Belkin’s Wemo smart plugs and switches have been one of our consistent recommendations for easy automation. They were one of the first companies to come out with remotely controlled switches and plugs. An innovator. Sadly, not anymore.
What Happened to Wemo?
Wemo switches are made by a company called Belkin. Reliability issues coupled with more reliable competition put Belkin in the backseat when it came to home automation. We didn’t see much in the way of innovation when it came to Wemo.
Belkin decided to sunset Wemo. Belkin is ending technical support for most older Wemo products and the Wemo app, effective January 31, 2026, after which cloud-based features like remote access and voice assistant integration will stop working. Most importantly, the app will cease to function. So all users that depend upon the app for communications with their devices will have no way to do that moving forward. In essence, it’s semi-bricked.
While some Thread-based Wemo devices and those configured with Apple HomeKit may continue to function locally, other Wemo devices will become less useful as their connection to the cloud and the Wemo app is severed.
Our advice is to remove all Wemo devices from use. It was a good run. Fortunately there are better options out there. Let’s take a look at some of the best options.
What Matters and What is Matter?
Technology has progressed quite a bit since Wemo was introduced. Industry has finally (more or less) agreed that a protocol to allow devices to speak to each other. This protocol is Matter which is an open-source smart home standard allowing devices to communicate with each other regardless of the manufacturer or the specific smart home platform they are connected to, like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Amazon Alexa. This means you can control all your Matter-certified devices from a single app, even if they were originally designed for different systems.
So, going forward, buy devices that support Matter.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs and Switches
Our first choice to replace Wemo switches and plugs is TP-Link’s Kasa line. The company makes an extensive line of switches and plugs that are cheap and reliable. Kasa smart plugs and light switches offer excellent reliability, easy setup, and strong integration with major platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. No hub is required (we liked this about Wemo too).
It’s worth noting that TP-Link manufactures devices under the Kasa and Tapo names. They are very similar and in fact, the applications for each line support the other. So you can use the Tapo app to support your Kasa switches.
Some newer Kasa models also support energy monitoring, allowing users to track electricity usage in real time—and many have Matter support, ensuring future compatibility across smart ecosystems.
The TP-Link Kasa Matter Supported Smart Plug Mini supports Matter and works with Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home. These are UL certified and setup is incredibly easy. The Tapo app allows integration with the extensive line of cameras the company offers and is a worthwhile consideration from a large player in this space. The pricing on these is an incredible bargain.
The Tapo lineup doesn’t stop at plugs, they have an extensive line of of switches, and dimmers too. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Lightswitch does everything the plugs can but in a switch form. Easy to install for anyone that is handy with basic electrical work. If you know how to replace a light switch, you will know how to install the Kasa Switch.
meross Smart Plugs and Switches
The second brand we recommend is meross (note the lower case m). meross is picking up in popularity and offers affordable smart plugs and switches with broad compatibility. Many meross products support Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and increasingly Matter, making them a solid choice to replace Wemo.
Like Kasa, meross devices connect over Wi-Fi, and offer dependable performance and solid app functionality. For Apple users, Meross is one of the more affordable ways to get into HomeKit.
An example is the meross Matter Smart Plug Mini which is super affordable. These support all the popular ecosystems including Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home.
Other Options
There are other options. Premium options include Lutron Caséta which is a high-end smart lighting system that significantly outperforms Wemo in terms of reliability and scalability. Unlike many Wi-Fi-based options, Caséta uses Lutron’s proprietary Clear Connect RF technology, which reduces interference and improves connectivity. Is it necessary? If you didn’t have problems with your Wemo connectivity, you likely won’t have issues with a less expensive alternative.
If all you need are plugs from a large established company, then look no further than Amazon which has the Amazon Basics Smart Switch which is extraordinarily affordable. The limitation is it only works with Alexa but if that’s what you use for automation then these are great too. Like all Amazon devices, connectivity is virtually operational out of the box. Just be sure you’re comfortable replacing the wall switch or call an electrician.
Final Thoughts
Sorry Wemo, but it’s time to say goodbye.
When choosing a Wemo alternative, consider your preferred smart home ecosystem, the need for energy monitoring or scheduling features, and whether you’re ready to embrace the future with Matter compatibility.
Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of Amazon’s plug, the advanced features of Lutron Caséta, or the versatility of Kasa or Meross, there’s a wide variety of smart plug or switches to suit your needs.