Connected plugs are installed in your home to make your life and day-to-day easier. But which model to choose? Follow our comprehensive guide to choosing the right smart plug for you.
Our homes are gathering more and more connected objects designed to make our daily lives easier. Among these smart devices, you will find in particular electrical plugs connected : They allow you to connect several devices and activate them remotely according to your needs. They have the advantage of being easy to install and operate.
Setting them up only takes a few minutes. Once the plug is connected to the electrical network, you must configure the desired use through the associated mobile application. The required connections are made via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the Zigbee platform. The other strong point of these devices is the ability to be controlled by voice assistants from a connected speaker.
Thanks to this, it is quite possible to manage the daily operation of devices that are plugged into a connected socket. Depending on your habits and schedules, you can therefore activate or deactivate certain elements in your home, thus saving energy. You can also make basic appliances or home appliances smart. The luminaire, if not wired as standard, can be, even in the absence of more expensive wired bulbs. For this reason, we have prepared a selection of the best connected sockets that currently exist on the market.
Also discover our other buying guides dedicated to the connected home:
Also be sure to take a look at our complete guide to connected devices for saving energy at home.
TP-Link Tapo P110: the recommended smart plug
The Chinese manufacturer Tapo is a regular in connected products with a complete catalogue. The Tapo P110 is an ideal connected socket for the home, with features that enrich its daily use. Please note that the product has 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and also Bluetooth 4.2. It delivers a power of 3,580 W with an intensity of 16 Amps.
In terms of format, the Tapo socket is quite compact, which allows you to install it even on a power strip. The P110 also has a power button on the side, which is a bit of a pain if your setup ever gets messy. As for the installation, you have to go through the Tapo mobile application and the Bluetooth Wi-Fi connection.
The software allows you to create different programs and set routines according to your habits. A timer option stops the plug for a period of time. Finally, an “Away” mode allows you to randomly turn on a device connected to it, perfect for deterring malicious people while on vacation. Above all, intake gives an indication of consumption.
The strengths of the Tapo P110:
- easy to install
- Consumption monitoring
- The creation of programs
A weak point:
- No microphone for voice assistants
Amazon Smart Plug: the connected plug for the Alexa ecosystem
About its connected objects, Amazon has developed a real ecosystem around its Alexa voice assistant. The Smart Plug is the ideal device if your home automation revolves around compatible connected objects. In its construction, the grip is quite imposing. In a ruler, it will invade the two adjacent elements.
As for the configuration, the connection of the Smart Plug is done through the Amazon Alexa application by scanning a QR Code. Once this is done, the plug connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network. The implementation of “Routines” in the dedicated tab will allow you to create automations according to schedules or sound detection.
The functionality of the package is still quite limited outside of these programs. You don’t have the option to set a timer to stop turning on the outlet in advance. The other weakness is that the Smart Plug does not support Google Assistant or Siri.
Highlights of the Amazon Smart Plug:
- Integrated into the Alexa ecosystem
- routine configuration
- easy to install
A weak point:
- Does not support Google Assistant or Siri
Konyks Priska Max: the most compact smart plug
If you are looking for an easy to install grip, the Konyks Priska Max is probably the best one for this one. First of all, thanks to its compact format, which allows it to occupy a single socket, without invading alternative locations. Regarding power, the brand announces an intensity of 16 A for 220 V devices.
The connection set up on this object is Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. To install, simply download the Konyks app, plug in the plug, and then follow the full installation guide from your smartphone. This software offers a wide range of features, including the ability to define a schedule of habits during the week.
Above all, Priska Max offers real-time monitoring of the specific power consumption of your outlet. The latter is also compatible with the various voice assistants on the market: Google, Alexa and Siri.
The strengths of Konyks Priska Max:
- manufacturing quality
- Son compact format
- feature rich
A weak point:
Belkin Wemo: the best plug for the Apple ecosystem
The Wemo range of plugs comes from the Belkin brand known for offering MagSafe compatible products. In this case, the connected socket supports the Thread protocol. The product format is very compact, not taking up extra space on the sides. It has a pretty clean design.
