kasa smart plug mini vs regular

2022.07.31
why does my kitten chew on everything

kasa smart plug mini vs regular

We also looked at the Monoprice Stitch Wireless Smart Power Strip, but it doesnt have manual controls for each outlet, it lacks energy monitoring, and it comes with an especially short cord (19 inches). With so many smart plugs on the market, that's a requirement for me these days. If you cant find the Wemo: The Meross MSS110 is a good, if basic, smart plug with support for Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and SmartThings. That's a nice, realistic feature for something like a lamp, TV or sound system. Deal. So far, the iDevices Switch is our favorite HomeKit option. For $30, this little smart plug adds a lot to a even a simple object like a lamp. Its an excellent option not just for home office and entertainment uses, but also for anyone who wants to control multiple devices due to mobility and dexterity issues. You can also set up schedules to turn on and off at sunrise or sunset. Weve started testing an updated version of our current Also Great pick, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. If you have a smartphone and an empty outlet, you can use a smart plug to control, schedule, and automate nearly any electrical device. Rachel Cericola is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter who has been covering smart-home technology since the days of X10.

Manufacturer rebates, terms, conditions, and expiration dates are subject to manufacturers printed forms NYC DCA Lic. But the Peace plugs wireless range wasnt as good, and it didnt have the same selection of useful features. It performed consistently when turning devices on and off remotely, when setting Schedules, and when triggered by other devices using a third-party platform like Alexa and Google Assistant. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Notably, for our surge-protector guide, the models we test are generally rated to lower surges, to 330 volts, in the same situation. When possible, we paired switches to an Amazon Echo Dot, an Echo Plus, an Echo Show 5, HomeKit (via an Apple TV), a Google Home Mini, IFTTT, and other switches. Otherwise, the Wemo Android and iOS apps are almost identical, offering on/off controls, scheduling, timers, and an Away Mode. Those integrations enable voice commands, so you can turn the plug on and off hands-free. The Wemo doesnt have as many features as the Kasa EP10 or the Wyze Plug. By pairing this plug with a third-party platform, you can create Routines (sets of automated actions). However, if you opt to connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or IFTTT, you are bound to their rules. An in-wall smart outlet replaces a traditional electrical outlet and makes automation a permanent part of your home. This smart plug is almost identical to the Kasa EP10. An important buying consideration: Currently, this new version of the Wyze Plug is sold on Wyze.com; however, you may end up getting the new or older version when purchasing from other online retailers, such as Amazon. The Wyze Plug quickly responds to app and smart speaker voice commands, and it performs equally well when handling daily on/off schedules. We then tested plugs using several table lamps, fans, a white noise machine, a radio, and Christmas lights, both inside the house and while at the grocery store (2 miles away), the gym (10 miles away), and other locations (up to 50 miles away). At 2.36 by 1.50 by 1.21 inches, the EP10 is slightly smaller than the Wyze Plug (but not as small as the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug), so it fits a little better in tight spaces you cant or dont want to reach that often, such as behind furniture. And with the Wemo WiFi, if youre using the Home app, you can bypass the Wemo app completely. & Home App. The Monoprice Stitch Mini is just as affordable as our top two picks, the Kasa EP10 and EP40 (and almost as small). Subscribe now for unlimited access. When I tested this out, the lamp turned on for short intervals, approximately every three or four minutes, and stayed on for around five minutes. Its still chunky when compared with an indoor plug, but it is pretty average for an outdoor smart plug. Our previous also-great pick, the Lutron Casta Smart Lighting Lamp Dimmer, works well if you have the Casta system or you want to dim plug-in lights. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). We also scheduled two Wemo plugs to go on at the same time, as well as to turn on when triggered by someone walking by the Wyze Cam v3 (using Alexa) or turning on the Lutron Casta (via HomeKit). However, we have never experienced any issues with other outdoor plugs in New England rain, snow, and wind. If these types of features are of no interest to you, you can turn off location sharing in your smartphones settings. It will count down a set number of minutes or hours to when you'd like the device to turn on or off. The KP (slim) models are sold exclusively for Walmart but is comparable to the HS105. Its also twice as expensive as the Kasa EP40 and doesnt have a very user-friendly app.

We found it straightforward to created Schedules based on specific times and local sunrise/sunset times, to control Christmas lights and fans.

Most plugs can handle 15 amps of current, so theyre best for low-power devices like lamps and small appliances. (And Apple says no data is shared with third parties via HomeKit.). D-Links app is confusing and suffered from lag, which made testing the DSP-W118 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug and the DSP-W320 Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug painful. The Wyze Plug is very similar to our top pick. Once you've paired the plug and connected it to your Wi-Fi by following the steps in the app, everything is ready to go.

