Make your life easier by installing lights that automatically turn on when you walk into the room.
Ecobee Switch+ is not simply another Alexa-compatible smart switch but like the Brilliant All-in-One Smart Home Control, has Amazon's voice assistant built-in.
It’s also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThing and a wide range of IFTTT devices as well so don’t feel as though you have to buy an Amazon Echo or Dot.
The best part is you don’t need other smart assistants to control 3rd-party smart devices like most other IFTTT smart switches. The Ecobee switch+ can answer questions, play music and much more. It also has a motion detector and ambient light settings.
In all honesty, the only shortcomings are it doesn’t work with the 3-way switch set up or act as an external temperature sensor for Ecobee thermostats - yet. New software may resolve outstanding issues soon.
Ecobee Switch+ is a pretty sleek design and comfortably blends in with the decor of most modern style homes. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll intuitively figure out how to use it.
There are mixed reviews about the quality of its mic. Some commands are not picked up unless you’re closer to the hub.
Installation is not very complicated. You will need a neutral wire though. Check out the video below for guidance.
Ecobee Switch Plus motion sensors turn the lights on automatically when it detects someone enters the room. Then they go off once the room is empty for a few moments. This feature is optional - together with outdoor light settings. You can time the switch to turn on automatically at sunset and activate a little nightlight at the bottom of the switch to start glowing whenever the room is dark.
Ecobee's app currently doesn't offer a mechanism for scheduling beyond the sunset mode. You can easily schedule other automated settings using IFTTT though which is a bit odd. Considering turning your lights on and off at a pre-set time is considered a smart lighting basic, it’s bemusing the Ecobee Switch+ does have that option.
With a price tag just shy of £50 from eBay, the Ecobee Switch+ looks like a real bargain compared to other IFTTT smart switches - some of which are hovering around the £200 price point.
It’s ‘beyond smart lighting’ functionality which supports a raft of 3rd-party smart devices make the Ecobee Switch+ smart switch a highly useful gadget to operate your home from a central source. And with the built-in Alexa, you can practically run your smart home with voice commands.
