Difference between WeMo Belkin Switch and WeMo Insight Switch

Belkin WeMo’s SmartHome product line lets you turn just about anything into a smart device. But if you’re not sure what the difference is between WeMo Switch and WeMo Insight Switch, here’s what you need to know.

CONNECTED: How to set up Belkin WeMo Switch

Belkin first introduced the WeMo Switch a few years ago, and some time later released the WeMo Insight Switch. You might be wondering if the Insight Switch is a replacement for the regular WeMo Switch, or if it’s a brand new product that complements Belkin’s original offering.

In a nutshell, the WeMo Insight Switch isn’t necessarily an official replacement for the original WeMo Switch (since Belkin still sells both), but it’s also not exactly a new product. You could look at the WeMo Insight Switch as version 2.0 of the original WeMo Switch.

similarity

Both the WeMo Switch and WeMo Insight Switch consist of a smart plug, which means they can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, and you can control everything plugged into the plugs from your smartphone.

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In addition, both switches are equipped with a small set of automation features, such as scheduling different times at which the switches can automatically turn on and off, and setting countdown timers.

Unfortunately, that’s all the original WeMo Switch is capable of, and that’s where the similarities between the two devices end. However, the $40 price tag of the original WeMo Switch can be tempting, and that makes it the cheaper of the two, as the WeMo Insight Switch costs $10 more.

Differences

It’s not hard to tell the difference between the original WeMo Switch and the WeMo Insight Switch, even without using them. The latest device is much smaller and uses a touch button instead of the physical button on the original switch. The regular WeMo Switch is a pretty hefty device. (Although as long as you plug it into the top outlet, neither the WeMo Switch nor the WeMo Insight Switch will block access to your second outlet.)

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However, the biggest difference in functionality is that the WeMo Insight Switch is equipped with an energy monitoring feature. It can tell you how much power you’re using from what you’ve plugged in, and it can even tell you how much it’s costing you based on your electric company’s energy level.

In the WeMo app, the original WeMo switch will only display a power button that can be turned on and off, while the WeMo Insight switch will display a small LED next to the power button, as well as a small down arrow.

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When you tap on WeMo Insight Switch in the WeMo app, it brings up power consumption monitoring, showing you, for example, when the switch was last turned on, how long it ran during the day, how much money your device is using, and it even shows you the power that goes through.

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You can also set up notifications to alert you whenever the Insight Switch detects power, so if you ever accidentally leave the heater on, you can be notified and disable the switch remotely from your phone.

Which one should you buy?

When it comes to choosing which WeMo Switch to buy, they’ll both work great if you just want a simple on/off feature on your smartphone, as well as some simple automation features.

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However, you’ll definitely want to get the WeMo Insight Switch if you’re curious about how much power your devices are using. Depending on how useful it is, he may end up paying for the extra $10.

What’s more, the WeMo Insight Switch features a newer design, making it smaller and sleeker than the original WeMo Switch. So even if you don’t need power management, having this new design can be a plus, especially if you’re going to connect the switch to a surge protector and need to save space to make room for other electronics.