How do smart plugs work?
Companion apps and connectivity
You’ll be able to control your plug and create schedules using a smartphone app from the brand. Some of these are also compatible with a platform called IFTTT, which stands for “if this, then that”.
This service can get devices and services from different brands working together. For example, you could set it up so that your wifi security camera could automate a lamp switching on, but only if the camera spots someone outside your house.
Voice assistants and integrations
In addition, you can use voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant to switch plugs on and off.
If you prefer to keep everything in one place, you can also create “automations” and schedules within the app for the voice assistant.
Not all plugs work with all assistants though, so we’ve covered that in our reviews.
Can smart plugs save energy?
Smart plugs can help you save energy by helping you to switch off appliances that may be consuming electricity while on standby. Settop boxes, older gaming consoles and ageing TVs are some of the main culprits.
Newer TVs are more energyefficient, but it still can help to switch a few appliances off overnight to save precious pennies on your energy costs.
Models from brands like TPLink and Eve will offer you energymonitoring capabilities too, helping you to know how much energy you’re using and what it costs.