# WiFi smart plugs (Wemo etc) - which one? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 16, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifi-smart-plugs-wemo-etc-which-one/806772 "2018-01-16T19:45:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifi-smart-plugs-wemo-etc-which-one/806772/1 "2018-01-16T19:45:46Z")
I want to get a few smart plugs to be controlled by Google Home or Alexa (Echo). I see there are many, many companies selling similar ones. As I understand, if I end up buying different brands over time, I’d be stuck with a separate app for each brand that I’d need to maintain and manage, and separately add to Alexa/Google. Is that correct? From that standpoint, which brand is a safe bet for future compatibility? ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifi-smart-plugs-wemo-etc-which-one/806772/2 "2018-01-16T20:05:37Z")
I’m currently using these: Etekcity 2 Pack WiFi Smart Plug Mini Outlet with Energy Monitoring, Works with Amazon Alexa Echo, No Hub Required, 1 Minute to Set Up, White [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSTJST6?ref=yo\_pop\_ma\_swf](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSTJST6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf) I had bought a set of the WeMo units at Costco, but returned them because I couldn’t get them to connect with my phone. The current units connected just fine with no issues. They also provide data on power used as well as voltage. One possible disadvantage, because of their shape you can’t plug two units in the the same receptacle. That’s not an issue to me, but might be something to consider. GaryM