
It’s also imperative that the smart plug app is intuitive and offers features that meet your needs, including things like scheduling and Away Mode. Not all work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit-or not yet, anyway, though there are up-and-coming universal standards. Likewise, think of what you might want to power down or switch off for safety after you fall asleep or leave the house.Īnother great way to use smart plugs is to control electronics that are physically out of reach-things like an attic fan or ductless air conditioner may be contenders, or modems set on a high shelf or under the sofa that need occasional restarting.Īs mentioned above, it’s essential that the smart plug you buy is compatible with your smart home setup.

To kick off brainstorming, think of all the appliances and gadgets that would be helpful to automatically turn on or charge before you open your eyes or get home: a coffee maker, your hair straightener, a heated blanket, a Crockpot. But once these handy gadgets are in your possession, figuring out creative ways to use them is sure to follow. Best Power Strip: Kasa Smart Plug Power Stripīettering home security and monitoring energy consumption are perhaps the most common reasons people initially seek out smart plugs.Best for Alexa Users: Amazon Smart Plug.Best for Lighting: Lutron Caseta Smart Plug.Looking for more smart home devices and gadgets? Check out our stories on the best smart locks and smart bulbs.
LUTRON SMART SWITCH PLUS
Read on for our top recommendations, plus tips on the best ways to use smart plugs and shopping advice to consider before you buy. That’s why we got our hands on some of the best smart plugs out there to see how they compare in terms of features, ease of setup, and overall design.

Another differentiating factor is performance, as a smart plug is only as good as the app that supports it. While most smart plugs look the same, you can’t count on their compatibility with your smart home ecosystem of choice.
LUTRON SMART SWITCH FREE
A free outlet and a smartphone are all you need to gain remote control of everything from fans and lighting fixtures to coffee makers and other small appliances. A Vive web-based API and documentation will soon be available.Adding a few inexpensive smart plugs around your home can help increase security, save energy, and make everyday living more convenient. Extron and Lutron are working together on a number of resources to make the design and integration easy with graphics and configuration resources. The Extron control processor sends commands to the Vive Wireless Hub, which then communicates to Vive Wireless load controls to ensure a responsive lighting control experience as part of the complete smart-building solution.ĭesigning the touchpanel control is simple.

The Vive Wireless system can provide information to the Extron control system, such as occupancy data, to indicate real-time meeting space availability and status. With the integration of Vive and Extron touchpanels, you can access even more smart features. They can specify with confidence, knowing the integration will be seamless and work as expected. A simple tap on the Extron touchscreen allows you to adjust your light level and interact with other AV equipment in the room – enhancing the experience and versatility of lecture halls, conference rooms, and meeting spaces.ĭuring project design, the new Extron and Lutron integration helps mitigate risk for engineers and designers who are reassured by the long-standing, trusted reputations of two industry icons. Working together, we are combining Extron control capabilities with the Lutron Vive Wireless lighting control solution for today’s smart-building projects.įacility managers and AV professionals will appreciate the simple installation and setup – they can use the same Vive hub they have installed for lighting control flexibility and simply add an Extron control processor and a touchpanel – or vice versa. Extron is pleased to announce our partnership with Lutron, the leader in lighting controls and automated shading solutions.