At 4.3 by 1.5 by 3.2 inches, the EP40 is slightly smaller than its predecessor (and our former outdoor pick), the KP400. Since 2016, Ive been covering smart-home gear for Wirecutter, and Ive had my hands on everything from in-wall light switches, smart bulbs, and water-leak sensors to smart video doorbells, indoor security cameras, and security systems. If you want to make the jump from dull lighting to smart lighting, here are some easy ways to get started. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10) is the least expensive of our picks, but it still packs in all the features youd want in a smart plug. GE/Jasco offers two lines of plug-in smart outlet: the Enbrighten and the UltraPro. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plus Mini (EP10) works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, but it does not integrate with Apple HomeKit. More than any device we tested, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) stretches smart-home capabilities, with six independently controllable outlets and three USB ports. Just plug one into any standard electrical outlet, and add a lamp, fan, or other on/off device. And we had them answer an extensive questionnaire (see Privacy and security: How our picks compare) to confirm information we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer. Not responsible for typographical or illustrative errors. The Satechi Dual Smart Outlet packs two outlets into a strip that doesnt crowd the wall receptacle and offers energy monitoring in kWh.

We named the plug Kasa Mini in the app and connected it to both Alexa and Google Home, after which we were able to say things like Alexa, turn the Kasa Mini off, and have it work seamlessly. The remote access, scheduling, away and countdown features are all intuitive and housed in a well-designed app. Both look and function the same, but they have different branding and different apps, and theyre sold at different retail locations (UltraPro on Amazon and Jascos website, Enbrighten at Lowes and on Jascos website). Read more:These smart plugs are the secret to a seamless smart home |Want to buy a smart plug? Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT.

Those timers need to be scheduled, which means if you set a lamp to turn off after a minute, it will do that every time the lamp is turned onuntil you unschedule the timer. Of the smart power strips we tested, it also has the most USB ports (three) and the longest power cord. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT. The $30 Ring Outdoor Smart Plug requires a Ring Smart Bridge, has two independently controlled outlets, and works with Amazon Alexa. Like most outdoor smart plugs, this model is listed with an IP64 rating, so its weather-resistant, versus being weatherproof. Smart plugs allow you to control the amount of time you use any electronic devicewhether thats by putting it on a set timer or making sure that a table lamp is turned off after youve already embarked on a weeklong vacation. It has an app thats easy to use, and it works well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. All of our picks require a password for the accompanying app. We also recommend the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300), if space isnt an issue and you want to be able to plug in and independently control and automate multiple devices. Both assistants allow you to set nicknames, so you can call your device "lamp" instead of "Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini." Hd. There is a page within the Kasa app that displays the current length of time your device has been on, as well as 7-day and 30-day averages, but with TP-Link's mini smart plug, you won't see anything with regard to kilowatt hours. In my testing, both assistants set up quickly and executed commands with little to no lag. And its the only one of our picks that requires (for new users) two-factor authentication, for added security. Theres a timer and Vacation Mode (which randomly turns the Wyze Plug on and off, so it looks like youre home, even when youre away). At just 2.05 by 1.34 by 1.81 inches, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is the smallest of our single-outlet plug picksand about half the size of the Wemo Mini (now discontinued), our previous also-great pick. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings. You'll see only the devices you've connected. It does work well, but our top picks have better features and a better overall user experience. The dual-outlet ConnectSense Smart Outlet2 is a double-plug model for users who want to go beyond the basicsbut its bulky and not very user-friendly. And although the company refers to it as a surge protector, wed suggest its more accurate to consider it a smart power strip.

Also, remember that smart plugs (like most smart-home devices) suffer from occasional flubs, so you may need to get back there and reset the device on occasion. It also allows you to keep tabs on how much you use a device (in hours/days). The app also allows you to group devices together, such as multiple plugs or even plugs with lights. In addition to smart plugs, TP-Link makes several other Wi-Fi smart home products including smart LED light bulbs, cameras and light switches. Weve also added 10 models to the Competition and Other good plug-in smart outlets. If youre prone to torrential downpours: The Lutron Casta Outdoor Smart Plug is IP65-rated, so it can handle water at a slightly higher pressure than the other smart plugs we tested. Most of the switches easily connected to Wi-Fi and were simple to operate from inside (and outside, when needed) our 1,650-square-foot house. There's a timer option as well. Available for iOS and Android, the Kasa app lays out each outlet as if it were a separate device. The Kasa app allows scheduling, away modes and runtime monitoring. Its the smallest of our single-outlet picks. In our testing, the Duo responded slowly at bestand often not at allboth outside and when it was installed indoors right next to our router. Speed up future orders, see order history, create wish lists, and more.

