When comparing WeMo Insight vs iDevices Switch, the Slant community recommends WeMo Insight for most people. In the question“What are the best smart switches?” WeMo Insight is ranked 1st while iDevices Switch is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose WeMo Insight is:
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.
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Pros
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.
Pro App has a simple button widget
Pro Integrates with Google Home
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Pro Support for rules
Rules determine when your lights are on and off (think of it like scheduling for events instead of times).
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-room effect.
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.
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.
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.
Cons
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.
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.
Con Works only with devices that use more than 2 watts of power
Con No yet compatible with SmartThings hub
SmartThings is Samsung's smart home ecosystem. The WeMo Insight isn't compatible with Samsung's software.
Con No HomeKit support
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.