What Is an Amazon Smart Plug? A Game-Changing Device for Your Home
An Amazon Smart Plug is a simple yet powerful device that allows you to turn any ordinary appliance into a voice-controlled smart device. Just plug the compact Smart Plug into any wall outlet, connect an appliance like a lamp or fan, and suddenly you can control that device completely hands-free using Alexa voice commands.
In this comprehensive Smart Plug guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about how these magical little gadgets work and all the cool ways they can automate your home. I‘ve been selling on Amazon for over 5 years, so I know a thing or two about tech that saves time and makes your life easier!
How Does the Amazon Smart Plug Work?
The Smart Plug connects directly to your WiFi network and communicates with Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo. Here‘s a quick rundown of how to set one up:
- Plug the Smart Plug into any standard wall outlet. Make sure it‘s in range of your WiFi.
- Open the Alexa app and go through the process to connect the Smart Plug to your WiFi. This allows Alexa to control it.
- Plug any appliance like a coffee maker, lamp, fan, etc. into the Smart Plug. Just make sure it uses a mechanical on/off switch.
- The Alexa app will automatically detect the Smart Plug and you can name it whatever you want.
- Start using! Just say a voice command like "Alexa, turn on the kitchen lights" and Alexa will send a signal to the Smart Plug to power the outlet on or off.
It only takes about 60 seconds to get up and running. The Smart Plug handles the actual electrical work so Alexa can wirelessly control the power. Pretty cool right?
Smart Plug Adoption Is Growing Rapidly
Smart plugs like Amazon‘s are the most popular smart home device category for a reason. Their simple functionality provides tons of value.
According to the market research firm Strategy Analytics, smart plug sales grew 35% year-over-year in 2021. They estimate 98 million smart plugs were sold globally last year.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge of home automation purchases. Working from home made people anxious to check if appliances were powered off. Smart plugs provided that peace of mind.
As smart speakers like the Amazon Echo diffuse into more households, smart plug adoption will continue rising. Voice assistant usage is increasing exponentially year after year.
5 Game-Changing Uses for Smart Plugs
There are so many practical ways smart plugs can make your daily routine easier and more automated. Here are some of my favorites I‘ve discovered from managing my Amazon business over the years:
1. Voice Control Lights and Appliances
Plug lamps, string lights, fans, coffee makers, and other countertop appliances into Smart Plugs throughout your home.
Then control everything 100% hands-free using Alexa. Come home at night and say "Alexa, turn on the living room lamp" instead of fumbling for switches in the dark.
2. Automate Schedules and Timers
Use Alexa routines and schedules to automate when connected devices turn on and off.
Brew a pot of coffee every morning without hitting the brew button. Or have living room lights turn on automatically at sunset for added security.
3. Remote Access from Anywhere
Check and control Smart Plug-connected devices remotely using the Alexa app on your phone.
With away mode enabled, you can turn lights on at home even when traveling just to make it look lived in.
4. Track Energy Usage and Savings
The Smart Plug energy monitoring feature lets you see how long devices are in use.
Identify energy hogs around your home and determine savings from automatically powering devices off.
5. Voice Control Holiday Lights
Plug in outdoor holiday string lights and decorations and control them all with your voice.
Turn on the entire light display as soon as it gets dark without leaving the couch!
Popular Devices to Connect
Pretty much any appliance or electronic with a physical on/off switch can be plugged into the Smart Plug. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Lamps
- Fans
- Coffee makers
- TVs
- Speakers
- Game consoles
- Smart thermostats
- Holiday lights
- Electric pet doors
- Power tools
Use your imagination, and you‘ll uncover even more possibilities. Smart Plugs are hugely versatile for both indoor and outdoor uses.
Key Specifications
Here are the key technical specifications for the Amazon Smart Plug:
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.7 in |
Weight | 2.4 ounces |
Output | 15A 120V AC 60 Hz |
Power Consumption | Maximum 1200W |
Wireless Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz |
Wireless Range | To typical Echo range of 30 – 100 ft |
Scheduling | Yes, via Alexa app |
Power Monitoring | Track realtime and historical usage |
Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
As you can see, the Smart Plug packs in full-size power outlet capabilities into a form factor that barely protrudes from your wall socket.
The WiFi connectivity uses your existing wireless network to enable communication with Alexa from anywhere in standard Echo range.
Key Benefits of Amazon Smart Plugs
Beyond just the cool factor of voice-controlled devices, Smart Plugs provide some significant benefits:
- Low cost – Just $25 makes home automation attainable for nearly everyone.
- Easy installation – Truly plug-and-play without tricky wiring or setup.
- Hands-free control – Voice commands let you leave switches in the "on" position.
- Energy savings – Monitor usage and turn off devices remotely to save power.
- Remote access – Control connected devices anytime from your phone.
- Home security – Make your home look occupied while you‘re away.
