Smart Plugs: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Ideal for building a connected home without replacing existing electronics, smart plugs are an easy and affordable way to add automation to your daily routine. Our experts test the latest models and offer helpful buying guidance to find the right smart plug setup for your space.
Our Current Top Tested Picks
TP-Link Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Tapo P110M combines Matter compatibility, detailed energy monitoring, and wide third-party integration into a reliable, feature-rich smart plug.
Full TP-Link Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug ReviewPros
- Small form factor
- Matter certified
- Supports multiple home automation platforms
- Lots of integrations
- Energy reporting
Cons
- Only available in packs of two or four
Pros
- Small form factor
- Matter certified
- Supports multiple home automation platforms
- Lots of integrations
- Energy reporting
Cons
- Only available in packs of two or four
Eve Energy Outlet
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Eve Energy Outlet is a dual-receptacle smart wall outlet that uses Matter and Thread technologies to work with virtually any smart home platform.
Full Eve Energy Outlet ReviewPros
- Supports Matter and Thread
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings
- Voice control
- Energy usage reporting
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires a hub for remote access and cross-platform functionality
- Eve app only works on iOS
Pros
- Supports Matter and Thread
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings
- Voice control
- Energy usage reporting
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires a hub for remote access and cross-platform functionality
- Eve app only works on iOS
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 is a feature-rich six-outlet smart surge protector that you can control with your voice or with a mobile device.
Full TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) ReviewPros
- Wi-Fi.
- Voice control.
- Surge protection.
- Energy monitoring.
- Works with IFTTT.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Outlets aren't childproof.
Pros
- Wi-Fi.
- Voice control.
- Surge protection.
- Energy monitoring.
- Works with IFTTT.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Outlets aren't childproof.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40A)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The dual-outlet TP-Link Kasa EP40A Outdoor Plug isn't as affordable as some of its competitors, but its robust third-party platform support makes it exceptionally versatile.
Full TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (EP40A) ReviewPros
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings
- Dual-outlet design with independent controls
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
- Doesn't generate energy usage reports
Pros
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings
- Dual-outlet design with independent controls
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
- Doesn't generate energy usage reports
Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Though on the expensive side, the Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer is an easy-to-install smart plug that lets you control lamps and other small lighting appliances with any of the major home automation platforms.
Full Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer ReviewPros
- Supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Matter, and SmartThings
- Works with IFTTT applets
- Lots of lighting customization options
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks energy usage reports
Pros
- Supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Matter, and SmartThings
- Works with IFTTT applets
- Lots of lighting customization options
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks energy usage reports
TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug (P125M)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
TP-Link's Matter-compatible Tapo P125M plug seamlessly integrates with just about every smart home platform and device on the market.
Full TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug (P125M) ReviewPros
- Supports Matter (in addition to many other connectivity standards)
- Compact size
Cons
- Doesn't generate power usage reports
Pros
- Supports Matter (in addition to many other connectivity standards)
- Compact size
Cons
- Doesn't generate power usage reports
Amazon Smart Plug
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Amazon Smart Plug lets you control whatever is plugged into it using Alexa voice commands, and it integrates with other Alexa-enabled devices, but it doesn't work with other home automation platforms and lacks energy usage reporting.
Full Amazon Smart Plug ReviewPros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Works with Alexa voice commands and Alexa-enabled devices
Cons
- Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
- No IFTTT support
- Lacks energy reporting
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Works with Alexa voice commands and Alexa-enabled devices
Cons
- Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
- No IFTTT support
- Lacks energy reporting
Ring Outdoor Smart Plug
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug lets you control appliances, lights, pool pumps, and anything else you use outside with the Ring app and Alexa voice commands, but it requires a hub.
Full Ring Outdoor Smart Plug ReviewPros
- Dual outlets
- Independent outlet control
- Alexa voice support
Cons
- Requires bridge for smart features
- Lacks energy reporting
- Doesn't support Google Assistant, HomeKit, or IFTTT
Pros
- Dual outlets
- Independent outlet control
- Alexa voice support
Cons
- Requires bridge for smart features
- Lacks energy reporting
- Doesn't support Google Assistant, HomeKit, or IFTTT
Latest Smart Plug Stories
Forgot to unplug the iron this morning? The top smart plugs, outlets, and power strips we've tested let you control anything you can plug into the wall from your phone.
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug lets you control appliances, lights, pool pumps, and anything else you use outside with the Ring app and Alexa voice commands, but it requires a hub.
$29.99
The Amazon Smart Plug lets you control whatever is plugged into it using Alexa voice commands, and it integrates with other Alexa-enabled devices, but it doesn't work with other home automation platforms and lacks energy usage reporting.
$12.99
We install and test more than 100 smart devices in our homes each year to assess their ease of use, reliability, and performance, helping you choose the best ones for your budget.
The Shelly Plug US Gen4 is an affordable, compact smart plug that stands out with Matter, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi support, reliable performance, and advanced energy monitoring with built-in safety features.
$24.99
The TP-Link Tapo P110M combines Matter compatibility, detailed energy monitoring, and wide third-party integration into a reliable, feature-rich smart plug.
$23.99
The Tessan Smart Power Strip turns a standard wall outlet into a six-outlet receptacle with three USB ports, but only three of its AC sockets are smart.
$27.99
The U-tec Smart Plug is an affordable Wi-Fi-enabled plug that works with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT, and can serve as a range extender for the company's other smart home devices.
$9.99
From lights to appliances to fans and more, you can control your home from your Apple gadgets and Siri.
The AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Plug is a single-outlet plug that uses the Matter standard to work with multiple home automation platforms and scores of third-party smart home devices.
$18.98
The Eve Energy Outlet is a dual-receptacle smart wall outlet that uses Matter and Thread technologies to work with virtually any smart home platform.
$37.99
The Monoprice Stitch Outdoor is an affordable, weatherproof dual-outlet smart plug that offers easy app and voice control support, but no energy usage reports like you get with some competitors.
$17.99
The Wi-Fi-enabled Leviton Smart GFCI Outlet lets you monitor its power status from your phone and will send an alert when the circuit has been tripped, but it could use a few more smart features for the price.
$39.99
Leviton’s pricey Matter-enabled Decora D2150 is a rugged single-outlet outdoor plug that works with nearly every smart home platform.
$54.99
Though on the expensive side, the Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer is an easy-to-install smart plug that lets you control lamps and other small lighting appliances with any of the major home automation platforms.
$24.99
TP-Link’s Matter-enabled Kasa KP125M smart plug works with just about every smart home platform, supports lots of third-party integrations, and keeps track of how much energy your connected devices use.
$20.89
The low-cost Roku Indoor Smart Plug SE gives you the power to control indoor appliances with your phone or voice, but it can't tell you how much energy they use.
$12.00
Roku's Outdoor Smart Plug SE makes it easy to control appliances and other electronics with your phone or voice and conveniently tracks how much power they use.
$14.88
TP-Link's Matter-compatible Tapo P125M plug seamlessly integrates with just about every smart home platform and device on the market.
$9.99
The dual-outlet TP-Link Kasa EP40A Outdoor Plug isn't as affordable as some of its competitors, but its robust third-party platform support makes it exceptionally versatile.
$23.49