Belkin WeMo Insight Switch

The cross-platform power option

> £35 > FROM Belkin, belkin.co.uk > FEATURES Wi-Fi, apps for Android 4.1 and iOS 8 or higher

Design & features

Belkin’s offering is bulkier but compensates with rounded corners and slightly tapered sides. The large status light on top doubles as a manual on/off switch. Like Eve Energy, it sticks out just over 5cm from a wall socket.

Getting started

As Belkin’s device isn’t HomeKit-compatible, you have to use its WeMo app. This has the advantage of ensuring you can’t miss any firmware update that’s available. However, the process is a bit fiddlier as you must join the device’s temporary Wi-Fi network to connect it to your own.

Ease of use

Usefully, both devices click as you switch them on or off. The WeMo app shows today’s cost, a per-month estimate, and per-day averages of time turned on and energy usage. Vexingly, neither app addresses on- and off-peak rates.

Connectivity

Insight doesn’t work with HomeKit and iOS 10’s Home app, but the WeMo app connects it to ifttt.com and Nest’s Thermostat for automation, and gives remote access via Belkin’s server. Insight’s maximum load is 1800W (15A).