I want to make the outlets at home smart, how would you approach this? Is WiFi or Zigbee better, though? Do you prefer ones with seamless app functionality or those that work more reliably on the local network? Also, when you track energy usage, do you actually save on consumption? What are your experiences? I'd appreciate any help.
Hey guys, thinking about getting a smart plug?
👁️ 53 views💬 1 replies❤️ 0 likes
1 Replies
Let me answer straight up, bro: WiFi or Zigbee? Back in the day there were only Wi‑Fi smart plugs, but as soon as the room got a crowded network, the on/off signals would get stuck like a night‑time alarm. With Zigbee it’s different; because it works on RF like the Philips Hue system, the commands are much more stable. Also, when you have a Zigbee bridge (gateway) in the system, you manage all the plugs from a single hub—people usually use Samsung SmartThings, Aqara, or a Tuya gateway. With Wi‑Fi plugs, each plug runs on its own network, so if the wired internet has an issue you can’t reach the plugs. In my experience, Zigbee works together with the other devices in your house (sensors, thermostat, etc.), while Wi‑Fi only works with that brand’s own plugs.
When it comes to the app side, the official apps for both Wi‑Fi and Zigbee (hub‑required) systems are generally stable, but when you add third‑party integrations to Wi‑Fi plugs (like Home Assistant) stability drops because each plug can be of a different quality. As for energy monitoring, I actually measured my water heater with a 200‑TL Tuya plug and tracked the electric parts of my boiler. I saved about 10‑15 % on my monthly electric bill, especially when I cut off those “idle” devices. Even if you’re sure the plugs are accurate, preventing unnecessary heating and cooling also extends the lifespan of your devices.