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This creates a seamless network of interoperable products, while allowing device manufacturers to choose the right networking technology for their application. Smart switches are another good option if you're looking to automate the lights in your home -- particularly for spots where a single switch controls several bulbs at once. You've got several options that work with HomeKit, but our favorite by far is the Lutron Caseta In-Wall Dimmer Switch.
The more outlets that are on one smart plug, the more devices you will be able to control. It’s hard to believe that a product this powerful can be offered at such an affordable price, but ESICOO has done just that. They have created a smart plug that can be controlled with just about anything, and it’s one of the best options if you want something that has a bit of voice control to it. Some smart plugs can create zones by connecting to groups of smart plugs. Using this, you could control several power points in a room at once — for instance, you might want to switch off all of the downstairs lights once you’ve gone to bed. Better yet, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip has a surge protector built in, which most individual smart plugs lack.
Alexa Devices
It comes in just one color — white — with a glossy front that doesn’t call much attention. Lutron is arguably the biggest name when it comes to switches and dimmers. The company uses its own proprietary wireless system called Lutron ClearConnect, which means these devices will only connect to the Caséta Wireless Smart Bridge or the Wink hub. Osram Lightify bulbs don't change color, but they do offer adjustable color temperature for less than the LIFX White 800 bulbs. There many other products in the Lightify lineup, including a recessed LED light and an outdoor lighting kit.
The VOCOlinc light strip is unique because it is waterproof, so you could place its LED portion on your porch or over a backdoor. The strip also has a manual on/off button for when you don’t want to use an app and can be either shortened or extended with additional elements. Beam, Tile, and Z are more exotic offerings designed to spruce up your home’s style & set the mood.
Kasa Smart Outlet Strip
In terms of power, we examined the wattage of each plug and whether or not it offered energy consumption monitoring. We've tested the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini before and, prior to trying out the Leviton smart plug, it was our pick for best overall. It's still a great plug with a small, space-saving design, but it lacks the appeal and compatibility to continue its reign as "best overall." The popular travel search site Kayak is the first site of its kind with an Alexa integration, and it adds some pretty nifty features to the assistant's repertoire.
That said, one of the best reasons to get the Apple TV 4K is tvOS, which is still the cleanest interface out there and integrates as smoothly as possible with HomeKit. However, as a smart home platform, Google Home doesn't have nearly the same sophistication as Alexa or HomeKit. However, that should be changing soon, as Google is updating Google Home to allow for more advanced smart home integrations.
Amazon Echo Plus
You'll probably interact with the Nest Hub Max mostly through Google Assistant. For instance, you can ask for the weather, sports scores, and general information like unit conversion and trivia. You can also ask for more personal information like your schedule for the day or your pictures stored on Google Photos.
Of course, not all devices in your home are "smart," but you can still take control of almost anything that plugs in by way of an app or possibly with your voice via the use of a smart plug. David Anders is a senior writer for CNET covering broadband providers, smart home devices and security products. Prior to joining CNET, David built his industry expertise writing for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. In his 5 plus years covering broadband, David's work has been referenced by a variety of sources including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. David is from and currently resides in the Charlotte area with his wife, son and two cats.
HomeKit support is better, though, because Alexa can only lock your door or check if it’s locked, while Siri can also unlock it. That’s because Siri devices already have you signed in with your iCloud account and two-factor authentication. Most smart locks have specific requirements for the door you’ll install them on, but the Danalock V3 is flexible enough to fit on virtually any door. With HomeKit support, Siri can lock and unlock the door, which is much handier than launching the Danalock app or fumbling for your keys. The second iteration of our favorite indoor security camera supports HomeKit , and its innovative wireless design lets you move it to wherever you need it, or mount it permanently, indoors or out. Caseta by Lutron makes some of our favorite in-wall switches and dimmers, because they don't need a neutral wire, which makes them easier to install.
You can customize dimming further in the app by assigning minimum and maximum brightness levels or adjusting the fade speed. You’ll be glad you bought the Blackout Buddy whenever there’s a power outage. Once there’s an emergency though, you can use it as a bright flashlight or simultaneously charge two phones from its large powerbank. The night light, flashlight, and motion sensor get separate tiles in the Home app, opening up lots of motion- and light-based automations. Sylvania is another smart light manufacturer with an impressive lineup. You’ll find everything from standard white bulbs through multi-colored ones and smart light strips at excellent prices.
The initial smart plug setup took me through a series of simple, step-by-step instructions complemented by soft, home-inspired imagery in the background. The setup also prompted me to connect to Alexa and Google devices, something I had to navigate to within the app or go to a hub to do with other smart plugs. In some respects, this an extension of lighting, but there's much more that you can control with smart switches, plugs, and outlets. From ceiling fans to garbage disposals, there are plenty of things you can make "smart" with a switch or outlet. And if you use the products below, you'll be able to control those devices with Alexa, too.
TP-Link's Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400 comes with two outlets, which means you can control two devices separately. It’s a large outdoor plug, measuring 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches, but its housing does contain a Wi-Fi radio which can connect to a router 300 feet away. It’s IP64-rated, so it can endure everyday rain, but you should still leave this plug facing downwards with the outlets covered when not in use.
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