“Alexa, explain intelligent living to me!” Networking is the order of the day, whether we connect ourselves via social media or our household appliances. With smart sockets, also called smart plugs, you can remotely control lights, buttons and devices used in the house via their power supply and thus network them with each other. Techbook invites you to a rendezvous with the can cavaliers.
Do you still live or are you already living smart? Using smart home technology, such as smart sockets, more and more people are achieving an increase in their quality of life, more security and more efficient use of energy. The basic idea here is to network devices with one another, make them remotely controllable and automate processes. And not just household technology and appliances such as heating or washing machines, but also consumer electronics components.
How do smart sockets work and how do the different models differ?
Even if the word “smart” immediately evokes associations with complex, high-tech devices: A smart socket is little more than an adapter between the socket installed in the house and the desired end device. Equipped with a radio receiver that receives control commands, it is only ready for use after it has been configured. It can then be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone app.
When buying, you have to decide on one of the wireless technologies that smart plugs use. Intelligent sockets use either WLAN, the ZigBee radio standard, Bluetooth or DECT technology. WiFi offers the most convenient solution. Appropriately equipped sockets react somewhat more slowly than ZigBee plugs, but faster than Bluetooth models. The latter also have the disadvantage that their range is comparatively small. Unbeaten in this respect: ZigBee plugs. With smart sockets that transmit via DECT, the FritzBox serves as the control center. This enables easy setup via the FritzBox app and control on the go via the web.
It is also crucial whether a smart plug can only be controlled via a smartphone app, which can sometimes be cumbersome, or whether it can be conveniently controlled with language assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Apple users must note the compatibility with Apple’s Smart Home center HomeKit (Siri). Incidentally, sockets that can withstand up to 3,800 watts and 16 amperes of current and are therefore more resilient are recommended.
The editor’s recommendation: AVM FRITZ!DECT 210
Thanks to DECT-ULE technology, the intelligent AVM FRITZ!DECT 210 socket can be integrated into the smart home system via the FritzBox as the control center and then controlled via smartphone or tablet. Connected devices can be switched manually or automatically. The automatic allows switching on and off according to an individual schedule. It thus supplements the manual control options via the web interface or the MyFRITZ! app on the smartphone. Thanks to splash water protection (IP 44) and a temperature range of -20 °C to +40 °C, the socket is also suitable for outdoor use. Chains of lights, outdoor lighting or lawn sprinklers – everything can be activated from the comfort of your sofa. You always have an eye on the costs: With the smart socket AVM FRITZ!DECT 210, the energy consumption of the connected device can also be measured and recorded.
Features of the AVM FRITZ!DECT 210
Advantages and disadvantages of the AVM FRITZ!DECT 210
Rating at techstage.de: 5/5
Per
- + Suitable for outdoor use
- + cost control
- – Reconfiguration required in the event of a power failure
- – Requires minimum terms
Small but mighty: Philips Hue Smart Plug
The Philips Hue Smart Plug model is a smart socket with which any conventional lamp can be conveniently switched on and off via Bluetooth. She obeys her master at every word, since she is compatible with Amazon Alexa. Rewiring is not necessary, you just have to plug it into any socket. The smart button enables light control and convenient dimming without any installation. The smart socket Philips Hue Smart Plug works with Bluetooth, the Philips Hue Bridge and Apple HomeKit. An advantage in practical use: The device is exceptionally small, so that it can also be used in tight, inaccessible places.
Equipment Philips Hue Smart Plug
Advantages and disadvantages of the Philips Hue smart plug
Rating at trustedreviews.com: 5/5
Per
- + Compatible with Apple HomeKit
- + Exceptionally small
- – Somewhat cumbersome setup
The multilingual: meross MSS210HK
The intelligent socket meross MSS210HK enables remote access to the connected device using the meross app, regardless of the distance. Big advantage: The model can be used with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings as well as with Apple HomeKit. So you have both hands free when you control a device. This WiFi socket works with a 2.4 GHz WiFi network and has a schedule and timer function.
Equipment meross MSS210HK
Advantages and disadvantages meross MSS210HK
Special tip at homeandsmart.de
- + Compatible with Apple HomeKit, among others
- + Easy installation
cons
- – No current measurement function
The criminal killer: TP-Link P100
Burglars hate this trick: the particularly small TP-Link P100 WLAN socket regularly tricks them behind the – remote-controlled – light when it automatically switches devices on and off to give the impression that someone is at home. And the compact criminal killer also has a lot to offer in other respects: practical planning and timer functions, for example, with which you can create weekly and countdown plans. All connected electronic devices work automatically at the time of presetting, making one’s life convenient and energy-efficient. Controllable with the free Tapo app as well as via Alexa or Google Home.
Equipment TP-Link P100
Advantages and disadvantages TP-Link P100
Recommendation at homeandsmart.de
Per
- + Works without a hub
- + Compact size
- + Incl. presence simulation
cons
- – Only 10 amp maximum load
The sunbather: Shelly Plug S
Insert the Shelly Plug S into a socket, plug the desired device into the Smart Plug and configure it with your mobile phone – it switches on or off according to individual specifications. User-defined daily schedules are also possible, as is turning on at sunrise. The user interface of the smart socket can be accessed and operated at any time via the IP address within the home network. Optionally, you can use the free cloud functionality. Here you can control all devices connected to Shelly Plug sockets while on the go. Silence is silver, speech is gold: The Shelly Plug S model is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home and can be controlled using voice commands. In addition, consumers have cost control thanks to the energy metering option.
Equipment Shelly Plug S
Advantages and disadvantages of Shelly Plug S
Rating at techhive.com: good/grade 2.5
Per
- + Automatic switching on at sunrise
- + No base station required
- + Energy measurement possible
cons
- – Does not have a local on/off switch
- – Not for Suitable for devices with higher power
Conclusion
Unplugged? Musicians can do it, but smart plugs can make life easier for those who are smart. Simply control devices remotely – intelligent sockets make it possible. The AVM FRITZ!DECT 210 model is a step ahead here, which not only combines all core competencies, but can also be used outdoors.
Also interesting: cable and LTE Fritzbox get update for better Internet and Smart Home
Still not enough about Smart Home? The TECHBOOK editors have put together a number of other exciting and helpful articles dealing with smart home technology.