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Add to SafariWhen comparing ConnectSense Smart Outlet vs Edimax SP-2101W, 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 Edimax SP-2101W is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose ConnectSense Smart Outlet is:
ConnectSense Smart Outlet has two outlets that can each be controlled and monitored independently.
Question Ranking
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 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't any less secure than plugging it straight into the wall.
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.
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.
Pro Long term energy tracking
The power data will be kept for 12 months, allowing for long term comparison between multiple seasons.
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 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.
