Qubo Smart Plug Review: The Ultimate Smart Plug Offering Superior Quality with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Qubo offers a diverse array of smart home devices, ranging from smart locks and cameras to video doorbells and smart lights. In addition to this extensive portfolio, Qubo has recently introduced Smart Plugs designed to automate both small devices and large home appliances. One notable feature of these devices is their ability to operate without Wi-Fi, utilizing Bluetooth connectivity instead. I have been using the Qubo Smart Plugs for the past few weeks, let’s delve into my comprehensive review below.

Qubo Smart Plug Specifications: 10A v/s 16A

	Smart Plug 10A	Smart Plug 16A
Input Rating	AC 90V-264V+5% 47-63Hz	AC 90V-264V+5% 47-63Hz
Max Load	10A	6500K
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) Bluetooth	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) Bluetooth
Plug Type	M-Type	M-Type
App	Qubo	Qubo
Compatibility	Android iOS	Android iOS
Material	Polycarbonate	ABS Plastic
Voice Assistant	Amazon Alexa Google Assistant	Amazon Alexa Google Assistant
Model Number	HSP02	HSP10
Country of Origin	India	India

In the Box

Qubo Smart Plugs are conveniently packaged in a compact box containing the smart plug itself alongside a concise card featuring a QR code. Scanning this code effortlessly directs you to the comprehensive user manual for easy setup and operation guidance.

Selecting the Right Variant

As previously mentioned, Qubo smart plugs come in two options: 10A and 16A. While the price discrepancy between the two is approximately ₹50, it’s crucial to carefully consider the intended device for which you plan to utilize the smart plug. The 10A variant is designed for smaller devices such as TVs, kettles, lamps, Wi-Fi routers, coolers, air purifiers, mobile/laptop chargers, bulbs, and similar items. Conversely, the 16A variant is intended for heavier home appliances like geysers, AC units, water pumps, heaters, and iron boxes. Ensure you select the appropriate variant based on your specific use case.

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Qubo Smart Plug Design

Both Qubo Smart Plugs are White and share a similar design aesthetic. However, they have notable differences, primarily concerning their capacity and construction material. First, the 10A one is made from polycarbonate, while the 16A one is made from ABS plastic.

Another differentiating feature is the placement of the LED indicator. In the 10A variant, the LED indicator is integrated within the On/Off button, situated on the left side of the Smart Plug. The 16A variant’s On/Off button is located on the top, while the LED indicator is placed on the front.

Both buttons make a clicking sound when you press them. Both plugs have safety shutters and feature a screw-less design, which adds to their neat appearance. The Qubo branding is marked on the front of the smart plugs, making it easily visible.

Qubo Smart Plug Setup Using Wi-Fi

The Qubo Smart Plug is accompanied by its dedicated app, named Qubo, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You can easily download the app from Google Play and App Store. Upon opening the app on your smartphone, you’ll be prompted to log in to your Qubo account. If you already have an existing Qubo account, simply sign in. However, if you don’t have a Qubo account yet, you’ll need to sign up by providing the necessary details, such as Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, etc.

Note: Qubo and Qubo Pro apps are different. The Qubo Pro app is not compatible with controlling smart plugs; it is designed for managing dashcams, gimbals, and similar devices. To control the smart plugs, ensure that you have downloaded the Qubo app specifically. If you have previously used the Qubo Pro app, you can seamlessly log in to the Qubo app using the same account credentials.

After plugging the Qubo Smart Plug into the socket at your desired location, switch it on. Once the switch is activated, the blue light on the Smart Plug will begin to blink. This indicates that the plug has entered setup mode.

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• Now, on the app, tap on the “Menu” and select “Add device”.
• Navigate to the list of devices and choose “Lighting & Control.” From there, select the corresponding Smart Plug option based on your requirement, whether it’s the 10A or 16A variant. It’s important to note that the setup process remains consistent for both variants; the only difference lies in selecting the appropriate variant during this step.

