Smart plugs are the unsung heroes of home automation — cheap, dead simple, and surprisingly powerful. Plug one in, and suddenly your old coffee maker, floor lamp, or space heater becomes part of your smart home. After testing 15 popular models over 3 weeks, here are the ones worth your money.
We tested each plug for: setup speed, app quality, scheduling reliability, voice assistant compatibility, energy monitoring accuracy, and physical size (so you can actually use both outlets).
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP25) | $15/2-pack |
| 🍎 Best for Apple HomeKit | Eve Energy (Matter) | $39 |
| ⚡ Best with Energy Monitoring | Emporia Smart Plug | $12 |
| 🌧️ Best Outdoor | Wyze Plug Outdoor | $17 |
| 💰 Best Budget | Amazon Smart Plug | $24 |
| 🔌 Best Power Strip | Kasa Smart Power Strip (KP303) | $29 |
| 🏠 Best for Renters | GE Cync Smart Plug | $13 |
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP25) — Best Overall 🏆
After three weeks of daily use, the Kasa EP25 is still our favorite. It's tiny, reliable, and works with every major platform.
- ✅ Works with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home (via Matter)
- ✅ Tiny design — doesn't block the other outlet
- ✅ Rock-solid scheduling and Away Mode
- ✅ No hub required
- ❌ No energy monitoring on this model
2. Eve Energy (Matter) — Best for Apple HomeKit 🍎
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, the Eve Energy is worth the premium. It's the only plug that gives you full Thread + Matter support with detailed energy reports right in the Home app.
- ✅ Native HomeKit — no bridge, no third-party app needed
- ✅ Thread mesh networking (faster, more reliable than Wi-Fi)
- ✅ Detailed energy monitoring ($/kWh tracking)
- ❌ Expensive at $39 per plug
- ❌ Requires a HomePod or Apple TV as Thread border router
3. Emporia Smart Plug — Best Energy Monitoring ⚡
Want to know exactly how much your space heater, dehumidifier, or gaming PC costs to run? The Emporia plug gives you real-time and historical energy data for just $12.
- ✅ Real-time wattage, daily/monthly kWh, and cost estimates
- ✅ Works with Alexa and Google (no HomeKit)
- ✅ Insanely cheap at $12
- ❌ Bulky — blocks adjacent outlet on standard duplex
- ❌ App feels a bit clunky compared to Kasa
4. Wyze Plug Outdoor — Best Outdoor Plug 🌧️
Two independently-controlled IP64-rated outlets for patio lights, holiday decorations, or pool pumps. The Wyze app is surprisingly good for the price.
- ✅ IP64 weatherproof (rain, dust, snow)
- ✅ Two independently controlled outlets
- ✅ Energy monitoring on both outlets
- ❌ 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- ❌ No HomeKit support
5. Amazon Smart Plug — Best for Alexa Homes 💰
The Amazon Smart Plug is the simplest option for Alexa users. Plug it in, open the Alexa app, and it's paired in 5 seconds flat via Frustration-Free Setup.
- ✅ Instant pairing with Alexa (no app download needed)
- ✅ Compact design
- ✅ Reliable — made by Amazon, for Amazon
- ❌ Alexa ONLY — no Google, no HomeKit, no IFTTT
- ❌ A bit expensive at $24 for a single plug
6. Kasa Smart Power Strip (KP303) — Best Power Strip 🔌
Three smart outlets + two always-on USB ports. Perfect for desk setups, entertainment centers, or anywhere you need to control multiple devices independently.
What to Look for in a Smart Plug
- Platform compatibility — Make sure it works with your ecosystem (Alexa, Google, or HomeKit).
- Size — A bulky plug that blocks the second outlet is useless in tight spaces.
- Energy monitoring — Worth the small premium if you want to track energy costs.
- Wi-Fi band — Most budget plugs are 2.4 GHz only. If that matters, check before buying.
- Matter support — Future-proofs your setup and enables cross-platform control.