Looking for an easy way to make some of your “dumb” home devices a bit smarter? Don’t want to replace power outlets yet? Smart plugs are an easy way to bring a bit of smarts to dumb home devices. In this blog post, we will be diving deep into the world of smart plugs and specifically, the Aqara Smart Plug. If you’re intrigued by the idea of controlling your appliances and electronics with just a few taps on your smartphone, then you’re in for a treat. We’ll explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Aqara Smart Plug to help you make an informed decision.
About the Aqara Smart Plug
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zigbee network extender | Requires Zigbee hub |
| Has power monitoring | Only one outlet |
| Has overheat / overload monitoring | |
| Frequently on sale |
Aqara Smart Plug Details
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable smart plug, the Aqara Smart Plug is definitely worth considering. With its compact design and easy setup, this smart plug allows you to control your devices remotely and automate your home. The Aqara Smart Plug is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it convenient to control your devices with just your voice. It also has built-in energy monitoring, allowing you to track and manage your energy usage. With its timer and scheduling features, you can set specific times for your devices to turn on or off, helping you save energy and make your life more convenient. Whether you want to turn on your coffee maker in the morning or set a timer for your lights to turn off at night, the Aqara Smart Plug has got you covered.
Product Features:
Aqara Smart Plug Review
I have tried out more than a few different smart plugs in my path to bringing more “smarts” to dumb home items, and the Aqara smart plug is the one that I buy on repeat. I have at least three of these now, with more on my wish-list. So that right there tells you that this smart plug is worth buying over and over again.
I have this smart plug controlling various dumb electronics for me including:
- The washing machine ( with its power monitoring, it tells me when the washing machine is done washing )
- Various “dumb” lights throughout the house that now automatically turn on at dusk
One of my favorite things about this plug compared to others that I’ve tried is that it is Zigbee based. Zigbee is a networking technology that is different from Wi-fi. It still uses radio signals to transmit data, but it’s completely isolated from your computer or phone’s Wi-fi use. This means that the data being transmitted on the Zigbee network doesn’t cross over into your wifi, potentially slowing it down or leaking.
Another feature that I adore about this specific plug is it’s stability. I’ve had issues with smart plugs before having bugs in their firmware ( the software that runs inside the plug . This bug would cause the smart plugs to lose all connection to the network after roughly a month, requiring me to unplug and plug them back in. When your plugs are hidden behind furniture, this can quickly become a hassle. These Aqara smart plugs have been rock solid though, especially as I add more to the network. I rarely have a plug go unavailable, and when I do it usually fixes itself. Win.
The plug also has energy monitoring capabilities, overload protection, and scheduling options, which can be really useful for managing power consumption and ensuring safety. Additionally, the Aqara Smart Plug is compatible with various voice control platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Home Assistant. This allows for convenient and hands-free operation, making it easy to control devices plugged into the smart plug with just your voice.
I was a bit disappointed to find out that you can only have one plug per outlet. In terms of the plug’s physical design, I have to admit that it is a bit bulky and odd-shaped. The design of the plug extends upwards, blocking the space above it, which can be a bit inconvenient if you were planning to use the outlet for other devices as well.
Another aspect that didn’t meet my expectations was the Alexa support. While you can turn the plug on and off using Alexa, you are unable to use it as an input to a routine. This means that I couldn’t integrate it with other Alexa devices or create any logical connections using the Aqara button. I tend to use Home Assistant for the bulk of my automations, where this wasn’t a restriction. If you are planning on using this plug with Alexa you might find the limit frustrating.
Aqara Smart Plug Review FAQ
What is the Aqara Smart Plug?
The Aqara Smart Plug is a versatile and user-friendly device that allows you to control your electronics remotely. It is a Zigbee based smart plug that can be connected to your home network, enabling you to control your devices using a smartphone or voice assistant. This smart plug works with the Aqara Hub ( or any Zigbee hub ) and the Aqara Home app, which provides a range of features such as scheduling, energy monitoring, and remote control. With the Aqara Smart Plug, you can easily turn your appliances on or off, set timers, and even monitor their energy consumption, all from the convenience of your phone. It is a simple but powerful solution for making your home smarter and more efficient.
What are the key features of the Aqara Smart Plug?
The Aqara Smart Plug is packed with several key features that make it a standout device in the world of smart home technology. It integrates with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant via the Aqara Hub, allowing you to effortlessly control your plugged-in devices with simple voice commands. Another notable feature is its energy monitoring capability, which enables you to track and analyze the power consumption of your devices, helping you to make more informed decisions about energy usage. Lastly, the Aqara Smart Plug supports scheduling and timers, allowing you to automate your devices and create personalized routines to suit your lifestyle. With these features, the Aqara Smart Plug offers convenience, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem.
Does the Aqara Smart Plug require an Aqara Hub?
No, the Aqara Smart Plug does not require an Aqara Hub to work but it does require some form of Zigbee hub. Aqara recommends their hub that includes some nice additional functionality like alarms and notifications. A Zigbee hub acts as the central control hub for all Zigbee devices, including this smart plug. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and communicates with the smart plug and other Zigbee devices through a secure Zigbee protocol. This means that without the Aqara Hub ( or some other Zigbee hub ), you won’t be able to control the smart plug remotely or integrate it with other smart home systems. However, once you have the Aqara Hub ( or some other Zigbee hub ) set up, you can easily connect and control multiple Aqara Smart Plugs throughout your home from your smartphone or other compatible devices.
