Smart plugs are the unsung heroes of home automation. For under $20, you can make any "dumb" device smart—your coffee maker, floor lamp, fan, or that...
Smart plugs are the unsung heroes of home automation. For under $20, you can make any "dumb" device smart—your coffee maker, floor lamp, fan, or that ancient air conditioner. They're the easiest entry point into smart home technology and often the most practical.
While all smart plugs do the same basic thing (turn power on and off), the differences in reliability, features, and app experience are significant based on extensive market research and user feedback. Let's find the right ones for your home.
Why Smart Plugs Matter
Before diving into recommendations, let's talk about what makes smart plugs so useful.
What You Can Do With Smart Plugs
- Voice Control: "Alexa, turn on the coffee maker"
- Scheduling: Lights on at sunset, off at midnight
- Remote Control: Turn off the iron you forgot about from work
- Energy Monitoring: See how much power devices use
- Automation: Trigger devices based on other smart home events
- Vacation Mode: Random light patterns to simulate occupancy
Best Use Cases
| Device | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Lamps | Voice/schedule control without smart bulbs |
| Coffee Maker | Wake up to fresh coffee |
| Fans | Turn on/off without getting up |
| Holiday Lights | Schedule and remote control |
| Space Heaters | Safety shutoff, scheduling |
| Chargers | Cut power to prevent overcharging |
| Old Electronics | Control devices without smart features |
Smart plugs are the gateway drug of home automation. Start with one for a lamp, and before you know it, you'll have a dozen controlling everything that plugs in.
Best Smart Plugs for 2026
Based on reliability data, app experience, and features, these are the top picks.
Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug (EP25)
TP-Link's Kasa line has been reliable for years, and the EP25 continues that tradition with added energy monitoring.
Key Features:
- Energy Monitoring: Track power usage and costs
- Compact Design: Doesn't block adjacent outlets
- Matter Support: Works with any Matter-compatible system
- No Hub Required: Connects directly to WiFi
- Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
Standout Features: Rock-solid reliability. Users consistently report that Kasa plugs rarely drop offline or fail to respond. The energy monitoring is genuinely useful for identifying power-hungry devices.
Considerations:
- 2.4GHz WiFi only (not 5GHz)
- App could be more intuitive
Price: Around $15 each, often cheaper in multi-packs
Best Budget: Wyze Plug
Wyze delivers impressive value, and their smart plug is no exception.
Key Features:
- Incredibly Affordable: Often under $10
- Vacation Mode: Randomizes on/off to simulate presence
- Scheduling: Flexible timer options
- Voice Control: Alexa and Google Assistant
- Compact Size: Fits two per outlet
Standout Features: At this price, outfitting an entire home becomes affordable. They're reliable enough for non-critical applications.
Considerations:
- No energy monitoring
- Wyze app required (no Matter support yet)
- Occasional connectivity hiccups
Price: Around $8 each
Best for Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy
If you're in the Apple ecosystem and want native HomeKit support without workarounds, Eve is the answer.
Key Features:
- Native HomeKit: No bridge or account required
- Thread Support: Fast, reliable mesh networking
- Energy Monitoring: Detailed power tracking in Home app
- No Cloud Required: Everything stays local
- Bluetooth + Thread: Works even without WiFi
Standout Features: True privacy—Eve doesn't require an account or cloud connection. Everything runs locally through HomeKit. The Thread support means instant response times.
Considerations:
- Premium price
- HomeKit only (no Alexa/Google without workarounds)
- Requires Thread border router for best performance
Price: Around $40 each
Best for Energy Monitoring: Emporia Smart Plug
If tracking energy usage is your priority, Emporia offers the most detailed monitoring.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Energy Data: Second-by-second power monitoring
- Historical Tracking: Days, weeks, months of usage data
- Cost Calculation: Enter your electricity rate for dollar amounts
- Alerts: Notifications for unusual usage
- Compact Design: Doesn't block other outlets
Standout Features: The energy monitoring is genuinely detailed. You can see exactly when devices draw power and how much they cost to run. Great for identifying vampire devices.
Considerations:
- App focused on energy, less on automation
- No Matter support yet
Price: Around $15 each
For more on building an energy-efficient smart home, check out our guide on best smart home devices.
Best Outdoor: Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (EP40)
For outdoor lights, fountains, or holiday decorations, you need a weather-resistant option.
Key Features:
- IP64 Weather Resistant: Rain, snow, dust protected
- Two Outlets: Control independently
- Energy Monitoring: Track outdoor device usage
- Scheduling: Sunset/sunrise automation
- Long WiFi Range: Designed for outdoor placement
Standout Features: Finally, reliable outdoor smart control. The dual outlets are perfect for landscape lighting—one for path lights, one for accent lights, controlled separately.
