Smart plugs provide a way to upgrade your ordinary power outlets to a superior kind. They significantly improve the management of devices that are connected to them. For example, through your Zigbee mesh network, it becomes straightforward to operate your electronic devices, with simple on and off capabilities, thereby increasing your authority over your electronics.
They usually come with features such as power protection, power monitoring, and voice assistant compatibility. Many can be also be programmed to create personalized schedules and act as repeaters to further extend the mesh network.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Zigbee smart plugs on the market right now.
What to Look for In a Zigbee Smart Plug?
Indoors and Outdoors
Zigbee smart plugs are generally recommended for indoor applications. A smart plug with an appropriate IP rating must be considered if its outdoor deployment is intended.
Products designed for outdoor applications come with additional sealing to prevent any dirt, dust, and moisture ingression. A Zigbee smart plug for outdoor applications will cost more than a regular smart plug.
Generally, IP55-rated devices are recommended for outdoor deployments. However, you must ensure that you have enough signal strength available outdoors. Consider going with an IP55-rated Zigbee smart plug for outdoor applications.
Smart Integration
Integration of Zigbee smart plugs into other automation platforms can benefit homeowners. For example, if your smart plug can integrate with Alexa, you can issue voice commands to switch it on and off. Luckily, there are different models available for every voice assistant.
Are Hubs Required?
A Zigbee smart plug cannot operate without a Zigbee-compliant hub. However, that has more to do with the Zigbee mesh network than the particular plug. Be sure to check that the plug you are purchasing is compatible with the hub you are using.
Zigbee smart plugs can also act as signal repeaters for range extension to further support the mesh network. More information here
Best Zigbee Smart Plugs
The Sengled Smart Plug transforms your non-smart devices into smart devices.
- This plug supports third-party hubs.
- It has a power rating of 1800 W at a maximum.
- Supported by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The Sengled Smart Plug enables homeowners to automate their non-smart home appliances and devices. This plug supports the Zigbee 3.0 wireless protocol and can be integrated into an existing smart home automation network. With this plug, you can turn your devices on and off remotely.
Suitable Appliances
The Sengled Smart Plug is ideal for controlling:
- Fans
- Lamps
- Mobile phone chargers
- Holiday lights
- Wi-Fi access points
- Electric kettles
Power and Weather Ratings
This smart plug is designed to withhold voltages within the range of 100 to 130 VAC at 60 Hz frequency. Its maximum load and power ratings are 15 A and 1800 W, respectively.
The IP rating of this device is IP20, and it can only be considered for indoor applications. You can use a single smart plug for the controlling of multiple lights and devices. However, the total load on the plug should not exceed its rated power, for instance, 1800 W in this case.
Installation and Requirements
The Sengled Smart Plug requires a Zigbee hub to operate. You can easily insert this device into any vacant Type B electrical socket.
For configuration and controlling the plug, you will need the Sengled Home app. The Sengled Home app also allows you to create a customized schedule for each plug unit separately.
- This plug has been tested to last 400K operations.
- It weighs only 3.04 oz.
- It is not suitable for dimming.
The SONOFF Smart Plug can give you power usage statistics in real-time.
- This plug features integrated overload protection.
- It is IFTTT compatible.
- It offers voice assistant capacity, allowing you to issue voice commands.
The SONOFF S31 is an ETL-certified smart plug. This device can transform your regular electrical outlet into a remotely-controlled outlet. The SONOFF S31 has a current rating of 15 A.
This smart plug is designed for US-based consumers and can be plugged into any 110 V Type B power outlet.
SONOFF S31 and SONOFF S31 Lite
Both the SONOFF S31 and SONOFF S31 Lite are smart plugs enabled with Wi-Fi. However, the SONOFF S31 offers a few additional features listed below:
- Overload protection
- Power usage record
- Real-time power monitoring
Overload Protection
The SONOFF S31 comes with an integrated overload protection mechanism. The smart plug restricts the power supply to the connected load upon reaching the overload protection threshold.
