What is the best alternative to Elgato Eve Energy?
Here’s the Deal
Slant is powered by a community that helps you make informed decisions. Tell us what you’re passionate about to get your personalized feed and help others.
Pro Each outlet can be controlled independently
ConnectSense Smart Outlet has two outlets that can each be controlled and monitored independently.
Pro Includes a USB charging port for charging phones
The USB charging port may have additional use in the future, however right now it can be used to charge phones or other devices such as smart watches, console controllers and more.
Pro HomeKit enabled
HomeKit is Apple's Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, with deep integration with Siri. As part of HomeKit, once properly setup you can have many devices in your house act to a single action. For example, saying "Hey Siri, go to bed" can trigger all your lights to turn off, your therm...
Con iOS only
This can be a real deal-breaker if your significant other or other inhabitants of your house have Android products.
Con HomeKit-only
While many other smart switches have support for IFTTT's customizations or adaptability with WeMo's large product range, the ConnectSense Smart Outlet is only compatible with Apple's HomeKit which could limit compatibility with other brands if you choose to get more smart devices in yo...
Con No energy usage monitoring
While this feature is supposedly built into the hardware, the software isn't yet available to take advantage of this feature which is on nearly every other smart outlet.
Pro Compact, so it allows access to other plugs
This is one of the few smart switches which are small enough to not block surrounding plugs. That means that you still have access to all of your plugs, which is very important especially in older homes where accessible wall plugs can be limited.
Pro Sleek design
While the other smart switches clearly look like an internet-connected product (read: eyesore), the iHome iSP5 doesn't share the same ugliness. It is compact and sleek looking, without extra buttons and a bunch of flashing lights. It has a single small LED, a white front, and a grey band runni...
Pro HomeKit enabled
HomeKit is Apple's smart home ecosystem, with deep integration with Siri. Controlling the switch is as easy as saying "Her Siri, turn the living room lamp on" as you're approaching your house. You can also group together different products which will all jump into action together:...
Con Android support is limited
Clearly, the Android app was an afterthought. From setting it up to controlling it - even the features available. This is an iPhone first product, with Android support added in after the fact.
Con Can't track energy usage
This is simply a well designed on/off switch, and offers no energy usage stats.
Con HomeKit features don't work on Android devices
HomeKit is created by Apple and has no Android integration.
Pro Automatic overheating protection
Inside this smart switch is a sensor that detects when it is getting too hot. It is user adjustable, allowing you to lower or raise the temperature threshold if you choose. If the device turns off due to heat, it will send a notification to your phone.
Pro Very easy setup
The setup is a breeze - it even includes a WPS button on the side for dead simple connecting. If your router isn't WPS compatible however, the setup is still easy. Just hook your device up to the plug's Wi-Fi network, go to the app and enter the code found on the back of the plug itself (wr...
Pro Android and iOS compatible
Whether you have an Android phone or an iPhone, this smart plug will work. That makes it especially easy for households that have different mobile users living under the same roof - anybody can turn the switch on or off regardless of which mobile phone they choose (so long as it isn't a Windo...
Con Lights are always on
There are 3 lights on the front of this plug - the first is the Wi-Fi indicator. It lights up green when the connection is fine, and yellow when it isn't. The light to the right is the status light which lights up green when plugged in and ready to power devices plugged into it. The last is the...
Con Bulky
The plugs are near the bottom of the device, which means that if you plug it into the top wall socket it won't cover the bottom socket, although it will stick up above the socket and create a noticeable eye-sore (especially thanks to the always on lights).
Con No HomeKit support
HomeKit is Apple's ecosystem that is just starting to step into the limelight. It has deep integration with Siri, and allows multiple actions to be taken with a single command (once configured properly).
Pro Activate the switch through proximity instead of complex schedules
This switch offers geo-fencing - that is, it can automatically turn on or off based on how close you are to it. This is extremely useful if you won't want to deal with timers or schedules. Just walk within a certain distance, and the switch will activate.
Pro Leaves other wall plugs accessible
Thanks to its horizontal design, this switch won't block you from plugging other devices into the wall outlet.
