Is there a good alternative to the Feit Electric app?

Alternative Apps
1

My Feit Electric app keeps crashing and I can’t control my smart devices. Is there a reliable alternative app I can use to manage them smoothly?

2

Certainly! Here’s a detailed exploration of alternative apps to the Feit Electric app based on personal testing and feedback from the smart home community. Since your Feit Electric app keeps crashing and you’re looking for something reliable, here’s a ranked list with all essential details to help you decide.

  1. Smart Life App
    Homepage Link: https://www.tuya.com/

    Pros:

    • Compatible with a wide range of devices (including Feit Electric devices if they support Tuya)
    • Simple and user-friendly interface
    • Supports grouping and scheduling for smart devices
    • Excellent integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT

    Cons:

    • Occasional lag when handling multiple devices
    • Can feel bloated with features you might not need

    Features:

    • Device automation and scene creation
    • Real-time device status updates
    • ‘Family Sharing’ feature to let group members access devices
    • Custom notifications for specific actions

    User Reviews:
    Users love the app’s comprehensive support for devices across brands, but several have pointed out that software updates sometimes introduce bugs. Some have also reported minor connectivity dropouts in large smart homes.

    Verdict:
    A strong candidate for replacing Feit Electric since it supports many devices out of the box. It’s worth trying if you’re comfortable navigating around some quirks.

  1. Home Assistant
    Homepage Link: https://www.home-assistant.io/

    Pros:

    • Open-source and completely free
    • Unparalleled customization and flexibility
    • Compatible with over 1,800 smart device integrations
    • Active community and frequent updates

    Cons:

    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Requires a small setup effort (self-hosted or cloud-based)

    Features:

    • Unified control of all smart devices in a single platform
    • Advanced automation scripting
    • Beautiful dashboard customization (Lovelace UI)
    • Privacy-focused (all data stays local unless you configure otherwise)

    User Reviews:
    Advanced users and smart home enthusiasts hail the app as one of the best solutions available. Many however warn about the complexity of initial setup and managing integrations if you’re not tech-savvy.

    Verdict:
    If you’re willing to invest time into learning, Home Assistant is the gold standard of smart home management. You’ll free yourself from brand-specific apps forever.

  1. Google Home
    Homepage Link: https://store.google.com/us/category/home

    Pros:

    • Intuitive UI for managing devices
    • Seamless integration if you’re already in Google’s ecosystem
    • Reliable performance with minimal crashes
    • Superior voice control via Google Assistant

    Cons:

    • Limited control over certain third-party devices
    • Fewer advanced automation options compared to dedicated apps

    Features:

    • Voice and app-based device control
    • Set routines and schedules for compatible devices
    • Stream media on connected TVs or speakers
    • Device status monitoring

    User Reviews:
    Most users appreciate the app’s stability and ease of use. Negative feedback mostly pertains to inconsistent support for certain third-party devices.

    Verdict:
    A great alternative if your focus is on simplicity and compatibility. However, advanced power users may find its features limited.

  1. Amazon Alexa
    Homepage Link: https://www.amazon.com/alexa

    Pros:

    • Broad integration with smart home products
    • Alexa Routines allow for detailed automations
    • Strong voice control support
    • Reliable and polished experience

    Cons:

    • Can get confusing if used for too many devices
    • Frequent ‘skills’ configuration process required for non-Amazon smart devices

    Features:

    • Automate actions via custom Alexa skills and routines
    • Voice-triggered commands for practically every device
    • “Drop-in” intercom functionality
    • Device diagnostics (shows offline or unresponsive status)

    User Reviews:
    The app generally receives high praise for its smooth interface and reliability, though some dislike the over-reliance on Alexa voice integration in more complex setups.

    Verdict:
    If you use Alexa or Amazon services already, this app is a no-brainer. It’s a robust and stable replacement for device control.

