D-Link's latest smart plug offering, the mydlink Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug DSP-W118 ($24.99), is the first we've seen from the company since we reviewed the DSP-W215 more than five years ago. It's a small single-socket plug that installs quickly and easily and can be controlled with the mydlink app. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, and supports IFTTT applets that allow it to work with other smart devices. But unlike our Editors' Choice, the $17.99 Samsung SmartThings Wifi Smart Plug, it doesn't tell you how much power you're using.
Design and Features
The DSP-W118 plug looks similar to the Amazon Smart Plug and the SmartThings model, both of which are relatively small, but at 1.4 by 2.7 by 1.2 inches (HWD), D-Link's is a bit smaller than both. The white platic enclosure holds a single three-prong outlet, a three-prong plug, a status LED, and a power button. The LED blinks amber during setup, glows green when the plug is powered on, blinks red when the plug has lost its connection, and is dark when it is powered off. Inside is a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio that connects to your home network.
You Can Trust Our ReviewsSince 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. (Read our editorial mission.)The plug supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands and works with third-party smart devices via IFTTT applets, but it doesn't offer the energy usage reports that you get with other smart plugs such as the ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 and the SmartThings. It also lacks support for the Apple HomeKit platform. However, you can use the app's Automations feature to have the plug interact with other D-Link smart devices such as cameras and sensors.
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At the bottom of the screen are buttons labeled Devices, One-Tap, Events & Video, and Settings. Tapping the Device button opens a screen with bubbles for each installed mydlink device category. Tap the Plug bubble to launch a screen with all of your installed smart plugs. Here you can tap any plug to turn it on and off, or tap the clock icon to set a countdown timer to turn the plug on and off. Tapping the gear icon takes you to a screen where you can rename the plug and its room location, edit Wi-Fi settings, update firmware, and remove the device.
The One-Tap button lets you create scenes to have multiple devices, such as smart plugs and sensors, react to a single tap. The Events & Video can be used to view video recorded by any installed D-Link cameras, and the Settings button opens a screen where you can create Automations and on/off schedules, add new devices, and edit account information.
Installation and Performance
To install the DSP-W118, you have to download the mydlink mobile app and create an account. Then simply plug in the device, wait a few seconds for the LED to blink amber, tap the three bars in the upper left corner, and then tap Add a Device.
Scan the setup code on the side of the plug when prompted, then use your phone's Wi-Fi settings to connect to the plug's SSID. Tap Next, select your home Wi-Fi SSID, enter your Wi-Fi password, and wait a few seconds for the plug to connect to your home network. Give the plug a name and a location (living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc.), and wait another few seconds for the settings to be saved and you're ready to go.
The plug performed flawlessly in testing. It responded instantly to on/off commands using the physical button, the in-app button, and Alexa voice commands. I created an IFTTT applet to have the plug turn on when an Arlo 3 camera detected motion and it worked perfectly. I then created an Automation to have the plug turn on when a D-Link DCS-8300LH camera detected sound, and this too worked as expected. It also followed my timed on/off schedules without issue.
Conclusions
Whether you're just testing the smart home waters or already have smart devices installed around your house, D-Link's DSP-W118 offers an easy way to control things like lamps, coffee makers, and other appliances with your voice or with your phone. Installation is simple and the mydlink mobile app makes it easy to create on/off schedules and Automations to make the plug work with other D-Link devices. And, with support for IFTTT, you can create applets to have the plug interact with third-party devices. That said, it doesn't tell you how much energy it is using. For that you'll need our Editors' Choice, the Samsung SmartThings Wifi Smart Plug.
3.5See It$24.99 at AmazonMSRP $24.99The D-Link DSP-W118 is a small single-outlet smart plug that you can control with your phone and voice. It works with other smart devices, but lacks energy usage reports.
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