Pro HomeKit compatible
HomeKit is Apple's smart home ecosystem. It's main draw is it's deep integration with Siri, which allows you to control the switch with just your voice. You can also group connected devices together, and have multiple devices act on a single command.
Con Awkward looking design
The device isn't centered with the wall plug, making it a bit of an eyesore. It sticks out the right side of the wall socket.
Con App leaves some to be desired
The app can't control any other HomeKit enabled devices, and lacks polish. It can track weather, but temperatures can't be measured in Celsius (which isn't an issue for Americans, but is for the rest of the world). Overall, it can be confusing trying to find the setting you're looki...
Pro Can send reports about energy usage
You can get on demand reports of energy usage as well as set up Insight to email daily, weekly or monthly reports of energy usage.
Pro Scheduling allows switch to operate automatically
Scheduling can be done on either a weekly basis (same schedule for the whole week) or you can configure each day individually (e.g., the weekend can have a different schedule than the weekdays).
Con Poor Android app
The in-app performance is poor - it lags and studders. Performing any actions takes a couple seconds to register, and the overall experience is bad. This could be due to the Wi-Fi connection, or it could just be a poorly optimized app.
Con Buggy setup
The setup process sounds simple enough - connect to the switch's Wi-Fi network to pair, and then swap back to your regular Wi-Fi. In practice, the connection is spontaneous. It takes a number of tries to set up the connection successfully.
Con Power button can be distracting
When the switch is on it illuminates the power button which can be distracting. Especially at night or when watching a movie. And there's no way to turn off the power button without turning off the switch.
Pro Doesn't block other outlets
Most other smart switches block other outlets, however because this one is designed to sit horizontally instead of vertically, it won't block any other outlets giving you full access.
Pro RGB nightlight adds some personalization
The bar on the front of the switch is actually a RGB light, which can be configured to any color, at varying brightness as well. It isn't the brightest, but because most plugs are near the floor it provides sufficient lighting for night-time use or can add to accent lighting for a more whole-ro...
Pro HomeKit enabled
HomeKit is deeply integrated within the iOS ecosystem, including Siri. You can place multiple different devices into a single 'scene' and have them all activate with a singe voice action.
Con HomeKit only
The iDevices Switch doesn't support any other smart home systems. While not an issue if this is your first smart home product, it won't play well down the road if you purchase any Wink, WeMo, Nest, or other non-HomeKit devices.
Con iOS only
There is no Android or Windows Phone support. This could be a deal-breaker if other inhabitants of the house use an Android, Windows Phone, or BlackBerry OS device.
Con On/off only - no dimming
This switch lacks the ability to dim lights plugged into it. Dimming is not only useful to control the brightness in the room, but can also act to save electricity.
Pro Adjustable output for any situation
Through the app you can adjust the output of this switch. This will allow lamps and other lights to be dimmed, although not all small appliances will work well with less than normal power.
Pro Supports scheduling
You can schedule your lights to turn on and of when you please. It can also be set to turn lights on and off on a repeated timer when you are away on vacation to deter burgles.
Pro Single connection to your device
There isn't any Wi-Fi in this product to set up, meaning the setup process will be as easy as pairing a new Bluetooth speaker. Also, even while you are having internet troubles this switch will still work with your phone. Some users have even plugged their Wi-Fi router into this, turning it off...
Con Doesn't integrate with other smart home systems
Most other smart home systems utilize Wi-Fi. This device won't play well with any of those.
Con Bluetooth limits the range and situations in which the device can be used
Bluetooth has an effective range of about 20 feet, depending on variables. You won't be able to adjust this switch through the internet like you will with most of the other switches available today. If you left the lights on after you left for a vacation, you'll be much too far to turn them...
Pro Compatible across popular mobile ecosystems
With apps for both Android and iOS available, the vast majority of users in any house will be able to control this switch. This is an essential feature for households that have both Android and iOS users.
Pro Prevents unwanted setting adjustments
The app can require a password, which means that if the TV is plugged into one of these switches that your kids can't install the app and extend the auto-turn-off-time. This could also be a benefit if plugging in a basic home security system - plugging the security system into this switch isn...
