Does a HomeKit Smart Plug Require a Hub?
HomeKit Smart Plug Require a Hub
HomeKit-compatible plugs are a great way to get your smart devices into the home without investing in expensive smart hubs and devices. They connect to your Wi-Fi network and let you turn regular, “unsmart” appliances like lamps and coffee machines into smart ones that can be controlled via the Home app or Siri voice commands.
Apple’s HomeKit is a powerful smart home assitant that works with the HomePod, iPad, and Apple TV to control your smart devices and set up automations. Most smart plugs that are compatible with Apple’s homekit smart plug can be controlled using Siri voice commands or by setting up automations in the app.
If you have an iPhone, the Meross Smart Plug is one of our top picks for a HomeKit-compatible smart plug at a decent price. It can be controlled by both Siri and HomeKit as long as you have an Apple TV or HomePod acting as your hub, and it can be used with a wide range of smart assistants. It’s also very easy to setup and control, and it can track energy use for a more holistic view of your energy costs. Its streamlined design doesn’t overpower your decor, and it comes in a nice color (white) that doesn’t call attention to itself.
Does a HomeKit Smart Plug Require a Hub?
Wemo’s smart plug is another solid option, especially for those who want to save space in their home. It’s one of the smallest smart plugs we tested, and it still leaves room for a standard two-socket outlet. It also includes an on/off switch for those times when you don’t need to be able to control it via your smartphone or voice.
The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is the successor to the original Wemo Mini, and it offers all of the same features at a much smaller size, according to Belkin. It’s 45% smaller than its predecessor, and it works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This HomeKit-compatible smart plug replaces two standard wall outlets, and it lets you control them from your iOS device or with Siri voice commands. It has a sleek, minimalist design that looks great in any home, and it’s extremely affordable at around $35.
It’s not only the best Apple HomeKit smart plug on the market, but it’s also one of our favorite plugs overall. It’s small enough to fit into a standard outlet, it connects effortlessly to your Apple HomeKit network, and it offers all of the functionality you need in an attractive package.
Power restrictions exist on most HomeKit smart plugs, so you can’t plug in anything that uses more than a few hundred watts. These limits will keep your devices from working if they are overloaded, but it’s not a big deal if you just want to run your kettle or coffee maker. Some smart plugs also monitor the temperature of your wall outlets, and they can turn them off if they reach a certain level. This is a good way to ensure that your outlets don’t overheat, and it can help prevent electrical fires in older homes.
