The 10 best smart plugs to buy in the UK
The best smart plugs allow for easy control of appliances at home with a smartphone or voice assistant, letting you control power usage, set timers, and overall just make home life more convenient. However, it’s still a rather new technology, so it is challenging for most people to buy the best smart plug, and this could be holding you back from enjoying the benefits of this great gadget. To make your decision easier, check out the buying guide below, it has all the info you need to know about choosing the right smart plugs.
What are smart plugs?
A smart plug is a type of electrical outlet that can be controlled with a remote device. It looks just like a standard plug outlet, however, it can be controlled via an app on a smart device or, in some cases, a physical remote. Equipped with a wireless internet connection, it allows you to turn any plugged-in devices on and off. Hence, a good smart plug helps you create a more efficient home.
Why should you buy a good smart plug?
The best smart plug devices will bring many benefits to your home: Turning any appliance into a smart device, you can easily control them. So even when you aren’t at home, you can turn on and off lighting or control temperature. For example, you could set a schedule for your plug-in air conditioner so that it only is used during certain times. Additionally, if you need to turn anything on and off you can easily do so without having to get out of bed.
How to choose the right smart plug in 2024?
Here are a few things to consider when buying the best smart plug:
- Compatibility: An important to consider when buying any smart device is compatibility. For example, if you use an iPhone, Google Assistant, or any other third-party programs to operate your other smart home devices, then you will need to choose smart plugs that work with these smart home systems. If you are already using a smart home hub, be sure to find out whether the plug is compatible with it. However, if it’s just for a few lamps, you might not need to control it away from the home and a physical remote control is recommended.
- Design: Many brands offer a range of colours and shapes for the plugs. When it comes to design, the most important thing is the size, as bulky and large plugs could cover other outlets.
- Energy Monitoring: Some smart plugs offer additional features, such as energy monitoring, allowing you to see how much energy a connected device is using. While not an essential function, it can be a very handy feature, especially if want to reduce your energy bills. However, expect to pay more for smart plugs with this feature.
What is the best kind of smart plug in the UK?
There are many great types of popular smart plugs out there and here are some of the most commonly bought ones:
- Simple Smart Plugs: Many of the best smart plugs are sold without automation features, so they are a lot cheaper but only can offer on-off-functionality. In most cases, they are better for one or two devices at a time so won’t be the best type for more advanced home automation setups.
- Smart Plugs for Home Automation: Many smart plugs are designed for use with home automation technologies. The type is usually named after a certain home automation standard, such as Z-Wave smart plugs or Zigbee smart plugs, both being popular home automation standards. They are the best smart plugs for connecting multiple devices throughout the home.
- Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring: These smart plugs feature an LED screen that displays various energy statistics (e.g., the amount of power being used) to monitor home electricity usage.
Top 10 list of smart plugs in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their smart plugs. Which smart plug is the best?
- Schedule & Timer Function: Set the timer, countdown, circulate, or random in…
- APP Remote Control: Turn on and off home devices with your smartphone from anywhere…
- Voice Control: Smart plugs that work with Alexa & Google Assistant.Control your…
- Manage your smart home - Simply use other Tapo smart home products to better manage…
- EV charging is not supported since it typically requires higher power, and its charging…
- EV charging is not supported since it typically requires higher power, and its charging…
- Manage your smart home - Simply use other Tapo smart home products to better manage…
- EV charging is not supported since it typically requires higher power, and its charging…
- Avoid plugging in appliances with a motor/compressor higher than 1/6HP, such as an…
- ServicesThe Avatar Controls smart plug provide 12 month services + Professional Customer…
- Smart APP Control AnywhereEasily control your household appliances via "AvatarControls"…
- Group Control & SharingTo create a smart plug group on App, like bedroom plug,…
- Safety First & Child-Friendly Design: Equipped with a child lock and a sliding…
- Effortless Setup & Shared Control: Quickly set up your smart plug and share management…
- Custom Scheduling & Automation: Use the Smart Life APP to set schedules and create…
- Manage your smart home - Simply use other Tapo smart home products to better manage…
- EV charging is not supported since it typically requires higher power, and its charging…
- Avoid plugging in appliances with a motor/compressor higher than 1/6HP, such as an…
- AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION: From Sengled, the smart lighting expert, we’re the…
- SAVE ENERGY WITH ROUTINES AND SCHEDULES: Create groups and routines to control multiple…
- MAKE ANY OUTLET A SMART OUTLET: Remotely turn on and off any appliance, like lamps,…
- No smart home hub required: set up routines and schedules through the Alexa app.
- Simple to set up and use: plug in, open the Alexa app and start using your voice…
- Schedule lights, coffee machines and appliances to turn on and off automatically,…
- WHAT YOU WILL GET - 2 x TVLIVE 13A Wifi Smart Plugs, 1 x User Manual, If you have…
- COMPACT SIZE & EASY TO USE - Compact size design, 2.16in x 2.16in (55mm x 55mm),…
- SCHEDULE & TIMER SETTING - You could create customized schedule to automatically…
- Patent Number: 6129013
- Easy to Set Up - Smart plugs work with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi not 5GHz, no hub/bridge required.…
- Set up Scenes/Routines - Customize scenes for all smart plugs to make your everyday…
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