REASONS TO BUY
Quick setup
Broad smart home compatibility
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to change networks
Slower recovery when WiFi cuts out
WeMo Mini Review
Basic functionality in a reliable and inexpensive package
Credit: WeMo
RELATED: Best Smart Plug
Our Verdict
There's a large group of people that only want a smart plug so that they can put a lamp on a schedule, or so that they can use a device that doesn't have an on/off switch (like string lights) with an outlet that's hidden away behind a couch. If you fall into that boat, the WeMo Mini is the perfect choice. It offers a no-frills setup process, basic scheduling functions, and wide smart home compatibility at a low price. Sure, you sacrifice some of the advanced energy monitoring features of more expensive plugs, but it's unlikely those LED string lights you'll probably plug into it are going to have a real impact on your electric bill. This plug also took a bit longer to reboot after a WiFi outage than some of its competitors, but if you're just looking to have autonomous control over some less than vital appliances, that reboot time shouldn't be an issue.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
WeMo Mini | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $35 List | $35 List $27.24 at Amazon | $35 List $23.39 at Amazon | $25 List Check Price at Amazon | $27 List $25.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Quick setup, broad smart home compatibility, inexpensive | Small size doesn't block other outlets, fairly straightforward interface | Inexpensive, compact design, runtime tracking | Fast setup for Alexa users, relatively inexpensive | Rated for outdoor use, many different functions including energy usage monitoring |
| Cons | Hard to change networks, slower recovery when WiFi cuts out | Lacks any advanced features | 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 | Basic functionality in a reliable and inexpensive package | A good option for crowded outlets with large plugs | 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 | WeMo Mini | Leviton Smart WiFi... | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | Amazon Smart Plug | Etekcity Outdoor |
| Ease of Setup (40%) | |||||
| Reliability (30%) | |||||
| Interface (15%) | |||||
| Voice Assistants (15%) | |||||
| Specs | WeMo Mini | Leviton Smart WiFi... | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | Amazon Smart Plug | Etekcity Outdoor |
| Number of Outlets | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Maximum Power | 1.8 kW | 1.5kW | 1.2kW | 15A | 1.8kW |
| Smart Home Compatability | Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Nest | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, August | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa | Alexa, Google |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited | 5 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited | 1 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
For those that have a simple use for a smart plug in mind and that don't need advanced features like energy monitoring, the WeMo Mini provides a simple, effective, and inexpensive solution.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Setup
Setup can't get much easier than it is with the WeMo Mini. You don't even need to make an account. Just make sure your phone is hooked up to the WiFi network you'd like the plug to live within, download the WeMo app, scan the QR code on the plug itself, and you're off to the races. Assuming you have an Alexa device hooked up to the same WiFi network, at this point you can just say, "Alexa, discover devices," and it will find the plug automatically.
The one initial setup-related issue we ran into with the Mini came in the form of switching WiFi networks. Doing so required deleting the WeMo app, resetting the plug, and then reinstalling the app. While switching networks is likely an uncommon task, it's something to keep in mind in case you're looking into a WiFi extender, new router, or just considering switching apartments.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Smart Home and Voice Assistant Compatibility
The Mini provides pretty much all the functionality one could want in this realm, playing nice with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and If This Then That. It even works with Nest, so you could have the Mini turn a fan on or off depending on what your Nest thermostat is doing.
Reliability and Responsiveness
Our reliability testing focuses on two things: how quickly does the plug respond to commands, and how quickly does the plug recover after a WiFi or power outage? The Mini passed the first test with flying colors. We saw almost immediate responses when figuratively yelling commands from the smartphone app, and when literally yelling commands at Alexa.
After flicking the WiFi and/or power off and back on, the Mini was a bit slower in responding than some other plugs. If it was in the 'on' position during the outage it generally turned back on right away. However, if it was off during the outage, it often took a few minutes or more for the plug to get reacquainted with the WiFi and start responding to commands again.
The WeMo generally leaves enough space that you could plug a large appliance into the second outlet.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
No Advanced Features
This is the area where the Mini's low price starts to show. It lacks an energy monitoring or similar features available in some of the pricier plugs. However, unless you're a data fiend that loves to know exactly how much electricity all of your appliances are using, this probably won't be a limitation.
The WeMo Mini is very excited about adding connected functionality to your home devices.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Value
With no frills and simple operation at a low price, we think the WeMo Mini is a great value for those looking for basic smart plug functionality.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
The WeMo Mini is one of the best and least expensive basic smart plugs we've found, making it a great choice for those that just want to be able to turn things on and off remotely. If you're looking for more advanced features, however, you're probably going to have to pony up for a more expensive device.
—
Max Mutter and Michelle Powell
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