What are the best smart switches?

Question

12

Options
Considered

34

User
Recs.

Aug 26, 2019

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

12 Options Considered

Best smart switches	Price	Last Updated
-- WeMo Insight	$49.99	Aug 26, 2019
-- ConnectSense Smart Outlet	$60	Jun 21, 2017
-- iHome iSP5	$37	Apr 5, 2018
-- Incipio CommandKit	$30	Jul 10, 2016
-- D-Link DSP-W215	$34.20	Jan 14, 2018

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score 10 · Answer 1

WeMo Insight

Top Pro

Very configurable thanks to IFTTT

IFTTT (if this then that) allows you to set up conditional automations. So you can turn on or off devices attached to the switch based on conditions like time of day, your location or any trigger from 300+ services. See More

Top 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. See More

Ktine's Experience

we use it to turn on and off our out of the way home speaker system which we turn on and off through our google home. Works everytime! See More

Top Pro

App has a simple button widget

Top 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. See More

Tom Raleigh's Experience

The Android app isn't great, but it works well enough. I mostly use the simple button widget; it works 90% of the time, but occasionally can't find the device until you open the full app again. See More

Top Pro

Integrates with Google Home

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Easy installation

The installation instructions are fairly basic - just connect to the switch's Wi-Fi, go into the WeMo app, make the connection, and then swap over to your regular Wi-Fi (if it works the first time). See More

Top Con

Blocks other plugs

This switch is compact as far as smart switches go, however it is still large enough to block the other outlet on a typical 2 slot wall outlet. See More

Top Pro

Get notified when the switch is activated

You can set up the Insight to send you app notifications when the switch is turned on or off based on set rules. So you can, for example, get notified only between 9am and 5pm while you are at work, and turn off notifications while you are at home. See More

Top Con

Works only with devices that use more than 2 watts of power

Top Pro

Good companion app

The WeMo app is simple to use, and provides quite a bit of information at a glance as well. There's a large power button to open/close the switch, as well as a timer which indicates how long the switch has been on for. It also shows data such as average on time each day, average cost and more. See More

Top Con

No yet compatible with SmartThings hub

SmartThings is Samsung's smart home ecosystem. The WeMo Insight isn't compatible with Samsung's software. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Con

No HomeKit support

Top 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). See More

Top Pro

Integrates with Alexa

Through Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa (found on the Amazon Echo ling of products) you can control the switch via voice. See More

Top Pro

Third party hardware integration

WeMo is one of the leading Internet of Things ecosystems, and can integrate with a wide variety of other products that also support the WeMo standard. See More

Top Pro

Support for rules

Rules determine when your lights are on and off (think of it like scheduling for events instead of times). See More

See All

score 7 · Answer 2

ConnectSense Smart Outlet

Top Con

iOS only

This can be a real deal-breaker if your significant other or other inhabitants of your house have Android products. See More

Top Pro

Each outlet can be controlled independently

ConnectSense Smart Outlet has two outlets that can each be controlled and monitored independently. See More

Top 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 your house down the road. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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 thermostat to turn down, and your doors to lock. See More

Top Con

Unreliable connection

The smart outlet will disconnect from the Wi-Fi every 1-3 days. While not a deal-breaker, this is certainly at least a mild inconvenience. See More

Top Pro

Reliable connection, stays online when many other outlets do not

Outlets are only useful if you can use them, this one is solid. See More

Top Con

App's interface could be better

The interface of the app is more cluttered than it needs to be, which makes accessing the important functions and settings difficult. See More

Top Pro

LEDs provide information at a glance

On the top left is a power indicator LED which indicates whether or not the plug is plugged into the wall and connected (if plugged in the light will be solid, if not connected the light will flash). There are also 2 LEDs in the clear strip on the right of the sockets. These indicate whether or not the sockets are active. This is handy, because if HomeKit turns the socket off you can easily tell without wondering if anything is broken. These lights can be turned off through the app, but can also serve as a dim nightlight if you leave them on. See More

Top Pro

All other HomeKit products can be controlled via the ConnectSense app as well

Interoperability among products within the smart home. See More

Top Pro

Can get very fancy when using in conjunction with HomeKit scenes

Scenes allow you to not only control one device, but multiple at the same time, this outlet plays great with HomeKit so you get control not just one thing, but multiple at the same time. See More

