Your outlets can do so much more than just power your phone or favorite entertainment gadgets. With the addition of a smart plug, you can make your dumb outlets smart. By simply plugging this widget into your outlet, you can turn appliances on and off remotely, monitor an item’s energy consumption, and you can even put your lights on a schedule. We’ve rounded up the best smart plug picks for your consideration.
Note: This selection only covers smart plugs rated for indoor use. For smart plugs that can weather the conditions in your yard, check out our favorite outdoor smart plugs.
Best for home energy monitoring
If you’re trying to save the planet, or just trying to save a few bucks on your electricity bill, the Wemo Insight Smart Plug is a great choice. Not only can you use this smart plug to turn on your appliances, lights, et cetera remotely, it also monitors electricity usage and sends reports to its app. You can also use it to put your appliances, lights, window AC units, and more on a schedule, ensuring they’re only using electricity when they need to be. The Insight is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, but you can use it as-is without an assistant or hub by just using its app.
Best for energy monitoring with Apple HomeKit
ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 is one of the most compatible energy monitoring smart plugs we’ve seen. It can be used with Apple HomeKit as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or you can use it without any hub at all. It monitors your device’s energy usage in real-time and displays the reports on its app. It also has scheduling features so your fans, lights, heaters, and appliances are only on when they’re needed.
Most compact
Many smart plugs tend to block outlets with their bulky size. The Wemo Mini Smart Plug’s slim design is so trim, though, you can plug two into one outlet. It also has some other handy features that you’ll like its “Away Mode” that turns your lights, fans, and other items on and off at random times when you’re away to outsmart burglars. It also has a scheduling feature. The Mini is compatible with Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit, but like with Insight, you can use it without an assistant or hub by using its app.
Most affordable
At about half the price of some of the other smart plugs on this list, the TP-Link WiFi Smart Plug is a great choice if you’re on a budget. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, or you can just use the app. With the app, you can create schedules for powering your devices on and off for up to a full week.
Best smart surge protector
This list just wouldn’t be complete without a smart plug that can enhance, power, and protect multiple things. The Tonbux Multiple Outlet Surge Protector is a good choice when it comes to smart surge protectors. It’s inexpensive, it has four outlets and four USB ports, and it protects your devices from sudden energy surges. Plus, you can control it using its app or Alexa.
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