Adding smart home functionality to your house doesn’t have to be too complicated or expensive. It also doesn’t require you to toss everything you currently own away and buy smarter versions of a hundred different things.
Smart plugs are a good starting point. These make regular appliances (lamps, humidifiers, air purifiers, coffee makers) a bit smarter by letting you manage them remotely, control them using just your voice, create schedules, etc. These plugs also don’t cost a ton, but you can grab one for even less today. Amazon is now offering its smart plug at a 20% discount, which drops its $25 price to $20. The offer is available to all shoppers, but Prime members will also get free delivery with their purchase.
Easy installation
This ordinary-looking plug has a lot to like about it. It adds voice control to an electric outlet, plus is compatible with a wide range of devices/appliances, such as table lamps, bulbs, fans, coffee machines, etc. Most things with a physical on/off switch should work fine.
With the plug, you can control your devices using Alexa. Need to turn off the lamp on your bedside table but too lazy to get out of your warm blanket? Ask Alexa to do it. You can also create routines that turn multiple devices on simultaneously at your preferred time. For instance, if you usually wake up at 7, you can have the coffee maker and the lights turn on around the same time each morning automatically. Additionally, you can manage devices remotely using the smartphone app. You’ll basically always be in control, even when you’re not home.
Getting started is simple. Insert the plug into an outlet, then open the Alexa app. Tap the Devices icon and select “+”. You can now plug in any compatible device. Once done, turn it on/off through the Alexa app, or just say “Alexa, turn on the first plug”. All this shouldn’t take more than a few minutes! These plugs can also automatically reconnect to Alexa after power/Wi-Fi outages, so you won’t have to pair them from scratch every time there’s an interruption.
An Amazon smart plug usually costs $25, but you can now grab it for only $20 at Amazon. This is the best price we’ve seen for this already-affordable gadget in a while. A bundle of two is now sitting at $36, so you can even pick a few without breaking the bank! Grab yours, while these offers are still around!