#Alexa smart plug timer full#
#Alexa smart plug timer free#

If you're already all-in on Hue, on the other hand, we can't think of a better option. There are stacks of Wi-Fi plugs that can do a lot more for a lot less. Which is fine, but while it's more compact than most and, as you'd expect from Philips, impeccably well-engineered, we'd question why you'd spend on this if you were only going to use Bluetooth, especially as that means you won't be able to make the most of everything the plug has to offer. Like all Hue products released after mid-2019, the Hue Smart Plug works without requiring a hub thanks to built-in Bluetooth.

#Alexa smart plug timer full#

You won’t get full functionality using Bluetooth

You can control the plug with the Amazon Alexa assistant too. If you already have the Hive kit installed, it's ideal.

#Alexa smart plug timer free#

The Hive Active Plug is controlled using the free accompanying Hive apps for iOS and Android, and as well as a schedule you can also create actions that work in conjunction with each other (so switching on a lamp when a door sensor is triggered, for example).

The only real catch is that requires a Hive Hub to control: the Hive Active Plug won't work without one, so this is only really the best smart plug for those buying into the Hive system – but that's not a bad idea, because Hive also makes good smart bulbs and a great smart heating system (among others), so you might feel the whole setup is right for you. In other words, it's handy for those times when you need to check whether you left the iron on, or you fancy boiling the kettle for a cup of tea while you’re still lying in bed upstairs. This Kasa Slim Plug is already very cheap, but there's an even more affordable option in the form of the Tapo P100 mini smart plug (TP-Link's smart home line seems to be split in two, between the premium Kasa and more budget-oriented Tapo lines).ĭesigned to work in conjunction with the Hive Hub developed by British Gas (though you don't have to be a British Gas customer to use it), the Hive Active Plug works in a similar way to other smart plugs – you can turn your sockets on and off with a tap on your phone or on a preset schedule. If you've got the right TP-Link accessory, you can get this smart plug to work with a motion sensor as well. There's also the option to set a simple timer: when it elapses, the plug will turn either on or off depending on your requirements. Both allow you to see how long the plug has been active, and it works with Alexa, Google Home and Bixby.ĭive into the app and you can have the plug turn on and off based on a regular schedule, or do it manually. There are two versions of the plug, one with energy monitoring (KP115) and one without (KP105) that is slightly cheaper. Setup is as simple as plugging it in, and it's small and discreet enough not to mess up the aesthetics of your kitchen or your living room. The combination means it won Best Smart Energy Product at the T3 Awards.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP115 (also known as the TP-Link Kasa Mini with energy monitoring) brings you almost everything you could want from a smart plug and is accompanied by a polished app too. As you browse this list, make sure the product you choose is compatible with your smart home system, for example, those that are compatible with Apple HomeKit won’t be compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, and vice versa. Once you invest in a smart plug, you can connect it to your other smart home devices such as the best smart speakers, the best smart bulbs and best smart thermostats.Ĭheck out our full list of smart plugs to find the right one for your home and start saving energy today.

Smart plugs are great for controlling your lights so they’re not left on when nobody is around, or you can set them to come on while you’re away on holiday. So, if you want to fire up the coffee machine ready for when you wake up in the morning, all you need to do is set it to a timer with a smart plug, and it will come on automatically for you. Simply having it connected to a smart plug will allow you to remotely control it wherever you are, either via an app, through voice command and more. While we’re not saying a smart plug will solve all your problems, it can certainly go a long way in reducing the amount of electricity you use – you’d be surprised how much energy is used when devices are left on standby.Īnd the best part is, a device doesn’t need to be “smart” in order to work with a smart plug. With the cost of living on everyone’s minds, any way to reduce the cost of our bills is welcomed.