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Add to SafariWhen comparing iHome iSP5 vs Incipio CommandKit, the Slant community recommends iHome iSP5 for most people. In the question“What are the best smart switches?” iHome iSP5 is ranked 3rd while Incipio CommandKit is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose iHome iSP5 is:
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.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Compact, so it allows access to other plugs
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.
Pro Sleek design
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.
Pro HomeKit enabled
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.
Pro Integrates with Wink
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.
Pro Voice activation through Amazon's Alexa
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.
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 Android support is limited
Clearly, the Android app was an afterthought. From setting it up to controlling it - even the features available. This is an iPhone first product, with Android support added in after the fact.
Con Can't track energy usage
This is simply a well designed on/off switch, and offers no energy usage stats.
Con HomeKit features don't work on Android devices
HomeKit is created by Apple and has no Android integration.
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.
