In other words, if your appliance can turn on after plugging it into an outlet, it’ll work with smart plugs. If you need to press a button after plugging in an appliance to turn it on, it won’t work with a smart plug. Keep this in mind before shopping for any plug.
Smart plugs can connect to various smart assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, HomeKit, and IFTTT. This allows you to control them with the respective voice assistant, usually through the app and by voice.
So, if you have an Echo smart speaker and want to make the most of your smart plug, look for one that supports Alexa. The same goes for other voice assistants. Smart plugs usually can work with all ecosystems, but there are exceptions!
The size of smart plugs is another important factor to consider. Some are incredibly bulky and can take up multiple AC power sockets that are next to each other. Remember that just because a smart plug is bigger doesn’t mean it’ll provide additional features or perform better.
The last thing to note is that smart plugs are essentially the same thing as smart outlets. The main difference is that smart outlets are bigger, which usually provides more sockets for you to plug in numerous appliances.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best smart plugs on the market.
Best Smart Plug Overall: Kasa Smart Plug
The Kasa Smart Plug makes the top of our list because it pairs seamlessly with Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT, so it’s a fantastic smart plug for most people. Apple HomeKit users will have to get a smart plug designed for their smart home ecosystem, but for everyone else, Kasa’s plug is a perfect fit.
✓ Monitors energy consumption✓ Works well with many third-party devices✓ Affordable✓ Offers Away mode to scare off strangers✓ Great integration with Google Nest and Alexa
✗ Requires a 2. 4GHz Wi-Fi network✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
Once you set up the plug, you can control it all in the Kasa app. There, you can set timers, create schedules, turn the plug on and off, turn on Away mode to make your home look occupied, and monitor run times and usage. You can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant to control the plug.
Although this smart plug needs to connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal, it works well with many third-party devices, including other Kasa products. You won’t need to worry about compatibility here.
Finally, like most of our recommendations, the Kasa smart plug has a rectangular build to save on space. This one won’t take up an extra outlet by being too big!
The $20 set comes with two plugs, but you can get the three-pack for $25. The three-pack is the best value if you’re looking to deck out your home with smart home technology.
Best Budget Smart Plug: BroadLink Smart Plug
Looking for a cheap smart plug that can do the job? BroadLink’s smart plug costs just $8 for one, but you can get three for $17, or five for $28. We recommend going for the three-pack as you’re almost getting one for free.
✓ No need to install a third-party app✓ Offers strong performance and connectivity✓ Fast and easy set up✓ Same capabilities as more expensive plugs
✗ Requires a 2. 4GHz Wi-Fi network✗ Requires Alexa or Google Assistant✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
We chose this as the best budget option for several reasons. For starters, it’s definitely one of the least expensive smart plugs on the market, while still providing great value. The plug requires you to have Alexa- or Google Assistant-powered devices, and it also works with IFTTT.
There’s no third-party app to download, so you need to connect it to a voice assistant, but there’s a good chance you’re using one of those anyway if you’re decking out a smart home.
Once connected, you can control the plug by voice, set timers, and create schedules. There’s even an Away mode, which turns on the plug at random times to make it seem like you’re at home. The plug uses a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal, and it has a rectangular build. You can conveniently stack three of these on top of each other, so you can use them in standard outlets easily.
Best Outdoor Smart Plug: Wyze Outdoor Smart Plug
If you want a smart plug that you can leave outside, you need something weatherproof. For our pick, we have another Wyze option! The Wyze Outdoor Smart Plug, like the name suggests, is designed to be used outside. It’s IP64 water- and dust-resistant, making it safe to plug into areas that have been exposed to rain, snow, dust, wind, and dirt.
✓ Able to control sockets independently✓ Offers vacation mode that can be used for security✓ Able to connect to other smart home devices with IFTTT✓ Fast and easy setup in Wyze app or through Bluetooth✓ Monitors energy consumption
✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
The plug costs $16 and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You can conveniently use voice commands, the Wyze app, or a smart assistant’s app to control your plug from inside your home.
There are two sockets on the Wyze Outdoor Plug, so you can connect up to two appliances. However, you can control each socket independently, so there are no problems if you need to turn a particular light on or off.
Through the Wyze app, you can quickly install the plug, turn it on and off, set timers, and create schedules. You can even track energy consumption and set alerts for when an appliance uses a specific amount of energy.
Although the plug will be outside, it has an extended Wi-Fi range of 300 feet in open space. This provides you with better connectivity, allowing you to reliably control the plug from around your home.
✗ A little pricey✗ Doesn’t support any other voice assistant than Alexa✗ Requires a 2. 4GHz Wi-Fi network
Best Smart Plug for Google Assistant: Vont Smart Plug
The Vont Smart Plug is a well-designed, reliable, and feature-packed plug that’s perfect for anyone who wants to add smart functionality to all manner of household appliances. It also works perfectly with Google Nest, making the smart plug a great fit for the ecosystem.
✓ Works perfectly with Google Assistant✓ Good automation and schedule options✓ Slim design fits compact outlets✓ Can be controlled remotely
✗ Doesn’t work with HomeKit
Once set up and the plug is connected to the required 2.4Ghz wireless network, you have loads of options at your fingertips. You can set timers, create schedules to switch lights on when you’re away from home, and even control several plugs together in a group. The Vont app also lets you see how much electricity is being used through the plug each day.
A nice feature, which isn’t always available in smart plugs, is the ability to control the plug even while away from home. As long as your home Wi-Fi is running, you can control your devices from anywhere.
The Vont Smart Plug, available individually or in a 2-pack, is designed for both standard and compact outlets. Two plugs can easily fit double sockets, either above and below or side by side. If you are looking for a good-value smart plug to pair up with Google Assistant, look no further.
Best Smart Plug For Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy Smart Plug
If you’re looking for a smart plug that works perfectly with Siri and Apple HomeKit, the Eve Energy Smart Plug should be on the top of your list. It not only makes it easy to link up smart home devices and control them with voice or your iPhone, but it also lets you keep track of your energy use.
✓ Built-in energy usage monitor✓ Compatible with Thread networks✓ Illuminated button on the plug✓ Works perfectly with Siri and HomeKit
✗ Slightly expensive if used as basic smart plug
The Eve Energy plug needs power and connection to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, and that’s it. You don’t need a bridge or hub to add the plug to your smart home setup. You can then control it through Apple Home, with your voice and Siri Shortcuts, or by using the Eve app. The app also contains an energy dashboard that lets you monitor how much power an appliance uses.
Another clever extra feature is Thread compatibility. If your home Wi-Fi setup is compatible with Thread, the plug can be used as an additional node on the network. This lets you extend wireless coverage without the expense of buying a dedicated node for your mesh system.
The plug features a fairly standard design, suitable for use in vertically stacked rather than side-by-side outlets. The small, illuminated button on the device makes it easy to see when it is active and to turn it on or off without using your phone.
The Eve Energy smart plug is perfect for anyone using Apple’s HomeKit to create a smarter home. It’s one of the more expensive options available, but the extra features help to add value.