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Best Smart Outlets — SafeWise Buyer’s Guide

2018’s Top Smart Outlets for Your Home

Want a smart home for cheap? Remote control electrical outlets and smart plugs are the way to go. Smart outlets transform practically any appliance or electronic into a smart device. All you need to do is plug devices you want to control into the smart outlets. Then, use a corresponding app on your smart device to set timers, turn lights on or off, and more. The top 10 smart plugs we have on this list are all under $75 and can seriously upgrade your life.

Top Smart Outlets

Model

Pros

Cons

Price

Pros

Color Choices

Dual Outlet

Cons

Higher Price Point

Pros

#1 Best Seller

Remote Control Range

Cons

No Smartphone Access

Pros

Away Mode

Measurements

Cons

Higher Price Point

Pros

Measurements

Limits

Cons

Higher Price Point

Pros

Remote Control Range

Controls Five Plugs

Cons

Lower Definition

No Two-Way Communication

Pros

Uses Wink

Siri

Cons

Limited Compatibility

Pros

Complementary Products

Cons

Not Compatible

Insteon On/Off Outlet

The Insteon On/Off Outlet is the world’s first remote-controllable dual outlet that allows you to control and schedule your electronic devices from any location. To control your electronics, you can use any Insteon device, a wireless remote in the same room, or your smartphone or tablet via the Insteon Hub. The On/Off Outlet also allows you to control the upper and lower outlets independently so there’s no need to purchase two Insteon devices to control multiple electronics. Sleek and slim in its design, this outlet is a great pick for those focused on aesthetics.

Plug more than one electronic or appliance into this outlet for remote home automation.

Affordable. The On/Off Outlet is available for purchase from Amazon and from authorized retailers for around $60.

Color Choices. Choose between white, black, brown, off-white, and more so you can match the look of your home

Dual Outlet. For about $60, you get two smart outlets in one.

Good Reviews. This has 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

High Price Point. While this is still a very affordable home automation product, it’s more expensive than most on our list.

Etekcity Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch

Etekcity estimates that by eliminating wasteful standby power and reducing energy usage, you can save around $100 each year in energy costs and extend a product’s life by up to 15 percent. Since the Etekcity Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch is only about $30, that pays for itself three-fold! The only downside is that this smart outlet doesn’t work remotely. Although, you can use the remote control to turn electronic devices on or off from up to 100 feet away.

This is the #1 Best Selling smart plug on Amazon.

#1 Best Seller. Customers love this smart plug more than any other on Amazon.

Affordable. Spend less than $30 for this device.

Remote Control Range. Use the remote control up to 100 feet from electronics.

Not Actually Smart. You use a remote to control this device, not your smart phone. You’ll have to be within 100 feet to do so.

Belkin WeMo Switch

The Belkin WeMo Switch instantly transforms your standard electrical outlet into a remote controllable one. Through the WeMo App, you can remotely control any electronic device and set schedules. While the switch is Wi-Fi enabled, it also works anywhere you have an Internet, 3G, or 4G connection. A unique advantage of the WeMo Switch is its integration with Amazon Echo, which allows you to control devices plugged into the switch using your voice. Compatible with any 120v wall outlet, the WeMo Switch is easy to set up and use, which is great for anyone who doesn’t want to replace their outlets.

Set an 'Away Mode' while you’re on vacation, so your lights will turn on and off to appear as if someone’s home.

Away Mode. This timer makes it look like someone is home while you’re away by turning lights on and off periodically.

Affordable. Buy this smart plug for under $50.

Measurements. Check in on your energy usage through the WeMo app to see if you can increase efficiency.

High Price Point. While this is still a very affordable home automation product, it’s more expensive than most on our list.

Edimax Wi-Fi Smart Plug

Edimax’s Wi-Fi Smart Plug keeps you connected with your home at all times. Use the Edimax app to turn appliances on or off, receive alerts, monitor the current status of the devices, and more. You can set a daily, weekly, or monthly power limit for an appliance and the Smart Plug will turn off the device when it reaches its limit. View your appliances’ energy usage in kilowatts or real currency for an accurate insight into how much each appliance uses and costs. It’s one of the most advanced smart plugs on the market and a great pick for the energy-conscious consumer.

Set energy caps, so you can stay within your utility budget.

Affordable. Amazon has the Edimax Wi-Fi Smart Plug for sale for under $50.

Measurement. Monitor your energy usage with the app.

Limits. Set limits for energy usage on a daily, monthly, or weekly basis.

Good Reviews. This has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

High Price Point. While this is still a very affordable home automation product, it’s more expensive than most on our list.

AVANTEK Remote Control Outlet Switch

AVANTEK’s Remote Control Outlet Switch keeps things simple. The switch plugs into an outlet and is remotely controlled using a small hand-held receiver. With the push of a button, you can control devices from up to 100 feet away outdoors and 50 feet indoors. One remote can control five outlet receivers and five appliances simultaneously, which is ideal for controlling hard-to-reach appliances or for people with limited physical mobility. While AVANTEK’s outlet switch can’t be controlled remotely via smartphone, this is a great first step for anyone who’s tech-averse or on a budget.

