Smart plugs, switches and remotes let you control lights and appliances from a phone, a voice assistant or a wireless wall button. The range covers plug adapters, in-wall relay modules, wireless switches and remote controls from brands such as EQ-3, Aqara, Shelly and SwitchBot. It suits anyone who wants to automate a home without rewiring it.
How to choose smart plugs, switches and remotes
Plug, relay or switch. A smart plug sits between the wall socket and a lamp, fan or kettle, so it needs no installation. An in-wall relay or smart switch controls fixed lighting and is fitted behind an existing switch, which usually calls for an electrician. Remotes and wireless buttons add control without changing any wiring.
Connection standard. Wi-Fi devices connect straight to your router and need no hub, but a crowded network can struggle with many of them. Zigbee, Z-Wave and Homematic IP devices usually need a hub or gateway, and they form a mesh that suits larger homes with a lot of devices. Check that the standard matches the hub you already own.
Load and socket type. Check the maximum load in amps or watts before plugging in a heater, kettle or air conditioner, because lighting-rated modules are not built for heavy appliances. Many smart plugs are made for European sockets, so confirm that the plug fits your wall outlet or that a suitable adapter is available.
App and voice assistant support. Look for compatibility with Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple Home, depending on what you use. Devices that support Matter are designed to work across these platforms, which makes it easier to change ecosystem later.
Behaviour during power cuts. Wi-Fi devices lose control when the router is off, which matters during load shedding. Models that keep schedules locally, or that restore their previous state when power returns, are less of a nuisance in that situation.
Brands in this category
- EQ-3: the maker of Homematic and Homematic IP, a German radio-based system with plugs, switches, relays and wall remotes that run through a central control unit.
- Aqara: known for Zigbee sensors, switches and wireless buttons that work with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa through an Aqara hub.
- Shelly: makes small Wi-Fi relays that fit behind existing wall switches, and they can be controlled locally without a cloud account.
- SwitchBot: best known for the Bot, a small device that presses physical buttons and switches, which suits appliances that cannot be rewired.
- Fibaro: a Z-Wave specialist with in-wall modules and smart plugs that run on its own home centre.
- Meross: offers affordable Wi-Fi plugs and switches, with many models supporting Apple HomeKit.
- TP-Link: sells Wi-Fi smart plugs and switches under its Tapo and Kasa lines, controlled from a single phone app.
- OSRAM: a lighting manufacturer whose smart products are designed to work alongside its smart bulbs.
- Netatmo: a French smart home brand with a strong focus on Apple HomeKit and heating control.
- Yale: a name long associated with locks and home security, now also making connected home access products.
Also in our range: Qoltec and Ajax.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart plugs need a hub?
Not always. Wi-Fi smart plugs connect directly to your router and are controlled from an app. Zigbee, Z-Wave and Homematic IP devices need a compatible hub or gateway, but they handle larger numbers of devices more smoothly.
Can a smart plug control any appliance?
No, it can only switch what it is rated for. Check the maximum load on the plug and compare it with the appliance's power rating. Heaters, kettles and air conditioners draw a lot of current, so they need a plug explicitly rated for that load.
What is the difference between a smart plug and a smart switch?
A smart plug fits into a wall socket and controls whatever is plugged into it. A smart switch or relay is installed in the wall or behind an existing switch and controls fixed lighting. Plugs need no installation, while switches usually do.
Will smart plugs work during load shedding?
They work only while they have power, and Wi-Fi models also need your router running. When electricity returns, many devices reconnect on their own, and some restore their previous on or off state. Models that store schedules locally keep timers accurate more consistently after an outage.