- Fun automation – Creatively enhance and automate your living space.
Smart Plugs are the gateway drug to smart home tech. Their simplicity and affordability makes them a great starting point before tackling more advanced systems.
Expert Tips for Using Smart Plugs
Here are some pro tips from my years of Amazon selling experience for using your Smart Plugs safely, effectively, and creatively:
Give each Smart Plug a unique name like "Coffee Maker" or "Desk Lamp" so Alexa knows which to control.
Group Smart Plugs by room or function to control multiples with one command like "Alexa, turn off the office."
Tap into IFTTT for even more automation like flashing a Smart Plug when your favorite sports team scores.
Enable away mode in the Alexa app whenever traveling so you can access Smart Plugs remotely.
Check your WiFi strength and consider range extenders if needed for reliable Smart Plug control.
Pair Smart Plugs with Alexa Guard to make lights look occupied when you‘re out of the house.
Use energy monitoring data to adjust schedules and timers to be more energy efficient.
Plug high-wattage devices like space heaters and air conditioners into Smart Plugs for safety.
The more you experiment with Smart Plugs throughout your home, the more possibilities you‘ll uncover to save time, money, and hassle.
Voice Control from Anywhere
One of my favorite features of the Amazon Smart Plug is the ability to control connected devices even when away from home.
As long as your Smart Plug has stable WiFi connectivity, you can open the Alexa app from anywhere globally and turn plugged-in appliances and lights on or off.
Before leaving for vacation, I‘ll connect lamps to Smart Plugs in a few different rooms. Throughout the trip, I can remotely turn them on at night and off during the day to give the home an "occupied" look.
The Alexa app puts control of all your Smart Plugs right at your fingertips no matter where you are. Just enable away mode in the app settings.
Amazon Prioritizes Security
I know security is top of mind when installing any internet-connected device in your home. Rest assured Amazon takes every precaution to keep your Smart Plug and home safe.
All communication between Smart Plug, Alexa, and Amazon servers is fully encrypted. Amazon‘s AWS cloud infrastructure meets the highest security standards used by banks and global companies.
Regular firmware updates contain the latest security patches and improvements. And Amazon does not share individual device usage data with any third parties.
No system is 100% foolproof, but you can feel confident Amazon is proactively addressing security at every step. Just take basic precautions like enabling two-factor authentication on your Amazon account.
Minimal Ongoing Electricity Usage
One concern with any connected device is the impact it might have on your electricity bill. I‘m happy to report the Smart Plug itself uses a negligible amount of power.
Here is a breakdown of typical standby power usage when plugged into the wall outlet but not actively controlling a device:
- WiFi connection: 0.8 watts
- Processor standby: 0.2 watts
That‘s just 1 watt of continuous draw. Over a full year, that would add up to less than $1 of added electricity costs depending on your utility rates.
Any potential increase would come from appliances you have plugged into the Smart Plug and are controlling more frequently. But being able to shut them off remotely actually leads to energy savings in most cases.
Affordable Intro to Smart Home Tech
With an MSRP of $25, the Amazon Smart Plug provides an extremely affordable entry point into voice-controlled smart home technology. And deals are often available dropping the price to just $5!
Here is a pricing comparison of the Amazon Smart Plug versus other popular smart plug brands:
Brand | Avg Price |
---|---|
Amazon Smart Plug | $14-$25 |
TP-Link Kasa Smart | $12-$20 |
Wyze Plug | $9-$15 |
Philips Hue Smart | $25-$35 |
Wemo Mini | $25-$40 |
Lutron Caseta | $40-$55 |
As you can see, Amazon‘s plug comes in at the lowest end of the pricing spectrum while still providing full-featured voice control capabilities.
For just the cost of a nice dinner for two, you can start bringing the convenience of smart home automation into your life. Amazon‘s huge marketplace and distribution infrastructure helps them offer these devices at such competitive pricing.
So if you‘ve been curious to try out a voice assistant like Alexa, the Amazon Smart Plug is the perfect low-risk starting point. The value delivered per dollar spent simply can‘t be beat.
Ready to Plug Into Smarter Living?
I don‘t know about you, but I‘m always looking for little life hacks to save time and make my home run more smoothly, especially with my busy Amazon business. The Amazon Smart Plug absolutely delivers on that promise.
These compact plugs discretely install into any wall outlet and provide the power to control lamps, appliances, electronics and more completely by voice from anywhere.
With minimal setup required, Smart Plugs are the easiest entry point into the magical world of smart home automation. Their affordability makes the convenience accessible to nearly any budget.
So go ahead…treat yourself to a 2-pack of Amazon Smart Plugs! I‘m positive you‘ll uncover creative ways to use them throughout your home and quickly wonder how you ever lived without them.
Here‘s to simpler living and more free time with the power of voice controls! Let me know if you have any other questions.