Smart Plug Recommendations & Reliability

Fish_Fry · Oct 2, 2024

Does anyone have recommendations for a reliable smart plug?

I'm currently using 4 Wyze smart plugs (refugium, phyto & 2 nano tanks) and I hate their reliability. When I lose power they do not always reconnect automatically. I frequently have to go into the app, delete the device, reconnect it and then reprogram it. Occasionally this doesn't work and I have to go into my router to delete the device before I can reconnect it.

I've updated the app and plug firmware. I have not opened a ticket with Wyze but a searching online seems to indicate this is a known problem they've never addressed. I'm also having issues with the run time not matching what it is scheduled for.

Before I switch brands I'm wondering what the communities experience has been. I've heard good things about Kasa, and I know Leviton and GE make timers that come recommended. Does anyone else have these reliability issues?

Thanks

Mini rant - I'm glad I was able to get the app to stop bothering me to setup MFA. I have nothing else in the Wyze ecosytem that requires MFA. I have complex PW and I'm not worried about someone getting my account. "Oh no, you turned off my 5 gallon shrimp tank light. What am I gonna do?'. Heck maybe someone could break in an fix it.

TX_REEF · Oct 2, 2024

I use Kasa on all my systems. No issues in my year of ownership. Free app, control from anywhere. Highly recommend.

Amazon.com

Gtinnel · Oct 2, 2024

I use Kasa plugs (plus lights switches and cameras) for various tasks around the house, both aquarium and not aquarium related. I have never had a single issue with them. If the power goes out they’ve always returned to the correct state for me.

907_Reefer · Oct 2, 2024

+1 use a Kasa on my Avast feeder - no issues, easy to control, etc, would recommend.

IceNein · Oct 2, 2024

Go with Kasa, you won't regret it.

kchristensen8064 · Oct 2, 2024

I have always used Geeni and have never had issues. App has always worked well for me as well.

Kilman805 · Oct 2, 2024

We use Kasa smart plugs, bulbs, and switches extensively in our house. Now, I'm using a few smart switches on my new tank build. I've considered buying one of the Kasa power strips, but haven't yet. I've never had any trouble with the smart plugs and bulbs. They have very flexible scheduling options. I have one hardwired dimmer switch that gives me problems in one room, but that's my only negative experience.

exnisstech · Oct 2, 2024

I've had two kasa strips fail and stopped supplying power to any outlets. I use the cheap round smart plugs on Amazon for stuff like fuge lights and ATS leds that I need a timer on. They work fine and don't loose settings if power is interrupted.

Fish_Fry · Oct 2, 2024

Thanks for all the replies. I'm glad to hear all the positive feedback around the Kasa plugs.

I'm going to wait for a sale and switch over.

Thanks again

Sdbuehler1 · Oct 2, 2024

+1 on Kasa. I have switches , bulbs, mini plugs and several power strips. All have been running great for several years. I use the power strips to control tank devices that don’t need the advanced programmability of the apex controller. That being said you can use Alexa with Kasa devices to create routines like shutting off a power head or skimmer for 10 minutes for feeding.

BriDroid · Oct 2, 2024

Do any of the smart plugs go back to their last state after a power outage? I'm using amazon smart plugs on my ATO and my skimmer. It's just easier to ask Alexa to turn them off when I'm doing maintenance.

My issue is after the power goes out, or even flickers, they boot back up and connect just fine, they just come up as OFF. I have to turn them back on.

Sdbuehler1 · Oct 2, 2024

BriDroid said:
Do any of the smart plugs go back to their last state after a power outage? I'm using amazon smart plugs on my ATO and my skimmer. It's just easier to ask Alexa to turn them off when I'm doing maintenance.

My issue is after the power goes out, or even flickers, they boot back up and connect just fine, they just come up as OFF. I have to turn them back on.

Kasa smart plugs return to their previous state when power is restored after a power loss.