If you’re considering smart home automation but aren’t quite there yet, some cheaper alternatives are a good place to begin. Smart plugs and switches are a way for you to get an idea of what a smart home is like, without having to change too much in your existing home. You can keep all your existing gadgets, only now, they have a few additional features to make their operation easier. All you really need is the gadget itself and a good internet connection, which you can get from your local ISP with the best internet prices.

The following is a guide on smart plugs to help homeowners get a better idea of what they can do. Since there are so many different options available, this guide also mentioned two particular products to reduce your effort and make the decision easier.

What are Smart Plugs and Switches?

Generally, the purpose and usage of both smart plugs and switches are quite similar. They add similar characteristics to your home.

A smart plug is the elevated version of a regular plug. You can connect it to any outlet in your home, and then plug in one of your regular gadgets. This gadget then becomes easier to control, since you can access it through your smart plug’s corresponding app. Rather than having to operate the gadget manually, you’ll be able to do it remotely through your phone. Smart plugs can help control a range of devices, such as lights, lamps, your entertainment system, and some other small gadgets.

A smart switch does more or less the same thing, except it is a bit more expensive. Getting smart switches for your home requires a more complex installation process as well, but in some cases, they can be more reliable than smart plugs. They may be seen as a relatively long-term solution.

The following are some benefits of these gadgets.

A Good Smart Home Alternative 

Plugs and switches are required to operate every single gadget in your home. Most of your appliances would be unable to function without them, which is why you may want to consider this cost-friendly alternative. This way, you will have the most prominent features of a smart home, without having to invest too much time, money or effort in the process.

Energy Efficient

One of the best qualities of a smart home is its contribution to the environment. A smart home is particularly attractive due to the fact that it makes your home more eco-friendly. Older electronics tend to consume energy excessively, which makes their operation wasteful and inefficient. Using smart plugs, you can create a home that has less of a negative impact on the atmosphere. It will cause your gadgets to consume less power, while still providing effective results. 

Better Control over Your Home

Another major feature of this gadget is that it lets you control your home in a quicker and easier way. If you’re having a lazy day in bed, you shouldn’t have to get up and walk to wherever a light switch is to turn it on or off. A smart plug can save your time and energy by allowing you to remotely manage your home’s lighting system from anywhere in the vicinity. This is also a good way to improve your home’s overall ambience.

Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch

This may be one of the easiest gadgets to install in your home, unlike many other smart switches. The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch can act as both a wall-mounted switch, as well as a remote. You can easily stick it on your wall due to the adhesive on the back, or use it as a portable device.

The following are the main features of this gadget that may be beneficial to your home.

• This dimmer switch is perfect for controlling the intensity of the lighting in your home. It allows a smooth transition into different lighting styles for a much more customized lighting experience. 
• Wireless installation with long battery life for your utmost convenience. 

For additional features, you can get the Hue Bridge separately.

Philips Hue Indoor Smart Plug

This one is for people who want better control over smaller portable gadgets, especially the lighting in their home. The Hue app will allow you to control any lamps or light-up decorations you plug in using this gadget.

Below are some reasons why you may want to consider this smart plug for your home.

• Is compatible with any plug-in light fixture or lamp.
• The design of this plug will not stand out and disrupt the theme of your home. It can easily blend in to most types of décor.
• Using Bluetooth to access the Hue Bridge, you can have extra features, such as the added convenience of voice control.

The First-Step to a Smarter Home

Some people tend to avoid too much change. Once you get used to your home being a certain way, it may be difficult to completely abandon that lifestyle, even if it is for a better alternative. This applies to smart homes as well. You may not want to replace too much too soon, and smart plugs and switches are the perfect way for a minor but effective change. Once you get used to the convenience of these gadgets, you may even want to expand by adding actual smart appliances to your home.