iHome iSP5 vs D-Link DSP-W215

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.