Amazon Smart Plug Vs Wemo Smart Plug
Here we compare two walled garden plugs: the Amazon Alexa Smart Plug and the Wemo Smart Plug. Frankly, the winner here is whichever runs on your ecosystem. But if you are just getting started and not locked in to Apple or Alexa, we think there is a winner, if only by a small margin.
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Overall Winner: Amazon Smart Plug
The Amazon Alexa Smart Plug secures the victory by a small margin. Its integration into Amazon's expansive ecosystem and its sleek design edge it ahead. Although Wemo's offering is strong, Amazon's plug triumphs with its open-integration approach and stylish aesthetic. Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of each contender.
Who's it For?
The Amazon Alexa Smart Plug is a beautiful plug for users already in Amazon's ecosystem, valuing aesthetic appeal and easy integration with Alexa. If you prioritize a smart home hub that seamlessly connects a wide range of devices - and appreciate a plug that blends in without screaming its presence, this is your go-to.
Win Distance: Razor-thin
Opponent: Wemo Smart Plug V4
Who's it For?
The Wemo Smart Plug is tailor-made for Apple Home aficionados. It literally takes one tap from an iPhone to set up, which amazed me. Its compact design and straightforward functionality appeal to users seeking a minimalist and efficient smart plug, within the Apple ecosystem.
Build Quality & User Experience
Winner: Wemo Smart Plug V4
In terms of user experience, the Wemo Smart Plug leads with its flawless setup and aesthetic design. The Apple Home app's simplicity bolsters this experience, albeit with limited customization options. In contrast, the Amazon Smart Plug offers a more comprehensive app experience but suffers from a larger form factor and a less intuitive app interface.
Performance
Winner: Tie
The Amazon Alexa Smart Plug lags in features, offering basic on-off functionality without . . . anything else. On the other hand, the Wemo Smart Plug, despite its higher price, also sticks to fundamental smart plug capabilities, failing to add substantial value for its cost. Both plugs perform adequately but don't stand out in this category, especially considering they are both relatively expensive plugs.
Integration
Winner: Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon's plug shines in integration within its own ecosystem but is limited to Alexa users. Wemo's Smart Plug, now Apple-only, integrates well within the Apple environment and supports Thread for responsiveness. However, both lack versatility in wider smart home ecosystems, with no Matter compatibility.
Company & Support
Winner: Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon excels in customer support and company strength, ensuring reliability and consistent updates for their smart plug. Wemo's parent company, Belkin, has a trusted name in electronics, but the Wemo plug's customer support history and exclusive shift to Apple Home raise concerns.
Squid Score
Winner: Tie
In the Squid Score, both plugs show weaknesses in handling internet and power outages, essential for smart home devices. Amazon's plug offers more versatility within its ecosystem, but both fall short in providing comprehensive smart plug solutions.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon Alexa Smart Plug takes the crown in this comparison, primarily due to its seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem and its pleasing aesthetic. However, the Wemo Smart Plug holds its ground with a really great user experience for Apple Home users. Both plugs, while strong in specific areas, illustrate the need for more feature-rich and flexible smart home devices in today's market.
Winner: Amazon Smart Plug