Philips Hue customers in search of an affordable method so as to add their “dumb” lights to their Hue setups ought to give the Innr Smart PlugRemove non-product link a severe look. This sturdy, Zigbee-enabled sensible plug works with the Philips Hue bridgeRemove non-product link and connects seamlessly to the Hue app, and it ought to work with the Samsung SmartThings hubRemove non-product link as effectively. Setup was a breeze and at $35 for a two-pack, the Innr Smart Plug is much cheaper than the brand new and Bluetooth-enabled Philips Hue Smart plugRemove non-product link. Unlike the Hue sensible plug, nevertheless, the Innr Smart Plug does require a appropriate Zigbee bridge, making it a dear selection for many who have but to spend money on a wise mild hub.
While there are scads of low-cost Wi-Fi sensible plugs on the market on Amazon, the pickings are significantly extra slim when you’re in search of a Zigbee-compatible mannequin that works reliably with the Hue Bridge or a SmartIssues hub. I managed to seek out a number of claiming that they’re Hue and/or SmartIssues appropriate, comparable to this smart plug from a company called 3A-1Remove non-product link (which sells for about $20), or the $18.32 Sylvania Smart+ Smart PlugRemove non-product link, which is appropriate with SmartIssues and Wink hubs however not the Hue Bridge. Speaking of SmartIssues, the Samsung SmartThings Wifi SmartPlugRemove non-product link (at present $16.90 on Amazon) is appropriate with the SmartIssues hubRemove non-product link whereas not requiring one, however it gained’t work with the Hue Bridge.
Meanwhile, Signify, the corporate that owns the Philips Hue model, has simply bowed its personal sensible plug. The aptly named Philips Hue Smart plugRemove non-product link can hook up with iPhones and Android telephones immediately through Bluetooth, a plus for many who don’t have (or need) a $50 Hue Bridge. At $40, the Hue Smart plug is costly, significantly for many who already personal the Hue Bridge; as compared, a single Innr Smart PlugRemove non-product link sells for $20 on Amazon, whereas a two-pack goes for $35, which makes for an attractive worth when you’re purchasing for a number of sensible plugs.
Of course, you might simply skip the entire situation of Hue, SmartIssues, or Wink compatibility and go together with an affordable sensible plug that works through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and certainly, doing so could be the most suitable choice for many who haven’t invested in a wise hub but. Click here for reviews of our favorite smart plugs, together with each people who require hubs and others that don’t.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping Philips Hue and SmartIssues customers from getting an affordable, no-hub Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled sensible plug, however doing so means you’ll want to fireplace up a separate app to regulate it.
Setup
I examined the Innr Smart Plug utilizing a Hue bridge in addition to with a TP-Link Deco M9 Plus mesh router that doubles as a Zigbee hub. Innr claims its sensible plug additionally works with the Samsung SmartIssues hub, however I didn’t check its SmartIssues compatibility since I don’t have a SmartIssues hub in my home.
The first step is to insert the sensible plug right into a wall outlet, then plug your “dumb” lamp into the sensible plug’s socket. (You may additionally plug a special kind of equipment into the sensible plug, however try to be conscious of the plug’s most 10-amp ranking).
The Innr Smart Plug gained’t block an AC outlet that’s beneath it, however it would possibly partially block the grounding socket of an outlet that’s above.
In my case, I inserted the Innr Smart Plug into the highest socket of a vertically oriented two-socket wall AC outlet. The three prongs on the again of the plug are sitting close to the underside of the plug’s housing, which suggests the plug offers a large berth to a socket that’s beneath it. When I inserted the sensible plug into the underside socket, nevertheless, it partially blocked the outlet for the grounding prong within the socket above.
I bought 4 Innr Smart Plugs (or a pair of two-packs) for testing, and of the 4 plugs, three of them started making an attempt to pair with my Hue bridge as quickly as I plugged them in; a inexperienced indicator mild within the top-left nook of the plug’s entrance panel flashes when the plug is in pairing mode. The inexperienced indicator on the fourth plug remained darkish once I first plugged it in, however as soon as I pressed and held the ability button on the left facet of the plug’s housing, the inexperienced mild began flashing.
Operation and efficiency
Next, I launched the Hue app on my iPhone and tapped the “Add light” button, and lo and behold, the 4 Innr Smart Plugs (labeled as “On/Off plug” 1-4) appeared inside seconds, all with out having to cope with any advanced workarounds or punching in serial numbers.
Ben Patterson/IDGAdding 4 Innr Smart Plugs to my Philips Hue setup was a breeze.
Once I added the newly found plugs to my “Downstairs” room and Hue routines, I used to be in a position to management all the prevailing sensible bulbs plus my new Innr sensible plugs with a single faucet within the Hue app. The plugs activate and off with an audible click on, which may very well be both satisfying or annoying relying on the way you take a look at it. Like the official Philips Hue Smart plug, the Innr Smart Plug solely permits for on/off operation; dimming isn’t supported.
Getting the Innr Smart Plugs up and working with Alexa and Google Assistant was a breeze, too. Since each digital assistants have been already related to my Hue bridge, the brand new sensible plugs popped up within the Alexa and Google Home apps instantly, and I used to be in a position to management them both individually or in my “Downstairs” mild group with voice instructions. Unfortunately, the Innr Smart Plug shouldn’t be appropriate with Apple HomePackage.
As I discussed earlier than, I wasn’t in a position to check the Innr Smart Plug with a SmartIssues hub, however I did attempt—unsuccessfully—to regulate them with my Zigbee-enabled TP-Link Deco M9 Plus mesh router. The Deco M9 Plus had beforehand managed to connect with a quartet of Innr Smart White A19 bulbs that I’ve beforehand reviewed, however on this case, no cube. I attempted the invention course of a number of occasions, however the router at all times got here up empty handed.
Ben Patterson/IDGYou can management the Innr Smart Plug manually by urgent the ability button on the facet.
If you wish to management the plug manually, you possibly can merely press the ability button on the left facet of the unit.
Bottom line
As we famous earlier than, we haven’t examined the Innr Smart Plug with the Samsung SmartIssues hub, and we’re a tad involved that the plugs didn’t work with the TP-Link router/Zigbee hub combo. We’re additionally just a little upset by the shortage of HomePackage help, though to be truthful, HomePackage compatibility isn’t practically as frequent as Alexa and Google Assistant help relating to sensible plugs. In any case, we’re satisfied that the Innr plug makes for an efficient and cheap accent for Philips Hue customers, and that’s no small factor given the dimensions and dominance of the Hue ecosystem within the sensible lighting market.