02 · ComparisonBASIC
Which brand should I get
The difference that matters most isn't the brand: it's whether the device only measures or also takes orders. A sensor shows you numbers; a plug turns off your pump for you. And among the ones that take orders, only some know how to dim instead of just turning on and off.
All 20, in one table
| Brand | What you need | Reads | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly | The app, or the device's IP on your network | Yes | Yes |
| Tuya / Smart Life | Your user code + scanning a QR | Yes | Yes |
| Sonoff / eWeLink | Signing in with your eWeLink account | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Zero/One/Pro | An API key from the Pulse portal | Yes | No |
| Bluelab Connect | An API key | Yes | No |
| TrolMaster Pro | An API key from developer.trolmaster.com | — | No |
| Supercycler Eyes | An old phone, or an IP camera with FTP | Yes | No |
| Ecowitt | Entering an address in WS View Plus | Yes | No |
| Home Assistant | HACS + pasting a configuration string | Yes | No |
| Brain ESP32 | Flashing the firmware onto the board | Yes | Yes |
| Stream Deck | Download the plugin and double-click it | Yes | Yes |
| TrolMaster Hydro-X | Sharing the controller with us from their app | Yes | Only the TCS-1 light |
| Mars Hydro | MarsPro username and password | Yes | Yes, and it dims |
| Spider Farmer | Their app's username and password | Yes | Yes, and it dims |
| AC Infinity | Their app's username and password | Yes | Yes |
| VIVOSUN | Their app's username and password | Yes | Yes, and it dims |
| Purpl Pro | The phone app + signing in with your account | Yes | No |
| VABIRA VBR-100 | The app + Bluetooth turned on | Yes | No |
| Aqua Master C800 | Aqua Master Tools username and password | Yes | No |
| VivoKey Spark 2 | The implant + an Android with NFC | — | No |
Which ones know how to dim
- Really dim: Mars Hydro, Spider Farmer (per output), VIVOSUN (the light output) and TrolMaster TCS-1.
- AC Infinity dims only with the Controller 89 ("AI+"). On the WT5MK the outlet is a dry relay: on or off, nothing in between.
- Everything else is on and off. A smart plug with a light hanging off it won't take it down to 40 %: it cuts the power or lets it all through.
- Variable fan speed: today, only VIVOSUN.
Do this
For whatever can't fail, pick a brand from the top row: Shelly or Sonoff, which also know how to turn themselves off if the internet drops.
Avoid this
Don't buy a brand just because it's on the list. Check first whether it controls or only reads: half the list is sensors and they're not going to move an exhaust fan.
How urgent it is
EssentialKnowing whether what you have controls or only measures.
ImportantA reliable plug on the pump and on the light.
OptionalAdding the grow sensors.