ConnectSense Smart Outlet vs D-Link DSP-W215

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Interoperability among products within the smart home.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.