The HuaFan plug is a simple way to add smart HomeKit functionality to ‘any’ device you own with a plug (buy it for $19.99). The idea of a HomeKit plug outlet is by no means new — there are plenty available on the market — but the HuaFan stood out for its simplicity, form factor and WiFi connectivity (see below for full review of how to set it up and how well it works).
Unlike many HomeKit plugs, the HuaFan Smart plug connects to the network using 2.4GHz WiFi. If my various experiences with HomeKit items has taught me one lesson, it’s that WiFi HomeKit stuff is far superior to Wifi ones and a lot of the cheaper, HuaFan Smart plug devices communicate, sadly, on Wifi. I also like how compact the unit is: it’s a very small rectangle with rounded edges that is only slightly larger than a normal power adaptor.
The HuaFan uses WiFi and it is very reliable, responding to my taps to turn it on and off in less than a second — wherever I am in the house. The small hitch is that its radio is 2.4GHz only: if you have a 5GHz-only router, then this accessory won’t work at all as it won’t be able to connect to the network. This shortcoming is mitigated by the fact 5 GHz only network configurations are really quite rare as most people have routers that operate solely on the 2.4 GHz band or work across both in a dual spectrum 2.4/5GHz mode.
Simple, straightforward and inexpensive. If you are looking for a HomeKit plug, the HuaFan is a great option that does the job well and has no significant downsides. It could make for a great holiday gift too, for anyone who is an iPhone user that isn’t already invested in the HomeKit smart home experience.