See All

score 6 · Answer 3

iHome iSP5

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Can't track energy usage

This is simply a well designed on/off switch, and offers no energy usage stats. See More

Top 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 running around its sides. See More

Top Con

HomeKit features don't work on Android devices

HomeKit is created by Apple and has no Android integration. See More

Top 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: once configured, saying "Hey Siri, go to bed" can turn off all the lights, enable the security system, lock the doors, and turn down the thermostat with just the single command. See More

Top Pro

Integrates with Wink

Wink is an ecosystem that has compatibility with many products. Buying a Wink-compatible device means you have a wide selection of other devices that it will work with. See More

Top Pro

Voice activation through Amazon's Alexa

Alexa is an always listening voice assistant baked into Amazon's Echo series of products. These devices were all very well received, and can pick up voice actions from surprising distances. They will also allow anybody to control the lights (or whatever else might be plugged into this switch) without the need to setup an app on their phone. See More

See All

score 2 · Answer 4

Incipio CommandKit

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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 looking for. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Can help reduce electricity bills

The CommandKit tracks the energy used, which can be used to determine how you can cut costs on your future energy bills. See More

See All

score 3 · Answer 5

D-Link DSP-W215

Top 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 power LED, located just below the power button. This light shows whether the plug is outputting any power at the time. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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). See More

Top 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 (write this down beforehand so you don't have to unplug it half way through to check). Then, hop back onto your regular Wi-Fi and login (or create) a My D-Link account. See More

Top 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). See More

Top 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 Windows Phone or old BlackBerry). See More

Top Pro

Integrates with Amazon's Alexa

Alexa is Amazon's personal assistant that comes with the company's smart home products, such as the Echo and Echo Dot. These are always listening devices that allow you to control certain aspects of your life without lifting a finger. See More

Top Pro

Works with Apple TV

Top Pro

Scheduling support

Through IFTTT, you can create very detailed schedules for when the switch will be turned on or off. This schedule can be different each day of the week, and you can have it turn on and off multiple times each day if you choose. See More

Top Pro

Works with other D-Link devices

D-Link offers a number of smart home products whichinclude cameras, water sensors, plugs, baby sensors, sirens, and motion cameras. All of these products are designed to work together. See More

Top Pro

Built-in IFTTT support

IFTTT (IF This Then That) allows you to create your own custom 'recipes'. Triggers can be as simple as time of day, or your location, or as specific as receiving a text from a specific contact to when your favourite team scores a goal. IFTTT is easy to setup, and allows for cusomtomization far beyond what manufacturers regularly allow. See More

Top Pro

Can track energy usage

The energy data is collected and displayed in handy graphs that review the last month, 3 months, or 6 months of usage. This allows you to easily view the change in power consumption between seasons, and can help identify areas where it could be beneficial to turn the device off. See More

See All

score 1 · Answer 6

GE Bluetooth Smart Switch

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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 off. See More

Top 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 when they are at work and sleeping. See More

Top Pro

Can track energy usage

Tracking energy usage can help you determine where you can cut energy costs. The first step is recognizing where excess energy is being used, and the GE Smart Switch helps with this. See More

See All

score 1 · Answer 7

iDevices Switch

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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-room effect. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Useful companion app

The app is laid out simply, which makes using it a pleasure. It's layout is clearly designed to put the controls - the most important part of the app - front and center. See More

Top Pro

Allows information which can lead to lower energy bills

While the energy reports aren't as detailed as other switches, they are still detailed enough to show where you can save some power costs. This is a useful feature, as it can save you money in the long-run and even pay itself off. See More

See All

score 2 · Answer 8

TP-LINK HS100

Top 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 away. You can also enable 'away mode', which turns your lights on and off automatically simulating what it would look like if somebody were home. This deters burgles, as generally they try to break in when nobody is home. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

See All

score 1 · Answer 9

Edimax SP-2101W

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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't any less secure than plugging it straight into the wall. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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 past power requirements ranging from a day to a month to see when it draws the most power. this data can be displayed as the true power (measured in watts) or approximate cost. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Scheduling allows appliances to work automatically

You can schedule the switch to turn off when you leave for work or go to bed, and to turn on when you get home from work or wake up. If you use a portable heater or air conditioner, this can be especially useful to pre-heat or cool your house just before you get home. This ensures your house is at the right temperature whenever you're home, but saves on power when you don't need it. See More

