X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Belkin's slim, power-tracking WeMo Insight Switch (pictures)

Belkin introduces a new smart power plug with an improved design and energy consumption tracking.

Rich Brown
Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.
Rich Brown
2Z9A7309.jpg
1 of 12 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Original WeMo vs. WeMo Insight Switch

Belkin's pair of smart plugs, side by side.
2Z9A7297.jpg
2 of 12 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Bigger and brighter

The status window in the new WeMo Insight Switch is easier to see from a distance. The LED could still be brighter.
2Z9A7285.jpg
3 of 12 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Micro-USB port, standing by

Belkin says the new USB input could support add-on devices in the future.
2Z9A7317.jpg
4 of 12 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Still too tall

The WeMo Insight Switch has a smaller body, but it can still block an adjacent power outlet.
2Z9A7304.jpg
5 of 12 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Could be worse

It's better this way.
WeMo_Insight_7.jpg
6 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

Basic WeMo app screen

Here's the standard screen for the Insight switch, with all of the power draw data on display.
WeMo_Insight_5.jpg
7 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

WeMo settings

Belkin doesn't expose a ton of settings, but at least you can adjust a few important ones.
WeMo_Insight_1.jpg
8 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

Standby threshold

On this screen you can raise or lower the power draw level the WeMo Insight Switch uses to determine whether it's in standby or power mode.
WeMo_Insight_6.jpg
9 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

Set your rate

Set your local power rate to get the most accurate usage cost data.
WeMo_Insight_4.jpg
10 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

Data exporting

Like numbers? Belkin will send you a ton of them via this exporting tool.
WeMo_CSV_image.jpg
11 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

Belkin CSV file

The WeMo app will send you a trove of data, reporting on daily energy usage, cost, and so on.
WeMo_Insight_2.jpg
12 of 12 Screenshot by Rich Brown

IFTTT makes everything better

The WeMo Insight Switch IFTTT channel has plenty of free, useful recipes like this one.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos