Meross HomeKit-compatible smart plug adds home automation on the cheap

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Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini comes in 2-packs
The Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini can be controlled or scheduled through Apple’s Home app.
Photo: Meross

A HomeKit-compatible smart plug is an easy way to try home automation. And the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini is an especially inexpensive option. It enables a lamp or other simple electrical device to be remotely controlled from an iPhone using Siri voice commands.

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The Smart WiFi Plug Mini supports Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system. This allows a user to turn the smart plug on or off from the Home app on Mac, iPhone or iPad as well as using Siri. Plus, users can set up schedules to automatically activate or deactivate whatever is plugged into the smart plug.

It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, two rival automation systems.

Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini installs in a jiffy

No wiring is needed to install this Wi-Fi accessory. Just plug it into a wall electrical socket, then plug in a lamp, fan, etc. Meross’s product measures 2.7 inches wide by 1.5 inches tall and 1.5 inches thick. That’s small enough that two of them can go into a standard dual-plug wall socket.

There are other HomeKit-compatible smart plugs on the market, but the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini stands out for being unusually affordable. Amazon.com sells a two-pack for $24.99.

Rivals include Belkin’s Wemo WiFi Smart Plug (currently available for $17.99 on Amazon, though it usually sells for $34.99). A smaller version is coming soon from Belkin.

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