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Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Wemo Mini vs. Wemo Insight: Which smart plug should you buy?

Android Central has dedicated itself to finding the best smart devices for your home since the very beginning — including smart plugs. That's why, when it comes to plugs, you should look no other place but here.

Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Compatible with most devices

$29 at Amazon

Pros

  • Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit
  • Stackable, space-saving design
  • No hub/subscription required
  • Turn appliances off from anywhere in the world

Cons

  • Does not show energy consumption
  • Lack of two-step verification

The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is a smart device that prioritizes functionality of your home and its appliances. It has an easy setup, can connect to multiple devices such as the TV, consoles, lights, etc and automatically remembers your Wi-Fi network no matter where you are.

Wemo Insight Smart Plug

Syncs like a pro

$40 at Amazon

Pros

  • Syncs appliances (like lights) to turn on/off at sunrise/sunset
  • Monitor device energy consumption and costs
  • Compatible with Alexa, Assistant, and HomeKit
  • Turn appliances on/off from anywhere

Cons

  • Bulky fit makes it unsuitable to be placed by other plugs
  • Lack of two-step verification

The Wemo Insight, just like the Wemo Mini, is a great plug that'll sync your appliances in less than five minutes. The only real difference between is that you'll be able to use the Wemo Insight to see just how much energy you're using, and how much that is costing you.

If we're being really honest with one another here, the two plugs are not all that different. Both the Insight and Mini smart plugs are able to work with Amazon, Google and Apple devices, both of them can be synced to turn on/off lights from wherever in the world, and both require no subscription of any sort. The only real difference? The Insight allows you to check energy consumption and costs which is a plus. But on the other hand, the Mini Smart plug is thinner and smaller, allowing you to have multiple plugs stacked on top of one another.

So, which will you be buying?

As mentioned, there aren't too many differences with these two plugs. As both are compatible with Google, Amazon and Apple devices — both can take advantage of their features. For example, with Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit, you'll be able to connect to the plug and turn your appliances on/off with your voice alone, which is damn helpful when you're feeling a little lazy.

Another thing you can do with both, and is arguably one of the weakest features of the two plugs, is attempt to maximize your security with the 'Away' mode. With the 'Away' mode, you're able to use your smart plug to turn lights on/off at certain times, all to give the illusion that you're around. This security feature is great, but there is nothing on the WeMo app that can stop others from taking advantage of your appliances for themselves — hence why two-step verification would be the right direction for both plugs.

Both WeMo products have your accessibility at heart with voice control

That said, as to be expected, there are some differences. The first is that the Insight smart plug allows you to take note of how much energy is being consumed in your household, which, is particularly helpful if you're looking to save money. Unfortunately, the Insight plug is very bulky and can take up more room than necessary.

On the other hand, the Wemo Mini smart plug doesn't have the feature to let you see how much energy is being consumed, but it also isn't so heavy you'll feel like you're plugging in a brick. Its slim length allows enough room for other plugs to be fit in around it, something that the Insight plug can't say. It may not seem like a big deal, but for those who need to plug in other things, then it most definitely is.

Wemo Mini Smart Plug Wemo Insight Smart Plug
Wi-Fi Enabled Yes Yes
Energy Monitoring No Yes
Schedule Mode Yes Yes
Voice Monitoring Yes Yes
Away Mode Yes Yes
Weight 1.92 oz 2.84 oz
Length 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches 3.8 x 1.4 x 2.4 inches

Both the Wemo Mini and Wemo Insight are great smart plugs, and you'll never really be missing out if you choose one or the other. All it depends on what you are more interested in. Do you need a smart plug that will help you monitor your energy, and don't mind that it takes up additionalroom to do so? Then the Wemo Insight is for you! On the other hand, if you're not that bothered at monitoring your energy, then you don't need to invest more money in the Insight and can stick with the Mini. Different strokes for different folks, right?

Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Slim and easy to set up

$29 at Amazon

Space saving design and compatible with all

The Wemo Mini is a must have for those who want a home that they can control through their phone and other devices, such as Alexa, Google and Apple Homekit. It's slim design also allows you to fit in other plugs too, but unfortunate,ly it lacks information on how much energy you've consumed.

Wemo Insight Smart Plug

A more insightful look

Know what you're spending energy on

$40 at Amazon

Having everything that the Wemo Mini has, but a little more expensive, might be off-putting for some. However, if you're interested in having a way to look at how much energy you're using, and how that affects your bills, through the Wemo app, then invest in the Wemo Insight



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