Echo dot

[falcon21]

I have two echo dots in each of my kids rooms.  I don’t have any other home automation devices.  What is the least expensive way for a dot to control a light in each of their rooms?  Very basic setup. 

[jwlv]

I have two echo dots in each of my kids rooms.  I don’t have any other home automation devices.  What is the least expensive way for a dot to control a light in each of their rooms?  Very basic setup.

Get a Wemo or TP-Link smart plug. They can be had for about $25 each when on sale, or $30-$35 when not on sale.
They do not require a hub so setup is easy and inexpensive.

[smeg]

I have had good luck with these.

https://smile.amazon.com/TP-Link-Dimmable-Equivalent-Assistant-LB100/dp/B01HXM8XF6/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1513891895&sr=1-4&keywords=tp+link+bulb

[renegade600]

stay away from smart light bulbs.  use as previously mentioned, use smart plugs also use a smart light wall switch for any overhead lights.    Might cost a bit more but it saves the headache of making sure the switch is always on in order to use smart lightbulbs. 

[falcon21]

Thank you.  Just wondering, why should I stay away from smart light bulbs?

[renegade600]

Thank you.  Just wondering, why should I stay away from smart light bulbs?

don't get me wrong, bulbs are great, especially if you get color ones but if you have a lot of family or guests, they will most likely use your wall light switch to turn them on/off.  If the light switch is off, then you cannot use voice commands.   If you use a smart wall switch, it makes no difference if the switch is on or off, you can always use voice commands.

[zaphod]

I have two echo dots in each of my kids rooms.  I don’t have any other home automation devices.  What is the least expensive way for a dot to control a light in each of their rooms?  Very basic setup.

we have plugs and bulbs. it was much easier and less expensive. to buy for example an amazon sengled bulb for just nine bucks. yes you need to have the switch in the 'on' position but that's it. i have them in both overhead and standing lamps both. they work perfectly never lost a connection yet. a replacement wall outlet that is alexa enabled for the part alone is basically $40 and up. that doesn't include labor if you cannot do the install yourself. in the end it is most about your personal preference and budget. fyi for the plug in style outlets, those too you must have the lights/lamps switched to 'on' all the time for them to work. all said no matter what you choose to do i hope it works out well in the end!

Merry Christmas! 

[renegade600]

. fyi for the plug in style outlets, those too you must have the lights/lamps switched to 'on' all the time for them to work. all said no matter what you choose to do i hope it works out well in the end!

Merry Christmas! 

yes and no.  if bulbs yes, if other electronic devices like computers and tvs, no, they do not have to be in the on position.   I guess I was not that clear in my post  :-)  generally everything is going to work differently so there will be some trial and error.

[asianrocker]

we have plugs and bulbs. it was much easier and less expensive. to buy for example an amazon sengled bulb for just nine bucks.

Yap I found that bulb. Too bad my husband bought 4 extra hue white bulbs as a gift for me. I do know you need a hub for those sengled bulbs though. Do you have a hub?

[falcon21]

Thank you very much for all of the ideas!!!