Best Smart Power Strips Under $50 for Your Office: Anker vs. Tapo

Power management in your office doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With smart power strips, you can save energy, monitor device usage, and maintain a clean workspace. In this budget guide, this guide compares the Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug and the Tapo C135 Smart Plug, both under $50, examining what each product offers and which one might be right for you.

Overview: Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug

Product Details

• Display: 1-inch color display
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Price: $45
• Key Features:
• Energy monitoring and usage tracking
• Voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa
• Timers and scheduling for each outlet

Product Details

• Display: No display
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Price: $40
• Key Features:
• Energy monitoring
• Scheduling and timed shutdowns

Setup Experience: Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug

Setting up the Anker Power Line+ was relatively straightforward. After plugging it in, you downloaded the Anker Home app from the App Store and followed a brief on-screen wizard to complete the initial setup. The process took about 15 minutes, which included connecting through Wi-Fi and adding outlets. Once set up, you could control each outlet individually via voice commands or directly through the app.

Daily Use Experience: Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug

Scenario 1: Morning Commute

In the morning, as you prepare for work, you use the Anker Power Line+ to power and schedule the coffee maker. By setting a timer in the app, it ensures that the coffee is brewing by the time you leave for the office. This saves you from having to manually turn on the kettle each day.

Scenario 2: Evening Routine

In the evening, you use the Anker Power Line+ to monitor and shut down devices not being used overnight. The energy monitoring feature helps you identify which devices are still drawing power even when they’re turned off. This has led to noticeable reductions in the utility bills over time.

Daily Use Experience: Tapo C135 Smart Plug

Scenario 1: Office Setup

Setting up the Tapo C135 was similarly simple but took slightly longer due to its manual configuration process. After plugging it in, you accessed the Tapo Home app on the smartphone and followed a series of steps to complete setup, including connecting via Wi-Fi. The entire process took about 20 minutes.

Scenario 2: Late-Night Work

Late at night when working from home, you use the Tapo C135 to control the desk lamps scheduling. With just a few taps on the app, it ensures that the light turns off after a set amount of time, preventing wasted energy and potential eye strain.

What Competitors Do Better

Ecobee Smart Plug

While both Anker and Tapo offer solid smart power strip solutions, the Ecobee Smart Plug takes the lead in terms of advanced features. It supports remote management via Wi-Fi and Zigbee, making it more versatile for home automation systems that already integrate with Ecobees ecosystem.

TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug offers a similar price point but includes additional smart home integrations through the Hubitat Elevation platform. For those looking to expand their smart home network, this might earn its price tag as it provides more flexibility in future upgrades.

Pros and Cons: Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug

Pros

• Energy Monitoring: Real-time data on device usage helps identify energy hogs.
• Voice Control: Integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa for hands-free control.
• Timers and Scheduling: Precise timing to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

Cons

• Higher Price: $45 compared to Tapos $40, making it slightly pricier.
• Display: A 1-inch color display might be less useful for those without a need for detailed energy insights.

Pros and Cons: Tapo C135 Smart Plug

Pros

• Affordability: At $40, the Tapo C135 offers more bang for your buck.
• No Display Needed: Simplifies setup and reduces cost without sacrificing functionality.

Cons

• Limited Features: No voice control or advanced scheduling options.
• Energy Monitoring: Basic energy monitoring lacks detailed insights.

Which One to Buy

FAQ

Q1: What is the main difference between Anker Power Line+ and Tapo C135? The Anker Power Line+ includes a 1-inch color display, advanced energy monitoring, and voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa. In contrast, the Tapo C135 has no display but offers basic scheduling and energy tracking at a lower price.

Q2: How to connect both Anker and Tapo smart plugs to the Wi-Fi? Both devices require you to download their respective apps from the App Store or Play Store and follow on-screen instructions to connect them to your home network. The setup process is generally straightforward, taking about 15-20 minutes for each.

Q3: Can you use both Anker Power Line+ and Tapo C135 with Alexa? Yes, you can integrate both devices with Amazons Alexa using the respective apps or directly through voice commands if they are compatible. However, the Anker Power Line+ has built-in support for Google Assistant as well.

The Verdict

• If you value advanced features like detailed energy monitoring and integrated voice control, go with the Anker Power Line+ Smart Plug.
• For a more affordable solution that still offers smart power management, the Tapo C135 Smart Plug is a practical pick.

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