REASONS TO BUY
Small size doesn't block other outlets
Fairly straightforward interface
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks any advanced features
Leviton Smart WiFi Plug Review
A good option for crowded outlets with large plugs
Credit: Leviton
RELATED: Best Smart Plug
Our Verdict
Many smart plugs offer similar functionality and levels of performance. Thus, sometimes it's something peripheral to the actual smart functionality of the plug that makes it the right tool for the job. That's the case with the Leviton Smart WiFi. It's a plug with connected features that work well, but don't particularly stand out amongst the crowd. The biggest reason we like this plug is it's very slim profile. Smart plugs are often just big enough that you can't fit larger cords into the adjacent outlet. This is particularly a problem in the kitchen, where you might want to have a light connected to a smart plug in one outlet, and something large like a blender or toaster oven plugged into the other.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Leviton Smart WiFi Plug | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $35 List $27.24 at Amazon | $35 List $25.99 at Amazon | $35 List $32.86 at Amazon | $25 List Check Price at Amazon | $27 List $23.39 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Small size doesn't block other outlets, fairly straightforward interface | Quick setup, broad smart home compatibility, inexpensive | Inexpensive, compact design, runtime tracking | Fast setup for Alexa users, relatively inexpensive | Rated for outdoor use, many different functions including energy usage monitoring |
| Cons | Lacks any advanced features | Hard to change networks, slower recovery when WiFi cuts out | Setup relatively involved, slower reboot after WiFi outage | Limited smart home compatibility, only a single outlet | Only works with Alexa and no other voice assistants, setup process is slightly more involved than average |
| Bottom Line | A good option for crowded outlets with large plugs | Basic functionality in a reliable and inexpensive package | An effective and inexpensive way to track how often you use your appliances | An inexpensive and easy way to expand Alexa smart home systems | A good outdoor option for those that require energy usage monitoring, as long as you use Alexa |
| Rating Categories | Leviton Smart WiFi... | WeMo Mini | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | Amazon Smart Plug | Etekcity Outdoor |
| Ease of Setup (40%) | |||||
| Reliability (30%) | |||||
| Interface (15%) | |||||
| Voice Assistants (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Leviton Smart WiFi... | WeMo Mini | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | Amazon Smart Plug | Etekcity Outdoor |
| Number of Outlets | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Maximum Power | 1.5kW | 1.8 kW | 1.2kW | 15A | 1.8kW |
| Smart Home Compatability | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, August | Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Nest | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa | Alexa, Google |
| Warranty | 5 Year Limited | 3 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited | 1 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Ease of Setup
Unfortunately, the Leviton does require a bit more work upfront than most plugs. In order to get it working you must download the app, create an account, and verify the details of that account with your email. Throughout that process the app was a bit laggy, which made it feel a bit more annoying. Connecting to voice assistants generally required re-signing into your new Leviton account within the app of the voice assistant (again, not difficult, but less than ideal).
On the other hand, this plug was one of the few that actually made it easy to switch between WiFi networks. The app actually walks you through the process, step-by-step. Most other plugs require resetting back to factory settings and redoing the installation process in this instance, but the Leviton lets you keep everything intact.
Smart Home and Voice Assistant Compatibility
Unless you're an Apple Homekit user, chances are the Leviton is going to work with your smart home network and/or voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and If This Then That. It can even talk to Nest and August smart home products.
Reliability and Responsiveness
The Leviton was one of the few plugs we tested that tended to recover immediately after a WiFi or power outage. Most plugs took a bit to get connected and functioning again, particularly if they were in the off position when the WiFi first cut out, but the Leviton was almost immediately back in commision no matter the circumstances. However, we did find the app itself to be a bit laggy, so punching in manual commands from our phones often had slightly annoying delays. Luckily this wasn't the case when controlling the outlet via a voice assistant.
Advanced Features
The Leviton keeps things fairly bare bones, offering only 'activities' (multi-plug presets) and basic schedules. If you're looking for fancier features like energy usage monitoring, this isn't the plug for you.
The Leviton app provides a simple and clean interface.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Value
The Leviton Smart WiFi falls at the relatively affordable end of the spectrum. Sure, it doesn't offer any advanced features, but if you're just looking for a simple smart plug that won't block your second outlet at all it is well worth the price.
The Leviton keeps the second outlet completely clear, allowing for even large appliances to be plugged in directly adjacent.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
The Leviton WiFi Smart's slim profile allows it to sit next to the plugs of larger appliances, making it a good option for sneaking some connectivity to the smaller gadgets in your kitchen.
—
Max Mutter and Michelle Powell
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