#Enbrighten smart switch plus

Some models can also tie in to Apple HomeKit or IFTTT (If This Then That), which lets you create your own smart-home rules, called “recipes.”

Smart-home and voice integration: Most of the models on our list offer some type of voice control, with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant being the standard.

We consider it a bonus if a model offers scheduling based on sunrise and sunset and the status of other devices, as well as scheduling for every day of the week or an Away Mode (for security that simulates occupancy by turning lights on and off randomly).

Scheduling: All smart switches and dimmers offer scheduling, so you can turn lights on and off at predetermined times of day.

One of these typically costs around $2 to $10 more than the standard in-wall smart switch.

Dimming: If you have a dimmable light, you need a smart dimmer.

You can do a bit more with the switch if you connect to Alexa or Google Assistant, but note that HomeKit and IFTTT support are not in the mix.Īt $25, the Enbrighten Dual Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Switch is about on par pricewise with other Wi-Fi smart plugs, but I’d want to see much more reliable operation in order to give this a true recommendation.

Force-quitting the Enbrighten mobile app often helped resolve the situation, but the problems were nagging and wholly random.Īs with the indoor plug, scheduling and countdown timer modes are included in the app, along with some preset schedules that you can tweak easily (evening, morning, and dusk to dawn). Other days, it would lose its connection for a few seconds or minutes at a time. Some days it would behave responsively and without a hiccup. First, it took several tries for the plug to register on my network, often timing out during setup and necessitating starting over.Įventually I did get it connected, but from there I found its performance to be erratic.

While the indoor plug set up easily, I had a bit of trouble with the outdoor version-although I did all my testing in the same location and at the same distance from my router. (Those figures are maximum total draw, both outlets together.) The device works only with 2.4GHz networks and has the same power specs as the indoor switch: The two grounded outlets are rated for up to 1,875 watts of general purpose/resistive usage and a max of 1/3 horsepower of motorized power. Tethered socket covers protect outlets when not in use, but the plastic feels a bit flimsy. If an outlet is not in use, a hard rubber cover lets you seal each socket up to keep the elements out, but I’m suspicious that the thin plastic strip that connects the seal to the housing will withstand the elements over time.

You can change the function of the red LED-or turn it off altogether-but not the blue one.

#Enbrighten smart switch plus

This review is part of TechHive’s coverage of the best smart plugs, where you’ll find reviews of competing products, plus a buyer’s guide to the features you should consider when shopping.Ī single, weatherproof power button controls both outlets simultaneously, with blue and red LEDs embedded in the button to let you know whether it’s connected to Wi-Fi (blue) and whether the power is currently turned on (red).