You can control the plug with the Amazon Alexa assistant too. If you already have the Hive kit installed, it's ideal.
#Amazon smart plug 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 2021 (opens in new tab). What’s more, is that it gives you insights into your energy usage - it recently won Best Smart Energy Product at the T3 Awards 2021.The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP115 (opens in new tab) (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.
You’ll be able to use it with Alexa and through the polished Kasa app. The best smart plug you can buy is the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP115.
It’s only recommended to be used with lights, though. Owners of Philips Hue might want to consider the Philips Hue Smart Plug, as that works with the Hue app as well as the Alexa app. But if you already have Amazon Alexa devices at home and you’re looking for a quick and easy way to control one of your other devices or appliances remotely, then this will be a good choice that will work seamlessly with the rest of your smart home. It lacks IFTTT support and there isn’t energy usage monitoring, you also won’t be able to control it using other voice assistants like Siri. The Amazon Smart Plug may not be the most feature-heavy but it certainly does what it says on the tin, and it does it well. Another downside is the lack of energy monitoring features like you get from TP-Link smart plugs, for instance. You also can’t control it using other smart assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, and it doesn’t work with Apple’s HomeKit either. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have IFTTT so won’t work with other smart devices like locks or thermostats. The Alexa app is also incredibly easy to use, and will often prompt you to make changes like customising the plug's routines. You’ll know it’s worked as you hear a little click each time it comes on or off. The plug responded almost immediately to both voice and app-based commands and had no issues sticking to the schedules and routines either. You can also set it to switch on or off with certain voice commands, like turning on when you say ‘Alexa, welcome me home.' You can also create Routines that will power it on or off at set times of day, at sunrise or sunset, or if triggered by a motion sensor. To do so, you do get the choice of using voice commands through Alexa or through the app. You’re limited to just switching it on and off.
You only get very basic functionality with the Amazon Smart Plug.
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