Smart plug & app recommendations

[dontlookdown]

Volunteered to source a few smart plugs for my elderly neighbour who has trouble bending down to reach switches.

Any experience of a simple basic smart plug/ Android app combo that is easy to use and has a simple interface? NO need for voice control but scheduling and timer functions would be welcome. Also needs to be physically reasonably compact.

Thanks in advance.

[Chipstick]

Tapo smart plugs are cheap and cheerful.

I cannot compare it against others, however as someone who bought one as it was cheap for a one time use that's since become handy for other uses, I'd recommend them as they are very easy to use with a timer etc.

[Downward]

I use the Tapo ones from Amazon. Had one for a few years now just use for the christmas lights on a timer or to just ask alexa to turn on or off in the day

[jfdi]

Bought a set of 4 Tapo smart plugs last year. Very easy to use app on android, can group and name plugs set timers view power usage etc. Also works with google home for voice control. Super cheap as well only cost me £28 for four.

[QuartzDad]

Another vote for Tapo. You can have a shortcut directly to the device on your Android homescreen, ideal for your neighbour I imagine.

[ARHarh]

Get something like this, if not intending to go the whole automated house stuff.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maplin-Control-Wireless-P...

Cheap as chips and no need for an app.

[dontlookdown]

Tks for all the suggestions, v helpful. Looks like it's a majority verdict for Tapo, odd to order some now.

[MesoForm]

ARHarh said:

Get something like this, if not intending to go the whole automated house stuff.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maplin-Control-Wireless-P...

Cheap as chips and no need for an app.

We have those for lights where the switch is in an awkward place and Tapo plugs for things that need scheduling.

[philv]

Taco Used them for years.

[NDA]

philv said:

Taco Used them for years.

Are they the Mexican ones?

[Corso Marche]

Yeah, have two Tapo items now for a few years. Simple and reliable.
Also have 3 TP-Link cameras and they all work simply and reliably from within the TP-Link Tapo app.

[200Plus Club]

Tapo vote here also, very easy to setup and schedule.

Similar theme but smart thermostat related, anyone care to recommend one that's easy to schedule and has an overide press button for an elderly relative to use to turn heating on/off ?

[sgrimshaw]

+1 for Tapo P100, got loads of them in use around the house. Easy to set up and have been faultless.

On offer on Amazonia at the moment:

[S6PNJ]

If it's not too late and you haven't ordered yet - very similar to the Tapo ones - I use Meross smart switches and an app on my phone - also used by my 80 or so year old father with no issues.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZCSTT4G?th=1

[clockworks]

I've got 12 Tapo smart plugs, used for bedside/table lamps, aquarium lighting, AV gear, an oil-filled radiator, some heated throws/overblankets, kettle and EV granny charger.

Some are controlled using schedules in the Tapo app, and some are voice controlled using Alexa. Voice control can be either direct commands, or part of a routine that turns on several devices with one voice command - "Alexa, Bedtime" turns on the bedside lamp and the electric blanket.

I rarely resort to manual control via the Tapo app, but it's there as a backup incase Alexa plays up - Alexa needs working Internet access, Tapo app just needs local wifi.

[Burrow01]

S6PNJ said:

If it's not too late and you haven't ordered yet - very similar to the Tapo ones - I use Meross smart switches and an app on my phone - also used by my 80 or so year old father with no issues.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZCSTT4G?th=1

These are the ones I use, simple to setup and very reliable.

Mainly used via Alexa, but the Meross app is pretty straightforward.

My parents have the Tado plugs, for the same reason as the OP, and they seem to work pretty well also

[Downward]

S6PNJ said:

If it's not too late and you haven't ordered yet - very similar to the Tapo ones - I use Meross smart switches and an app on my phone - also used by my 80 or so year old father with no issues.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZCSTT4G?th=1

You can get a leak detector from Meross too which uses the same app so always worth it.