When comparing ConnectSense Smart Outlet vs Incipio CommandKit, 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 Incipio CommandKit is ranked 4th. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