The AVANTEK Remote Control Outlet Switch can control up to five outlet receivers at once.

Affordable. Retail, this plug is expensive, but it’s only $29.99 on Amazon.

Remote Control Range. Use the remote control up to 100 feet from electronics when outside.

Controls Five Plugs. Control up to five outlets with one remote.

Good Reviews. This has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Lower Definition. The ZModo 720P HD Wireless Smart Doorbell has 720p resolution, so it’s not bad, but others have higher definition.

No Two-Way Communication. You can record a message for visitors to hear if you don’t want to answer the door, but you won’t have two-way voice communication.

iHome Smart Plug

This Apple compatible device is ready to turn your appliances and electronics into smart technology. Instead of using its own app, iHome Smart Plug utilizes the app, Wink. You can download it on your Apple device to control your home remotely. You can even talk to Siri and have her complete your commands. While most Apple products are expensive, this smart plug isn’t. It can be yours for under $40 a piece.

You can use Siri as the middlewoman for this smart plug.

Affordable. Buy each of these plugs for under $40.

Uses Wink. The iHome Smart Plug doesn’t use its own app, it uses Wink, which is an established home automation app.

Siri. Talk to Siri to turn electronics and lights on and off.

Limited Compatibility. This plug is only compatible with Apple devices.

Leviton DZR15-1LZ Decora Z-Wave Controls 15-Amp Tamper Resistant Split Duplex Receptacle

Install this smart plug in an existing outlet and bring your home into the future. With a $50 list price, it’s one of the more expensive smart plugs on this list, but is by no means unreasonable. Use the Leviton DZR15-1LZ Decora Z-Wave to turn on the coffee pot, turn off the lights, turn on the TV, and so much more. Unlike other plugs, this has two outlets, so you can enjoy double the technology. Plus, it’s compatible with Wink, SmartThings, and Amazon Echo, so you have greater home automation capabilities.

The Leviton DZR15-1LZ Decora Z-Wave has two plugs in one.

Dual Plugs. Plug two devices into one plug, so you can get more for your money.

Affordable. This is listed for $49, but you can get it for $39 on Amazon.

Good Reviews. This has 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Not For High Voltage. You’ll need to buy another model of Leviton’s smart plugs to accommodate bigger appliances.

Higher Price Point. The list price of this smart plug is higher than most on this list.

WiOn Indoor Wi-Fi In-Wall Light Switch with Wireless Switch and Programmable Timer

Install the WiOn Indoor Wi-Fi In-Wall Light Switch, download the app, and control your lights and ceiling fans from anywhere. This model is made to operate up to 12 different devices at once—giving you control of a good portion of your home with just one outlet. While you can’t plug appliances or other electronics into this device, it’s your command center for wall your home’s built-in lighting and fans.

This switch is made specifically for your home’s built-in lights.

Control Multiple Devices. You can control up to 12 devices with the WiOn Indoor Wi-Fi In-Wall Light Switch.

Away Mode. Set timers to turn your lights on or off at different times if you’re on vacation.

Lights And Fans. This outlet was made specifically to provide home automation technology for lights and ceiling fans in your home.

Good Reviews. The WiOn Indoor Wi-Fi In-Wall Light Switch has 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Affordable. Buy this smart plug for under $35.

Not For All Electronics. This device is made just for built-in lights and fans in your home.

Bayit Switch Wi-Fi Enabled Socket

The Bayit Switch App is free to download, and provides you with the ability to control your home’s electronics from afar. Unlike some devices that only control lights and fans or small electronics, the Bayit Switch Wi-Fi Enabled Socket can do it all. Turn on your lights before you get home, get the space heater going before you head into a cooler portion of your home, or shut the lights off if you forget. This is a great home automation product for only $30.

This is a catch-all device and is suitable for most electronics and appliances like air conditioners and space heaters.

Affordable. Buy the Bayit Switch Wi-Fi Enabled Socket for under $35.

Multi-Use. Control your heating and cooling units, lights, fans, and more.

Limited Compatibility. You can’t use this device with Amazon Echo.

iSmartAlarm Smart Switch

iSmartAlarm has a number of home automation products that work together seamlessly. The iSmartAlarm Smart Switch makes it possible for your ordinary electronics to become smarter. Plug one thing into this smart switch, and then control it with your Apple or Android smart device. You can set schedules, remotely control your electronics, and more.

The iSmartAlarm Smart Switch works with iSmartAlarm’s suite of home automation products.

Affordable. Each plug costs about $40.

Complementary Products. Since the iSmartAlarm Smart Switch was made as part of a suite, you can trust that all products will work together well.

Not Compatible. If you have the iSmartAlarm suite, you’re in luck. If not, you won’t be able to use this smart plug.

There are dozens of smart plugs and remote control electrical outlets on the market, but these 10 offer some of the best features for the most reasonable price. Upgrade your home and bring home automation to your fingertips when you purchase any of these smart plugs.

Interested in other home automation products? Check out our Guide to Home Automation.

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