Have you ever walked out of the house and immediately had a nagging feeling that you might have left the iron on? If so, you’ll want to learn what a smart plug is, as it could save you the hassle of turning back and ever being late ever again. They can even help reduce your energy bills at the same time.
Whether you’re lying in bed and want to pre-heat the coffee machine, or sunbathing on holiday and want to double-check the hair straighteners are off, the best smart plugs can save time, energy and stress and can be used in standard electrical sockets.
Below, the experts explain what a smart plug is, how they work, and whether they’ll drain your electricity and Wi-Fi while in use. You’ll also find the pros, cons and top-rated products to help you decide if it’s right for your home.
What is a smart plug and how do they work?
"A smart plug is a small, switchable adapter that sits between a wall outlet and any appliance you want to control," explains David Miloshev, licensed electrician at Fantastic Services.
There is a relay inside the plug which turns the power on and off, as well as a small circuit that connects to a dedicated hub or Wi-Fi. When you send a command via an app or voice assistant, it is transmitted to the plug through your network, and the relay either opens or closes the electrics circuit.
"In simple terms, it replaces the manual act of pressing a switch. The plug doesn’t change the appliance itself – it controls the power being supplied to it."
I recently bought a smart plug, and it’s been a game-changer for controlling hard-to-reach switches, like the socket under my Christmas tree.
Shop these top-rated smart plugs
Compatible with speakers, thermostats, lighting, and more, these smart plugs can be controlled through your phone or by voice.
With handy scheduling and timer settings, this smart plug helps you plan ahead and stick to a routine.
Control multiple appliances at once with this smart plug power strip.
David Miloshev has worked with Fantastic Services as an appliance technician and certified electrician for more than five years now. His comprehensive training equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to diagnose and fix a wide array of appliance issues and he quickly became an irreplaceable asset to Fantastic Services' team.
What do I need to use a smart plug?
Keen to try a smart plug in your home? You will need:
- A standard electrical socket
- A compatible Wi-Fi or mobile network
- A smartphone or tablet with the manufacturer’s app installed
- A voice assistant, like Alexa or Siri (if you want to control it with voice commands)
Pros and cons of a smart plug
Before deciding to invest in a smart plug, it’s worth considering the pros and cons, explained below by Hayley Brown, Smart Home & Tech Expert at AO, and David Miloshev:
Pros
- Can reduce electricity bills
"Smart plugs are great for reducing electricity costs," says Hayley. "A common misconception is that appliances don’t use power in standby mode. However, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household spends £50 to £86 every year on electricity for devices in standby mode." - Remote controlled
Smart plugs let you control your appliances and smart lighting from anywhere in the world, giving you flexibility and peace of mind. - Tracks energy consumption
Using a smart plug is one of our top energy-saving tips, as it allows you to track which appliances use the most energy, so you can plug them in during off-peak times. - Compatible with smart devices
Smart plugs can be connected to smart devices and scheduled as part of your routine, such as turning on your coffee machine before you get up.
Cons
- Relies on a stable Wi-Fi network
If you don't have a stable Wi-Fi network, smart plugs may not work well in your home. - Only controls the power supply
David says, "Another limitation is that they can only control the power supply, so they work best with appliances that automatically resume their previous state when the power is restored." - Security consideration
To protect yourself against security breaches, be sure to choose a reputable brand and keep the firmware up to date.
Hayley is AO's very own Audio, Smart Home & Tech expert who specialises in all things Apple. She has written about a wide range of topics, including home security, video doorbells and smart trackers.
What should I not plug into a smart plug?
While smart plugs can be handy for items like lamps and chargers, David Miloshev advises against using them with high-power appliances, devices that draw a lot of current, appliances with motors or sensitive electronics, or any device that requires a constant, uninterrupted connection.
Some of these include:
- Space heaters
- Microwaves
- Air conditioners
- Washing machines
- Medical equipment
- Refrigerators
Do smart plugs use electricity when off?
Smart plugs use a small amount of electricity when they're switched off, according to Hayley Brown. This 'standby power' will only cost a few pence per year, which is significantly less than leaving your appliances on standby.
Do smart plugs drain Wi-Fi?
No, a smart plug isn’t going to drain your Wi-Fi, as they use only a small amount of data when sending and receiving commands, explains Hayley Brown. Unless you have hundreds of them in your house – which is very unlikely – you’ll be fine on this front.
While smart plugs aren't the best choice for high-power appliances, they can be very useful if you want to control things like your lighting and chargers remotely – plus help you save on your energy bills each year.
Once you've invested in a smart plug, you might want to learn how to design a smart house or what a smart lock is.
