Smart Plug, WiFi Outlet IrisCargo Mini Plug Works with Amazon Alexa (Echo,Echo Dot), Google Home, Wireless Socket Remote Control Timer Plug Switch Compatible iOS/Android, No Hub Required

I wanted to be able to control a light with Alexa but didn't want to 'faff' around installing some sort of home nub. I also didn't want to spend more than £15 on the controlling device. A quick look around and I found the IrisCargo Smart Plug Mini WiFi Plug. There were cheaper devices but the IrisCargo seemed to have better reviews.When it arrived, I was a bit taken aback by the brevity of the instructions and tiny font used.So, in case it is of help, here are the steps I took to get the device working. If this is not of interest, please skip the next few paragraphs of the review.First, download the efamilycloud (all one word) App. Before you launch it, make sure you are connected to a 2.4GHz WiFi network. Many WiFi routers now support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands but the 'IrisCargo' only supports 2.4Ghz.Next launch the emailycloud App and you will be prompted to create an account.Next reset the 'IrisCargo'. This is done by turning it on, wait 10 seconds then power off. Next hold down the button on the 'IrisCargo' and while holding it, turn the power on.Stay like this for 5 seconds and then release the button. There should be a pale blue light flashing in the top left front of the 'IrisCargo'. Be warned though, it is difficult to see.Next go to the emailycloud App and choose the 'Add Device' option.From here, it was fairly straightforward but you will need to put in your WiFi password. I chose the 'plug' option but I renamed it to 'Clock' as the light was being used to light up a Grandfather clock.After that, it just worked and I also noticed that once the setup was complete, it didn't matter whether my iPad was connected to a 5GHz or 2.4GHz network.If you want to use Alexa, you will first need to download and enable the 'efamilycloud' Skill. After that, you just follow the instructions in the Alexa App to add a new device.It is early days but so far everything is working perfectly. I set up a schedule to turn the light on a specific time and another to turn it off again. If I was to nitpick, then the scheduler should have an 'every day' option. You can do every day but you have to manually select each day of the week under the 'Repeat' setting. It isn't a big deal but seems an obvious oversight.It is also very small (which is a good thing); in terms of width & height , about the same size as a 13A plug.Overall, I like this socket (so far). I would have given it 5 stars were it not for the documentation. A device like this really needs to guide the first time user through the setup in simple steps. Once you have done itonce, it is very straight forward but when you first open the box, everything seems a bit daunting.As always, if I encounter any problems, I will update this review.

This hubless low profile smart plug is a great addition to my eFamily smart home ecosystem.Even if you've never set up or used a smart device you'll find that installing this device a breeze, which includes downloading your app of choice (eFamily, Smart Life or Tuya) or using the QR to download the one recommended by the manufacturers, making them plug discoverable and connecting it to your home network. Once set up you'll have access to all the functionality you've come to expect from a smart plug, like scheduling, timer, automated actions and groupped actions. Indeed, this plug is just the ticket to make the most mundane electronic device that little bit smarter.Being low profile means that I am not restricted as to the location I use the plug. I currently use this plug with the timer function when charger items like electric toothbrush, battery charger and mobile phone charger to ensure that the power is switched off, giving me peace of mind to know that the device is not being over charged and thereby preserve the battery life.Thus if I know my phone takes an hour to charge I can set the timer to switch the plug after the allotted time.Having multiple hubless devices controlled via the same app means I can group devices to operate in unison or use automation to create triggers for when the devices are activated.Pro+ Compact+ Works with Tuya, eFamily or Smart Life app+ Compatible with both Alexa and Google+ Has IFTTT integration+ easy to set up and use+ HublessCons- Font used for the logoAs with other smart device reviews from this family of products, I've been also been consistently impressed at just how responsive, intuitive and user friendly these are and just how easily it integrates into the eFamily ecosystem.The only real minor fault for me is Comic Sans style font used for the branding, but this is a personal thing and certainly not something which would be a deal breaker as the logo doesn't effect performance or something I see when in use.As always there is a lot of competition out there and whilst I'm more than satisfied with the IrisCargo smart plug I always recommend comparing prices and functionality of seemingly similar pieces of tech to get the most competitive price.

The media could not be loaded.  I am quite tech savvy, and these took me about an hour and multiple attempts to set up. These plugs only work on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi range. Most devices are clever enough to switch between 2.4 and 5, so both frequencies are broadcast over the wifi signal. But these plugs cannot do that, and need only 2.4. I have a BT Home Hub which outputs both frequencies on it's signal. So I had to go into the router settings to broadcast a 2.4GHz signal and a 5Hz signal. This should have solved the issue but it didn't. I further played with the settings and found that by setting 2.4GHz signal to WiFi Mode 2 (it was Mode 3) the plugs suddenly worked. I have no idea what the difference between mode 2 and 3 are and I haven't noticed any difference in performance of other wifi devices.Connectivity problems aside. These are great. I use them with Alexa and they function perfectly. I have them linked up to light. I have an LED light strip plugged into them, a much cheaper alternative to Phillips Hue LED strips. They can easily be controlled via the standalone app, or the Alexa app.

After scratching my head for almost 15 mins as to why I couldn’t connect my phone to the plugs to set them up, I realised my phone was on the 5Ghz band of my Wi-fi (Virgin media with both 2.4 and 5 as the same name and password) after disabling the 5Ghz to set up these work great.I still can’t see them on my phone after turning the 5Ghz network back on, but my google home mini can talk to them which is what I was after.The instruction leaflet in the box only tells you how to set them up with Alexa, but the manual online shows google home too.A little confusing but great once they are setup.