D-Link DSP-W215 vs Edimax SP-2101W

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The power data will be kept for 12 months, allowing for long term comparison between multiple seasons.