Image: Michael Ansaldo/Foundry
At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Easy setup
- Compact design
- Power-failure protection
- Not dependent on Wi-Fi or a broadband connection
Cons
- No smart home integration
- No control when you’re away from home
- No less expensive than connected smart plugs offering more features
Our Verdict
The Tessan Remote Wall Outlet is a simple and reliable way to wirelessly control lamps and small appliances. Some will value its independence from the internet; but for a similar price, a smart plug with app and voice control offers far more versatility.
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The Tessan Remote Wall Outlet is a no-frills way to control lamps, fans, and other household devices without getting off the couch. Instead of relying on Wi-Fi, an app, or a voice assistant, it uses a simple remote to turn a plugged-in light or small appliance on and off.
That makes it an easy option for anyone who wants wireless control without dealing with smart home hubs, apps, or the accounts associated with them. And since it doesn’t connect to the internet, it erases privacy and security concerns, too.
But those benefits come with significant trade-offs. Without a connection to the cloud, this outlet can’t work with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. Nor can it be integrated with a Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or any other flavor of smart home hub. If you’re looking for a smart plug that fits into your chosen smart home ecosystem, this isn’t it. It’s a purely standalone solution—handy for some, but limiting for everyone else.
Specifications
The plug has a compact design that won’t block the adjacent socket in a duplex outlet (it might block one in an outlet strip, depending on the strip’s design). It’s a simple white box with no extra bulk, just a power button on the side and an LED indicator on its face to display its state.
For anyone who wants a simple, hassle-free way to control a lamp or appliance, this plug does the job.
The included remote control is equally straightforward, with just two buttons: On and Off. The remote has a magnetic backing that makes it easy to stick to a fridge or any metal surface, so you won’t have to worry about misplacing it. Tessan also offers a $32.99 3-pack of these smart plugs that comes with a 6-button remote (On and Off for each outlet).
The Tessan Remote Control Outlet is compact and won’t block adjacent sockets.
Tessan
The remote operates at a range of up to 100 feet, even through walls and doors. The outlet itself supports devices up to 15A/1875W, which covers lamps and most small household appliances, including fans, space heaters, and coffee makers. Needless to say, it doesn’t have a dimmer function.
It offers practical power-failure protection: If the power goes out, the outlet remains off when the power comes back on, preventing unexpected restarts that could damage sensitive electronics or waste energy. It’s a small but useful touch for devices you don’t want turning on automatically after an outage.
Setting up the outlet is as easy as it gets. Just plug it into a wall outlet, plug in a device, and you’re done. There’s no need to download an app, create an account, pair it to your smartphone, or look up your Wi-Fi password. The remote comes pre-paired, so it works right out of the box.
For anyone who wants a simple, hassle-free way to control a lamp or appliance, this plug does the job. It’s especially useful for people with limited mobility who might struggle with hard-to-reach switches. Instead of getting up or reaching behind furniture, you can just press a button on the remote.
The remote operates at a range of up to 100 feet, even through walls and doors.
Michael Ansaldo/Foundry
Day-to-day use
In my testing, the remote worked consistently within its advertised 100-foot range, providing reliable control from across a room or even another part of the house. There’s no noticeable lag between pressing the button and the device responding. Unlike Wi-Fi-connected smart plugs, there’s no risk of connectivity issues, router resets, or cloud outages interfering with operation.
The biggest downside is its lack of smart home integration. Smart plugs that support Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, letting you control them with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home. They can be grouped with other devices, scheduled to turn on and off automatically, and controlled remotely from a smartphone.
Standards-compliant smart plugs also give you multiple control options: voice commands, app-based toggles, and automation rules that trigger actions based on time, motion, or other factors. A Matter or Zigbee smart plug can be integrated into routines—for example, turning on a lamp when the front door unlocks or a security camera detects motion.
[Further reading: This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart plugs.]
With the Tessan outlet, there’s no voice control, no automation, and no remote access beyond the included clicker. That’s important to consider because at $18.99, the Tessan plug is affordable, but it’s not significantly cheaper than many other smart plugs that do support voice control and automation.
Should you buy a Tessan Remote Wall Outlet?
If all you need is a simple way to turn devices on and off without fussing with apps, accounts, or Wi-Fi connections, it’s a solid choice. It’s reliable, easy to use, and the included remote makes it a convenient option for those who prefer physical controls over smartphone apps.
But if you’re looking for more than basic power toggling, a true smart plug is the better buy.
Author: Michael Ansaldo, Contributor, TechHive
Michael Ansaldo is veteran consumer and business technology journalist. He’s been a contributor to TechHive since 2013, covering robot vacuums, home security cameras, and other smart devices. He previously served as PCWorld’s Small Business Editor, and his tech coverage has appeared in Wired, Macworld, Mac|Life, Mobile Magazine, Enterprise.Nxt, Executive Travel, and other publications.
