Customers are pleased with the easy setup, power metering capabilities, and compatibility with various smart home platforms such as Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home. The affordable price point is also a positive factor. However, some users have experienced connectivity issues, encountered problems with the app, and noticed a slow response time in certain instances.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 290 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Bought 3, had to return/exchange 2 of them
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The third on that I tried worked great no problems at all. Now for the first and second plugs I need to return/exchange. When I tried adding the first two devices all I got was a registration error (which I uploaded a picture of) this is all I got when I was trying to add both devices to the app. I tried with 3 different android devices (Galaxy s5, Galaxy s8+, and Samsung Tab 3) and 1 first generation Ipad mini (I couldn't find the the app in the ios app store and even searched it and came up with no results), so I was unable to try it with my Ipad. I called the help number that is provided by the app from one of my android devices, but was told to take it to geek squad or return/exchange it by the person on the phone. I also asked what to do if this were to happen again and he told me to return them again and try again if I still had a problem. P.S. I asked the guy on the phone if this was happening a lot, he replied with I was the second person to call and talk to him about that issue that day.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Horrible App Renders Good Hardware Useless
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this plug and the other model without the power meter. I'll break this down into a few sections to make reading simple.
App Installation:
The app installation requires going through the web site listed in the instructions. You cannot simply search for the app on either the Apple Store nor the Google Play store (if you can, the search results yielded nothing). Once installed the app requires that you sign in using your BestBuy.com account. I get it, but it should be linked to a completely separate account in my opinion.
Once installed, the instructions are simple enough. Follow the app's instructions by plugging in the outlet, the light on the front will be flashing green. The app detects the local network broadcast by the plug, connects to the plug and then uses the plugs WiFi to locate nearby networks. You choose your network, plug in the password, and it should connect. That's where things get hairy.
I never got either plug to work on the Android OS. It was attempted with both a Galaxy Edge 7 and a Moto G5 Plus (latest OS version at the time of this writing). On the iPad running the latest OS, I did get the first (non-metered plug) to connect. I never have gotten the metered plug to work. Tapping "Next" during the setup on the iPad yields nothing. The app simply doesn't move forward at all, almost as if you didn't click "Next."
I've included photos of the errors from the Android OS. It seems this issue has been around for quite some time and is still a major problem. If the app fails to "setup" the plug, then the plug is absolutely useless. The really dumb part is that it's actually ON my network. I can see it on the network, but there's no way to bypass the app setup portion, and you must start the setup process all over again.
For those in the IT field or with some networking knowledge, yes, I tried to open the IP of the adapter in a browser to complete the setup, but there doesn't appear to be a web GUI for that type of setup like there would be on a router or access point. The snip of the screen below shows their IP addresses on the network (blacked out the network name, MAC address, and the portion of the device name containing the MAC address for security purposes).
Hardware:
The hardware itself seems solid. If you can get the device connected, it works quite well via the app as well as using Alexa. Setting up with the Alexa app was easy. You just add the Insignia Connect skill to Alexa, connect your BestBuy.com account that you used when setting up the device, and you're off and running.
Final Verdict:
The hardware itself I would give a 4 star rating. Unfortunately, the hardware is useless if the setup cannot be completed. Ergo, I've elected to give this an single star. Hopefully, Insignia will step up and fix this app issue. If there was simply an option to scan your network for a device that either A) hasn't completed the setup or B) you want to change the settings on, then this whole issue would be resolved.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Beginner Product
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I decided to try this product for one reason: turning my bedroom lamp on was becoming a trip hazard. I was shocked at how simple the setup was. I love that this product doesn't require a hub and is easily controlled with the Insignia Connect app. I can't wait to get a few more of these! I may even get the Insignia smart wall switches!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great on multiple platforms
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This little powerhouse comes with the convenience of power monitoring as well as support for multiple smart home platforms. It perfectly coexists amongst Siri and Google in this household. Enter in your cost per kWh and it reports just how much that electric bill is going to hurt in relation to whatever device is connected to it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Compatibility, Power metering, Price
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent, Simple Smart Plug
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For someone simply looking to turn a lamp on or off or set it on a timer, these are perfect. I don't use the power monitoring feature too much personally, but I do use them with my Echos. I purchased these as an upgrade to the previous Insignia Smart plugs, which also are great, but these work with Apple Homekit as well. I use them for my Christmas lights to be able to set them on a schedule, or turn them on or off as I choose. Great little plugs for the price!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Compatibility, Ease of use, Price
Cons mentioned:
App
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great Programmable Outlet
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Very easy setup. Full year programmable and works with HomeKit. Completely compatible with Alexa. The app needs a redesign. It is not as functional as the other apps. Great price and I will buy more.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Creating schedules in the app is confusing
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I currently have three of these smart plugs in use and all work great. They were set up in the Insignia Connect app without issue and synced with Google Home. If you're using these purely for voice commands or to just turn them on and off through the app, they work perfectly fine. If you're getting them to set automatic timers, though, it can get a little confusing.
I created the schedules in the app, but for whatever reason, the schedules start and end an hour before they're supposed to. I'm not sure if it's because of the time zone I live in (EST) or what. If you create the schedules knowing they're going to be an hour off, then they work perfectly fine, but setting schedules should be more straightforward than this.
