Skip to Content

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

The Best Smart Plugs for Remotely Controlling Your Appliances, Electronics, and Lights

You won't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the coffee maker.

By Stefan Vazharov and Brandon Carte
satechi kasa and wemo smart plugs on shelf with plants
Stefan Vazharov

A smart plug will instantly step up your connected home game. Through the wonders of Wi-Fi, these products will give you full control over your plugged-in electronics, even while you're away from home. You can turn them on and off instantly, set a schedule for your appliances, and keep track of their energy consumption.

You can also control your connected power outlets with voice commands to your preferred virtual assistant or by simply tapping on the screen of your smartphone, tablet, and, in some cases, smartwatch. To determine the product category's finest offerings, we spent a couple of weeks scrutinizing the latest products from leading brands like Wemo, TP-Link, and Satechi, to name just a few.

The Best Smart Plugs

  • 1
    Kasa Smart Plug Mini (Set of 4)

    Best Overall

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (Set of 4)

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    CYNC Indoor Smart Plug

    Best Budget

    GE Lighting CYNC Indoor Smart Plug

    Read more
  • 3
    Smart Plug with Thread

    Best for Apple Users

    WeMo Smart Plug with Thread

    Read more
  • 4
    Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip

    Best Smart Power Strip

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip

    Read more
  • 5
    Wemo WSP090 Smart Outdoor Plug

    Best Outdoor Outlet

    Belkin Wemo WSP090 Smart Outdoor Plug

    Read more

    What to Consider

    Virtual Assistants

    One of the most important things to look for in a smart plug is its ability to work with your preferred virtual assistant. Most products on the market can work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. If you're a frequent Siri user, you should look for connected outlets with Apple HomeKit integration.

    Controls

    In addition to voice- and app-enabled controls, look for convenient hardware switches to enable and disable the power outlets. A light power indicator is another handy feature to seek, as there are moments when you want to check on its status without asking a voice assistant or glancing at your phone’s screen.

    About Matter and Thread

    The connected home protocols mentioned above are worth considering if you want to futureproof your smart plug as much as possible. Matter — an industry-wide standard lauded for its universal compatibility — is particularly noteworthy, as it brings support for Alexa, Siri, and the Google Assistant to the smart plugs that have it. There aren't many smart plugs that support Matter just yet—we only included one, the Tapo P125M, in our list—but their availability will expand moving forward.

    With Matter, you don’t need to install third-party apps to integrate gadgets into your connected home. Hubs aren’t necessary either — the latest Amazon Alexa, Google Home speakers, and Apple HomePod or Apple TV 4K, among other devices, support Matter.

    On the other hand, Thread is a cutting-edge protocol that enables compatible devices to reliably and securely establish a mesh network. Highly-rated products like the HomePod, the Apple TV 4K, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro by Google can double as Thread border routers, allowing you to create such a setup.

    Best of all, today’s best smart plugs are all incredibly affordable. Read on and find the best for your home among these offerings.

    1
    Best Overall

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (Set of 4)

    Editor’s Choice
    Kasa Smart Plug Mini (Set of 4)
    1
    Best Overall

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (Set of 4)

    Now 20% Off
    $40 at Amazon
    Pros
    • Works with all virtual assistants
    • Compact design
    • Incredibly affordable
    Cons
    • Only available as a 4-pack

    The Kasa Smart Plug Mini by TP-Link is the best worth your attention. It has a cool design with a handy light indicator, an impressively compact footprint that won't block other power outlets, and support for all popular virtual assistants. Best of all, the nifty gadget has an impulse-buy price tag — a set of 4 costs only $50 before any deals and discounts.

    Thanks to the Kasa mobile app, you can control the mini smart plug from anywhere, monitor the energy use of the connected appliances, and even set their schedules. We like the product’s away mode, which randomly switches the lights on and off, creating the impression that you haven't left your home.

    The all-new, slightly pricier Tapo P125M from the same maker is a great alternative to the Kasa Smart Plug Mini. It trades energy monitoring for futureproof Matter smart home connectivity, which is compatible with all virtual assistants.

