Aqara smart outlet, an ultra-convincing entry-level model

Although smart outlets have been around for a few years, most of them seek to offer a variety of functionalities. For the Aqara brand and its smart outlet, the chosen playground is voice control using HomeKit, Google Home or Alexa.

Easy to install

First of all, the construction of Aqara smart outlet is of great sobriety, and its construction is of quality, in conformity with the canons of the competition. Of a contained size, it measures 67 × 47 × 35 mm.

The installation is very simple. After plugging in this smart outlet, simply download the Aqara Home application available on AppStore and Google Play, create an account very quickly with your phone number, then connect the plug to the home Wi-Fi network with Aqara smart hub or Amazon Echo. The application can also be used with some Mi equipment. A good point to simplify the management of connected equipment in the home.

Voice control as a priority

Once everything is installed, the plug control follows the same logic of simplicity. So much so that the functionalities proposed are finally few in number and make the plug not very different from the competition.

At first glance, it even seems to lack possibilities. This is evidenced by the presence of a large green button in the shape of a plug, which occupies the entire screen and is pressed to turn it on and off. Fortunately, this is not the only function available. Simply slide your finger to the side to display other options, such as start and stop times, as well as timers, which allow you to program delayed starts for your electrical appliances.

Finally, the most interesting aspect is the voice control. For fans of HomeKit, Alexa or Google Assistant, a simple voice command to turn on or off the plug produces almost immediate results. A function that can be used with a smart speaker as well as with a phone, which is quite satisfying.

Our opinion on the Aqara smart outlet

The smart outlet is a basic model. Although it does not revolutionize home automation with its functionalities simplified to the maximum, it nevertheless has the advantage of a simplified use for the neophytes. A simplicity of design that obviously has an impact on the price, and which makes it a rather interesting entry-level model.