smart outlets

kcopp

Has anyone used the 110v outlets that can be activated/ powered up by way of an app on your smartphone?
What brands have you used and/ or like?

STEVEusaPA

I haven't, but I have used the plug in by NetGear

GroundUp

I have an Insignia one bought from Best Buy powering my snowmelt pump at home. It's only been used 6-8 times but is 2 years old and has worked great when I need it. Easy to operate from anywhere with the app.

Le John

I have used the TP link Kasa line. 2 plugs for 24 dollars at Walmart. They work great!

Boon

I've had no trouble with a few wemo outlets that are about 5 years old, and they had a couple 2-3 month stints sitting in a box in a garage. I recently got a samsung smartthings plug, which I haven't used for more than 2 months but so far so good.

I think the more important part is the ecosystem in which you intend to use the device - and what other devices you might want to add in the future. I'm really pleased with Smartthings so far. It works well out of the box without customization and there are a bunch of devices & sensors off the shelf, but if you want something out-of-the-box it is capable of lots of customizing. And Samsung does a great job making sure it is up-to-date. I'm sure similiar could be said for Alexa, Google assistant, and Apple home whatever-its-called... I haven't used those.

With a little luck and more free time I will soon be connecting a pressure sensor through a Raspberry Pi & Smartthings to alert me when my boiler pressure drops below 12

Jamie Hall

Just please keep in mind that all of these devices which connect to the internet -- the "Internet of Things" -- have, or should have, customizable passwords and authorizations.

If it doesn't have a customizable password system, don't buy it.

Do it. The password doesn't have to be fancy, but it also shouldn't be obvious -- and you should never leave it at the factory default. Not only will changing it protect you, it protects the rest of the internet and your privacy as well.