    More: The Best Smart Home Products Out Today

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets1
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
    OtherEnergy monitoring, companion app
    2
    Best Budget

    GE Lighting CYNC Indoor Smart Plug

    CYNC Indoor Smart Plug
    2
    Best Budget

    GE Lighting CYNC Indoor Smart Plug

    Pros
    • Plenty of features for the money
    • Understated design
    • Easy setup
    Cons
    • No Apple HomeKit support

    With an under-$15 sticker, the CYNC is the most affordable smart plug we recommend, so long as you don’t need Apple HomeKit support. Bundles with multiple smart plugs are also available, bringing the product's price below $10 per unit — a great value.

    The product has a compact housing, a minuscule light indicator, and a side button that’s just as low-key. The intuitive CYNC app allows you to create custom scenes and set schedules for connected appliances.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets1
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
    OtherCompanion app
    3
    Best for Apple Users

    WeMo Smart Plug with Thread

    Smart Plug with Thread
    3
    Best for Apple Users

    WeMo Smart Plug with Thread

    Now 17% Off
    Pros
    • Understated design
    • Takes seconds to set up
    • Futureproof Apple connectivity
    Cons
    • The power indicator is barely visible

    The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread is the best for users who rely on the Apple Home app and Siri to control their connected appliances and gadgets. Thanks to support for Thread — a high-tech protocol developed by Apple — the product can maintain a rock-solid and secure link with all compatible devices in your setup.

    Setting up the Wemo smart plug takes seconds and doesn’t require installing additional apps. All you need the complete the task are a few screen taps on the Apple Home app of your iPhone after bringing it near the plugged accessory. The two gadgets will link via NFC to begin the setup process.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets1
    Compatible WithApple HomeKit, Thread
    Other3-year warranty
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    4
    Best Smart Power Strip

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip

    Best Tested
    Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip
    4
    Best Smart Power Strip

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip

    Now 41% Off
    Pros
    • Plenty of power outlets
    • Feature-packed companion app
    • Built-in surge protection
    Cons
    • No Apple HomeKit support

    The TP-Link Kasa Smart power strip is an excellent option for home offices with many plug-in devices. It packs plenty of individually controlled power outlets and three USB ports for charging smaller gadgets. A cheaper and more compact Kasa Smart power strip with three outlets and two USB ports is also available.

    In addition to monitoring the energy consumption of the devices it powers, the Kasa Smart power strip also has built-in surge protection. Its plug has an angular setup to avoid blocking other wall outlets. We only wish the product were compatible with Apple HomeKit.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets6
    Compatible WIthAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
    OtherCompanion app, 3 USB ports
    5
    Best Outdoor Outlet

    Belkin Wemo WSP090 Smart Outdoor Plug

    Best Tested
    Wemo WSP090 Smart Outdoor Plug
    5
    Best Outdoor Outlet

    Belkin Wemo WSP090 Smart Outdoor Plug

    Pros
    • Works with all virtual assistants
    • Durable build
    • Easy setup
    Cons
    • Some might find the design too utilitarian

    If you're looking for a dependable smart plug to use in a garden, patio, or balcony, the Wemo WSP090 by Belkin is your best option. The product has a durable build and a duo of splashproof, weather-resistant power outlets. Plus, it offers seamless integration with all popular virtual assistants.

    The Wemo mobile app gives users complete control of the WSP090 power outlet, including setting schedules and monitoring the power usage of the connected appliances. Away mode — a feature that made the indoor Wemo our top pick — is also available on this iteration.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets2
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
    OtherCompanion app, weather-resistant build
    6
    Best HomeKit Power Strip

    EVE Energy Strip

    Best Tested
    Energy Strip
    6
    Best HomeKit Power Strip

    EVE Energy Strip

    Pros
    • Sleek and superbly crafted
    • Quick and easy HomeKit setup
    • Well-spaced power outlets
    Cons
    • Only compatible with Apple HomeKit

    The Eve Energy Strip is hands-down the best multi-outlet option for Apple HomeKit users and worth its $100 price tag. The product’s aluminum housing and braided cable are of premium quality. Its power outlets have ample space between them, as well as a child lock button to prevent your little ones from accidentally pressing the hardware switches.

