People sometimes still argue about smart plugs vs smart outlets and how some people are sworn about the superiority of each device.
And although both are functionally similar and sometimes still used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between those two.
Both are the type of smart home devices which, as you can guess, are able to make your home smarter with its ability to remotely control your appliances thus providing not only convenience but also cut some energy to some extent.
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You may be one of those people who still wasn’t sure which one to buy, still don’t know the differences between each other or maybe still wasn’t sure which one is which.
With that in mind, we will give you some guide to give you a clearer look at the differences between smart plugs and smart outlets along with the benefits of each.
So, whether you want to buy one for your home or you’re just curious what these devices can do, this guide will have your answers.
Table of Contents
Smart Plugs Vs Smart Outlets
1. Smart Plug
Smart plug is a nice addition to your smart home setup that can be linked to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to remotely control the connected appliances.
Some of them are equipped with a timer, which can automatically switch your appliances on or off accordingly.
And in addition to that, some smart plugs also offer you with a smart voice assistant, like Alexa or Google Assistant.
They’re known for their ease of installation and affordability with most of the smart plugs are rated only under 20$.
And talking about ease of installation, most of the smart plugs offer plug-and-play design which in turn will give you unparalleled flexibility by letting you move them around your home without any additional wiring required.
That’s why smart plug is a perfect choice for beginners in the world of smart home technology that can also open up a series of experiments with a wide range of devices and placements without a complex installation process.
However, one thing to keep in your mind is sometimes smart plugs may be on the larger side, that can protrude more from the wall which for some people may impact the aesthetics of your home and installation spot.
2. Smart Outlet
Smart outlets, much like smart plugs, offer an unparalleled convenience by their ability to connect to your home Wi-Fi network to remotely control the connected devices via smartphone apps or voice assistants.
Usually, they feature scheduling functions for automated control and energy monitoring that can optimize your energy usage thus saving your electric bills.
However, different from the smart plugs, smart outlets installation may be a little bit complicated due to its required to replace the existing outlet.
Some people swear by its effectiveness not only to provide you with great convenience but also improves the overall safety in your home.
Why? It is because smart outlets can cut the power right at its source so it can minimize the risks of accidents or fire especially in households with children or pets.
And it’s not going to stop there, some smart outlets can also send notifications to your phone for added security.
With that being said, we can conclude that the main difference between smart plugs and smart outlets is that smart outlets are hardwired into your home’s electrical system so it may require complete circuit shutdown and rewiring.
It may be intimidating for you, especially if you’re a beginner, but its installation is considered manageable with basic electrical knowledge.
And in addition to that, a smart outlet can seamlessly blend into your home decor and interior design while still offering its smart capabilities (with some models even including USB charging ports for added versatility!).
Smart Plugs Vs Smart Outlets: Which One Is Right For You?
Although both of them technically can be used interchangeably, one device can be better to the other depending on your needs and preferences.
Smart plugs may be ideal if:
- You don’t wanna be bothered by the lengthy and complicated installation and wiring process.
- You need a plug-and-play device to be moved around to different locations in your home
- You have a limited budget.
However, smart outlets might be the best choice if:
- You’re not bothered by some basic circuit work and aiming for a more comprehensive home automation system.
- You prioritize a stable and reliable connection that integrates with other smart home devices.
- You want to keep your interior and decor aesthetically appealing.
- You have no problem investing additional time and resources to access advanced intelligent control features.
There you have it! Smart plugs vs smart outlets for you to consider. With all of that explanation above, we can conclude that those two devices are basically the same, with minor differences. The decision for each device also highly depends on the personal choices and needs.
