Plug-in nightlights keep you from tripping, guide guests in bathrooms and help keep kids safe in bed — but they can be a little greedy about your outlets, taking up one or even two sockets depending on their size.
That’s why I was interested in trying out SnapPower’s Guidelight 2 outlets, which are essentially outlet covers that contain a no-wires smart LED nightlight that leaves your sockets free. The basic two-pack nets you two nightlight outlet covers for $43, or about $21 each. Here’s what I thought about my experiments with them.
A no-sweat installation
The GuideLight 2’s LED light is battery-powered and doesn’t require any tinkering with wires. For most outlets, all you’ll need is a small flathead screwdriver and about 2 minutes of your time.
Unscrew the old outlet cover, fit in the new model, make sure it fits the receptacle sockets properly and screw it back in. That’s usually all it takes. Notice that I had the white outlet model for testing, which clashes a bit with my sockets, but not to fear — SnapPower offers this outlet in several common household colors, including an ivory shade that fits my outlets very well.
The LED light does take up slightly more space at the bottom of the outlet cover, but it’s not noticeable unless you’re very close to the outlet.
A built-in LED light with automatic light sensing
This outlet’s little LED light puts out a white light, which is aimed downward to better illuminate the floor and not blind any delicate human eyes. The sensor on the light switch reacts to the light levels in the room, so it turns on only when things get dark and will grow increasingly brighter the darker the room is. No additional management is needed.
The switch also offers three settings. You can turn it off entirely, set it to a warmer, somewhat dimmer light or set it to a brighter, whiter light. Both lighting options are pretty high on the color temperature scale compared with an extra-cuddly nightlight shade, but my favorite was easily the dimmer option.
In all, I found it an effective solution. SnapPower recommends the outlet for places like a bathroom, where extra sockets for hairdryers, etc., are in high demand. I ultimately landed on a hallway light near the bathroom, but it could work in multiple places.
Mixing and matching SnapPower’s outlets
In addition to the welcome color options, the GuideLight 2 outlets have a couple of other very important customization choices. You can pick between a basic duplex design (one screw) or a décor design (two screws) depending on what outlets you have.
Even more importantly, you also have the option to choose a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet, which helps protect from unintended faults and related shocks. These are now required in many areas of the house, especially bathrooms and kitchens where this nightlight may be often used, so I’d recommend favoring this option, even if installation is slightly more complicated.
No matter which you choose, SnapPower estimates that the LED lights cost about 10 cents a year to operate in normal conditions.
Final thoughts
The GuideLight 2 outlet is a very effective solution to adding a nightlight while saving sockets for more important plug-ins. I especially like that it has so many customization options for the different kinds of outlets you have, as well as highly effective brightness settings based on how dark the room is.
On the other hand, the outlet is a little pricey, and the higher color temperature may not be as soothing as some LED nightlights. But if you want extra sockets in a bathroom, bedroom or hallway those factors don’t pose serious issues.
On that note, check out our best smart plug choices, how smart plugs can save you energy, and the top cheap smart home devices we’re still using.
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