    The accessory has onboard tech to protect the connected appliances from overcurrents and power surges. You can view their power consumption via Eve's mobile app.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets3
    Compatible WithApple HomeKit
    OtherCompanion app, child lock button
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    7
    Best Amazon Alexa Integration

    Amazon Smart Plug

    Amazon’s Choice
    Smart Plug
    7
    Best Amazon Alexa Integration

    Amazon Smart Plug

    Pros
    • Takes seconds to setup
    • Seamless Alexa integration
    • Reasonable price
    Cons
    • Only compatible with Amazon Alexa

    Unsurprisingly, Amazon's own smart plug is designed to deliver seamless integration with the tech giant's Alexa virtual assistant. The understated gadget is insanely easy to set up — all you need to do is plug it into a power outlet. Alexa will automatically detect it when it goes online.

    Once set up, you can control the Amazon smart plug with Alexa voice commands. You can ask the assistant to turn a connected appliance on/off or add it to an existing routine with lights and other devices.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets1
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa
    OtherEnergy monitoring
    8
    Best In-Wall Outlet

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP200 In-Wall Power Outlet

    Kasa Smart Plug KP200 In-Wall Power Outlet
    8
    Best In-Wall Outlet

    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP200 In-Wall Power Outlet

    Now 33% Off
    Pros
    • Understated design
    • Feature-packed app
    • Reasonable price
    Cons
    • No Apple HomeKit support

    The reasonably priced TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP200 is the best smart in-wall outlet for most consumers. Like the brand’s smart plug and power strip that we already mentioned, it offers easy virtual assistant integration — as long as you don’t need Apple HomeKit support.

    The product has elaborate controls via the Kasa Smart app, as well as integrated manual switches. Away mode is also available. Because the KP200 is designed to replace a standard power outlet, be mindful that professional installation is necessary.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets2
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
    OtherCompanion app
    9
    Best Budget Power Strip

    GHome Smart Power Strip

    Power Strip
    9
    Best Budget Power Strip

    GHome Smart Power Strip

    Pros
    • Plenty of outlets and USB ports
    • Versatile design
    • Very affordable
    Cons
    • Could use a USB-C connector

    This Wi-Fi-equipped power strip by Ghome will give you access to a trio of connected power outlets with surge protection for less than $20. The smart home accessory also packs three USB ports for charging or powering small gadgets. Its companion app has an intuitive interface. You can order it in black or white.

    Available in black or white, the smart power strip is compact and ideal for small spaces. Consider this offering if you need access to more power outlets on a tight budget. You’ll get three always-on plugs alongside just as many connected ones and USB ports but no extension cable — you’ll have to plug it directly into an outlet.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets3
    Compatible WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
    OtherCompanion app, 3 USB ports
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    10
    Best Dual HomeKit Outlet

    Satechi Dual Smart Outlet

    Best Tested
    Dual Smart Outlet
    10
    Best Dual HomeKit Outlet

    Satechi Dual Smart Outlet

    Pros
    • Versatile design
    • Easy to set up
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Only compatible with Apple HomeKit

    This smart outlet by Satechi is another solid product for Apple HomeKit users. It has a duo of side-by-side power outlets and surprisingly compact housing. We also like that the device doesn’t block the second plug of a vertical wall outlet.

    In addition to Siri voice commands via HomeKit, the device also comes with the Satechi Home app. The latter can control the connected appliances as well as monitor their real-time power consumption.

    Key Specs

    Number of Power Outlets2
    Compatible WithApple HomeKit
    OtherCompanion app
    Headshot of Stefan Vazharov
    Stefan Vazharov
    Senior Technology Editor

    Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.

    Headshot of Brandon Carte
    Senior Electronics Editor

    Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

    Watch Next
     
    preview for HDM All sections playlist - Best Products

    Small Appliances

    amazon poweart cordless vacuum cleaner

    Amazon Just Knocked $400 Off This Top-Rated Vacuum

    scooping homemade raspberry ice cream out of stainless steel bowl

    8 Best Ice Cream Makers for At-Home Dessert Bliss

    galanz retro countertop microwave oven, sensor microwave oven

    Best Retro Microwaves That Look Great, Cook Evenly

    philips hue white and color a21 high lumen smart bulb, nanoleaf essentials smart led color

    The Best Smart Light Bulbs for Your Home

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Logo
    twitter icon
    youtube icon
    facebook icon
    instagram icon
    pinterest icon
    Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

    A Part of Hearst Digital Media

    We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

    ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map