When comparing ConnectSense Smart Outlet vs iHome iSP5, the Slant community recommends ConnectSense Smart Outlet for most people. In the question“What are the best smart switches?” ConnectSense Smart Outlet is ranked 2nd while iHome iSP5 is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose ConnectSense Smart Outlet is:
ConnectSense Smart Outlet has two outlets that can each be controlled and monitored independently.
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Pros
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 thermostat to turn down, and your doors to lock.
Pro Reliable connection, stays online when many other outlets do not
Outlets are only useful if you can use them, this one is solid.
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.
Pro All other HomeKit products can be controlled via the ConnectSense app as well
Interoperability among products within the smart home.
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.
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 running around its sides.
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.
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.
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.
Cons
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 your house down the road.
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.
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.
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.
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.
