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Add to SafariWhen comparing GE Bluetooth Smart Switch vs ConnectSense Smart Outlet, the Slant community recommends ConnectSense Smart Outlet for most people. In the question“What are the best smart plugs?” ConnectSense Smart Outlet is ranked 4th while GE Bluetooth Smart Switch is ranked 6th. 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 Adjustable output for any situation
Through the app you can adjust the output of this switch. This will allow lamps and other lights to be dimmed, although not all small appliances will work well with less than normal power.
Pro Supports scheduling
You can schedule your lights to turn on and of when you please. It can also be set to turn lights on and off on a repeated timer when you are away on vacation to deter burgles.
Pro Single connection to your device
There isn't any Wi-Fi in this product to set up, meaning the setup process will be as easy as pairing a new Bluetooth speaker. Also, even while you are having internet troubles this switch will still work with your phone. Some users have even plugged their Wi-Fi router into this, turning it off when they are at work and sleeping.
Pro Can track energy usage
Tracking energy usage can help you determine where you can cut energy costs. The first step is recognizing where excess energy is being used, and the GE Smart Switch helps with this.
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.
Cons
Con Doesn't integrate with other smart home systems
Most other smart home systems utilize Wi-Fi. This device won't play well with any of those.
Con Bluetooth limits the range and situations in which the device can be used
Bluetooth has an effective range of about 20 feet, depending on variables. You won't be able to adjust this switch through the internet like you will with most of the other switches available today. If you left the lights on after you left for a vacation, you'll be much too far to turn them off.
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.
