Smart plug apps

[JABB]

Looking at smart plugs and they all seem much the same.
So, any opinions on the apps to control them, in terms of ease of use and features?
Seems like wemo or kasa or an own brand app.

[33q]

I have about 15 TP link plugs

Very reliable....I have had one failure in 3 years or so....refunded by Amazon...

Works well with Alexa and the range is good. I control things in my detached garage without issue....powering garden lights and garage power so I'm confident all is switched off etc

I do have a few Hive plugs...but mainly bulbs...no problems either

The TP link ones are available with and without energy consumption monitoring...I have some....just because I like gadgets....and am very sad!!

[Tyre Smoke]

Sorry for the hijack, but explain to me please.

I have no Alexa or Google thingy, can I still use smart plugs from an app on my phone? Like if I'm out and want to activate lights via the plug?

Or do they really work best with a home hub thing? In which case talk me into a home hub that plays music and controls lights and clever stuff.

[sgrimshaw]

Tyre Smoke said:

I have no Alexa or Google thingy, can I still use smart plugs from an app on my phone? Like if I'm out and want to activate lights via the plug?

TP Link plugs don't use a hub.

You can schedule them or even access remotely to switch on/off whilst out and about.

[R Mutt]

I got cheap ones off Amazon which advised me to download Smart Home. This is great to use for remote control as can be added as a widget on Android home screen so it's easily accessible with buttons for all your devices. I use IFTTT to set up programs like turn light to blue at x time, or turn multiple things on/ off with a Google Assistant command but Google can do simple stuff on its own

[JABB]

Thanks guys.
I was really interested in how you found the different apps.
Are some better than others?

[JimbobVFR]

JABB said:

Thanks guys.
I was really interested in how you found the different apps.
Are some better than others?

The Kasa app seems to work well. I only 3 sockets and often use Google home voice commands to control them but the app has never caused issues, opens nice and quickly and has plenty of options for things like timers and schedules.

[Mike335i]

I have 2 meross plugs that work with their own app or with Alexa. I'm very impressed with them and plan to steadily increase the amount I have at home over time.

[sjj84]

I have tp link plugs too. Got 3 in my lounge with side lights on, one click on phone and they all come on. Got another which puts some lights on at sunset and then turns them off after we've gone to bed. Also got a tp link smart bulb in an outside light, set it up once via the easy to use app and it just does it's thing. The thing that attracted me to the tp link range over others was that it didn't need yet another hub.

[GeneralSinn]

I have a load of super cheap Sonoff S20(or S30 not sure which) plugs and use them with the EWeLink app

No bridge/hub, direct WiFi connection.

Works great for scheduling and scenes and also random. Not used any other apps as this did everything I needed from the get-go