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...and thanks for stopping by. I'm Claire Douglas, DIY and home interiors writer specialising in money-saving and creative home interior projects. I've spent years developing my 'bespoke on a budget' approach to DIY and home interiors and I love sharing all my tips and tricks in tutorials and posts here on my blog, in articles I write for some of the leading titles, in the press, on Instagram, Tiktok and my online course.

Claire Douglas
- Nov 30, 2023

A remote control plug isn’t just for Christmas.

Updated: Dec 12, 2023

Considering buying a remote control plug? Here's the lowdown

I found these remote control plug sockets on Amazon & bought them with the Christmas tree lights in mind because I always end up with a tree branch in the eye when I lean down and squeeze behind the tree to switch the lights on and off! I wanted to test them before the tree, so plugged a lamp in quickly to try them out and was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward they are.

I love products and gadgets that fix a pain point, making life simpler and more convenient, and I have tested several recently. Some examples are these handy tube cutters for gift wrap, this sealant renew for bathrooms and wet'n'fix repair pads for dodgy rawl plugs!

What is a remote control plug?

So these do exactly what it says on the tin! Remote control plug sockets are plugs that fit into your electrical sockets and are operated by a remote control that allows power to flow through the plug (or not) depending on whether you've hit the on or off button.

How do they work?

They plug into the wall and you plug your chosen item into them (like an adapter when you go abroad). The remote control plug then becomes a buffer between the power and your chosen appliance, meaning you can turn the appliance on and off remotely.

What would you use a remote control plug for?

After testing them out, I can see that a remote control plug would be really useful for several reasons. Floor lamps and table lamps are often plugged in behind furniture like bookcases, cabinets or side tables which can make the plug awkward to reach and inconvenient to turn on and off. Using a remote control socket solves this issue. Remote control plugs would be ideal additions for the elderly or those with impaired mobility who find reaching behind awkward objects difficult.

My remote control plug review:

The Positives

Strong signal between the socket and the remote meaning that they work really well even from across the room.
They make ANY pluggable item remote-controlled which adds convenience
Much cheaper than the Hive / Alexa smart plugs so offer an entry-level product for those on a tight budget.
Can operate multiple plugs with one remote so you don’t need multiple remotes.
Ideal for lamps in built-in shelves & other places where the plug is in a cabinet or behind furniture.

The Negatives

Quite ugly (but won’t be on display)
The remote needs batteries (but not often)
No app to manage multiple plugs & can’t set on a timer

In short, A remote control plug is ideal for awkward plugs behind furniture or for the elderly or those with limited mobility. The model I purchased and tested was not a bad price from Amazon at two sockets for £16. A remote control plug is a super handy gadget, but (unsurprisingly) not as sophisticated as the smart plugs.

Would you use these? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.