What is Zigbee and how does it relate to the Aqara Smart Plug?
Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol that allows smart devices to connect and communicate with each other. It creates a network of devices that can work together seamlessly. The Aqara Smart Plug utilizes Zigbee technology, which means it can connect to other Zigbee-enabled devices such as sensors, switches, and hubs. This allows you to create a smart home ecosystem where all your devices can be controlled and automated through a single platform. The Zigbee compatibility of the Aqara Smart Plug ensures reliable and secure communication between devices, enabling you to conveniently manage and monitor your power usage and appliances.
Does the Aqara Smart Plug have energy monitoring capabilities?
Yes, the Aqara Smart Plug does have energy monitoring capabilities. This means that it can track and measure the energy consumption of the devices that are plugged into it. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to keep an eye on their energy usage and identify any power-hungry appliances or electronics. With the Aqara Home app, users can easily view real-time and historical data on energy consumption, helping them make informed decisions about their energy usage. The energy monitoring feature also allows users to set energy-saving rules or schedules, enabling them to reduce their overall energy consumption and potentially save on their electricity bills. So, if you’re looking for a smart plug that can not only control your devices but also help you manage your energy usage, the Aqara Smart Plug is a great choice.
Does the Aqara Smart Plug have overload protection?
Yes, the Aqara Smart Plug does have overload protection. This feature ensures that the plug automatically shuts off power to the connected device if it detects excessive current or voltage. This not only safeguards your devices from damage but also prevents potential fire hazards. The overload protection feature gives you peace of mind, especially when you have multiple devices plugged in or are using high-powered appliances. With the Aqara Smart Plug, you can confidently use your electronics without worrying about overloading or damaging them.
Can I schedule the Aqara Smart Plug to turn on and off at specific times?
Yes, you can schedule the Aqara Smart Plug to turn on and off at specific times. This feature allows you to automate your devices and create a customized schedule that fits your daily routine. By using the Aqara app or integrating the smart plug with platforms like Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, you can easily set up timers and schedules for your devices. For example, you can program the smart plug to turn on a lamp in the morning to simulate sunrise or to turn off a fan at night to conserve energy. The scheduling feature provides convenience and flexibility, allowing you to have full control over your connected devices even when you’re not at home.
Can I control the Aqara Smart Plug using voice commands?
Yes, you can control the Aqara Smart Plug using voice commands when using it with the Aqara Hub. It is compatible with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means that you can easily integrate the smart plug into your existing smart home ecosystem and control it by simply using your voice. Whether you want to turn on or off the plug, set schedules, or create automation routines, you can do it all with a simple voice command. Just make sure that you have the corresponding voice assistant enabled and connected to your smart plug for seamless voice control. It’s a convenient and hands-free way to manage your devices.
Is the Aqara Smart Plug compatible with Alexa?
Yes, the Aqara Smart Plug is indeed compatible with Alexa when connected via the Aqara Hub. This means that you can easily control your smart plug using voice commands through an Alexa-enabled device. Simply set up the Aqara Smart Plug in the Aqara app, connect it to your Aqara Zigbee hub, and then link it to your Alexa account. Once the setup is complete, you can ask Alexa to turn the plug on or off, or even create routines and schedules to automate your devices. With this compatibility, you can enjoy the convenience of controlling your devices with just your voice, making your smart home experience even more effortless.
Is the Aqara Smart Plug compatible with Google Assistant?
Yes, the Aqara Smart Plug is indeed compatible with Google Assistant when used with the Aqara Hub. This means that you can control the smart plug using voice commands through your Google Assistant-enabled devices, such as Google Home speakers or your smartphone with the Google Assistant app. By simply saying commands like “Hey Google, turn on/off the Aqara Smart Plug,” you can effortlessly control your plugged-in devices remotely. It’s a convenient feature that adds to the overall smart home experience. Just make sure you have the Aqara Home app installed, the device connected to your Aqara Hub, and you’ve linked your Aqara account to your Google Assistant for seamless integration.
Is the Aqara Smart Plug compatible with Apple HomeKit?
Yes, the Aqara Smart Plug is compatible with Apple HomeKit when connected to the Aqara Hub. This means you can easily control and monitor your connected devices using the Apple Home app or Siri voice commands. The plug seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, allowing you to turn your devices on or off, set schedules, and even create automation scenes. With HomeKit compatibility, you can enjoy the convenience of controlling your devices from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, whether you’re at home or away. It’s a great option for Apple users looking to expand their smart home setup with a reliable and versatile smart plug.
In Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about the Aqara Smart Plug review. We hope that you found the information helpful and informative. The Aqara Smart Plug is truly a game-changer when it comes to home automation and convenience. With its sleek design and easy setup, it seamlessly integrates into your smart home ecosystem. Whether you’re controlling your lights, appliances, or even your coffee maker, the Aqara Smart Plug offers a whole new level of control and convenience.
