Collection: TCP Smart Plug Review: Affordable, But Is It Reliable?
The TCP Smart Plug: My Love-Hate Relationship
Okay, folks, let's talk about the TCP Smart Plug. This little guy has been a fixture in my smart home for a while now, and I've got to say, it's a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
The Good, the Bad, and the "Wait, What?"
First, let's get the good stuff out of the way. This plug is ridiculously affordable. You can snag one for less than a fancy coffee at your local hipster joint. And for that price, it packs a punch. You can control it with your phone, set schedules, and even use it with Alexa or Google Assistant. Pretty impressive for a little guy, right?
The Good
- Price: Seriously, it's a steal.
- App Control: The TCP Smart Plug app is surprisingly user-friendly. You can turn things on and off, set timers, and even monitor energy usage.
- Voice Control: Works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can tell your smart speaker to turn on your lamp, and it'll do it without a fuss.
The Bad
But here's where things get a little dicey. The TCP Smart Plug has a few quirks that can be frustrating. First, the setup process can be a bit of a pain. You'll need to download the app, connect to the plug's Wi-Fi network, and then reconnect to your home network. It's not exactly rocket science, but it can be a bit confusing for tech newbies.
And then there's the issue of connectivity. Sometimes, the plug just decides to disconnect from the Wi-Fi. It's like it's playing a game of hide-and-seek with my internet connection. I've had to reset it a few times, which involves holding down the button for a few seconds. It's not a big deal, but it's definitely annoying.
The "Wait, What?"
The most bizarre thing about this plug is that it sometimes seems to have a mind of its own. I've had instances where I've turned it off in the app, but it's still on. Or I've turned it on, but it's still off. It's like it's playing a game of "I'm not listening" with me.
The Verdict
So, is the TCP Smart Plug worth it? Honestly, it depends. If you're on a budget and you're looking for a basic smart plug that gets the job done, then this is a great option. But if you're looking for something more reliable and user-friendly, you might want to consider other options.
I'm still using my TCP Smart Plug, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't decide to play any more mind games with me.
Tips for TCP Smart Plug Users
- TCP Smart Plug Setup: Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and that you're following the instructions in the app carefully.
- TCP Smart Plug App: The app is pretty basic, but it does the job. You can find a link to the app in the user manual or on the TCP website.
- TCP Smart Plug Alexa: You'll need to enable the TCP Smart Plug skill in the Alexa app. Once you've done that, you can control your plug with voice commands.
- TCP Smart Plug Change Wifi: You can change the Wi-Fi network that your plug is connected to in the app. Just go to the settings menu and select "Change Wi-Fi Network."
- TCP Smart Plug Reset: If your plug is acting up, you can reset it by holding down the button for a few seconds. This will erase all of your settings, so make sure you back them up first.
And remember, if you're ever feeling frustrated with your TCP Smart Plug, just take a deep breath and remember that it's just a little plug. It's not the end of the world if it doesn't work perfectly.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on my TCP Smart Plug and make sure it's not plotting against me.