• After selecting the correct device, the app will display a pop-up to confirm that your Plug is in setup mode; select “Yes” to continue.
• Subsequently, the app will begin searching for the selected Qubo Smart Plug and display the device along with its MAC address. Choose the scanned plug to proceed. If the app fails to detect the device, you can try again by tapping the “Start Search” button.

Now, input the name of your device (e.g., Cooler, TV) and its location (e.g., Hall, Bedroom). Ensure the device is appropriately named, as this will help you identify it, especially if you have multiple smart plugs installed.

Next, you’ll connect your Qubo Smart Plug to your home Wi-Fi network to enable remote usage. There are two connectivity options available: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When connected to Wi-Fi, the smart plug operates with full functionality, while Bluetooth mode serves as a backup in situations where Wi-Fi is unavailable, or coverage is poor near the plug. When connected via Bluetooth, some of the Smart Plug’s functions will not work.

Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and click “Continue.” Please ensure that you are connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, as the smart plug only supports this frequency. If your Wi-Fi router operates solely on 5GHz, switch it to Dual-mode to enable compatibility. If Wi-Fi isn’t available, you can connect the plug via Bluetooth. Check here for detailed instructions to connect the Qubo Smart Plug via Bluetooth.

• Ensure successful pairing by standing in close proximity to the device to ensure Bluetooth connectivity within range. The typical Bluetooth range is between 5 to 10 meters, depending on obstacles such as room walls. Note that during the pairing process, the “Continue” button will be disabled. Once pairing is successfully established, the button will turn blue, and you can then proceed by tapping on it.
• Following this, you’ll be prompted to grant access to Alexa. This step is entirely optional. You can choose to skip it and enable access later from the Settings page. If you opt to allow access, you’ll be prompted to enter your Alexa account credentials. If not, simply select “Not Now.”

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That concludes the Qubo Smart Plug setup process. You will now be redirected to the home screen, where you can begin controlling your Smart Plug.

Qubo Smart Plug Features

One-tap On/Off

Qubo has streamlined the user interface, ensuring simplicity and ease of use. On the home screen, you’ll find a prominent Power button, facilitating easy toggling of the switch. A grey button signifies the switch is Off, while a blue background indicates it’s On. Additionally, ON/Off text indicators are located just below the button for further clarity.

Schedule with Weekly Repetition

It’s quite handy having a smart plug like the Qubo Smart Plug that aids in conserving electricity. When a device is connected to the Qubo Smart Plug, it only consumes power when the Smart Plug is switched on. While you have the option to manually toggle the plug on or off, utilizing the Schedule feature allows for automatic activation or deactivation of the device when it’s not in use. Simply tapping on the Schedule option on the screen enables you to create power On or Off schedules effortlessly.

• Name: Enter the name of the schedule for easy identification.
• Start Time: Set the start time.
• Start Action: Power On or Power Off.
• Add End Time: Enable or disable.
• Weekly Repetition: Select multiple days or an entire week.

You have the flexibility to create multiple events for toggling the switch On and Off. These events can be created separately for turning On and Off, or you can consolidate both actions within a single event. For instance, within a single event, you can instruct the app to Turn On the light at 6:30 PM and Turn it Off at 5:00 AM the following morning.

Countdown Timer

The Countdown Timer feature enables you to turn off the device after a predefined interval automatically. To use it, simply open the Countdown Timer and set the desired timer duration. Once you tap on Start Countdown, the timer begins, and the plug turns off automatically when the countdown reaches the predefined value.

Energy Consumption

One of the most valuable features of the Qubo Smart Plug is its Energy Consumption monitoring capability. This feature allows you to monitor the energy consumption of the connected device in real time. You can view metrics such as Current, Power, Voltage, and Consumption as they occur. Additionally, you have the option to track monthly consumption to effectively manage and control electricity usage over time.

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Multiple Safety Features

Both variants of the smart plugs are equipped with multiple safety features. They support a wide range of input voltages, ranging from 100 to 250 Volts, ensuring compatibility with various electrical systems. Additionally, they feature a safety shutter to protect children from electrical hazards and are constructed with 750˚VO flame retardant materials for enhanced safety.