  1. Tuya Smart App
    Homepage Link: https://www.tuya.com/

    Pros:

    • Wide OEM compatibility, especially with Chinese-branded and rebranded smart products
    • Easy setup and customization tools
    • Supports Feit Electric devices that are Tuya-compatible

    Cons:

    • Limited troubleshooting documentation
    • Security concerns have been raised by some users

    Features:

    • Device grouping, scheduling, and timer features
    • Integration with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts
    • Remote device status monitoring

    User Reviews:
    Users appreciate the app for its ease of use but are concerned about its security record, especially since it collects data for analytics purposes.

    Verdict:
    Functionality-wise, Tuya Smart and Smart Life apps are nearly identical, but this might be a better pick for minimalist users.

  1. Samsung SmartThings
    Homepage Link: https://www.smartthings.com/

    Pros:

    • Excellent for centralizing multiple devices
    • Works well with Samsung appliances and third-party gadgets
    • Provides substantial automation options

    Cons:

    • Advanced features may require a SmartThings hub
    • Somewhat slower development for new integrations

    Features:

    • Smart home automations with detailed conditions
    • Works with Zigbee and Z-Wave (if you have the hub)
    • Real-time device control from the app

    User Reviews:
    Most users commend the app for its reliability and cohesive smart home experience, though many recommend buying the hub for full functionality.

    Verdict:
    Recommended if you’re already invested in Samsung’s ecosystem or prefer a hub-based system for more reliable communication.

  1. Apple Home (HomeKit)
    Homepage Link: https://www.apple.com/homekit/

    Pros:

    • Privacy and security-focused
    • Works seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and HomePod devices
    • Siri voice command integration

    Cons:

    • Only supports HomeKit-compatible devices
    • Limited options for advanced automation compared to platforms like Home Assistant

    Features:

    • Simple ‘Scenes’ control to group devices
    • Guest access for shared permissions
    • Adaptive Lighting for supported bulbs

    User Reviews:
    Apple users generally love the sleek, minimal design and tight integration, but the limited device ecosystem causes frustration for those outside Apple’s tightly walled garden.

    Verdict:
    Best suited for die-hard Apple users who value security and simplicity.

  1. Yonomi
    Homepage Link: https://www.yonomi.co/

    Pros:

    • Great for connecting disparate smart devices
    • Routine-based automation is easy to set up
    • Clean and simple interface

    Cons:

    • Compatibility is not as broad as other apps
    • Fewer updates compared to mainstream big-name apps

    Features:

    • Multi-device routine customization
    • Integration with major smart hubs and devices

    User Reviews:
    Praised for its clean UI and simplicity, but users note that the app sometimes feels underdeveloped in power-user scenarios.

    Verdict:
    Ideal for smaller setups or users who want straightforward automation.

  1. OpenHAB
    Homepage Link: https://www.openhab.org/

    Pros:

    • Completely free and open-source
    • Rich customization options
    • Community-driven plugin system

    Cons:

    • Set-up isn’t intuitive (best for advanced users)
    • UI feels dated in comparison to polished competitors

    Features:

    • Support for hundreds of integrations
    • Flexibility to create even the most complex automations

    User Reviews:
    Enthusiasts love its versatility but warn against its beginner-unfriendliness.

    Verdict:
    If Home Assistant feels daunting but you still want freedom, OpenHAB is worth exploring.

  1. Blynk
    Homepage Link: https://blynk.io/

Pros:

  • Customizable dashboards
  • Free for personal use
  • Works with DIY IoT solutions

Cons:

  • Not a plug-and-play solution for most smart devices
  • Fewer updates for free-tier users

Features:

  • Ability to create tailored IoT dashboards
  • Cloud-based and local hosting options

User Reviews:
DIY-focused users like the ability to turn almost anything into a ‘smart’ device, but others see it as too niche and complicated for general use.

Verdict:
A creative solution, but niche and time-intensive; best for tinkerers.

Hopefully, one of these solutions will work for you! Based on your description, start with Smart Life or Google Home first. Let us know which one works for you!