During testing, we connected all devices to a Firewalla Blue, a firewall device that monitors the communications of all devices on a network and reports which devices are sending out data and to what country. Seems a lot are no longer sold on Amazon or Best Buy. Wemo is the only one of our picks that offers a free recycling plan through a partnership with Sims. The TP-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini isn't HomeKit-compatible. Whether youre home or away, you can turn outlets on and off, have them trigger at set or random times, or have plugs turn other smart devices on and off (or vice versa). For instance, we created a group with the EP10 and EP40 (our outdoor pick) so we could turn indoor and outdoor Christmas lights on and off at the same time with one click. As such, we dont think anyone should buy this Kasa power strip for its surge protection as much as for its smart-home capabilities. I tested out the smart plug with a table lamp, but supported load types reach up to 1,500 watts for appliances like heaters and irons. Once we narrowed down our pick candidates, we reviewed their privacy policies and sent our own questions to the company behind each candidate, specifically looking for clauses or activities that were outside normal practice in this category.

And that would be fine, if it werent so difficult to use. Alex Colon and Angela Moscaritolo, The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2021, PCMag, November 9, 2021, Katie Mortram, The best smart plugs in 2021, Toms Guide, December 3, 2021, Molly Price, Best smart plugs to buy in 2021, CNET, October 13, 2021. However, you need a Lutron Bridge to use the Lutron app, in order to control it. Topgreeners TGWF115PQM is more compact but lacks the options of our top picks. If youre worried about the fit, consider instead using a smart power strip, which sits on the floor. You can rename each plug, too, so you dont have to remember whats plugged in where.

After tons of research I decided on the Kasa family of products. The Tp-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini has a thin design to keep adjacent outlets accessible. Its almost identical to our runner-up, the Wyze Plug, except the Kasa plug is physically a little smaller, so its a better choice for tight spaces. That can help cut down on energy use. TP-Link also announced the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP25), with real-time energy monitoring and support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. Thats why were looking into the overall sustainability of all of our picks. And you can use the Away Mode (which some manufacturers call Vacation Mode) to randomly turn the plug on and off, so it looks like youre home when youre away. But we didnt think the dimming capabilities were very impressive, despite trying three different LED bulbs. Weve been covering smart plugs for over five years now. The EP40 has an operating-temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, we routinely had connectivity issues with the W118 Mini, and both D-Link plugs were overpriced at the time of our review. We close every Friday evening to Saturday evening for Shabbat. TP-Link's $30 Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini adds scheduling, voice commands and remote access to everyday devices. Copyright TP-Link Corporation Limited. We appreciate your feedback. Every scene and device in the app comes with the option to assign it a name and an icon. For example, we created this Routine: Every time we said, Alexa, make Christmas magic, the EP10 would turn on our Christmas tree lights, and Christmas music would play from an Echo speaker. Although its not the most widely compatible plug we tested, the EP10 can be paired with Alexa and Google Assistant. You shouldnt need to pay more than that, unless you want a multi-outlet model. Sometimes you want more than one thing to be automated. This allowed us to control lights connected to the dimmer in our entryway and a living room lamp simultaneously. Select a time and day of the week, and let the app know what you'd like the plug to do. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Mens Health, USA Today, and others.

You can also create scenes with one or more devices and set those scenes to activate on a schedule. Using a smart plug is the cheapest, easiest way to smarten up any electrical device. The app also includes information about device usage by day, week, and month; we discovered we were using that lamp for roughly 16 hours a week. Outdoor models are bulkier but also ruggedized, with two or more outlets. Create a B&H Account, America's Best Customer Service List-Newsweek, Prices, specifications, and images are subject to change without notice. However, we found it difficult to squeeze some plugs into the Wyze Plug Outdoors tightly packed outlets. Its also the only one of our single-plug picks that allows you to group multiple plugs for one-click control and scheduling. When we first started testing this new model, we were very happy to see that the HomeKit code had been moved to the side of the plug (with the Wemo Mini, you had to unplug it, scan a code on its back side, plug it back in, and then wait for it to turn on). For each smart outlet in our test group, we downloaded the appropriate app to an iPhone SE, an iPad, and a Samsung Galaxy J7 running Android Oreo, when possible. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini fits into any standard outlet, and its rectangular design keeps the plug from blocking outlets above or below it. Any help would be appreciated. The most obvious difference between the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug and the older Wemo Mini is the size of the two plugs. Its also about $2 cheaper than our outdoor pick. Deal. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini has a handful of features beyond just automated on and off control. The Tapo P125 is similar to our current pick, the EP10, but includes support for Apple HomeKit and is made with V-0 flame retardant materials. But all of the Wi-Fienabled smart plugs we tested are able to connect only via 2.4 GHz networks. TP-Link makes another plug with that feature and I'll be testing it out soon. Learn more. The Meross is also a bit bigger than the Wemo, measuring 2.65 by 1.5 by 1.5 inches.

