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Rather than using Wi-Fi, the switch uses Bluetooth. This makes it easy to set up and also means you don’t need to have a hub connected to your router. However, it does limit the range over which it can be controlled. It will work in most UK homes, but if you want to control it when away from home, you’ll need an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) or a spare home-based iPad (newer than iPad 2) running at least iOS 8.1.
Pros: Reliable app with good features; easy to set up Cons: Quite large; energy monitoring costs moreThis very simple routine will now automatically turn on your bedroom light when you say “Alexa, good morning”, and then one hour later the lights will automatically turn off. You can easily add other devices and actions to this routine, like getting a weather report or turning on your coffee machine. You can even chain a few wait commands in there to have an ongoing routine that turns things on and off according to the timers that you’ve set up. Pros: Detailed energy monitoring; excellent app; works with HomeKit and Siri Cons: Expensive; iPhone only; some range issues
It connects to an existing power outlet and can be used with any appliance that has a standard plug on it - the possibilities are endless. Smart plugs can also be useful for monitoring how much energy an appliance is using. The figure, which is usually in Kwh can be viewed in the companion app. However, some smart plugs also allow you to add the energy cost and work out a monetary value for this energy usage too. Do smart plugs help you save energy? It can’t monitor how much electricity is being used, but it does support Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT, which are more useful features for a lot of people. It’s just a shame that the instructions aren’t particularly clear on how to set this up. You can turn the switch on and off via the Apple Home app in iOS 10, or using the Eve app. There’s a button on top for manual control as well.
Like many plugs on the market, the Tapo P100 supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control it from a smart speaker if you have one. No additional hub is required. The Kasa app lets you set schedules to turn your device on or off based on time, sunrise or sunset. You can create a timer to have something run for a set length of time (handy for a space heater) or turn something on in a set amount of time (like your electric blanket just before you sit down for dinner). Speaking of HomeKit, Eve used to be the gold standard (and one of the few options) when it comes to the Apple smart home ecosystem, and while there’s more competition now, it’s still the best option if you want energy monitoring. It uses the same MiHome app as Energenie’s other products and, if we’re brutally honest, it’s one of our least favourite apps because of its clunky interface. Make sure you don’t mistakenly install Xiaomi’s MiHome app: look for the Energenie one instead.
An 'Away' mode randomly turn plugs on and off during a set period of time – ideal for using with lamps and perhaps a radio when you’re on your hols. Plus, it also has a handy runtime report so you can see how long the device was used for.It has two forms of timer: the usual type that sets it to switch on or off on a schedule, plus a countdown timer. The countdown timer means it can turn a device (such as a portable heater warming you while you’re snoozing) on or off after a certain amount of time. The Eve Energy is a smart switch that also monitors how much power the connected device uses over time. It’s an Apple HomeKit plug, which means it only works with iOS devices. However, this also means you can control it with Siri voice commands and that it benefits from the full encryption that HomeKit offers. The Hive Active Plug is also relatively small, making it one of the most discreet (if not stylish) options available. However, we did run into some initial hiccups during set up[, so you may need to persevere.
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