We’ve heard all the benefits of having a smart and connected home, from convenience to monitoring energy usage to home security. But the transition to an entirely automated home can be quite an overwhelming process. Unless you’re willing to splash out hundreds of dollars to convert every single item into a smart one, chances are that there are still plenty of electrical appliances around your home that don’t have any smart features included. All’s not lost however, for smart plugs are coming to the rescue.
By its definition, smart plugs are devices that sit between ordinary electrical outlets and the device you’re plugging in. And just like that, your existing appliances will be turned into smart devices that can be controlled remotely through a corresponding app that’s connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, all without the need for a smart hub.
Here are 5 smart add-ons that will transform your ordinary abode into a smart home just like that.
MOLGAN LED lights
We’ve all found ourselves victim of having to feel around in the dark for our light switches to illuminate our rooms at night, and that’s more often than not an extremely frustrating experience. But with the MOLGAN LED lights, lighting in your home can now be automatically activated by a motion sensor. And because these switches are battery-operated, not only can they be placed anywhere on the wall or ceiling, they also won’t get affected in the event of a electrical trip.
TP-Link HS110 Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Besides offering easy control of all connected devices as well as providing real-time power consumption updates, the TP-Link HS110 Wi-Fi Smart Plug’s “away” mode allows you to schedule turning your devices on and off at different times of the day to give the apperance that someone is at home. And with Amazon Echo and Google Assitant compatibility, you’ll be able to control your home with only your voice.
Eve Energy
Similar to its counterparts, the Eve Energy will let you track the energy consumption of your devices as well as switch them on and off. But because this smart plug rides on Apple’s HomeKit framework, control is easily done using Bluetooth via the Apple Home app or with Siri voice control. However, should you want to control your devices remotely, do note that you would need a HomePod or a recent Apple TV to serve as a home hub.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
Consisting a series of SmartThings devices that include motion sensors, outlet sensors and water-leak sensors, the SmartThings Hub allows homeowners to fully automate and manage their smart home ecosystem. Using the accompanying smartphone app, functions include custom automation of all connected devices as well as instant alerts if there are unexpected movements or entry in your home.
D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Your devices should work for you whenever you want them to, and with the D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug, you can do just that. Through the connected “my dlink home’’ app on your smartphone or tablet, standard features include turning your gadgets on and off and monitoring your home’s energy usage. Arguably, the most important feature is its built-in thermal sensor that will automatically shut off any appliances in the event of overheating.
