Skip to main content

Why buy a bunch of smart appliances when you can just buy an IntelliPlug?

Why buy brand-new smart appliances when you can just breathe new life into your old ones? That, at least, is the alternative smart home company Cnct is introducing by way of the IntelliPlug, heralded as the world’s smallest and most affordable smart plug. The Wi-Fi-enabled plug allows you to control your lights, appliances, and any other plugged-in device with your smartphone or tablet, from anywhere in the world. With full iOS, Android, and Alexa integrations, you can easily turn your connected devices on and off, set timers, or select a schedule by which these appliances can operate.

The IntelliPlug wants “everyone to experience a smart home at the fraction of the cost.”

Recommended Videos

Promising to cost less than half the price of other smart plugs (the early bird price on Indiegogo is $20 for a two-pack), the IntelliPlug wants “everyone to experience a smart home at the fraction of the cost.” The company says that its new product takes just three steps to setup — simply plug the device into any electrical outlet, download the Cnct app, pair the plug with the app, and from there, you’ll be able to control any “dumb” appliance from your phone.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Cnct notes that it also has plans to integrate Google Assistant in the coming months, so no matter what your smart home hub of choice may be, you can bring the IntelliPlug into your environment.

“With IntelliPlug, we wanted to create the most affordable smart plug on the market, and after dozens of prototypes and countless software iterations, we finalized the design and are ready to bring the Cnct IntelliPlug to the world,” said Adam Anderson, founder of Cnct. “Now everyone can have a smart home and be able to seamlessly control their appliances directly from their phone or tablet, while home or on the go.”

So whether you want to turn on your old coffee pot from your phone or turn off your hair straightener while you’re at work, the IntelliPlug can help.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Emporia resolves issue with Smart Plugs that spurred recall
The Emporia Smart Plug with a cable attached.

Update (November 7, 2023): Emporia has resolved the issue with its Emporia Smart Plugs and they're once again available for sale. Keep in mind the previous recall still applies, and if you've purchased products between the dates listed below, you should look into returning your smart plugs.

Original story: If you purchased an Emporia Smart Plug between July 1, 2022, and August 1, 2023, there’s a good chance your product is defective. The company has issued a voluntary recall of smart plugs purchased from Amazon and the Emporia website during that period, as they may have a mechanical issue making them “potentially unsafe.”

Read more
Can smart plugs be used outside?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug installed outside.

While they may not be as exciting as robot vacuums or smart speakers, smart plugs are a great addition to any smart home. These nifty devices allow you to remotely control anything connected to them, like the lights around your home or your trusty coffee maker. And if you're thinking about using smart plugs to control your holiday lights or other exterior decorations, you'll be glad to know that some smart plugs can be used outside.

However, not all smart plugs are up to the task, and using the wrong ones outdoors could pose serious safety risks. Before you run out on your porch and start installing smart plugs, here's what you need to know about using smart plugs outside.
Not all smart plugs can be used outside

Read more
Leviton’s new outdoor smart plug is the first with Matter support
The Leviton Outdoor Smart Plug plugged into an outlet in front of red siding.

The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch is the latest product to offer Matter support. In fact, it’s also the first and only Matter-enabled outdoor smart plug on the market. It's a bit expensive at $55, but seeing as it’s the only member of its class right now, it might be worth the price tag.

Aside from Matter support, Leviton packed the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch with premium features. This includes extreme weather protection, an IP65 rating for waterproofing, a built-in light sensor that can automatically turn the unit on or off, and support for the Leviton smartphone app.

Read more