More and more new smart plugs support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, but fewer support Apple's HomeKit automation standard and Siri.
That's where the iDevices Switch comes in.
It's easily the plug that's best optimized for Apple-centric smart homes, thanks to its interoperability with Apple devices right out of the box.
For $29.95, you also get robust scheduling and automation options, energy monitoring reports, and yes, voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
It's a strong option for heavy Apple users, though the iHome iSP6X SmartPlug offers even broader third-party support.
Design and App
The iDevices Switch looks sleek, though it's not the most compact plug we've tested, at 1.6 by 2.7 by 1.7 inches (HWD).
While it won't block the second socket in your typical wall outlet, you might have some difficulty fitting it on a crowded power strip.
If size is a big concern, the Aukey Wi-Fi Smart Plug is a bit smaller at 1.5 by 2.5 by 1.3 inches.
The plug itself is mostly white, with a light gray highlight on the top and bottom.
The front houses a customizable LED night light, and a power button is located on the left.
The actual three-prong socket is located on the right, which again is fine for most wall outlets, but perhaps not ideal for certain power strips.
The iDevices Connected app is available for Android and iOS.
It's easy to use and has a sleeker design than the iHome Control app.
The main screen displays all the iDevice gadgets currently installed your home (you can also set up multiple locations, like your office, from the same app).
You can tap the icon in the upper right corner to access features including Products, Rooms, Scheduling, Scenes, Triggers, Energy Reports, and Groups.
You'll also find links to Customer Support and Settings.
These features offer a lot of customizability without having to rely on another app, such as If This Then That (IFTTT).
Rooms lets you cluster devices by which rooms they are in, while Groups lets you create Zones to control multiple rooms at once.
Scenes enables you to create routines based on specific conditions, such as when you leave the house.
If you have certain Apple products to act as a bridge, such as an Apple TV 4K (or fourth-generation Apple TV), a HomePod, or an iPad, you can use the Triggers feature to activate scenes based on your location and who's in the house.
You can also tap on a specific device to see more details.
Doing so shows you whether the device is on or off, and also lets you see energy statistics, schedules, and scenes.
Setup and Performance
Getting started with the Switch is easy enough.
First, make sure that you're connected to a 2.4GHz network, as it doesn't support 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Then, download the iDevices Connected app and create an account.
After that, plug in the Switch and make sure the LED strip is flashing blue.
Then use the app to scan the accompanying HomeKit code in the manual, and add your Wi-Fi password.
You don't have to do anything else to use Siri—that's taken care of by scanning the HomeKit code.
However, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration requires a few extra steps.
First, you have to go to the Settings menu.
From there, under the Home Assistant section, you can choose which voice assistant you want to activate.
The app will prompt you to log into your Amazon or Google account to link the Switch, and then you can finish the setup in either the Alexa or Google Assistant app.
In both apps, that requires enabling the iDevices Connected skill, then adding the Switch to your group of smart home devices.
Overall, the Switch performed well in testing.
I set up multiple schedules, as well as a "I Am Home" and "I Am Leaving" scenes.
In each instance, the Switch turned my desk lamp on or off just as it was meant to.
Voice control using Siri was also worked perfectly.
Conclusions
The iDevices Switch packs in a lot of features for $30.
In addition to your basic scheduling, you get energy reports and voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Plus, its app lets you customize scenes, device groupings, and its built-in LED nightlight without having to use a third-party system.
That said, you'll get the most benefit out of the switch if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, as you can use a number of Apple devices as an automation hub.
For most people, however, the iHome iSP6X SmartPlug is our Editors' Choice.
While it's the same price as the iDevices Switch and lacks energy reporting, the iSP6X gives you more options when it comes to mixing and matching your smart devices.
It works with Nest, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and Nest.
And it too supports HomeKit, making it the most versatile smart plug we've tested to date.
Pros
Energy usage reports.
Supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
Integrates well with Apple products.
Lots of scheduling and automation options.
View More
The Bottom Line
The iDevices Switch is an affordable, highly customizable smart plug that offers energy usage reports, voice control, and Apple HomeKit support.
