Leviton Smart WiFi Plug Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product Leviton Smart WiFi Plug | |||||
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Awards | Best Basic Smart Plug | Best Runtime Tracking on a Budget | Best for Outdoor Use | Best Bang for the Buck for Alexa Users | |
Price | $35 List | $40 List | $35 List $14.95 at Amazon | $45 List | $25 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Slim and trim, can often nestle where others won't fit | The perfect low-cost solution for connecting basic appliances to the internet | TP Link's basic outlet makes their network easily (and cheaply) expandable | Turns a single outdoor outlet into 2 independent controlled smart sockets | A basic and streamlined plug for Alexa controlled smart homes |
Rating Categories | Leviton Smart WiFi... | WeMo Mini | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | TP-Link Kasa Outdoor | Amazon Smart Plug |
Ease of Setup (40%) | |||||
Reliability (30%) | |||||
Interface (15%) | |||||
Voice Assistants (15%) | |||||
Specs | Leviton Smart WiFi... | WeMo Mini | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | TP-Link Kasa Outdoor | Amazon Smart Plug |
Number of Outlets | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Maximum Power | 1.5kW | 1.8 kW | 1.2kW | 1.875kW | 15A |
Smart Home Compatability | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, August | Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Nest | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa |
Warranty | 5 Year Limited | 3 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited | 1 Year Limited |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Ease of Setup
Unfortunately, the Leviton does require a bit more work upfront than most plugs. In order to get it working you must download the app, create an account, and verify the details of that account with your email. Throughout that process the app was a bit laggy, which made it feel a bit more annoying. Connecting to voice assistants generally required re-signing into your new Leviton account within the app of the voice assistant (again, not difficult, but less than ideal).
On the other hand, this plug was one of the few that actually made it easy to switch between WiFi networks. The app actually walks you through the process, step-by-step. Most other plugs require resetting back to factory settings and redoing the installation process in this instance, but the Leviton lets you keep everything intact.
Smart Home and Voice Assistant Compatibility
Unless you're an Apple Homekit user, chances are the Leviton is going to work with your smart home network and/or voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and If This Then That. It can even talk to Nest and August smart home products.
Reliability and Responsiveness
The Leviton was one of the few plugs we tested that tended to recover immediately after a WiFi or power outage. Most plugs took a bit to get connected and functioning again, particularly if they were in the off position when the WiFi first cut out, but the Leviton was almost immediately back in commision no matter the circumstances. However, we did find the app itself to be a bit laggy, so punching in manual commands from our phones often had slightly annoying delays. Luckily this wasn't the case when controlling the outlet via a voice assistant.
Advanced Features
The Leviton keeps things fairly bare bones, offering only 'activities' (multi-plug presets) and basic schedules. If you're looking for fancier features like energy usage monitoring, this isn't the plug for you.
Value
The Leviton Smart WiFi falls at the relatively affordable end of the spectrum. Sure, it doesn't offer any advanced features, but if you're just looking for a simple smart plug that won't block your second outlet at all it is well worth the price.
Conclusion
The Leviton WiFi Smart's slim profile allows it to sit next to the plugs of larger appliances, making it a good option for sneaking some connectivity to the smaller gadgets in your kitchen.