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If you want to buy a smart socket that is compatible with the Amazon Echo system, you are right place. There are a few things to keep in mind, because not all network sockets are compatible with Alexa voice control.
In the test, we put the most popular models compatible with Amazon under the microscope and summarized the test winners among the best WiFi sockets with Echo compatibility. In this post, we included some general information about the functionality and properties of such smart sockets.
Which are the best WiFi sockets with Echo in India?
TP-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug HS100
The TP-Link model is one of the more expensive representatives of its kind, but you can also choose from different variants.
The model is available both as a pure IP socket and with an integrated electricity meter that can be read out via the app and in a variant with an additional LAN connection for devices without their WLAN.
The device is officially licensed by Amazon, compatibility is also guaranteed in the future. The device can be conveniently controlled and set up using the Kasa app, and the associated Alexa skill also impressed across the board in the test. Of course, names and groups can be assigned so that the bottom line is that the voice control worked very well. However, the long-term test showed that connection problems and breakdowns occur somewhat more frequently than with other models so that some rating points had to be deducted in this regard.
If you operate a 5GHz network at home, the socket cannot be integrated, because the TP-Link device – like many other IP sockets – only works with 2.4 GHz networks.
Helea 10A Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Helea has a smart socket in its range that is not only very cheap but also works reliably and well.
It is not designed to look as stylish as other models and the overall workmanship is not ideal, because after a short time some of the status LEDs got out, but the bottom line was that it was convincing with a good price-performance ratio. The failure of the LEDs also does not affect functionality.
Both the control via the own app and the integration into the Alexa voice control system worked smoothly and uncomplicated in the test and of course both iOS and Android apps are available.
The integration into the WLAN at home can only be done via 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz networks are not supported. If this is not a problem for you, the Helea model is a very inexpensive and reliable socket which, overall, is highly recommended.
Since the operation itself is very comfortable and self-explanatory, manual was not a problem for most users.
HomeMate® WiFi Smart Plug Socket
The inexpensive smart plug socket from HomeMate was very easy to integrate into the network and set up. Both the supplied app and the Alexa Skill worked smoothly, so the price-performance ratio is impressive.
Although it is cheap, It did not change the fact that it is a functional, stylishly designed WLAN socket that worked reliably and well.
If you operate a 2.4 GHz WLAN network at home, the model is unreservedly recommended. As with most WLAN sockets, 5 GHz networks are not supported.
General Information
How WiFi sockets work in general
IP sockets or SmartHome or smart sockets, as WLAN sockets are also called, can be integrated into the home network. There are different variants. The standard variants are those that can be connected directly to the WLAN router and thus integrated into the network. But some variants work via a central hub. Here only the hub is connected to the WLAN and the other sockets are connected to the hub. Since such WLAN sockets are not immediately ready for use, we left them out of the test and only looked at models that can be directly integrated into the network.
Smart sockets also differ from one another in terms of equipment features. Some models only function as a controllable socket, while other models can also be used as WLAN repeaters or offer the option of connecting devices via LAN cable. After integrating it into the home network, the socket is usually controlled using an app or external programs such as Amazon’s Echo System or Apple or Google Smart Home solutions.
Note: Even if the sockets are connected via WiFi, some require an internet connection to function. Others can be controlled from anywhere via the internal WLAN, but not via the Internet. Depending on your needs, you must therefore pay attention to how the device can be controlled.
Features of an Echo Dot / Echo / Fire TV / Alexa compatible WiFi socket
Echo is the small control units from Amazon on which Alexa is installed, the voice control from Amazon. The Echo Dot is also integrated into your network and thus compatible WiFi devices such as light bulbs, hubs or even sockets can be controlled by voice command. In addition to the Echo devices, which also include the compact Echo Dot, the socket can also be controlled automatically using the voice remote control of the Fire TV or the Alexa app. The provider of the socket must offer a skill compatible with Alexa because otherwise the Echo device cannot recognize the socket and accordingly cannot control it.
Since not every WLAN socket is automatically compatible with Amazon’s voice control, you always must pay attention to compatibility. Some of the manufacturer’s skills are also not available in all languages. A suitable skill for Alexa is of no use to you if it is not available for the German market because then you cannot control the device using German voice commands.
How is the socket controlled with an Echo or Echo Dot?
If the device is compatible, setup is relatively easy. First, the socket is integrated into the home network. To do this, simply follow the operating instructions or use – if available – the WPS button to connect to your router quickly and easily. Most of the time, you need the appropriate manufacturer app to complete the setup, give the socket a name, and so on.
You then need to install the appropriate Alexa Skill for your Echo device; you do this directly via the Alexa app. As soon as this is done, the socket can be operated and controlled via Alexa voice control or directly via the Alexa app. The test has shown that a cheap WiFi socket with Echo can also be coupled well if the skills are available.
Especially since many devices compatible with Alexa have flooded the market from China, WLAN sockets are already very cheap to get without having to accept any loss of functionality or reliability. However, you must keep in mind that sockets that are not officially licensed by Amazon are no guarantee that they will still be compatible with future Alexa versions.