Koogeek Smart Plug Review: Apple Home Automation on a Budget

Home automation has exploded in popularity recently, with everything from virtual assistants to smart bulbs available.

The Koogeek Smart Plug is an Apple HomeKit-compatible smart device that lets you control your devices remotely including via Apple’s Siri virtual assistant.

I’ve put it through its paces. So is it worth it? Keep reading my Koogeek Smart Plug review to find out.

Thanks to Koogeek for sending me a sample to review.

What is the Koogeek Smart Plug?

The Koogeek smart plug is an impressively affordable HomeKit-compatible smart plug that you can control remotely.

The possibilities are (almost) endless, allowing you to add smarts to a lot of devices. Think about turning on lamps when it gets dark or turning on your coffee machine when you wake up.

It’s all controlled via the Koogeek app, Apple’s own Homekit app and even Siri – Apple’s own virtual assistant.

There’s both US and European versions available, though I’ve been sent the European version because of Australia’s 240V mains voltage.

Koogeek Smart Plug Key Features

  • Control your appliances remotely using the Koogeek app or Siri thanks to Apple HomeKit support
  • Advanced features such as room grouping, scheduling and more
  • Monitor energy consumption and cost using built-in energy usage reports

Where to Buy the Koogeek Smart Plug

The Koogeek Smart Plug is available from Amazon.

Check Price at Amazon

Koogeek Smart Plug Review: Hardware

There’s no doubt that the Koogeek Smart Plug is a bulky device. It’s significantly larger than a standard plug or wall wart, coming in at around twice the size of an iPhone charger.

This bulk means it has a tendency to block other power sockets so you’ll either need to use an extension cable or a power strip with wider spacings like this one.

Koogeek Smart Plug Review 03
Its large size means the Koogeek smart plug may interfere with sockets on some powerboards

Koogeek Smart Plug Review: Using It

Getting up and running is easy. Just plug in the Koogeek smart plug, log into the Koogeek app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the plug with Apple HomeKit.

Koogeek Smart Plug Review 05

The pairing process is done by scanning a code on the device’s packaging – no typing or anything required.

The smart plug can be controlled via Koogeek’s own app, the Apple HomeKit app or Siri. There’s plenty of options available, allowing you to set schedules and control the plug whether you’re at home or out and about. You can even monitor energy usage! You’ll never have to worry about leaving the iron on again.

You’ll never have to worry about leaving the iron on again

That said, most users will control the plug using Siri. Whilst it’s easy enough to fire up the app to control the plug, it’s far simpler just asking for Siri to switch it on with your voice.

Siri works well, easily understanding what I was asking. Once I named my devices, I could just say “turn on the lamp”, with the plug reacting almost immediately.

Koogeek Smart Plug Review 04

However, Siri is the only option you’ve got as the Koogeek smart plug isn’t compatible with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. This is disappointing as it locks you into Apple’s (quite small though growing) home automation ecosystem whilst locking out Android users entirely.

I didn’t have any issues with unresponsiveness. The smart plug worked without any issues, with the reaction times being surprisingly fast, even when I was on the fringes of my wireless network.

Should You Buy the Koogeek Smart Plug?

Koogeek Smart Plug Review 02

The Koogeek Smart Plug is an excellent smart device at an impressively low price – as long as you’re willing to commit to Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.

Whilst its disappointing that it doesn’t support other platforms such as the Amazon Alexa, if you’re an Apple user wanting to get started with home automation, the Koogeek Smart Plug is a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Easily control devices using Siri
  • Powerful control options including schedules, timers and more
  • Cheap

Cons

  • Doesn’t support Google Home or Amazon Alexa
  • Bulky design can interfere with other sockets

Where to Buy the Koogeek Smart Plug

The Koogeek Smart Plug is available from Amazon.

Check Price at Amazon
Koogeek Smart Plug Review 01
Koogeek Smart Plug
The Koogeek Smart Plug offers Apple Homekit compatibility for an incredibly low price. If you're an Apple user wanting to get started with home automation, the Koogeek Smart Plug is a no-brainer.
Pros
Easily control devices using Siri
Powerful control options including schedules, timers and more
Cheap
Cons
Doesn't support Google Home or Amazon Alexa
Bulky design can interfere with other sockets
8.4

Michael

Michael is a technology expert with over 15 years of experience in IT, Home Theatre and Automation. Feel free to send Michael a message here.

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