More and more new smart plugs support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, but fewer support Apple's HomeKit automation standard and Siri.
That's where the iDevices Switch comes in.
It's easily the plug that's best optimized for Apple-centric smart homes, thanks to its interoperability with Apple devices right out of the box.
For $29.95, you also get robust scheduling and automation options, energy monitoring reports, and yes, voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
It's a strong option for heavy Apple users, though the iHome iSP6X SmartPlug offers even broader third-party support.
Design and App
The iDevices Switch looks sleek, though it's not the most compact plug we've tested, at 1.6 by 2.7 by 1.7 inches (HWD).
While it won't block the second socket in your typical wall outlet, you might have some difficulty fitting it on a crowded power strip.
If size is a big concern, the Aukey Wi-Fi Smart Plug is a bit smaller at 1.5 by 2.5 by 1.3 inches.
The plug itself is mostly white, with a light gray highlight on the top and bottom.
The front houses a customizable LED night light, and a power button is located on the left.
The actual three-prong socket is located on the right, which again is fine for most wall outlets, but perhaps not ideal for certain power strips.
The iDevices Connected app is available for Android and iOS.
It's easy to use and has a sleeker design than the iHome Control app.
The main screen displays all the iDevice gadgets currently installed your home (you can also set up multiple locations, like your office, from the same app).
You can tap the icon in the upper right corner to access features including Products, Rooms, Scheduling, Scenes, Triggers, Energy Reports, and Groups.
You'll also find links to Customer Support and Settings.
These features offer a lot of customizability without having to rely on another app, such as If This Then That (IFTTT).
Rooms lets you cluster devices by which rooms they are in, while Groups lets you create Zones to control multiple rooms at once.
Scenes enables you to create routines based on specific conditions, such as when you leave the house.
If you have certain Apple products to act as a bridge, such as an Apple TV 4K (or fourth-generation Apple TV), a HomePod, or an iPad, you can use the Triggers feature to activate scenes based on your location and who's in the house.
You can also tap on a specific device to see more details.
Doing so shows you whether the device is on or off, and also lets you see energy statistics, schedules, and scenes.
Setup and Performance
Getting started with the Switch is easy enough.
First, make sure that you're connected to a 2.4GHz network, as it doesn't support 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Then, download the iDevices Connected app and create an account.
After that, plug in the Switch and make sure the LED strip is flashing blue.
Then use the app to scan the accompanying HomeKit code in the manual, and add your Wi-Fi password.
You don't have to do anything else to use Siri—that's taken care of by scanning the HomeKit code.
However, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration requires a few extra steps.
First, you have to go to the Settings menu.
From there, under the Home Assistant section, you can choose which voice assistant you want to activate.
The app will prompt you to log into your Amazon or Google account to link the Switch, and then you can finish the setup in either the Alexa or Google Assistant app.
In both apps, that requires enabling the iDevices Connected skill, then adding the Switch to your group of smart home devices.
Overall, the Switch performed well in testing.
I set up multiple schedules, as well as a "I Am Home" and "I Am Leaving" scenes.
In each instance, the Switch turned my desk lamp on or off just as it was meant to.
Voice control using Siri was also worked perfectly.
Conclusions
The iDevices Switch packs in a lot of features for $30.
In addition to your basic scheduling, you get energy reports and voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Plus, its app lets you customize scenes, device groupings, and its built-in LED nightlight without having to use a third-party system.
That said, you'll get the most benefit out of the switch if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, as you can use a number of Apple devices as an automation hub.
For most people, however, the iHome iSP6X SmartPlug is our Editors' Choice.
While it's the same price as the iDevices Switch and lacks energy reporting, the iSP6X gives you more options when it comes to mixing and matching your smart devices.
It works with Nest, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and Nest.
And it too supports HomeKit, making it the most versatile smart plug we've tested to date.
Pros
Energy usage reports.
Supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
Integrates well with Apple products.
Lots of scheduling and automation options.
View More
The Bottom Line
The iDevices Switch is an affordable, highly customizable smart plug that offers energy usage reports, voice control, and Apple HomeKit support.
