A smart home is a dream for most tech enthusiasts. However, it’s hard to make all sockets and outlets smart, unless you build a new house and do the appropriate rewiring. Of course, you can use smart bulbs and plugs to achieve the desired goal, but the apparatus will not be as seamless. There is another workaround, though, to connect existing sockets to your network – that being via smart relay switches.
Relay switches are tiny circuits that can be connected to your existing switchboards. These smart Wi-Fi relay switches then interface with the internet and control the socket they’re connected to. Whether it’s a wall outlet, a light bulb, or your air conditioner, use any of the smart relays mentioned below to convert your house into a full-fledged smart home. But before that –
- Torn between smart plugs and smart outlets? Our dedicated smart plugs vs smart outlets comparison should help you decide.
- Want to connect more than one device to a smart outlet? Consider getting a smart power strip compatible with Google Home.
- If you’re on Team Echo, you can also get an Alexa-enabled smart power strip.
Difference Between Smart Relay Switches and Conventional Smart Sockets
A smart socket replaces your entire wall outlet. It requires more labor and costs more as well. A relay switch — on the other hand — is a tiny addition that needs to be wired to your existing wall outlet. It’s a cheaper and more efficient solution.
1. Colorock Remote Switch
Current: 10A
The Colorock smart relay switch is the most affordable option on the list. Despite that, the switch has a good array of features too. In fact, it’s the only switch on the list that can be operated via an included RF remote.
It’s quite smart of Colorock to include an RF remote with the switch since you won’t have to use your phone every time to control the switch. Of course, you can also connect the switch to your Wi-Fi network and control it via the app. With support for Alexa and Google Assistant, you can even use your voice to turn a device on or off.
Colorock’s app also allows you to set scenes and schedules. If you want to turn on your AC at 11 PM and turn it off automatically at 1 AM, you can simply program it in the app. As per reviews, the RF remote works flawlessly, but the Wi-Fi connection can be intermittent. So, pick Colorock’s option if you are going to predominately use the bundled remote.
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2. Rodot Wireless Smart Switch 2-Pack
Current: 16A
While the Colorock relay could only handle 10A of current, Rodot’s offering is rated for up to 16A. As a result, you can use the Rodot Wi-Fi smart home relay to power large appliances like water heaters and air conditioners.
While the Rodot smart switch misses out on the RF remote, it offers support for Samsung SmartThings. As such, if you have a bunch of IoT devices working with Samsung’s smart home ecosystem, the Rodot relay will fit right in.
The relay is also smaller in terms of the overall footprint compared to the Colorock smart switch. So, if you have a small switchboard or a single switch, you can opt for Rodot’s relay as well. And lest we forget, you get two switches in the box, which is excellent.
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3. Shelly 1 Plus Wi-Fi Switch
Current: 16A
Relay switches are often located behind concrete or wooden walls, which can lead to poor connectivity. However, reviews cite that the Shelly Wi-Fi switch is quite reliable and works flawlessly almost every single time.
The 1 Plus switch from Shelly is yet another 16A outlet converter for your home or office. The installation is rather simple, and as per the brand’s claims, you can retrofit the relay to your socket in under 10 minutes.
What’s more, Shelly’s app works seamlessly on both Android and iOS platforms. It even notifies users whenever a switch is turned on or off. Overall, the Shelly 1 Plus Wi-Fi Switch scores high in terms of dependability, making it a great addition to your smart home.
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4. Sonoff Wi-Fi Switch 3-Pack
Current: 10A
Sonoff is a popular brand in the IoT space. The company’s relay switches are reliable and quite affordable, too, considering the brand bundles three for the price of one.
The biggest advantage of the Sonoff Wi-Fi switch is that it syncs the controls to the cloud. As a result, you don’t always have to stay connected to the Wi-Fi network to operate the switch. Even if you’re not home, you can use your phone’s mobile data to make changes in the app.
Once you make the changes on your phone, they will be synced to the cloud and sent to the switch at home. If convenience is of utmost priority to you, the Sonoff switch will serve you well. Reviews also cite that the switch is quite reliable and easy to set up.
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5. Yitouniu Tuya WiFi Smart Switch Sensor
Current: 16A
Unlike any other smart relay mentioned above, the Yitouniu Wi-Fi smart switch has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, which opens up a ton of opportunities for automating your home.
With the help of the onboard temperature sensor, you can automate when to turn your AC on or off. For example, you can set your AC to turn on automatically when the temperature crosses 85 degrees. And once the temperature comes down to around 65 degrees, the AC will automatically shut off to save power.
Now that’s extremely useful and would generally require a smart plug along with a sophisticated smart home hub with a built-in temperature sensor like the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen. Needless to say, the switch is chockablock with features. It can even be used to set up schedules or invoke the voice assistant to perform tasks via voice commands.
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FAQs for Smart Relay Switches
Yes, just attach a relay switch behind your fan’s switchboard, and you’re good to go. However, you can control the fan speed remotely.
Relay switches are absolutely safe as they don’t make any changes to your house’s electrical wiring. They’re simple attachments that break or connect a circuit based on your command.
If you have no experience with electric wiring, it’s wise to get a professional to install the smart relay for you.
Make Your Home Smarter
Whether it’s a simple light bulb in your bedroom or multiple charging points in your office, you can make all of them smarter using Wi-Fi relay switches. And the best part is they can be retrofitted into existing sockets, so they take up very less time and effort. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the best smart relay switch based on your preferences and make your home smarter!
Last updated on 26 July, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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