How do smart plugs work?
Companion app and connectivity
You can control the plug and create a schedule using the brand’s smartphone app. Some of these are compatible with a platform called IFTTT, which stands for “if this, then that.”
This service allows devices and services from different brands to work together. For example, you can set a Wi-Fi security camera to automatically switch on a lamp only if it spots someone outside your home.
Integrates with voice assistant
Additionally, you can turn the plug on and off using voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant.
If you want to keep everything in one place, you can also create “automations” and schedules for your voice assistant within the app.
However, not all plugs work with all assistants, so we talked about that in our review.
Can smart plugs save energy?
Smart plugs can help you save energy by helping you turn off appliances that may be consuming power while on standby. Set-top boxes, old game consoles, and aging televisions are some of the main culprits.
New TVs are more energy efficient, but you can still save on valuable utility bills by turning off some appliances overnight.
Models from brands like TP-Link and Eve also offer energy monitoring, which helps you know how much energy you’re using and how much it costs.