The Wemo starts up with the “Home” app on the iPhone. If you have an Android smartphone, the plug is not unusable. You will need to download the Wemo app from the Play Store. Regardless of the application used, the handling of the product is simple, with the possibility of creating programs and also absent mode.
Some regrets need to be noted anyway. The Wemo cannot read the power consumption of the device connected to it. Similarly, we don’t recommend investing in this socket if you don’t have a HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K, as you won’t be able to use all the features.
The strengths of the Wemo:
- Home Kit integration
- Son compact format
- Easy to use
A weak point:
- No energy metering
Legrand with Netatmo: a connected wall socket
If you are a handyman and you are not afraid to touch your electrical installation, this Legrand outlet is the solution you need. Legrand’s Céliane plug installation (in partnership with Netatmo) is ideal if you want to start setting up a great connected solution throughout the home.
Before any manipulation, you need to cut off the power supply to your home, so this acquisition is not in the hands of everyone. However, if you have a grasp on installation, the installation is done quickly. This set then needs to be linked to the Home + Control mobile app. The socket supports the Zigbee protocol and requires Wi-Fi to work best.
Once configured, the software divides the house into separate rooms, according to the points where the plugs are installed. It is possible to activate the actions according to the course of the sun, as well as its arrival or departure from the house. You can even monitor your electricity consumption online according to your habits, which is a good way to learn how to consume better. You can control the set with Alexa or Google Assistant depending on your preference.
The strengths of the Céliane plugin with Netatmo:
- Your reliable connection
- The ergonomics of the application.
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
A weak point:
- A complex installation
Philips Hue Smart Plug: perfect for your smart light
In the home automation sector, the Philips Hue range has been known for a long time, in particular thanks to its connected light bulbs. To complete its set, the manufacturer also offers a Hue plug that will allow a non-connected object to be integrated into the planned ecosystem. In its format, the Hue Smart Plug is a compact and minimalist plug in its design. Does not clutter adjacent items.
For its installation, the socket delivers 2300 W and 10 A. It is compatible with both Bluetooth and Zigbee to communicate with the brand’s light bulbs. The connection is made via your home Wi-Fi network and the Philips Hue app. Be careful, the software puts the plug in the “lamp” category, which might slow down the installation if you look for it elsewhere…
The black point of this socket is the few functions available. First of all because there is no way to keep track of the energy consumption live, a weak point compared to the competitors. Then why is it not possible to control it remotely. You can only create programs in advance. Good point, it is still compatible with the different voice assistants.
Highlights of the Philips Hue smart plug:
- Complete in the Hue ecosystem
- easy to install
- The compact socket
A weak point:
- Few features in the app.
Everything you need to know before buying a smart plug
Why buy a plug connected?
While connected home automation objects are becoming increasingly popular, not all home appliances are necessarily connected to a connected assistant. By investing in a connected plug, you can overcome this gap and complete the home automation of one of your rooms, as well as some of your equipment. Some connected outlets also allow you to monitor your electricity usage, even live, or schedule the device to turn on based on your presence in the home. These features are especially useful these days, when energy costs are skyrocketing.
To consume as little energy as possible at home, see our guide to the different connected objects to install to save money.
The end of abundance also concerns electricity. With energy prices on the rise, it is necessary to pay attention to your consumption. For this, home automation can be a good solution for…
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What devices should I plug into a connected socket?
It’s pretty simple: all the appliances that are not connected. It can go from the washing machine to the coffee maker. The goal is to create programs corresponding to your habits. For example, your alarm clock goes off at 7 am and when you wake up, the coffee machine can start to make a hot cup and start your day off right.
Can I choose a Xiaomi smart plug?
You have probably noticed that there is no Xiaomi connected plug in our selection. The Chinese manufacturer, a true techie, does not offer devices compatible with French plugs. In fact, the brand does not sell its product in France or on the e-commerce sites of its partners. It does not have a male pin in the center. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to other devices… for the moment.
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