The best way to stop phantom power is to shut off the power to that device—and the easiest way to do that without unplugging an appliance is through a smart plug.
- Philips Hue
- Belkin WeMo
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Ecobee4
This Belkin model has a built-in energy monitoring software that lets you track how much power your device is using on a daily and hourly basis.
The price point for this product is high, but the features are worth it. The energy monitoring is a great feature, and the phone app can be difficult to use at times, but overall this product is a great choice for people who want to save money on their energy bill.
The Belkin WeMo Insight is a compact, all-in-one smart outlet that can be used with both Apple and Android devices. It has two power outlets, one on the front and one on the back, and it can be used with either a standard outlet or a power strip. The downside to the WeMo Insight is that it isn’t as compact as the iDevices Switch, which means it might not fit well on some power strips.
TP-Link is a well-known name in the technology world for their routers and smart plugs. They have a long history of making these products, and they are also popular today.
The Kasa mini plug is a great way to have all of your devices connected to one place. Not only can you control them with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and even Microsoft Cortana, but the mini plug also provides energy monitoring and reporting.
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug is a slim, narrow design that lets it fit into spaces other smart plugs might not. It does not redirect the plug, so you can stick it into a power strip without worry. It also does not support Apple HomeKit, but at $21.99 it is one of the least expensive options on this list. ..
The downside to this product is that it does not work with Apple HomeKit and does not have energy monitoring, but when you get two plugs for just $27.99, it’s hard to nitpick.
The downside to this light show is that it doesn’t have energy monitoring or IFTT compatibility. While it would be nice to keep an eye on how much energy your award-winning Christmas light display uses, it’s not a necessary feature.
The Benefits of a Smart Plug
Smart plugs can turn even a “dumb” device into a connected, Wi-Fi controlled appliance. They also provide peace of mind, as they can help you manage your devices and keep them safe. ..
If you have a small office, space heaters become a necessity in winter. And if you ever forget whether you turned it off or not, a smart plug makes it easy to press a button on your phone and guarantee the heater has no power. ..
The ability to connect traditionally non-connected devices to your home makes smart plugs a welcome addition to any home. By connecting devices like air conditioners, TVs, and other electronics to the internet, you can get access to all of your data and programming without ever having to leave your living room. This makes it easy to control your home’s settings from anywhere in the world, whether you’re at work or at home.
Google has announced that they are adding a new feature to their Google Home devices called “Turn on the living room lamp.” This will allow users to control the lamp from their voice, making it easier than ever to have a light in your living room without having to fumble through cords.
