This review dives into the Smart Sockets, a budget-friendly smart plug system offering surprising functionality beyond basic on/off control. We'll explore the ease of setup and pairing with your home Wi-Fi network, highlighting the simplicity of the process and user-friendly app interface. Beyond the basics, we’ll examine the advanced features that set these smart plugs apart, focusing on their impressive energy monitoring capabilities.This in-depth review will delve into the practical applications of the Smart Sockets, from creating custom schedules for automated appliance control to the detailed energy usage tracking provided by the app. We will also discuss the additional safety features included, such as overcharge protection and a child lock. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons and ultimately assess whether these inexpensive smart plugs deliver exceptional value for their price.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to set up and configure
- Energy monitoring capabilities
- Inexpensive
- Scheduling options (including random schedules)
- Overcharge protection (turns off if less than 3W for 40 minutes)
- Child lock
- Remote on/off control
- Slightly larger than standard plugs, making it difficult to fit multiple plugs side-by-side in a power strip
Read more: AMI Meter Reading Guide: Understanding Your Smart Electricity Meter
Unboxing and Initial Setup
The package contains four smart plugs, each with a simple design featuring an on/off button. Setting them up is straightforward. Simply plug them into your outlets; you'll notice a solid blue LED light when they are powered on. The plugs are slightly larger than standard plugs and might not fit side-by-side in a power strip.
Pairing the plugs to your Wi-Fi network is quick and easy. The app automatically searches for new devices. After providing your network credentials, the app connects to the smart plugs without any issues.
Smart Features and Control
These smart sockets offer a range of convenient features beyond simple on/off control. You can create schedules to automate the power to appliances at specific times and dates. This includes setting up recurring schedules, random schedules (useful for deterring burglars while you’re away), and even an inching schedule, which allows you to automatically turn off a device after a preset time.
The app interface makes managing these schedules intuitive and user-friendly. The app also allows you to easily rename your devices for better organization.
Energy Monitoring Capabilities
A key advantage of these smart plugs is their ability to monitor energy consumption. The app displays the current power usage in watts and kilowatt-hours (kWh). This feature allows you to track energy usage in real-time and observe how much power different devices consume.
The energy monitoring data is presented clearly in the app. You can see daily and monthly energy usage, allowing you to understand your energy consumption patterns and identify areas for potential savings.
Additional Features and Conclusion
Beyond energy monitoring, the smart plugs offer several useful additional features. These include an overcharge protection function that automatically turns off the device if it detects low power consumption for a specific period. A child lock prevents accidental changes to the device settings.
Overall, these smart sockets are a great value. The combination of energy monitoring and smart home capabilities makes them an excellent option for improving energy efficiency and managing home appliances. Ease of use and the wide array of features make this an excellent choice for the price. The inexpensive cost and robust feature set make these my favorite smart plugs.