Start your smart home journey with these smart plugs

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Don't feel like rolling off your bed in the morning just to turn off the lamp or start the kettle? Well, one solution is to get a mobile-enabled smart plug.

Thankfully, for such simple needs (wants?), all that's required is a Wi-Fi smart plug. Who knows, maybe through this you'll get hooked to this smart home idea and eventually build out a full-fledged Z-Wave or Zigbee home automation network.

But for a start, here are some simple smart plugs for your consideration.

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Belkin WeMo Switch

One of the early entrants of the smart plug market is Belkin. Simply plug a device into this WeMo Switch, have it join the network, and you start turning on or off your appliances from anywhere with the free WeMo app. (You can set schedules for recurring actions.) It also works with Amazon Alexa for voice control and IFTTT.

Challenger used to sell this switch and a switch + motion sensor bundle, but both are kind of hard to find now. Today you can find the switch going for S$59 at StarHub Shops in Jurong Point, Nex, Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall, and VivoCity.

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Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug

If you want a smart plug that lets you monitor energy consumption right from your mobile device, then you can consider this Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug that does just that.

Sadly, this model isn’t readily available in Singapore, so you'd have to turn to shops in other countries, such as the UK.

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TP-Link HS100 Wi-Fi Smart Plug

Like the WeMo smart plug, TP-Link’s HS100 can be controlled (and remotely accessed) with a mobile app, and do things like scheduling the switch to automatically power a device plugged into it on and off as needed. It works with Amazon Alexa, too.

The HS100 is easily found in stores here. For example, Hachi.tech has it going for S$29 for its members (else S$34). This is easily the most affordable smart plug available here.

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TP-Link HS110 Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring

Looking just like the HS100 with the exception of its faceplate color, the HS110 is basically the HS100 but with additional energy monitoring function. The app will not only show you real-time energy consumption but also historical power consumption, so you can track your energy use over time.

Hachi.tech is selling this plug for S$39.90 to its ValueClub members (else S$59.90).

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D-Link DSP-W215

D-Link is another networking player that got into the Wi-Fi smart plug game early. Controlling the plug and setting schedules on your mobile device aside, D-Link’s DSP-W215 can also monitor energy usage and is smart enough to cut the power automatically if the plug overheats.

Like Belkin's WeMo Switch, this D-Link DSP-W215 isn't exactly new, so you may have to hunt around for it here. It has a suggested retail price of S$69, though there are online stores that sell it for less. Last year, I've seen it on sale for as low as S$39!

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D-Link DSP-W115

The DSP-W115 is easier to find here than the DSP-W215 we introduced earlier. Compatible with up to 802.11n networks, it can be controlled via the Mydlink app and supports automatic power scheduling.

Hachi.tech is selling this Wi-Fi smart plug for S$29 to its members (U.P: S$39).

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Elgato Eve Energy

If your whole family uses iOS devices, then you should consider the Elgato Eve Energy. Yes, like the other smart plugs, you can see how much energy your devices are using and switch them on or off with a tap; but because the Eve Energy supports Apple’s (very secure) HomeKit framework, control is easily done via the Apple Home app (from iOS 10 and WatchOS 3) or with Siri voice control. Remote access is also possible if you use a recent Apple TV to serve as a home hub.

Apple Store is selling the Eve Energy for S$79.

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Singtel SmartHome

Okay, this is another FYI item, for those seriously thinking of building a smart home. In October 2016, Singtel announced its own suite of home automation solutions. Working with its partners, Singtel SmartHome products range from contact and motion sensors to smart plugs and smart locks.

Unlike ASUS that opts for Zigbee, know that Singtel SmartHome uses Z-Wave. Again, this means you need a separate controller, as it is this controller that communicates to the smart home devices.

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ASUS Smart Meter Plug (MW250)

ASUS has joined the smart home scene too, and its SmartHome range of products are now available in Singapore. Among them is the S$99 MW250 smart plug, which supports remote access, scheduling, and energy tracking. It also has built-in over-current and surge protections.

That said, this plug is a bit different from other Wi-Fi smart plugs. Being a Zigbee-based plug, it needs to pair with ASUS’ SmartHome gateway. While the initial cost outlay seems high, this makes sense from an integration and savings perspective if you’re going to add more ASUS SmartHome/Zigbee products to your home down the road.

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Samsung SmartThings Outlet

If you use Samsung's Connect Home mesh Wi-Fi system, know that it's also a SmartThings hub. As such, you can add a SmartThings Outlet to control lights, electronics, and small appliances from anywhere.

The SmartThings Outlet has a suggested retail price of S$88.

 

Note: First published on March 24, 2017, this article was last updated on July 19, 2018.

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Aztech Kyla Smart WiFi Plug

Aztech has also gotten into the smart home game with the launch of its Kyla smart home brand. Some of the Kyla products are Zigbee-based and thus require a hub, but some are Wi-Fi-based, including this Smart WiFi Plug. Like most smart plugs, it offers app control so you can monitor your appliances anywhere. You can also create timers and scenes, and voice control it using Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

This plug is available at Challenger and on Hachi.tech for S$29.

 

Note: First published on March 24, 2017, this article was last updated on Oct 17, 2018.