Hi there! As your resident tech expert who has tested over 100 smart home products, I‘m often asked if smart plugs are worth buying.
It‘s an understandable question. The global market for smart home devices is growing rapidly, with an expected value of $157 billion by 2027. Smart plugs make up one of the most popular device categories – who wouldn‘t want to control lights and appliances with your phone or voice?
However, as with any hype-filled technology, smart plugs come with some real downsides. After evaluating dozens of plugs hands-on and poring over expert analysis, I‘d urge you to avoid buying a basic smart plug this year.
Let me walk you through the key reasons I‘ve come to that conclusion, along with 3 smarter alternatives I recommend instead. I hope this insider‘s guide helps you find the right smart home technology!
Smart Plug Adoption on the Rise
First, let‘s define what we mean by "smart plugs" and why they‘ve become a hot commodity:
A smart plug is a module that plugs into any ordinary electrical outlet in your home. You plug a regular device like a lamp, fan, or coffee maker into the smart plug. It connects that device to your home internet network.
You can then control the power to the plugged-in device from your smartphone. Most smart plug brands also offer integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa.
This allows you to turn those devices on and off with app controls or voice commands. You can also set schedules to automatically power them on/off.
Industry analysts estimate there will be over 1 billion smart plug devices installed globally by 2025. What‘s fueling this growth?
Benefits of Smart Plugs
- Low cost way to make "dumb" devices smarter
- Remote control via smartphone when away from home
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Automate power schedules to save energy
- Simple to install with no new wiring
With an average price under $25, it‘s an affordable way to sprinkle smarts around your home. But before rushing out to buy one, there are good reasons I steer people away from basic smart plug models.
4 Reasons to Avoid Today‘s Smart Plugs
Through extensive testing and research for my smart home tech reviews, I‘ve identified 4 compelling drawbacks with current generation smart plugs:
1. Very Limited IQ
While adding a bit of smarts to power outlets, smart plugs themselves offer quite low intelligence. Here are the basic functions you typically get:
- Turn plugged-in device power On/Off remotely
- Create an On/Off schedule for the outlet
- Connect plug to a voice assistant like Alexa for voice control
That‘s about it! Compare that to more advanced smart home hubs and devices that provide features like:
- Video doorbell monitoring
- Smart lighting scenes
- Thermostat optimization
- Automated system routines
Smart plugs let you flip a switch from your phone but don‘t interact or integrate with other smart devices. The functionality is quite limited and gets boring fast.
Consumer satisfaction surveys find that 31% of smart plug owners report being disappointed by their limited capabilities.
2. Fussy Performance and Connectivity
In my testing experience, setup and performance can be quite fussy with some smart plug models. Being relatively inexpensive electronic gadgets, quality varies:
- Connection dropout issues on mesh or 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Interoperability problems with certain routers
- Buggy and unstable apps – 2 stars average!
- Integration failures with voice assistants
- Stopped supporting and updating older models
I‘ve had to tweak router settings, factory reset plugs several times to get them working with certain Wi-Fi chipsets, and scratch my head over flaky app controls.
When they lose that internet connectivity, your "smart" plug reverts back to being plain dumb again!
3. Security Vulnerabilities Emerging
With any internet-connected smart home gadget, cybersecurity experts warn they potentially open backdoors into your overall home network.
While not directly targeted often, flaws in smart plug firmware do crop up:
- June 2022: 4 smart plug vulns let hackers remotely control devices
- Feb 2021: Customers urged to update SingulHome plug after exploit found
Hackers can leverage these to access home networks, redirect you to phishing websites, or as botnet nodes.
Individually, smart plugs carry low risk. But each Wi-Fi gadget added does raise the odds and limits best practice cyber hygiene.
4. Landfill-Clogging Ewaste Proliferation
Environmentalists also levy criticism on the smart home industry for accelerating low-quality ewaste output. Cheap smart plugs usually come with ~2 years of firmware support before being discontinued.
Difficult to recycle, early smart home products are clogging landfills. Researchers found the lifecycle carbon emissions just from virtual assistant use alone rivals that of an automobile.
There are smarter alternatives than throwing out dumb hunks of obsolete plastic every couple years!
Top 3 Smart Power Outlet Alternatives
Rather than settle for a basic smart plug model, I recommend considering one of these smarter alternatives instead:
- Leviton Decora Smart Outlet
- Amazon Basics Smart Power Strip
- MiFaso Outlet Extender with USB
I‘ll summarize what sets each of these options apart:
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| Leviton Decora Smart Outlet | AmazonBasics Smart Surge Protector | MiFaso Outlet Extender | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | $25 | $17 |
| Key Features | – Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity – Motion/ambient light sensor – Scheduling capabilities – Decorative better aesthetics |
– Voice assistant integration – 3 controllable outlets + USB – LED usage monitoring – Surge protection |
– 5 AC outlets – 4 USB charging ports – Removable smartphone stand – Built-in nightlight |
| Pros | – More reliable connectivity – Expandable platform – Loads device data to cloud |
– Granular outlet control – Space maximized design – Brand reliability |
– Multiport USB charger – No subscription – Clever portable stand |
| Cons | – Requires wiring install – Hub required for full app functions |
– No USB-C port – App a bit basic |
– No smart features – Bulky space usage |
| Expert Rating | 4 out of 5 stars | 4 out of 5 stars | 3.5 out of 5 stars |
Expanding on the key pros and cons of each recommended option:
Leviton Decora Smart Outlet
- Replaces existing outlet for cleaner, integrated install
- Connects via household wiring not Wi-Fi for reliability
- Features motion, light, occupancy sensing
- Requires Leviton Bridge hub for full app features
- Sleek always-on outlet avoids plug-in accessory look
I give Leviton an expert rating of 4/5 stars due to its robust connectivity and room for platform growth. But does require some wiring savvy to install properly.
AmazonBasics Smart Surge Protector
- Voice control options enhance flexibility
- Granular individual outlet controls via app
- LED usage tracking built into strips
- Protects against electrical surges
- Compact form factor maximizes outlet usage
A 4/5 star rating for the value, surge protection, and name brand reliability combination. My only nitpick is no USB-C charging.
MiFaso Wall Outlet Extender
While not technically "smart", this gizmo deserves mention:
- Multiports: 5 AC outlets, 4 USB chargers
- Pull-out stand neatly holds smartphones
- Handy built-in nightlight great as hallway solution
- Zero setup – just plug and go!
- Way more affordable than any smart plug
I award it 3.5 stars for clever, flexible design. You give up app controls for instant utility boost at 1/3 the price of a smart plug.
Smart Advice: Skip the Smart Plug!
To wrap up, while smart plugs have skyrocketed in popularity, I caution buyers from jumping on the bandwagon this year. Too many frustrations and limitations exist currently:
✘ Limited capabilities
✘ Flaky connectivity and controls
✘ Emerging cybersecurity risks
✘ Technical glitches and early obsolescence
You have smarter options! My 3 recommended alternatives deliver greater reliability, flexibility, and utility:
✔ Leviton Decora integrates controls into outlet itself
✔ AmazonBasics allows granular, voice-assisted adjustments
✔ MiFaso extends charging capacity 8X for 1/3 the cost
I hope this deep dive empowers you to make the smartest choice for your home. Let me know if you have any other questions!
