Mini Review - Eightree Matter Smart Plug

What Is It?

The Eightree Matter Smart Plug is a Matter over WiFi based Smart Plug (I’m using the UK variant) with built in Matter based energy monitoring.

For the uninitiated, you plug it into a wall socket and then plug in something which you wish to control the power for (e.g. a light, fan, etc.). The plug connects to your WiFi network (i.e. not Thread) and is controllable with home automation hubs which use the Matter protocol (e.g. Home Assistant, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.).

I got a set of 4 plugs just before Christmas 2024 to use to control a set of Christmas lights on the front of our house. This means they spend all of December sat outside in a Dri-Box with temperatures going down into minus figures, and are towards the edge of decent WiFi coverage (with a relatively thick external wall in the way).

What Did I Like?

• They were reliable throughout the time they were in use, with no drop-outs or other issues. It survived a month outside in the British winter. I’ve had other non-Matter WiFi smart plugs which have had issues even running indoor and close to my WiFi access point.
• They seem well built, with no loose components or rattles, and a nice quality clicky button on the side. The power pins in particular seem nice and solid with no sign of wobble.
• They’re “app-less” devices, i.e. they don’t need a separate app to set them up or manage them, you just scan the code with your home hub app and they’re provisioned and managed direct with Matter.
• They have built in power monitoring (which I believe follows the Matter standard). This wasn’t much use for me this time as the lights draw minimal power, but it’s nice so see at this price point.
• They’re relatively cheap! I bought a pack of 4 plugs for less than the price of a single Eve Energy plug, and while they’re WiFi and not Thread, it’s a significant cost difference.

What Didn’t I Like?

• While not a killer issue, I would still have preferred Thread over WiFi, but it’s hard to argue with the cost.
• Eightree is another Chinese manufacturer. I prefer to use EU/UK based companies where I can, but there isn’t a huge range of options in that regard. Your preferences may vary.

Overall

A decent quality plug for the price 8/10.

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Posted 13 January 2025

In HomeAutomation SmartHome HomeAssistant Review