If you look at the attached images, you can see the times the schedule runs, and the "off since" time will be an hour off from the scheduled end time.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Power metering
Cons mentioned:
App, Pairing
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Useful and convenient
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The plug works very well with my home automation setup to turn appliances on and off (christmas lights, in my case). It can even tell you how much power a device has consumed, which is a very nice addition. The app leaves a bit to be desired, though, and initial pairing was difficult (took several tries).
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
App, Setup
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Mostly Works
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The product itself works fine. Is a little finicky to set up the first time and the app is pretty bad. The redeeming quality is the apple Home compatibility. If you have an Apple TV, 4th gen, you can do all your automation through that.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Connectivity
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good device for price.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Decent for price however I do find them glitchy, but I also spent short money compared to others and will keep them in hopes updates improve them. I’ve had these for few months now and this is my experiences.
They will lose connection for a day or two but come back online on own. A couple of times I’ve had to reset them. Most of time Alexa can control them and other times I have to use the insignia app or ihome app to get them to respond when Alexa can’t. Yes insignia app has lost connection yet could use ihome or Alexa! Things like scheduling something on/off on specific days/times seems to take a day for it to get in sync. Even when it does if you go to say adjust the time sometimes that schedule is gone, yet device turns on/off. However if I adjust the time or add something it doesn’t work instantly but give it a day or two seems to work!
For short money they do work not sure I’d rely on them 100% to turn something important on/off if not home. Be nice if could. Considering the cost to others I’m keeping them and dealing with them...in hopes updates will eventually fix as well.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Compatibility
Cons mentioned:
Pairing
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Worked after some trial
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So setup with the Insignia app was fine. However, pairing with the Alexa app on the iPhone was a headache. It would not show up when trying to find new devices, and then after giving up it randomly appeared. On the plus side, it works with HomeKit, unlike the Wemo.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
App, Setup
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
It works but barely
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Network WiFi issues keep this not working well for me . It didn’t stay connected to my WiFi . I changed router modem and replaced it and still have issues . Ugh
Anyway it takes forever to set up . The app is basic and is okay .
I use this for my lights in my living room. Sometimes the app will work but not HomeKit stuff and sometimes vice verse . Ugh . Sometimes it does work properly. I give up . I will return this for a second time and not repurchase it . Several times in the morning the lights are on but they should be off and nobody turned them on .
Maybe my local home has too much WiFi interference but still it is subpar. It’s a cheap smart device for a reason , it barely works.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Cons mentioned:
Setup
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great smart plug for a beginner.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Works perfect with your phone and is easy to use once its setup on your phone. I gave it a 4 star only because the initial setup was not working took a couple times to finally get it connected. Since then it has worked perfect and didn't have a problem moving it around the house after it was firs t connected.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Compatibility, Ease of use
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Works as intended
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It works when I want to turn the light on or off when I'm away. I was also able to get it connected to my google home, so that I can tell google to turn on/off the lights. However, the scheduled times do not work. Will need some help troubleshooting that.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Connectivity, Setup
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Zero Stars If The Option Existed
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Initial setup following directions explicitly (even watched YouTube setup video) took nearly 30 minutes. On a 1Gb 3 channel network. Alexa never disconnects from WiFi but Insignia does every week or two. The outlet is only 11 feet from my Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 router. Insignia app shows outlet not online. Step one: ensure mobile phone is on 2.4 Ghz WiFi channel, CHECK! Step two: unplug outlet and plug it back in. WAIT! Meter light stays blinking. Step three: Reset connection. Remove registered device from mobile app, Add new device, select correct outlet from app menu, Then Unplug outlet, hold button and plug back in holding button until you hear/feel click. Wait a moment, then click ready to pair. The 2.4 Ghz WiFi signal on phone is dropped every time the insignia attempts to connect and give an error message, no WiFi network. Click okay on the error message and the phones WiFi signal comes right back. After fighting with this thing and going through this process of having to completely deregister the outlet from the app and reinput the MAC address, redo setup, for the umpteenth time...I'm done with insignia wireless technologies for good. IF YOU BUY THIS KEEP YOUR HAMMERS FAR OUT OF REACH, you will want to smash it in order to save the next poor soul from the agony.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Connectivity, Setup
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Difficulty With Setup
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wanted another smart plug and thought this was an affordable option. Unfortunately, it was very frustrating to setup via the app, Homekit, and Echo. I spent two hours trying to get this thing to work. I think it is important to mention that I had to be on the 2.4 GHz setting (not 5). Also, I synced the device via the Connect app which helped connecting to Echo. I finally got it working. I just hope it doesn’t lose connection or I’m in trouble.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Mixed feelings.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Recently began automating home and got these due to being slightly cheaper than other brands on market. I’m happy with them but they do require the Best Buy server to work. Have had a few occasion where my internet was fine but the server had issues. I will probably go with more expensive brands in the future. For entry into home automation I would recommend these but know that you will probably upgrade down the road.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Compatibility
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Nice gadget
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This allowed me to be able to hook up my Google lamps. There was no touching just speaking. Nice little gadget to have
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Power metering
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for indoor Christmas lights!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Set up was a little confusing at first, but I eventually figured it out within a few minutes. The app is easy to navigate. I connected this to my Amazon Echo Dot and whatever you name it, you just tell Alexa to turn it on or off. We connected our Christmas tree, window lights, and mini villiage all to it so everything pops on at once when we ask Alexa! Got this for a great price on Black Friday.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price
Cons mentioned:
Connectivity
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good product
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Works well. Occassionally loses connection with Insignia Connect app & WiFi, but overall okay considering the price.