What Is a Smart Plug and How to Choose the Right One

1. How do I choose a smart plug?
2. What is a smart plug for?
3. Are all smart plugs the same?
4. Do smart plugs need WiFi?
5. Are smart plugs worth it?
6. Can you use a smart plug to turn on TV?
7. Are smart plugs a fire hazard?
8. How does a smart plug work?
9. Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity?
10. Can smart plugs be hacked?
11. Can you control smart plugs away from home?
12. Why do smart plugs require 2.4 GHz?

How do I choose a smart plug?

Choosing the best smart plug for you begins with voice assistant compatibility. Choose a plug that works with whichever voice assistant you're using, whether it's a smart phone, a tablet or other device. You can usually find this information on the product box, website or in your voice assistant's mobile app.

What is a smart plug for?

A smart plug is like a power-point adapter – it fits between your power socket and the appliance you wish to plug in. At its most basic level, it simply turns things on and off. ... They are considered 'smart' because they let you control your appliances from an app on your phone from anywhere.

Are all smart plugs the same?

Not all smart plugs are created equal. Much like smart bulbs, they connect differently – some using Wi-Fi, some Bluetooth, and some using specific smart home protocols such as Zigbee or Z-Wave.

Do smart plugs need WiFi?

The majority of smart plugs work with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and don't need a hub. That makes them easy to install and quick to connect. Smart plugs typically come with a companion app where you'll create an account and set preferences, schedules and names for the devices you're plugging into the outlet.

Are smart plugs worth it?

It's possible that smart plugs may save you money. But for every place that math works out, there are probably two or three places it won't. A smart plug with a coffee maker, a lamp, or the power strip you plug all your phones and tablets into probably won't save you any money. But you'll still gain automation.

Can you use a smart plug to turn on TV?

Yes, smart plugs give you the ability to turn your TV and other devices on and off wherever you are. Smart plugs are devices that turn all your devices into smart devices. Using a smart plug, you can turn your television on and off.

Are smart plugs a fire hazard?

Amazon said it had removed the Hictkon smart plug with dual USB ports from sale, pending investigation. Its live connection was too close to an energy-monitoring chip, Which? found. And this could cause an electrical discharge between two electrodes, posing a fire risk particularly in homes with older wiring.

How does a smart plug work?

Smart plugs convert ordinary devices and appliances in your home into “smart” ones. They do this by allowing you to control the power supply to the appliance through an app on your smartphone. You can take any ordinary electrical outlet in your home and put a smart plug in it.

Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity?

So do smart plugs save energy, or are they responsible for their own energy load? It's true that smart plugs draw a small current when they're in standby mode, but it's a very small amount of energy — only about 1 watt. And that means the overall effect on your energy consumption is negligible.

Can smart plugs be hacked?

Smart plugs sold on Amazon, eBay and other popular online retailers are vulnerable to hackers and could start FIRES, consumer watchdog warns. Smart plugs risk exposing sensitive data to hackers or creating a serious fire risk in the home, an investigation by consumer champions Which? has found.

Can you control smart plugs away from home?

(Pocket-lint) - Smart plugs are a really easy way to make your electronics that little bit... well, smarter. Essentially, these gizmos let you control unconnected home appliances right from your phone, or even through a voice assistant. That lets you switch them on and off remotely, using their companion apps.

Why do smart plugs require 2.4 GHz?

The smart plug uses 2.4 GHz WiFi radio frequency to provide maximum range. There is no requirement for a lot of traffic to pass across these smart plugs (unless you've got a security issue), so the primary requirement is range. That's why you don't, and likely won't, see 5 GHz smart plugs on the market.