HomeKit Smart Plug Recommendation for HomeKit

[JohnMaldaner]

What smart plugs work well with our Home app?

I've been using the Switchbot Smart Plugs, but they are not longer available through Amazon. So, I am looking for an alternative. I need to replace one plug which has gone bad. Very simple need. This plug simply controls a lamp in the living room. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[JohnMaldaner]

UPDATE: I did find an updated Switchbot plug and ordered it. But, if you have a favorite brand for use with HomeKit, I would still like to know what you like! Thanks.

 

[erihp]

Any product with a 'Works with Apple Home' logo, unless its Matter based, then you need a Home hub like an Apple TV (gen 4 or newer) or a Homepod mini.

Dont buy a product that requires a third party app. All Homekit supported products can be QR scanned and paired directly from the Apple Home app and work locally without and internet connection or account required to function.

 

[fatTribble]

Check out Eve products. I have quite a few and love them. No account required.

 

[erihp]

Check out Eve products. I have quite a few and love them. No account required.

Pricey but good products. In my experience the simple Homekit plugs are all about the same. And the really cheap ones are so cheap that if they do die, theyre 1/3 the cost of the 'nice' ones anyway.

 

[mk313]

I bought Kasa Smart Plug Minis off Amazon. They got a great rating (26.5K reviews, 4.4 stars) and they have been rock solid for me since I got my first set.

 

[kissfan]

Meross work fine. I have dozens of their devices.

 

[JohnMaldaner]

Thank you all! I appreciate the recommendations!

 

[SalisburySam]

TL;DR - I join you in looking for Home-compatible smartplugs that are consistently reliable, and have not found them.

I have used iHome smartplugs…they work but occasionally go “No Response” after things like network software updates. I replaced most with WeMo smartplugs with Thread/Matter/Whatev along with some WeMo light switches. They occasionally go “No Response” from time to time. I’ve tried Kasa in the past with poor results, though today’s products might be better.

I have some Nanoleaf bulbs…pretty reliable but not 100%, more like mid-90’s%.

In truth, the only smartplugs that were and are consistently excellent were the old 1980’s X-10 devices. For chuckles, I still have these in a portion of our home. The plugs/switches and controllers all work flawlessly to this day and don’t care if my network updates or not. The plugs were divided into two types: lights, and appliances. The differences were the appliance modules accepted a bit more current, and did not offer dimming. The light modules all were dimming.

 

[erihp]

TL;DR - I join you in looking for Home-compatible smartplugs that are consistently reliable, and have not found them.

I have used iHome smartplugs…they work but occasionally go “No Response” after things like network software updates. I replaced most with WeMo smartplugs with Thread/Matter/Whatev along with some WeMo light switches. They occasionally go “No Response” from time to time. I’ve tried Kasa in the past with poor results, though today’s products might be better.

I have some Nanoleaf bulbs…pretty reliable but not 100%, more like mid-90’s%.

In truth, the only smartplugs that were and are consistently excellent were the old 1980’s X-10 devices. For chuckles, I still have these in a portion of our home. The plugs/switches and controllers all work flawlessly to this day and don’t care if my network updates or not. The plugs were divided into two types: lights, and appliances. The differences were the appliance modules accepted a bit more current, and did not offer dimming. The light modules all were dimming.

Oof yah, home and Wemo were early implementations that were both known to be pretty unreliable. That said, as you eluded, your wireless network plays a big part of it, and not just if you have good signal or not.

If you want reliability, Lutron Caseta are amazing, they don’t rely on WiFi to communicate but they are much more expensive and require the Caseta hub. You will find nothing but praise about this product line and how well it works.

They don’t make smart plugs, and instead focus on lighting, dimmers, fan controls and switches.

They are very reminiscent of the x- 10 days you describe, but better