When comparing TP-LINK HS100 vs Incipio CommandKit, the Slant community recommends Incipio CommandKit for most people. In the question“What are the best smart switches?” Incipio CommandKit is ranked 4th while TP-LINK HS100 is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Incipio CommandKit is:
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.
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Pros
Pro Schedules and timers work well
You can configure this switch to turn on and off whenever you choose. Schedules are useful for waking up in the morning and going to bed, and timers help expand that functionality to single-time usage. You can fully automate anything plugged into this switch, even when on vacation half the world away.
You can also enable 'away mode', which turns your lights on and off automatically simulating what it would look like if somebody were home. This deters burgles, as generally they try to break in when nobody is home.
Pro Works with Amazon's Alexa
Alexa is Amazon's personal assistant, found in the Echo and Echo Dot. If you have either of these products, you (or your guests) can control this switch with nothing but your voice. Very cool as a party trick, but also useful in day-to-day life.
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 Bulky
Similar to the vast majority of all smart plugs, this one will block the outlet above it. You can place it on top of a regular wall receptacle, although then it sticks out visually more than if it were centered on the wall mount.
Con Energy tracking costs extra
This specific device doesn't offer energy tracking, although a different model does. It costs $8 more, however it has the potential to save a lot more than that in electricity costs over its lifetime.
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.
