The U-tec Smart Plug ($10.99) is a Wi-Fi-enabled single outlet plug that supports the Alexa, Google, and SmartThings home automation platforms and works with numerous third-party smart home devices via IFTTT applets. This affordable smart plug also seamlessly integrates with and serves as a Wi-Fi extender for other U-tec products, including the brand’s award-winning line of Ultraloq smart locks. That said, it doesn’t offer energy reports, nor does it support Apple HomeKit or Matter, features you’ll get with our Editors’ Choice winner for smart plugs, the TP-Link Kasa Smart KP125M ($39.99 for a pack of two).
Design and Features: Smarten Small Home Appliances
The U-tec Smart Plug is a white single-outlet plug that measures 1.4 by 2.4 by 2.4 inches (HWD). It’s small enough that it won’t block access to the second outlet in a two-outlet receptacle. It has a three-prong outlet, a power button, and an LED indicator on its face, and around back is a three-prong plug. The LED shines solid blue when the plug is powered on and connected to the app, solid green when it is powered on but not connected to the app, flashes green during setup, and flashes red and green when child mode is enabled. Child mode disables the power button so the plug can only be turned on or off via the app.
(Credit: U-tec)
The plug has a 15-amp power rating, which means it can be used with most small home appliances such as lamps, coffee makers, and fans. However, it is not recommended for use with larger appliances such as air conditioners and heaters. Under the hood are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) radios for connecting the plug to your phone and home internet network. The plug uses U-tec’s Wi-Fi Mesh technology to serve as a Wi-Fi extender for other U-tec devices, such as cameras, locks, and smart bulbs.
The U-tec plug works with the Alexa, Google, and SmartThings home automation platforms and integrates with scores of third-party devices via IFTTT applets. However, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or support the Matter connectivity standard like the more expensive TP-Link Kasa KP125M.
U-tec’s plug uses the same U home mobile app (available for Android and iOS) as other devices from the brand. It appears along with any other installed devices on the My Device screen in a panel that shows the name of the plug and its status (on/off). When you tap the panel, it opens a screen with a power button that is blue when the plug is on and black when it is off. At the bottom of the screen are Schedule, Timer, and Runtime buttons. The Schedule button lets you create on and off schedules for each day of the week, and the Timer button lets you set a timer (up to 11 hours and 59 minutes) to turn the plug on or off. The Runtime button opens a screen where you can view daily, weekly, and monthly running time totals, but you don’t get any power usage statistics as you do with the TP-Link Kasa KP125M plug.
(Credit: U-tec/PCMag)
You can access the plug’s settings by tapping the gear icon in the upper right corner. Here, you can view your unit’s serial number and firmware information, turn the LED light on and off, configure Wi-Fi, and enable Away mode, which turns the plug on and off at random intervals to make it look like somebody is home while you’re out.
Installation and Performance: Simple and Reliable
Installation couldn’t be easier. Start by downloading the mobile app and creating an account. Tap the plus icon in the upper right corner of the My Devices screen, select Add device, then Plugs. Select the Smart Plug, follow the instructions to plug it into a receptacle, and verify that the LED is flashing blue. The app will prompt you to assign the plug a location (room), and you can optionally add it to a device group. Next, follow the location tips for optimal Wi-Fi extender functionality (around 50 feet from each device). Finally, tap Next and enter your Wi-Fi credentials to add the plug to your U-tec and Alexa device lists.
The U-tec plug worked well in testing. It instantly responded to app and voice commands to turn on and off, and the manual power button was equally responsive. I created an automation in the U home app to have the plug turn off when an Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint was locked and it worked as intended. My Alexa routine to have the plug turn on when a Eufy Floodlight detected motion also worked like a charm. The plug had no trouble adhering to my on and off schedules.
Verdict: A Powerful Plug
The U-tec Smart Plug offers an affordable way to turn lamps, coffee makers, and other small appliances into smart devices you can control with your phone or your voice. It’s a snap to install and works with most smart home automation platforms, and at $10.99, it’s an excellent value. If you need to know how much power your appliances are drawing, however, we recommend the TP-Link Kasa KP125M. The KP125M also adds HomeKit and Matter integrations and can often be found on sale for less than $30 for a two-pack, so it remains our Editors’ Choice for smart plugs.
The Bottom Line
The U-tec Smart Plug is an affordable Wi-Fi-enabled plug that works with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT, and can serve as a range extender for the company’s other smart home devices.
Like What You’re Reading?
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links.
By clicking the button, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our
Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy.
You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
About John R. Delaney
Contributing Editor
