WeMo Smart Plug Single Product Review

Is the WeMo Smart Plug worth it?

Smart plugs let you turn certain devices on and off with voice commands or smartphone applications. Additionally, some of these devices have security features that make it appear like you're home when away. 

WeMo claims their smart plugs are highly responsive and easy to use. Our testing team put them to the test to see if they stand up to the brand’s claims.

Testing the WeMo Smart Plug

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim the brand/manufacturer makes about the product. For this article, the testing team reviewed the packaging to determine whether the plugs seemed secure. They set up the WeMo app and connected the included plugs. 

The set had three plugs, so the team connected them to a light art piece, bedroom lamp and TV. They paired the plugs with the Amazon Alexa app, setting each one up to a specific room in their home.

Once the plugs were connected to the Alexa app, the testing team was able to test how well they responded to voice commands. Finally, they tested the plugs’ away mode, routines and schedules.

What is the WeMo Smart Plug?

The WeMo Smart Plug lets you turn devices on and off with a smartphone app or via voice commands. Each set includes three plugs that work seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant. The plugs come with a three-year warranty and work with most devices.

They let you set up routines and schedules, which can be convenient for turning devices off after you leave your home or go to sleep. They also have an away mode that randomly turns lights on and off to make it appear like you’re home.

If you plan on using the plugs with the Amazon Alexa App, you must download two separate apps, unlike Amazon-branded smart plugs, which only require the Alexa app.

The WeMo Smart Plug's ease of use and adaptability make it a convenient choice for any home, but first-time users should be prepared for some minor hiccups during the setup process.

WeMo Smart Plug price and where to buy

The WeMo Smart Plug is $45 and is available on Amazon.

How to use the WeMo Smart Plug

When you set up your smart plugs for the first time, you’ll have to download the WeMo smartphone app. Once the app is downloaded, you can connect your plugs to your home Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, our testing team encountered trouble connecting their plugs to their network. After power-cycling the plugs numerous times and restarting the WeMo app, they got it to connect.

After connecting the plug to your Wi-Fi network, the rest of the setup process is straightforward. However, you’ll need to download the Alexa app if you don’t have it already. Alternatively, you can turn the plugs on and off from the WeMo app, but this is less convenient than using voice commands. 

In the Alexa app, there’s an option to connect a device. Here, you’ll choose “smart plugs” and then select “WeMo” from the list of brands. If you’ve not set the plugs up in the WeMo app, it will direct you back to that app. Otherwise, you should be ready to use voice commands. 

The WeMo app makes it easy to turn your devices on and off from any room in your home. There's a green power button next to the smart plug icon on the app — when you click the button, the smart plug and its connected device turn off. The testing team didn’t run into any problems when using the app to control their light art piece, bedroom lamp or TV with the app.

You can also control the plugs via Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. The voice commands are easier overall and can even be used to set timers. When our testing team told Alexa to turn their light on in 20 minutes, it turned on exactly 20 minutes after they gave the command.

WeMo Smart Plug benefits

These plugs are securely packaged in a bright green box. The set comes with three plugs, so you can control multiple devices. They’re easy to use and are backed by a three-year warranty. Our testing team didn’t encounter any problems when turning their devices on or off, regardless of whether they used the app or voice commands.

You won’t have to restart the setup process if you switch a plug from one room to another, and the away mode works as intended. Our testing team saw their lights turning on and off within 30 minutes of leaving home. This feature seems particularly helpful for long trips, as it genuinely simulates someone using their lights.

The smart plugs have a low-profile design that doesn’t block your other plugs. 

WeMo Smart Plug drawbacks

Unlike Amazon smart plugs, you must download two apps to use Alexa voice commands. Our testing team had a lot of trouble connecting these plugs to their Wi-Fi network. To get them set up, they had to turn the plugs on and off and restart their app. 

Some reviewers had trouble getting the WeMo app to recognize their devices, although our testing team didn’t encounter these issues.

Should you get the WeMo Smart Plug?

Despite the troublesome setup process, WeMo Smart Plugs are an excellent choice for those looking to convert their home to a smart home. These plugs work with most devices and can be controlled via a smartphone app, voice commands or automated timers. Our testing team loved that they didn’t block their other outlets. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a plug that’s easy to set up, you may be better off with Amazon-branded smart plugs. These plugs only require one app, and our testing team had no issues connecting them to their Wi-Fi network.