Unboxing and Specifications

The Aqara H2 UK Smart Wall Outlet is available in two variants: one with a single 20W USB-C port and the model I tested, which features two USB-C ports with a shared 30W output. In the box, you’ll find the socket itself, a spacer to accommodate its deeper profile compared to a standard socket, and the instruction manual.

The core specification is its dual-protocol support. The Aqara H2 can operate in either Thread (via Matter) or Zigbee mode. This flexibility is a major strength:

• Zigbee Mode: Requires an Aqara Hub, like the Aqara Hub M3, and unlocks the power monitoring feature within the Aqara app.
• Thread/Matter Mode: Allows the outlet to connect via any Matter-compatible border router (e.g., Apple HomePod Mini, Google Nest Hub). In this mode, it also acts as a Thread mesh extender. Matter ensures compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant.

Each of the two AC outlets can be controlled independently via the app. The integrated push buttons provide manual control, with indicator lights that can be disabled in settings—ideal for bedrooms. Note: The USB-C ports’ on/off function is not exposed to third-party platforms like Apple Home.

Installation and Setup Process

Critical Safety Note: Installing a wall outlet involves working with mains electricity. If you are not a qualified professional, you must hire a certified electrician. I opted for professional installation due to the complex wiring in my kitchen, which ensured a safe and tidy finish.

Once installed, setup is straightforward:

1. Open the Aqara app and tap the ‘+’ to add a device.
2. Scan the QR code located behind the removable front faceplate or select the device from the list.
3. Choose your preferred connectivity mode: Thread or Zigbee.
4. If using Thread/Matter, add the outlet to your ecosystem of choice (e.g., Apple Home) via the Matter pairing code.

With my Aqara Hub M3, pairing in Zigbee mode was instantaneous, bringing power monitoring data directly into the Aqara app.

Daily Use and Performance

The Aqara H2 excels in daily use. Automations—whether based on time, presence sensors, or geofencing—execute reliably and instantly. You can create these automations within the Aqara app or your smart home platform of choice. I prefer using Apple Home for household-wide automations to avoid requiring others to install specialist apps.

The physical buttons offer satisfying tactile feedback. The USB-C ports deliver solid performance for charging everyday devices, though it’s important to remember the 30W power budget is shared when both ports are in use.

The power monitoring in Zigbee mode is accurate, though it may be a niche feature for most users. Its true value lies in the seamless, permanent smart upgrade it provides to any room, eliminating the need for bulky plug-in adapters.

Considerations and Verdict

No product is perfect, and the Aqara H2 has two minor limitations. First, the inability to control the USB ports separately in Apple Home is a missed opportunity. Second, the shared 30W output between the two USB-C ports means you can’t fully power a high-wattage device like a HomePod Mini while using the other port at full capacity—a common compromise in multi-port chargers.

So, what’s the final verdict? The Aqara H2 UK Smart Wall Outlet is a premium, reliable, and highly capable smart home upgrade. It successfully integrates Matter, Thread, and Zigbee support with useful USB-C charging. The need for professional installation and its anticipated price point mean it’s an investment. For a single device, a traditional smart plug remains a great option. However, if you’re renovating, building, or want a permanent, clean smart solution for multiple sockets, the Aqara H2 is an excellent choice that future-proofs your home.

You can find the Aqara H2 UK Smart Wall Outlet and the compatible Aqara Hub M3 from various retailers.

The post Aqara H2 UK Smart Wall Outlet Review: My 2-Month Test with Matter & Zigbee appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

What is the Meross MSS10 Smart Plug?

The Meross Smart Plug is a budget-friendly smart plug that allows you to control any device that plugs in with your phone. The thing that sets the Meross Smartplug apart from it’s budget competitors is that it is HomeKit compatible, allowing you to set it up in less than 1 minute using the Apple Home app and giving you control via the Home app on your iPhone, Watch, Mac or iPad and even using the iOS Control Center widget (which we love!).

However, the Meross MSS10HK is not just a great choice for Apple users but is a great choice for Android users too.

How do you control the Meross MSS10 without HomeKit?

If you don’t want to use HomeKit with the MSS10 then the Meross App comes to your rescue. You can set it up on the app whether you’ve previously set it up with HomeKit or not (great for Android users wishing to use these smart plugs) and from there you can hook your Meross account up to the Alexa Skill, the IFTTT skill and Google Assistant for advanced automations and voice control.

This makes the Meross Smart plug the perfect smart plug because it works with whatever eco-systems you use for your smart home and for those mixed Apple/Android households provides a perfect choice of compatibility.

We also found that the Meross MSS10 responds quicker than its competitors on the TUYA network which is great for speedy response times.

Where can you buy one?

The Meross MSS10 is available on Amazon for just £15 for one or £25 for a pack of two making it a great option for your smart home.

The post Can you use Meross MSS10 Without HomeKit? appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

1. Your Evening Routine

Why not configure yourself an evening routine in the Apple Home automation page? We love setting our lights in certain rooms to come on when the sunsets. This is a great way to automate some of the lights you’d normally switch on and the sunset feature means it will automatically adjust throughout the year.

If you’re the sort of person who has an early bedtime you might even use the ‘turn off’ option to switch them all off a little later on in the evening.

2. Holiday Mode with Apple Home Automation

If you’re like me then those old fashioned timer plugs came out when you went on holiday as a child just so your parents could have a lamp come on in the hallway for a few hours every evening. Home Automation gives you a great chance to replicate this in a much more authenticate way by creating an automation whilst your on holiday to turn on certain lights at certain times every day. Perhaps, if you want to be super security conscious you might set up a couple of these automations so that different lights come on at different times to give the illusion of people being at home.

