EIGHTREE Smart Plug Review: Smart Home Convenience on a Budget
Tired of fumbling with switches in the dark or leaving devices running unnecessarily? The world of smart home automation offers a solution, and today, we’re reviewing the EIGHTREE Smart Plug, a popular choice for those looking to dip their toes into the connected home ecosystem without breaking the bank. This 4-pack of WiFi-enabled smart plugs promises seamless integration with Alexa and Google Home, remote control capabilities, and convenient timer functions. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The EIGHTREE Smart Plug offers a simple and effective way to automate your home. The setup process, as advertised, is quite streamlined thanks to the Smart Life app and Bluetooth auto-discovery. Simply plug in the device, open the app, and follow the prompts. Connecting to my 2.4GHz WiFi network was straightforward. It’s crucial to note that these plugs only support 2.4GHz WiFi, so ensure your router is compatible.
Once connected, the Smart Life app provides a central hub for controlling the plugs. You can remotely turn devices on and off, set schedules, and create timers. The scheduling function is particularly useful for automating lights, fans, or other appliances based on your daily routine. The timer function also allows for countdowns and even random schedules, which can be beneficial for security purposes, giving the impression that someone is home even when you’re away.
The integration with Alexa and Google Assistant worked flawlessly after linking the Smart Life app within their respective platforms. Voice commands such as “Alexa, turn on the living room lamp” responded instantly. The remote control feature also worked well, allowing me to control devices from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially handy for those times you forget to turn something off before leaving the house.
The plugs themselves are relatively compact, with a round design that doesn’t block adjacent outlets. They also have ETL and FCC certifications, providing peace of mind regarding safety and quality. EIGHTREE also offers 7*24 customer service, which is a welcome addition.
One minor drawback is the reliance on the Smart Life app. While functional, it isn’t the most polished or intuitive smart home app available. However, given the price point and the robust features of the plugs themselves, this is a small compromise. Some users have also reported needing to follow a specific video to connect to SmartThings. Although this may be an inconvenience, EIGHTREE customer service team does address this issue and provide support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup with Bluetooth auto-discovery | Only supports 2.4GHz WiFi |
| Works with Alexa and Google Assistant | Requires Smart Life app, which isn’t the most polished |
| Remote control from anywhere | SmartThings connection may require specific instructions |
| Schedule and timer functions | |
| Compact design | |
| ETL and FCC certified | |
| Affordable price |
Excellent Alternatives
- Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link – A well-established brand with a user-friendly app and robust features.
- meross Smart Plug Mini – A compact and affordable option with similar functionality.
- Wyze Plug – Offers integration with the Wyze ecosystem and a focus on smart home security.
Final Verdict
Overall, the EIGHTREE Smart Plug offers a compelling value proposition. With its easy setup, voice control compatibility, remote access, and scheduling features, it’s an excellent entry point into the world of smart home automation. While the Smart Life app has its limitations and the 2.4GHz limitation exists, the affordable price and reliable performance make this 4-pack a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to make their home a little smarter.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
