scenarios that will trigger the plug when the conditions are met, giving you a bit more flexibility in how you use it. There is also a remote control in case you don’t want to unlock your phone or call out to Alexa or Google Assistant.
Ring Outdoor Smart Plug
Most smart plugs are designed to be used indoors, but we’re sure that many of you have outdoor gadgets and appliances that could benefit from a smart plug, and that’s where the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug comes in.
This will allow users to better control their outdoor lights, which once again can be used as a security feature if you’re away on holiday and you want to give people the impression that you’re home. As this is a Ring device, connecting the plug with the Ring Bridge will give you additional control and integration with other Ring products like doorbells and cameras.
So if you’ve bought into Amazon’s Ring ecosystem, then adding the Ring Smart Outdoor Plug could be a great addition.
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip
Most smart plugs we’ve seen are standalone devices, but what if you needed to control multiple gadgets at once? If that’s the case, the Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip could be the answer.
On the surface it looks like a typical power strip, but it actually has smart features built into it. Users will be able to group their gadgets and appliances together, but will also have the flexibility of controlling them individually. There is also the added benefit of having USB ports so you can use it to charge your mobile devices like a smartphone or tablet.
As usual, it will come with support for digital assistants and as is the case with some of Kasa’s other smart plugs, there is no need for a hub.
Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
If you’re someone who has bought into Apple’s ecosystem and own many Apple made devices, then the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini could be a good smart plug to consider as it is HomeKit compatible. It is also one of the more affordable HomeKit compatible smart plugs we’ve seen.
It will also play nicely with Apple’s own digital assistant, Siri, but there will also be support for Alexa and Google Assistant. For the most part the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is pretty simple, but given its affordability, it’s a great place to start if you don’t want to spend too much.
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