TCP Smart 13A Wi-Fi Plug

Product Information

Rather than using Wi-Fi, the switch uses Bluetooth. This makes it easy to set up and also means you don’t need to have a hub connected to your router. However, it does limit the range over which it can be controlled. It will work in most UK homes, but if you want to control it when away from home, you’ll need an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) or a spare home-based iPad (newer than iPad 2) running at least iOS 8.1. Still need help? Search for answers, ask questions, and get help from TP-Link experts and other users around the world.

Energenie has a range of smart plugs, but most of them require an expensive hub that connects to your router. This Wi-Fi Smart Plug, however, doesn’t. That’s great news, as it will talk directly to your router via Wi-Fi.

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If you're looking for a cheap smart plug, this offering from D-Link fits the bill. It has a simple to use app, all you need to so is scan the QR code and you're ready to go! It also has a neat light running around the device to tell you its status. This means its feature set can now rival any smart plug on the market, plus it’s well priced, widely available and made by a reliable brand. You can also set it up as one of multiple devices that come on at the same time or automate its timings to switch on (or off) when one of a number of conditions is met, including outside temperature, humidity level or sunrise and sunset.

Emma is Group Home Tech Editor at Tech Advisor. She covers everything from kitchen appliances to smart home devices, from floor care to personal care to air care technology. She’s particularly interested in environmentally conscious brands and products that save people time and money. TCP products are all over the DIY shops, offering a cheaper alternative to many of the big-name brands. With the TCP WiFi Smart Plug, you get a small plug with an app that offers lots of features, although the product is much better value if you buy more than one plug. Those requiring Apple HomeKit support should opt for the Philips Hue Smart Plug, plus you can control this with Hue accessories such as the Dimmer Switch. For further options take a look at my guide to recommended smart plugs. Easy to set up and I got them when they were half price (even at full price I think they are great value for ease of use and the functionality). You can also give the impression you are at home by setting time schedules for your plugged-in lamps to switch on whilst you are away. Features and BenefitsThis makes even more sense if you want to use services such as IFTTT. To use IFTTT, you have to enable the Smart Life service, which then provides the option to select the brand you want to use: Smart Life, TCP Smart, Amarey Smart, GeoSmartPro, Homeflow and Hey!

Smart controls can make it easier to manage electrical devices and lighting to suit your home. This can help reduce your home's energy consumption. HS103P3 , HS103P4 , HS100P3 , KP105(FR) , HS103P2 , EP40 , EP40A , HS107 , HS200P3 , EP10P2 , EP10P3 , EP10P4 , KP105P2 , HS105 KIT , HS103 , KP105P3 , HS300 , KP115 , HS105 , HS110 KIT , HS220 , HS200 , KP100 KIT , HS100 , HS110P3 , KP100 , KP400 , EP10 , KP125 , KP200 , KP303(AU) , HS110(US) , HS100 KIT , KP405 , KP105 , HS210 KIT , KP401 , KP303 , HS110 , HS210 , KP400P2 Also available through the app are Tap To Run and Automations. Both are created in the same part of the interface, only you have to select Tap To Run as the Condition for the former. Tap To Run offers a manually triggered set of commands – say, turning on the smart plug and setting it to run for a certain length of time. The slider for Tap To Run only presents this time in seconds, making it difficult to work out how many minutes it will run for. The first thing to note with the Philips Hue is that it has an A++ energy rating. This means that, while plugged in, the smart plug itself uses very little power. But more importantly, this is one of the best options if you're looking to set up smart lighting around your home due to the multitude of settings and features available.TCP Smart lights can last up to 15 years*. TCP confirms that each LED bulb is more economical as it uses 80 percent less power than a traditional incandescent bulb. It's well worth considering this smart power strip from TP-Link if you have a number of devices you're looking to use with a smart plug. It represents much better value for money than buying three individual smart plugs and, in our opinion, the Kasa app is the easiest and most comprehensive to use.