Zigbee Sockets: The Ultimate Guide for Smart Home Automation

Zigbee sockets are a type of smart socket that allows you to control your home’s electrical appliances remotely. Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol that allows devices to communicate with each other using low-power radio signals. Zigbee sockets are designed to work with other Zigbee-enabled devices, such as smart bulbs and thermostats, to create a smart home ecosystem.

When it comes to purchasing Zigbee sockets, the most important thing to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the sockets you choose are compatible with the smart home hub or system you are using. Additionally, you may want to consider the number of sockets you need and the maximum load capacity of each socket.

At our team, we spent hours researching and testing various Zigbee sockets to identify the ones that are reliable, easy to use, and compatible with popular smart home systems. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed analysis of each product.

Best Zigbee Sockets

We have researched and tested various Zigbee sockets to bring you the best options available in the market. Zigbee sockets are a great addition to your smart home setup, allowing you to control your appliances with ease. Our list includes sockets with various features and price points, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Check out our top picks below.

Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug

We highly recommend the Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug for anyone looking for a smart and convenient way to control their home appliances.

Pros

• The compact and sleek design of the Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug makes it easy to fit into any standard UK socket.
• The Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug is equipped with multi-security guarantees such as a sliding safety cover to prevent electric shock and PC flame-retardant materials to minimize the risk of burning.
• The Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug supports remote control, voice control, smart timing, smart scene function, and status feedback, making it a versatile and convenient addition to any smart home.

Cons

• The Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug can only be used on a 2.4 GHz network, so it may not be compatible with all WiFi networks.
• The Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug requires a hub/bridge to function, which may be an additional cost for some users.
• The Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug is only compatible with the “eWeLink” application, which may limit its compatibility with other smart home devices.

We were impressed with the Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug’s ease of use and versatility. The “eWeLink” application makes it easy to control your home appliances from anywhere, and the voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Home adds an extra layer of convenience. The smart timing function is also a great feature, allowing you to set a fixed time to turn on/off your appliances automatically.

Overall, we highly recommend the Woolley Zigbee 3.0 Smart Plug for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient way to control their home appliances.

XENON Zigbee Smart Plug

If you’re looking for a compact and stable smart plug that works with your existing zigbee network, the XENON Zigbee Smart Plug is worth considering.

Pros

• The zigbee signal protocol is more stable than WiFi signal protocol.
• You can control the plug from anywhere with the Smart App (Smart Life) on your smartphone.
• You can create customised schedules to automatically turn on and off any electronic device or appliance.

Cons

• You need a zigbee hub to use this product.
• The label title on the outside of the product package is misleading and may cause confusion.
• The plug may not fit all types of switches.

We’ve had a good experience using the XENON Zigbee Smart Plug. The plug’s delicate and unique appearance and compact design save space. We appreciate the convenience of voice and remote control, which allows us to turn the plug on/off with voice commands or the Smart App. We also like the ability to create customised schedules to automate our appliances.

However, we did encounter some issues with the product package. The label title on the outside of the package is misleading and may cause confusion. It’s important to note that this is a zigbee smart plug and not a WiFi version, and you need a zigbee hub to use it. Additionally, the plug may not fit all types of switches.

Overall, we recommend the XENON Zigbee Smart Plug if you’re looking for a stable and compact smart plug that works with your existing zigbee network.

Innr Zigbee Smart Plug, Works with Philips Hue*/ Alexa/Google (Hub Required) 3120W, SP 222, 2-Pack

If you want to turn your traditional lights into smart ones, the Innr Zigbee Smart Plug is a great option.

Pros

• Highly adaptable and works with various smart home systems, including Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings
• Voice-controlled and compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
• Schedule when your electrical appliances switch on and off with a maximum switching capacity of 3120W

Cons

• Not suitable for household appliances with inductive loads, such as washing machines and dryers
• Slightly wider than a conventional plug, which may block off adjacent sockets
• Doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or Hue Entertainment functionality (Sync)

We have been using the Innr Zigbee Smart Plug for a while now, and we are satisfied with its performance. The plug is highly adaptable, working with various smart home systems, including Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, making it easy to control your lights with your voice.

One of the best things about the Innr Zigbee Smart Plug is that you can schedule when your electrical appliances switch on and off. With a maximum switching capacity of 3120W, you can switch almost all your devices on and off smartly. However, it’s essential to note that the plug is not suitable for household appliances with inductive loads, such as washing machines and dryers.

The compact design of the Innr Zigbee Smart Plug frees up adjacent sockets, which is a plus. However, the plug is slightly wider than a conventional plug, which may block off adjacent sockets. Additionally, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or Hue Entertainment functionality (Sync).

Overall, we recommend the Innr Zigbee Smart Plug if you want to turn your traditional lights into smart ones. It’s easy to use, highly adaptable, and voice-controlled, making it a great addition to any smart home.

Buying Guide

When choosing a Zigbee socket, there are a few features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the Zigbee socket you choose is compatible with your existing Zigbee network. Check the specifications of the socket to ensure that it is compatible with the Zigbee protocol version that your network uses.

Power Rating

The power rating of the socket is also an important consideration. Make sure that the socket can handle the maximum power rating of the device that you plan to plug into it. This information can usually be found in the product specifications.

Control Options

Consider the control options that the Zigbee socket offers. Some sockets can be controlled using a smartphone app, while others may require a separate Zigbee hub or remote control. Make sure that the control options are suitable for your needs.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that the Zigbee socket may offer. For example, some sockets may have a built-in energy monitor, allowing you to track the energy consumption of the device that is plugged into it. Others may have a timer function, allowing you to set the socket to turn on or off at specific times.

In summary, when choosing a Zigbee socket, consider compatibility, power rating, control options, and any additional features that may be useful to you. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my Zigbee socket with Home Assistant?

Setting up a Zigbee socket with Home Assistant is a straightforward process. First, make sure that your Zigbee socket is compatible with your Zigbee hub. Then, add the Zigbee socket to your Zigbee network using your hub’s software. Finally, add the device to Home Assistant using the integration feature.

What are the advantages of using Zigbee over Wi-Fi for smart plugs?

Zigbee offers several advantages over Wi-Fi for smart plugs. Firstly, Zigbee uses less power than Wi-Fi, which means that Zigbee devices can operate for longer periods of time on a single battery charge. Secondly, Zigbee uses a mesh network topology, which means that devices can communicate with each other even if they are not directly connected to the hub. This makes Zigbee more reliable than Wi-Fi for smart home applications.

What is the smallest Zigbee plug available?

The smallest Zigbee plug available is the Xiaomi Aqara Smart Plug Mini. This plug is only 42.5mm wide and 40mm high, making it one of the smallest smart plugs on the market. Despite its small size, the Xiaomi Aqara Smart Plug Mini is still capable of handling up to 10A of current.

Do I need a Zigbee hub to use Zigbee smart plugs?

Yes, you will need a Zigbee hub to use Zigbee smart plugs. Zigbee smart plugs communicate with the hub using the Zigbee protocol, which is not compatible with Wi-Fi or other wireless protocols. There are several Zigbee hubs available on the market, including the Philips Hue Bridge, the Samsung SmartThings Hub, and the Amazon Echo Plus.