Considerations:
- Bulkier than indoor plugs
- Requires outdoor outlet
Price: Around $25
Best Smart Power Strip: Kasa Smart Power Strip (HS300)
When you need to control multiple devices, a smart power strip beats individual plugs.
Key Features:
- 6 Smart Outlets: Each independently controlled
- 3 USB Ports: Always-on charging
- Energy Monitoring: Per-outlet tracking
- Surge Protection: 1080 joules
- Voice Control: Full Alexa/Google support
Standout Features: Perfect for entertainment centers. Control TV, soundbar, gaming console, and lights separately from one strip. The energy monitoring shows exactly what each device uses.
Considerations:
- Large footprint
- USB ports aren't smart-controlled
Price: Around $50
Smart Plug Features Explained
WiFi vs. Zigbee vs. Thread
| Protocol | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi | No hub needed, easy setup | Can congest network, 2.4GHz only |
| Zigbee | Low power, mesh network | Requires hub |
| Thread | Fast, reliable, Matter-ready | Requires border router |
For most users, WiFi plugs are the simplest choice. If you have many smart devices, Zigbee or Thread reduces WiFi congestion.
Energy Monitoring
Energy monitoring lets you:
- See real-time power draw
- Track usage over time
- Calculate electricity costs
- Identify vampire devices
- Set alerts for unusual usage
Worth paying extra for if you're energy-conscious.
Matter Compatibility
Matter is the new universal smart home standard. Matter-compatible plugs work with:
- Apple HomeKit
- Google Home
- Amazon Alexa
- Samsung SmartThings
If you want flexibility, prioritize Matter support.
Setting Up Smart Plugs
Installation Tips
- Check the outlet: Smart plugs need grounded (3-prong) outlets
- Consider placement: Will it block adjacent outlets?
- Check WiFi signal: Weak signal = unreliable performance
- Note the amperage: Most plugs handle 15A; check high-draw devices
What NOT to Plug In
- High-wattage heaters: Check plug's wattage rating first
- Medical equipment: Don't risk remote shutoff
- Devices that shouldn't restart: Some electronics don't like power cycling
- Anything exceeding rated amperage: Fire hazard
Automation Ideas
Morning Routine:
- 6:30 AM: Coffee maker on
- 6:45 AM: Bathroom heater on
- 7:00 AM: Coffee maker off
Evening Routine:
- Sunset: Living room lamps on
- 10:00 PM: Dim to 50%
- 11:00 PM: All off
Away Mode:
- Random lamp patterns
- TV on for a few hours
- Simulate normal activity
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plug Won't Connect
- Check WiFi band: Most plugs need 2.4GHz, not 5GHz
- Move closer to router: For initial setup
- Reset the plug: Usually hold button for 10 seconds
- Check app permissions: Location services often required
Plug Goes Offline
- Check WiFi signal: May need a range extender
- Router issues: Try rebooting router
- Too many devices: Some routers limit connections
- Firmware update: Check for plug updates
Scheduling Not Working
- Check time zone: In app settings
- Verify internet connection: Schedules often need cloud
- Check for conflicts: Multiple schedules can interfere
Got Questions About Smart Plugs? Let's Clear Things Up.
Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity?
No. Smart plugs typically use 1-2 watts when idle—about $1-2 per year. The energy monitoring feature often helps you save far more than the plug consumes by identifying wasteful devices.
Can I use smart plugs with power strips?
Yes, but with caution. Plug the smart plug into the wall, then the power strip into the smart plug. Don't exceed the smart plug's amperage rating with the combined load. Never daisy-chain multiple smart plugs.
Do smart plugs work without internet?
It depends. Most WiFi plugs need internet for app control and scheduling. Some (like Eve with Thread) work locally without internet. Physical buttons on the plug itself always work regardless of connectivity.
Are smart plugs safe?
Quality smart plugs from reputable brands are safe. They're UL-certified and include overcurrent protection. Avoid no-name brands from unknown sellers. Never exceed the rated amperage, and don't use with high-wattage devices unless specifically rated for them.
Can smart plugs control dimming?
Standard smart plugs only turn power on/off—no dimming. For dimming, you need either smart bulbs or a smart dimmer switch. Some specialized smart plugs for lamps include dimming, but they're less common.
Ready to make your home smarter? Explore more smart home guides at Celmin to automate your daily life. https://celmin.ca
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