Pro Easy visual energy cost tracking
This device senses the amount of power which is drawn from it while it is in use. You can configure the switch to turn off when a certain power limit has been reached (can be based on a daily, weekly, or monthly figure). Upon hitting this limit, it will notify you with an email. You can also view...
Con No smart home intergration
This switch doesn't connect to any third party systems - no HomeKit, Nest, WeMo, Z-Wave, or other integration. These products work on their own without any external integration.
Con Lacks sunrise/sunset control
Many other switches can be configured to turn on at sunrise, and turn off at sunset (or vice versa if you have a light plugged into it). The Edimax SP-2101W lacks any such feature.
Con Somewhat bulky
This switch will block the plug beneath it, effectively reducing the number of plugs you have available in your house. This also makes it a more obvious eye-sore.
Pro Schedules and timers work well
You can configure this switch to turn on and off whenever you choose. Schedules are useful for waking up in the morning and going to bed, and timers help expand that functionality to single-time usage. You can fully automate anything plugged into this switch, even when on vacation half the world aw...
Pro Works with Amazon's Alexa
Alexa is Amazon's personal assistant, found in the Echo and Echo Dot. If you have either of these products, you (or your guests) can control this switch with nothing but your voice. Very cool as a party trick, but also useful in day-to-day life.
Con Bulky
Similar to the vast majority of all smart plugs, this one will block the outlet above it. You can place it on top of a regular wall receptacle, although then it sticks out visually more than if it were centered on the wall mount.
Con Energy tracking costs extra
This specific device doesn't offer energy tracking, although a different model does. It costs $8 more, however it has the potential to save a lot more than that in electricity costs over its lifetime.
Pro Automates itself after a learning period
After being used for a while, the Parce One will eventually start learning your habits, and can start turning devices off automatically when you forget to turn them off yourself. It's fairly conservative, although if you stay up a few extra minutes than normal, the lights may turn off before yo...
Pro Energy monitering
Parce One tracks the energy used by the device that is plugged into it. It displays the information it gathers into an easy to read graphs, and even can make suggestions over time that can help reduce the power bill.
Pro Apple HomeKit compatible
HomeKit is deeply integrated with Siri, which makes turning connected devices on or off is as simple as asking Siri. You can also group devices into a 'scene' - for example, once configured saying "OK Siri, go to bed" can turn off all your lights, adjust your thermostat, and lock...
Con Only available in Germany currently
Currently, the Parce One is only available in Germany. It uses the F plug type, which is compatible with countries listed here (USA, England, Australia and Canada don't use the same plugs).
Con iOS only at the moment
An Android app can be expected by the end of 2016, however currently there is only an iOS app.
Con LED light is always on
While an update is in the works to make this user-adjustable, the power indicator LED is always on with no option to turn it off.
Pro Easy to use scheduling
The scheduling feature is easy to use - select a time to turn on, and a time to turn off. You can repeat this schedule (called a 'rule' within the app) daily, or weekly. There is also a built-in timer, which can be useful when you only need the lights on for a few minutes during an irregul...
Pro HomeKit compatible
HomeKit is created by Apple, and provides easy control through Siri. Devices can be grouped together, and multiple devices can be activated at once with a single action (if you set up the proper scenes).
Pro Well designed app
The app is designed to look sleek, and give quick access to commonly used actions. Finding a specific device can be a hassle if you have many HomeKit devices connected in the same room as the lists scroll vertically, but this won't be an issue for the vast majority of users.
Con No Android support
Unfortunately, if anybody in your house uses an Android device, they won't be able to connect to the Koogeek smart plug.
Con No third party ecosystem integration
Unfortunately, it seems this plug isn't compatible with WeMo, Nest, SmartThings, Wink, or other home automation ecosystems. This limits the devices that this switch can connect with in the future (or the present if you already have non-HomeKit devices).
Help millions of people make better decisions.
Each month, over 1.7 million people use Slant to find the best products and share their knowledge. Pick the tags you’re passionate about to get a personalized feed and begin contributing your knowledge.