Moreover, these smart plugs offer overload protection, safeguarding against excessive currents that could damage connected devices. They also provide 3000V surge protection, helping to protect your devices from sudden voltage spikes or power surges.

Qubo Smart Plug Settings

When you tap on the “Settings” icon on the home screen, you’ll be redirected to the Settings page. You’ll find the following options in the Settings section.

• Schedule: Check the list of scheduled actions, each with the option to enable or disable them. To remove a schedule, simply swipe left on the entry and tap on delete.
• Countdown: Control countdown timer.
• Works with Alexa: Connect or disconnect your Alexa account.
• Wi-Fi Settings: Update the Wi-Fi network and password. Check SSID, Signal strength, RSSI value, and IP Address.
• Device: Update the smart plug’s name and location. Check the Mac Address, Manufacturer Name, Model Number, Serial Number, and Software/Hardware Version, and Check for updates.
• Device Restart: Restart the device in case of any issues.
• Remove Device: Unlink the device from your Qubo account

Qubo Smart Plug Setup Using Bluetooth

Setting up the Qubo Smart Plug using Bluetooth is almost the same as setting it up using Wi-Fi. On the Wi-Fi selection page, opt for “Proceed with Bluetooth.” Subsequently, a pop-up will appear indicating limited functionality while connected via Bluetooth.

Tap on “Continue with Bluetooth Setup,” then input the device’s “Name” and “Location“. Wait for the pairing process to complete, and once done, tap on “Continue” to complete the pairing process.

As previously mentioned, connecting the switch via Bluetooth disables certain functions, such as Schedule, Energy Connection, and Alexa integration. However, aside from the basic ON/OFF functionality, the only additional feature that remains functional is the countdown timer.

Connecting Qubo Smart Plug to Google Assistant

Connecting your Qubo Smart Plugs to the Google Home app is simple, allowing you to control them with voice commands. After linking, you can instruct Google Assistant to toggle the Smart Plugs on or off. For instance, you can say, “Hey Google, Turn on the Bedroom Cooler” or “Turn on the Balcony Light,” and Google Assistant will execute your commands accordingly.To link Qubo Smart Plugs to Google Assistant, follow the procedure below.

1. Open the Google Home App on your smartphone.
2. Tap on “Devices” and select “Add device.”
3. Choose the “Works with the Google Home” option.
4. Look for Qubo in the list of compatible OEMs and select it.
5. You’ll be prompted to link your Qubo account with Google Home. Tap on “Continue.”
6. A browser window will open, asking you to enter your Qubo account details. Enter your Username and Password, then tap on “Login.”
7. Once the login is successful, a list of Qubo devices linked to your Qubo account will be displayed. Select the Smart Plug and tap on “Add to a room.”
8. Assign a room to the selected device (e.g., Bedroom, Den, etc.) and tap on “Next.”
9. That’s it! The device will be added to Google Home. You can now use Google Assistant to Turn On or Off the smart plug. Alternatively, you can simply tap on the device icon within the app to control it.

Qubo Smart Plug Opinion

I’ve been consistently using various Qubo products in my daily routine and couldn’t be more pleased with their performance. Whether it’s the dashcam, Portable Air Compressor, or MagSafe Powerbank, each product has consistently delivered quality and reliability, which are my top priorities. The best part is that they are competitively priced, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

When it comes to Smart Plugs, Qubo continues to excel. Both variants offer aggressive pricing without compromising on quality. What sets Qubo Smart Plugs apart is their unique feature of supporting both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Based on my research on Amazon India as of April 7, 2024, Qubo Smart Plugs are the only ones in the market that offer both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, priced under ₹799.

These smart plugs offer a multitude of benefits beyond remote control—they also enable energy monitoring and consumption control. They seamlessly integrate with popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa, enabling you to activate them using simple voice commands. The Schedule feature further enhances efficiency by automating device activation and deactivation at predetermined times, ultimately contributing to electricity savings.

