Hi everyone, I recently went through an upgrade of my smart home system and thought I’d share my experiences and some insights I gained along the way. 
First, I decided to upgrade my smart plugs to enhance my home automation setup. After researching several options, I came across six different smart plugs that I decided to test out: the ConnectSense Smart Outlet, iHome ISPX6, Koogeek P2, Opro9 Smart Outlet, Vocolinc PM3, and iDevices Switch. Each had its unique features, and I wanted to see which one would best fit my needs.
Size and Design played a significant role in my decision. The ConnectSense was the bulkiest but had two outlets, making it great for saving space on the wall. On the other hand, the iHome ISPX6 was incredibly slim, allowing me to fit two plugs side by side without any issues. The iDevices Switch was almost as slim but didn’t quite allow for dual placement in my setup.
Physical Control was another key factor. All devices had a physical button, which is essential for times when they lose network connectivity. However, the iHome button was a bit stiff and harder to press compared to the others. The ConnectSense stood out with two individual buttons for each outlet, adding convenience.
Indicator Lights were a nice touch, with most devices having LEDs to show their status. The Koogeek had a small green LED for power, while the iDevices Switch featured a vibrant LED strip that really caught my eye.
Night Lights were an unexpected but welcome feature. The Koogeek and Vocolinc had cool white LEDs that could be adjusted for brightness, while the iDevices Switch offered a full spectrum of colors, which was a real standout.
After testing, I found the iDevices Switch to be my favorite due to its sleek design and versatile night light feature. However, it didn’t have USB ports like the Vocolinc or dual outlets like the ConnectSense. It was a tough decision, but each device had its place depending on specific needs.
Now, moving on to my upgrade experience. I was running an older version of OH2 on my Synology DS216+ and wanted to update to the latest version. I was a bit nervous about the process, but following the steps via the Package Center worked smoothly. I made sure to back up my configurations beforehand, and the restore process went without a hitch. It was reassuring to see everything work perfectly after the upgrade!
I hope my experiences and thoughts can help others who are considering similar upgrades or looking to expand their smart home setups. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’ve tried these devices yourself! 