Smart Power Strips vs. Traditional Power Strips: Which Is Better?
A traditional power strip is useful because of the benefits that it gives homeowners who want additional outlets and ports for their devices. However, newly innovated power strips are being released by companies. They are being incorporated with technology that makes them better and more efficient than traditional power strips. Both smart power strips and traditional power strips have their pros and cons. In this article, these two will be compared based on specific characteristics to see which is better.
Smart Power Strips vs. Traditional Power Strips
In terms of size
If you compare the size of smart power strips and traditional ones, you will instantly see that the former is smaller and sleeker. Smart power strips use GaN or Gallium Nitride as their semiconductor material. GaN devices are lower in resistance per unit area than the typical silicon materials used in typical power strips and chargers. This allows the whole power strip to have a smaller package size. For a better and more organized table or desk, you should choose smart power strips over traditional power stations.
In terms of savings
Traditional power strips are as simple as they get. They are extension cords of your electrical outlets. You can plug most of your electronic devices and appliances into a power strip. You do not have full control over the supply of power in traditional power strips. With smart power stations, you can use an app that connects to the power strip and see the power delivered to each port or outlet. You can also turn the power strip off after a specific duration of time. Scheduling is also an option for smart power strips.
In terms of convenience
Hands down, smart power strips offer more convenience than traditional power stations. They are more reliable because you can monitor their functionality through an app even if you are not near them. They can automatically switch off the power delivery after you have set a particular day and time has passed. You can depend on smart power strips to have more safety features than your typical power stations. They are also designed to accommodate large electronics such as laptops and tablets. You can charge faster and more efficiently with smart power strips.
In terms of cost per unit
Smart power stations generally cost more than traditional power strips. This is mainly based on the technology inside each power strip. With traditional ones, you are only getting a simple assembly of wirings and switches. Smart power strips have more innovation inside the package which makes the cost per unit higher. As the power strip is equipped with more perks and features, the price will definitely go up. But you are assured of more protection for the devices plugged into these smart power strips and more control over the unit itself.
Conclusion
The overall winner in this matchup is the smart power strip for your home use. Traditional power strips may serve their general purpose of supplying energy to your devices but they come with a price – lesser efficiency and no way of monitoring the power supply. Smart power strips, on the other hand, are more compact which makes your work desk cleaner, sleeker, and more organized. You can also save more money and electricity with smart power strips because you can control the delivery of power through scheduling and set timers. Smart power strips are also more convenient to use because you have more control over them compared to traditional power stations. The smart power strips may be more expensive than your typical power stations but with that added investment, you get safer, faster, and better access to power at home.