Both the iOS and Android apps are easy to operate and well laid out. Indoor smart plugs are compact but not weather-resistant. Serv. (Just remember, it should still be installed with a covered outlet.). Even though the app supports a host of devices, it doesn't feel cluttered or full of menus. And the EP40 is smaller than our previous outdoor pick, the Kasa KP400, so its simpler to install. It never used the same pattern twice. Its compact, reliable, and easy to use, but it is just a wee bit bigger and more expensive than our top pick. Like many higher-priced plugs, the Wyze Plug can keep tabs on daily device use, as well as a seven-day average. I first started testing smart-home devices more than 20 years ago, back when the only smart-home devices were X10. Once we got it connected, we were disappointed that this $25 outdoor smart plug has two outlets but that they cant be controlled independently. Both the Leviton D215P-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch and the Leviton D23LP-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Dimmer are twice as expensive as all three of our single-outlet picks. As part of our vetting process for plug-in smart outlets, we looked at all of the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks. This is also the only power strip that includes energy monitoring that can track kilowatt-hours for each of those smart outlets, as well as an Away Mode. Its still small enough to easily fit into outlets placed next to trim or entryways, and its shallow enough to fit well between furniture and a wall. But the Wemo app isnt as user-friendly, doesnt include device or energy monitoring, and is a little more expensive than our two top picks, the Kasa EP10 and EP40. (Kasa allows for grouping, but you cant schedule multiple devices without using a third-party platform like Alexa.) The EP10 is also the least expensive of our picks, so you can add it to almost any room in your house.

For instance, you can plug in a table lamp, a space heater, a radio, and other necessities, and make them controllable via voice commands. Should we find any privacy or security issues with any of our selected models, well report them here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations. You can control all of these through the clean, well-designed Kasa app for iOS or Android devices. If you cant find our top pick, the Wyze Plug is almost identical. But the newer model is also a lot easier to set up. Unlike our other picks, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug doesnt include any sort of energy or device tracking (which we didnt mind, but this could be a dealbreaker for some people). The WiZ Smart Plug is a Wi-Fi model made by Philips, yet it isnt compatible with the companys lineup of Hue devices. In early 2021, Wyze released a newer version of the plug, which now uses Bluetooth for a quicker setup process; it is otherwise identical to the original model. Setting up the plug with either assistant is just a matter of linking your created Kasa account and, in Amazon's case, discovering devices. The Ezlo PlugHub has an internal Z-Wave hub built in, which makes it chunky and may explain why its more than twice the price of our single-outlet picks. In the iOS and Android apps, you can name and control each outlet independently so that you know, for example, which one is the strand of twinkle lights and which one is the pool pump (and this makes things easier when youre calling out commands to Alexa and Google devices). The Meross MSS630 Smart Wi-Fi Indoor/Outdoor Plug is IP44-rated, which means it can resist water, but it isnt dust-tight. When setting up the plug, the app will ask you to choose between the new and older version of the plug. For instance, in our testing, we created a Routine that would tell the Wyze Plug to turn on a table lamp every time an Arlo Video Doorbell (our top smart doorbell pick) detected motion. The cord adds another 9 inches, when measured from the base of the outlet box to the tip of the three-prong plug. Smart plugs are great to place behind furniture, as well as in other spots that are difficult to reach. We ruled out Levitons DW3HL-1BW and Topgreeners TGWF115APM because they were bulky and/or expensive, especially considering that neither of them offered anything that warranted the extra space or cost. But it works with Apple HomeKit only, and its usually three times the price of the Wemo, which makes it a hard sell. The Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands like, "Hey Google, turn on the lamp." Its also a little larger (about 3.25 by 1 by 1.25 inches), and is sold only in packs of two. But it transforms one wall plug into six independently controllable outlets, so you can turn different devices on and off as well as create separate Schedules and triggers.