In home automation you will find many smart devices to automate tasks in your home and also optimize resources. But without a doubt something very popular is having smart plugs. Now, you can find two versions: plugs with Wi-Fi and with Bluetooth. In this article we are going to talk about their differences and which one is best to use. You will see that they are not the same and have their limitations, so the usability will not be the same.
Differences between smart plug with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Smart plugs are devices that link to other devices. For example, you can plug in an air conditioner and be able to turn it on or off remotely, through your mobile. The difference between the two technologies is very simple: one uses the Wi-Fi protocol, while the other uses Bluetooth.
The differences from there are those of the technology itself. That is, Wi-Fi has a greater range and is less sensitive to obstacles, while Bluetooth has a shorter range and can work worse if there are walls and walls. But if we go beyond the use inside the home, the differences are even more marked.
A Wi-Fi smart plug can be linked to multiple devices and can be managed remotely via an app. If you are on the street and want to turn on an appliance connected to the plug, you will be able to do it easily. You just have to enter the application and mark the option that interests you.
Instead, a Bluetooth smart plug is more limited. It is only linked to the mobile device and, although you can turn devices on or off, you will not be able to control the devices if you are away from home. You need to be within range, which in the case of Bluetooth does not usually exceed 20 meters under normal circumstances.
For usability, the ideal is a plug with Wi-Fi
If you are looking for usability, it is best that you buy a smart plug with Wi-Fi. In this way you will be able to better control the devices and you will not be so limited. In fact, most of the products that you will find on the market use this technology today. There are far fewer options when it comes to Bluetooth or even Z-Wave.
On Amazon you can find different models of plugs with Wi-Fi:
Regarding the uses that you can give it, that will vary from what you need. There are smart plug models that can even measure electricity consumption. This is very useful, for example, to know how much a specific appliance consumes. You will be able to know at all times how much a washing machine or a refrigerator spends.
But the main use is to be able to control devices. You will be able to connect any appliance and decide when it turns on or off. Basically the plug allows the electric current to pass or not, depending on what you want. You will be able to connect devices that are not smart, such as a coffee maker or a radiator, and decide when to turn it on or off, what time to schedule it, etc. You will not be able, for example, to raise or lower the temperature of the air conditioning remotely, but you can turn it on or off.
In short, as you can see, it is possible to buy both smart plugs with Wi-Fi and with Bluetooth. Ideally, you should opt for the first option, since it has greater usability.