Top Pro

Long term energy tracking

The power data will be kept for 12 months, allowing for long term comparison between multiple seasons. See More

See All

Answer 10

Koogeek Smart Plug

Top 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 irregular time. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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). See More

Top 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). See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Energy measurement

This smart plug will show you energy stats, which can be used to help determine the best way to slash energy costs. It does this in real-time in the app, as well as over time through a graph. See More

See All

Answer 11

Elgato Eve Energy

Top Pro

Tracks energy spent, allowing for easy tracking

You can easily view how much energy the plugged in device is using (in watts), however the app doesn't show the costs of the power (you can figure this out yourself, but it would have been nice to be included). See More

Top Con

Blocks plugs beneath it

This plug is physically large, and will block sockets if placed in the top wall socket. If placed in the bottom socket, the other socket will be available however it will hang past where the socket ends providing an eyesore. See More

Top Pro

HomeKit compatible

HomeKit is created by Apple, and uses Siri to control the smart devices connected with HomeKit. It also allows for grouping devices so that a single command can trigger different devices to do different things. See More

Top Con

Apple TV required for at-a-distance control

Without an Apple TV, you can only control devices locally using Bluetooth. This range is very limited. With an Apple TV however, you can control the device from anywhere you have access to Wi-Fi. See More

Top Pro

Easy setup

Setup is as easy as downloading the Eve app, add the device, type in a code (or scan it automatically), and tell it where it is located (easier to control down the road). See More

Top Pro

Schedule devices to turn on or off automatically

The Eve Energy supports a useful scheduling function. Once set up, the lights will turn themselves on and off automatically based on your preferences. See More

See All

Answer 12

Parce One

Top 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 you're done with them - however this is to expected from any self-taught schedule. See More

Top 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). See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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 all your doors with just one action. See More

Top 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. See More

See All

12 Options Considered

My Recommendation for WeMo Insight

My Recommendation for WeMo Insight

Very configurable thanks to IFTTT

Poor Android app

App has a simple button widget

Buggy setup

Integrates with Google Home

Power button can be distracting

Easy installation

Blocks other plugs

Get notified when the switch is activated

Works only with devices that use more than 2 watts of power

Good companion app

No yet compatible with SmartThings hub

Can send reports about energy usage

No HomeKit support

Scheduling allows switch to operate automatically

Integrates with Alexa

Third party hardware integration

Support for rules

My Recommendation for ConnectSense Smart Outlet

My Recommendation for ConnectSense Smart Outlet

iOS only

Each outlet can be controlled independently

HomeKit-only

Includes a USB charging port for charging phones

No energy usage monitoring

HomeKit enabled

Unreliable connection

Reliable connection, stays online when many other outlets do not

App's interface could be better

LEDs provide information at a glance

All other HomeKit products can be controlled via the ConnectSense app as well

Can get very fancy when using in conjunction with HomeKit scenes

My Recommendation for iHome iSP5

My Recommendation for iHome iSP5

Android support is limited

Compact, so it allows access to other plugs

Can't track energy usage

Sleek design

HomeKit features don't work on Android devices

HomeKit enabled

Integrates with Wink

Voice activation through Amazon's Alexa

My Recommendation for Incipio CommandKit

My Recommendation for Incipio CommandKit

Activate the switch through proximity instead of complex schedules

Awkward looking design

Leaves other wall plugs accessible

App leaves some to be desired

HomeKit compatible

Can help reduce electricity bills

My Recommendation for D-Link DSP-W215

My Recommendation for D-Link DSP-W215

Lights are always on

Automatic overheating protection

Bulky

Very easy setup

No HomeKit support

Android and iOS compatible

Integrates with Amazon's Alexa

Works with Apple TV

Scheduling support

Works with other D-Link devices

Built-in IFTTT support

Can track energy usage

My Recommendation for GE Bluetooth Smart Switch

My Recommendation for GE Bluetooth Smart Switch

Adjustable output for any situation

Doesn't integrate with other smart home systems

Supports scheduling

Bluetooth limits the range and situations in which the device can be used

Single connection to your device

Can track energy usage

My Recommendation for iDevices Switch

My Recommendation for iDevices Switch

Doesn't block other outlets

HomeKit only

RGB nightlight adds some personalization