Gone are the days when smart home devices were seen in sci-fi movies and haunted web series. Nowadays, everybody needs a smart home. But the problem lies in building a smart home with your choice of smart home device that does the needful. Most millennials have a confused concept about the smart plug, smart light, smart outlet, and also the smart bulb. In reality, each term has a different meaning.
And it is important to reveal the difference between a smart plug and a smart outlet. So let’s begin:
The purpose of a smart plug
Smart plugs are just like regular plugs, and they may be plugged into any outlet, whether it's in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. The best news is that most smart plugs include their own on/off switch, which you can use to keep them turned off.
Features
The main purpose of the smart outlet is that it converts a regular appliance into a smart device when connected to it. Unlike smart plugs, smart outlets are permanent fixtures. You can plug any appliance to it such as portable irons, electric kettles, or coffee machines. So, the compatibility factor of a smart socket is higher than that of other smart devices.
Features
Connecting a smart outlet can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with your home's electrical system. In most cases, you'll have to unhook the present power outlet, wipe away the dirt, and detach the remaining wires.
The smart outlet must then be installed and the appropriate parts and cables must be connected. Don't forget to plaster the sides to give it a finished look. Following that, you must connect the smart outlet to your home network.
As we know the features and purpose of both the smart devices, it is important to note that the initial cost of smart plugs starts at $15 and the cost of a smart outlet is a bit higher than that of the smart plug, which is approximately $20 for a single unit.
Expert advice
Smart plugs are just like regular plugs, and they may be plugged into any outlet, whether it's in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. The best news is that most smart plugs include their own on/off switch, which you can use to keep them turned off.
Features
- It can be easily controlled through smartphones or voice commands.
- Have an in-built Wi-Fi chip that links to your home network.
- It can be conveniently carried throughout the house. So, if you think that a coffee machine has more importance than a living room lamp, you can easily switch and set it accordingly.
- It is compatible with smart lights, smart TVs, and also with other smart home devices. It maintains a log book for energy consumption and keeps you ahead of schedule.
- It can be plugged into any electrical outlet, but it does not a smart outlet.
The main purpose of the smart outlet is that it converts a regular appliance into a smart device when connected to it. Unlike smart plugs, smart outlets are permanent fixtures. You can plug any appliance to it such as portable irons, electric kettles, or coffee machines. So, the compatibility factor of a smart socket is higher than that of other smart devices.
Features
- It is a standard fixture and is not portable like a smart plug.
- Highly compatible with all voice assistants.
- Because of its high compatibility, it can easily create routines using voice commands.
Connecting a smart outlet can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with your home's electrical system. In most cases, you'll have to unhook the present power outlet, wipe away the dirt, and detach the remaining wires.
The smart outlet must then be installed and the appropriate parts and cables must be connected. Don't forget to plaster the sides to give it a finished look. Following that, you must connect the smart outlet to your home network.
As we know the features and purpose of both the smart devices, it is important to note that the initial cost of smart plugs starts at $15 and the cost of a smart outlet is a bit higher than that of the smart plug, which is approximately $20 for a single unit.
Expert advice
Both devices play a good role in your smart home. But if you are looking for portability then you must go for a smart plug (i.e. less pricey) but if budget is not much of an issue then going for a smart outlet and smart plug is a good deal.