I’ve been using both variants of the Qubo Smart Plug for the past few days, and they’re working excellently. Both smart plugs are constantly connected to power, and I haven’t noticed any issues. The 16A variant does get slightly warmer, but that’s quite normal. When connected to Wi-Fi, the On/Off action is almost instant, just like using a physical switch. There’s hardly any delay when turning the switch On or Off. I’ve also used these plugs with Google Assistant, and I didn’t encounter any issues.

For those seeking smart plugs with dual connectivity options, Qubo Smart Plugs are the best you can buy in India. They combine Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support with advanced features for energy monitoring and scheduling, providing a comprehensive solution for every household. Moreover, Qubo Smart Plugs are competitively priced and are manufactured in India under the Make In India initiative.

Useful Smart Plug Scenarios

1. Air Conditioner: Schedule your AC to turn on shortly before you arrive home, ensuring a comfortable temperature upon your arrival, and turn it off when you leave to save energy.
2. Geyser or Water Heater: Schedule the geyser to turn on a short while before you need hot water, ensuring it’s ready when you wake up or arrive home. This not only saves time but also conserves energy by avoiding leaving the geyser on unnecessarily.
3. Water Pump: Use a smart plug to control your water pump. It allows you to turn it on and off remotely or schedule its operation to optimize water usage.
4. Coffee Maker: Program your coffee maker to start brewing a fresh pot of coffee in the morning so it’s ready when you wake up, or turn it off remotely if you forget to do so before leaving the house.
5. Fish Tank Lights: Control the lighting schedule of your fish tank.
6. Control Equipment: Ensure that devices such as printers, monitors, and chargers are turned off automatically during non-working hours to save electricity.
7. Indoor Lights: Use smart plugs to control indoor lamps, allowing you to create customized lighting schedules for ambiance or security purposes.
8. Security Cameras: Connect your security cameras to smart plugs to turn them on when you leave the house and off when you return, conserving power and ensuring privacy when not needed.
9. Parking Lights: Set up your outdoor parking lights to turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn, providing security and convenience without the need for manual control.
10. Electric Kettle: Schedule the kettle to turn on in the morning so you have hot water ready for your tea or coffee when you wake up.

Qubo Smart Plug Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Reset the Qubo Smart Plugs?

Long press the power button of the plug for 5 seconds till the LED blinks rapidly. Once reset, you need to set up and pair the Smart Plug again using the Qubo app.

Can I Connect Multiple Devices to Qubo Smart Plug?

Certainly! Qubo smart plugs are compatible with multiplug adapters, allowing you to conveniently connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Does Qubo Smart Plugs Work with iOS?

Yes. Qubo has a dedicated iOS app, and you can connect and configure the smart plugs using iPhones and iPads.

What’s the Use of Bluetooth in Qubo Smart Plugs?

Smart plugs are connected devices that connect to the Qubo Cloud via Wi-Fi. The Qubo App communicates with the plug through Wi-Fi in these instances. However, if the internet connectivity for the plug is disrupted, there is a backup mechanism via Bluetooth that can be utilized to connect and control the device. The app will automatically prompt the user if the device becomes unreachable via the Internet. In scenarios where Wi-Fi is unavailable at home, these smart plugs can be fully controlled in a local, non-internet environment using Bluetooth exclusively.

Does Qubo Smart Plugs Work with 5GHz Wi-Fi?

No. Qubo Smart Plugs only work with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Can I Control Qubo Smart Plugs Using Multiple Phones?

Yes. You can control Qubo Smart Plugs from multiple phones, but you need to log in using the same Qubo account associated with Smart Plugs on each phone.

Does Qubo Smart Plugs Work with Apple Home Kit?

No, Qubo Smart Plug/plug doesn’t support Apple Home Kit.

Does the Timer and Schedule Function Still Work if Wi-Fi is Down or Off?

Yes, both the Timer and Schedule functions work even if the Smart Plug loses its internet connection.

Qubo Smart Plug Price and Availability

Qubo Smart Plugs are offered only in White and priced at ₹749 for the 10A variant and ₹799 for the 16A variant. You can buy these Smart Plugs from Qubo’s official website as well as from Amazon. Both variants come with a one-year standard warranty.