Installation and Requirements
The SONOFF S31 smart plug requires Wi-Fi connectivity for configuration and remote operation. Users can easily access this device using the eWeLink app, available for both iOS and Android.
The SONOFF S31 smart plug does not support the Zigbee network and can directly be connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
- It features a small and compact design.
- It supports multiple encryption protocols.
- It is compatible with 2.4 GHz wireless networks.
- Not compatible with a 5G Wi-Fi network.
The Innr Smart Plug can work with all the major home automation platforms.
- It is compatible with Philips Hue hubs.
- It features a simple, compact design.
- It features built-in overload protection.
The Innr Smart Plug is designed to transform your traditional lights and devices into smart ones. The Innr Smart Plug is Zigbee compatible. You can couple this device with your existing Zigbee-compatible hub.
Design
The Innr Smart Plug has a compact design, and it does not block access to adjacent sockets. This smart plug comes featured with integrated overload protection. The on/off push-button is used for manual operation and resetting overload protection.
Variants
Following are the available variants of the Innr Smart Plug:
- EU version
- UK version
- US version (10 A)
- US version (15 A)
It is important to note that each of the variants mentioned above has a different power rating. For example, the 15 A variant of Innr Smart Plug has a maximum power rating of 1800 W.
Installation and Requirements
The Innr Smart Plug can only be used with a Zigbee-compatible hub. You can also control this smart plug using Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Philips Hue, or other devices with integrated hubs.
If you want to operate your smart switch over the internet, you must ensure that your Zigbee hub is placed within the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network.
- It is compatible with other hardware by the same manufacturer.
- The “Lite” version is available.
- It works directly with your home Wi-Fi network.
- The overload settings are not accessible to users.
The Sylvania Smart Plug is officially certified by Zigbee.
- It is compatible with many Zigbee platforms.
- It works with SmartThings, Alexa, and Wink.
- This plug is officially certified by Zigbee.
The SYLVANIA Smart Plug is a remotely controllable smart plug device. Being a Zigbee-compatible smart plug, this model can easily be combined with many other Zigbee platforms and devices.
This plug is designed for 120 VAC systems and requires a standard power outlet. This model has an extended operating temperature range that makes it viable for harsher operating environments.
Applications
This smart plug offers remote on/off control of small appliances, including lights, fans, kettles, and more. You can consider this smart plug for deployment in and around:
- Offices
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Storage spaces
Installation and Requirements
The SYLVANIA Smart Plug requires a home automation hub. This smart plug is intended to be used for indoor environments only, and its operating temperature range is -20°C to 40°C.
- It has a wide operating temperature range.
- It is compatible with all notable smart home automation platforms.
- It features a compact build.
- It does not have integrated overload protection.
The CMARS Smart Plug offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa.
- It is compatible with many Zigbee hubs.
- It consumes less than 0.5 W of power on standby mode.
- It features a round, unique design.
The CMARS Smart Plug is a Zigbee-compatible plug that can be used in various home automation applications. This plug offers faster and stable communication as it uses a 2.4 GHz Zigbee network. The CMARS Smart Plug can be coupled with a variety of hubs, including:
- Echo Plus
- Echo Plus (2nd Generation)
- Echo Studio
- SmartThings Hub
Features
The CMARS Smart Plug can be controlled and configured by multiple users. This device enables you to turn the connected load on and off from any part of the world.
With The CMARS Smart Plug, you won't need to install any third-party app because it supports plug-&-play functionality with Amazon Alexa and other platforms.
- It does not consume much space.
- It features an LED indicator.
- No third-party app is required.
- It doesn’t have a power-monitoring feature.
The Zigbee Smart Plug Verdict
A Zigbee smart plug can bring instant change in the methods you use to control your common appliances. These plugs are generally used to control lights via voice commands or an app. However, you can plug any of your devices into the socket of your Zigbee smart plug – provided that it has a suitable power rating. High-end smart plugs offer additional features such as real-time power monitoring, logging of events, and built-in protections.
The Sengled Smart Plug transforms your non-smart devices into smart devices.
- This plug supports third-party hubs.
- It has a power rating of 1800 W at a maximum.
- Supported by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.