Smart home...but not too smart

November 22, 2019 6:41 AM

We'd like to get a device or system that allows smarter control of lights in our house (i.e., turning lights on and off on a schedule, possibly being controllable remotely). We're not interested in a more holistic system to control of things like HVAC and camera/monitoring. My husband doesn't like the idea of the house being vulnerable to hacking and we don't really need these features, so I'm not interested in paying for them. We just want a more programmable system for the lights and maybe some outlets (i.e., for the Xmas tree). Do you have a system that meets this need, is cost-effective, and is secure?

Currently we have several of these mechanical timers that you plug lamps into, but they're kind of 'dumb' and at $10 a pop, they seem more expensive than they're worth to outfit the whole house with them. We've tried buying cheaper versions too, and find there's quite a variety of quality (paying half price means they fall out of the outlets!). It would also be cool to be able to control lights remotely, but again we're wary of systems that are vulnerable to hacking; so would love the web capability but with good assurance of security and an easy way to turn off that capability when we don't need it.

I'm aware of things like google smart light, but there seem to be a lot of options (or I'm uninformed and just think that other options are comparable). And I'm having a hard time evaluating...

posted by Tandem Affinity to Technology (8 answers total)

I have a couple of these Gosund smart outlets. They work with Alexa or Google, etc., but they also have their own app Smart Life, which as far as I can tell allows you to control them through that alone, through your home’s WiFi. They are not too big or obtrusive and aren’t supposed to draw any significant power when not in use.

I have mine plugged into a couple lights, that’s the main use I see for them, thought there are lots of other ideas out there, some more practical than others. You can control the outlets through voice with something like Alexa, and on their own app, you can turn on and off, set timers and set up automated sequences.

Are they vulnerable to hacking? Maybe? But really, what are the odds of that, and what would they really do? Alexa might have its own security issues, but since you don’t have to use them with Alexa, I don’t see a lot of risk. They also have a physical button that is easier to access than some light switches.

These are pretty reasonable at $9 each or 4 for $30, but definitely wait for Cyber Monday because they will almost certainly go on sale. I think I got mine on a lightening deal for about $5 a piece.
posted by catatethebird at 6:59 AM on November 22, 2019

We have the same wifi outlets catatethebird linked took and like them. Have been using them for a couple of years now. They are linked to our google home but they also have an app that lets you turn them on and off or set timers and the like. Haven't really had any issues with them.
posted by Captain_Science at 7:25 AM on November 22, 2019

Phillips Hue may also be something to look at. I thought this guide from Cnet was helpful.
posted by Sabby at 7:32 AM on November 22, 2019

I have Phillips Hue bulbs in all my lamps and overhead lights. I got a starter kit with a couple bulbs and a bridge and then have added more bulbs over time as they're a little pricey--but last forever. I got them last year on Black Friday sale at Home Depot.

I have them set up on timers for on, off, and slow fade-out to remind me when to leave for work in the morning. That's super easy, and they can also play nicely with Alexa if you use her, for voice control. I've set several different voice control routines for things like bright task lighting, bedtime fade-out, etc.
posted by assenav at 8:12 AM on November 22, 2019

I've been very happy with Wyze products. You might try some smart plugs or bulbs from them.
posted by mareliz at 8:28 AM on November 22, 2019

Nth-ing the Philips Hue recommendations. You can control via Phillips’ app on yer phone, via special switches, or via Siri/Alexa. We used to run it all through Google Home, but got squicked about Big Data Listening In so now rely on Apple’s HomeKit app on our phones.
posted by notyou at 8:47 AM on November 22, 2019

I like the Hue bulbs and using IFTT for more advanced control than the app
posted by Dmenet at 3:45 PM on November 22, 2019

Thank you all - with your various advice, I feel like I was able to make an informed decision on this finally and went with the Gosund line! We now have one Gosund light switch installed, a light bulb in the kitchen (that does some crazy mood lighting), and the outlet suggested by catatethebird and Captain_Science.

We are still in the period where it's fun to be at the grocery store and all like, "Look I'm turning the kitchen light on and off! On....and off....and on...and off!" but hopefully, that wears off quickly.

The other options seemed viable too and I ultimately went with these because they were cheaper options. If we like them, I'll invest further!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 4:29 AM on November 26, 2019