3. Save Money with Apple Home Automation Ideas

The automation options are a great way to save some money by taking advantage of the geo-location options. Whilst most smart bulbs cost relatively little to run thanks to their LED power it still costs money (and isn’t very eco-friendly) to leave lights on when you’re out.

An automation to turn off your lights when the last person has left the house based on location is a great way to ensure you save money as well as save the environment.

4. Come Home to the Light

Another great use of geo-location automations in HomeKit is to set up a nighttime only routine that turns on certain lights when you get home. This is a brilliant way of making sure a porch light is on upon return or maybe that the downstairs light is on. Maybe, if after a heavy night out you head straight to the kitchen for a snack then you’ll switch the kitchen light on too if it’s the weekend!

5. Controlling Bathroom Fans

We’ve previously written about how to make a bathroom extractor fan smart and Apple’s Home Automations plays a big part in this. Using Automations you can tell your fan to come on when the lights come on and to turn off after a certain amount of time. If you use motion sensors then your lights can come on automatically when someone enters the room as well, providing a perfect bathroom experience!

6. Fan Automation Ideas

If you have a fan hooked up to a smart plug (we love the Meross HomeKit Compatible smart plugs) then Home automations can help you switch it on at a certain time of day or perhaps even if a temperature sensor detects that it’s getting hot! You can even set it to turn off at certain times to keep you cool whilst you get to sleep but to stop it running overnight.

What Are Your Apple HomeKit Automation Ideas?

We’ve shared some of our favourites (and we’ll write part 2 of this article in the future!) but what are your favourite HomeKit automation ideas? Comment below and share them with us.

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Who Are Meross?

Meross are a company who specialise in a whole range of affordable smart home devices but what really separates them apart from their competitors in the world of budget friendly smart home devices is that many of their devices are HomeKit compatible which makes them perfect for Apple users wanting to be able to easily set up devices and control them from Apple’s Home app. This doesn’t mean Meross devices aren’t great for Android users too as there is a dedicated Meross app, Alexa skill plus compatibility with Google Assistant and IFTTT. The Meross Smart Plugs cost around £15 for 1 or £25 for 2 which makes a pair of them cost less than a single Philips Hue Smart Plug.

If you want to read a review of the Meross Smart Garage door opener click here.

The Design

The design of the Meross Smart Plug is very similar to most smart plugs out there but with a slightly narrower profile. The front is where you plug goes and it also has an indicator light, the left hand side has a power button to manually turn it on and off and the right hand side has the all important QR code for easy set-up with HomeKit.

Setting up the Meross Smart Plug

We’re going to talk a lot about HomeKit because that’s the big selling point of these smart plugs and setting it up is no different. If you’re an Apple user you simply plug in the smart plug, open your home app, click the add accessory option and then scan the QR code. You can then assign it to a room and give it a name and you’re done. Your Home app will let you turn the plug on or off using your iPhone, Mac, Watch or whatever Apple product you use. You can even use HomeKit Automations to create some scenes or timers (great if you want a lamp to turn on at a particular time of day).

From there, if you want to you can also add it into the Meross app. This is useful if you want to use the smart plug with Alexa or IFTTT as well alongside using some of the Meross app features including countdown timers for devices. Adding a device you’ve previously added to Apple’s Home is as easy as opening the Meross app, hitting the + icon and then selecting the product you’re adding which it will have already found.

Meross Smart Plug Review – Does it actually work?

The simple answer is yes! Whether you’re using Amazon’s Alexa, the Home app or Siri the smart plug works every single time with very little delay between you hitting the button (or calling out the command) and the plug actually turning on or off. As Apple fans we love the HomeKit compatibility because it adds super-easy set up and allows you to keep all your smart home devices in one, easy to use app but we also love that it also works with Alexa and a whole range of other services.

The post Meross Smart Plug Review (Homekit Compatible Smart Plug) appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

TECKIN Smart Plug Design

TECKIN have two versions of their smart plug out there and whilst both function the same they look different. The two smart plug designs on offer from TECKIN are a rounded version and a square version.

Both of the designs of the TECKIN smart plug take a small form-factor and have a power button with a light on the side. These both look good and present a non-bulky smart plug option.

How to Set Up a TECKIN Smart Plug

Setting up one of the TECKIN smart plugs is pretty easy. You can download the TECKIN or Smart Life app and follow the on-screen instructions for adding a plug. If you wanted to know where your data is stored you might even consider using the ‘Hey I’m Home’ app which, whilst is designed for their products also works with TECKIN products. (Read more about Hey! I’m Home here). Once set up you can use the app to turn your device on or off, set schedules and times and connect to Siri Shortcuts, IFTTT, Google Assistant and Alexa allowing your dumb device to be smart.

Are TECKIN Smart Plugs any good?

When it comes to living with a TECKIN smart plug day-to-day they’re really good for the price and work every time. I use Alexa devices and so rarely open the app and just control the switch with my voice and it works perfectly every time. In the summer I quite often use the timer function for a fan and again, this works every time. I’m yet to be let down by these smart plugs.

The only downside is the lack of HomeKit support for Apple users however this applies to most budget options for smart plugs with the exception of the Meross Smart Plug, a HomeKit compatible smart-plug. However, if you use the TUYA app (another compatible app) then you can use a Raspberry Pi and HomeBridge to add your TECKIN smart plugs into your Apple Home app.

Our Verdict on the TECKIN Smart Plug

When it comes to a TECKIN smart plug review what you really want us to tell you is whether you should buy one or not and we would certainly recommend these. They work well, are nice and easy to set up and have a compact design that won’t look ugly around your house.

You can pick one up using one of our links below…we certainly recommend picking up more than one as the bigger packs are better value.

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