The Best Smart Plugs of 2021: Our Top Picks
Have you ever wanted to control everything in your house with your Alexa or HomeKit-enabled devices? With today’s leading smart plugs, you can do just that. Your regular power outlets can do 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 device into your outlet, you can turn appliances on and off remotely, monitor an item’s energy consumption, and 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.
Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon’s very own smart plug seamlessly works with Alexa, and its Certified for Humans ranking means setup is as simple as plugging it in and following a few basic directions. Its design is narrow, so it leaves the other outlet free for use. You can set up routines and schedules through Alexa app, while the Alexa energy dashboard provides recommendations on how to save energy. The Amazon Smart Plug is $25.
Wemo Insight Smart Plug
Whether 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, and more remotely, it also monitors electricity usage and sends reports to its companion 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 it. The Insight Smart Plug is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, but you can use it as-is without an assistant or hub by just using the app.
ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2
The ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 is one of the most versatile 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 reports on its app. It also has scheduling features so your fans, lights, heaters, and appliances are only on when you need them.
Eufy Smart Plug
The ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 is a little bit pricier, but the Eufy Smart Plug provides many of the same benefits for a much friendlier price of just $23. This smart plug works with Alexa and Google Assistant and allows you to set schedules, turn devices on and off remotely, and more. Most importantly, it tracks energy usage of devices to help you figure out how to best save money on your utility bills.
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
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 enjoy, like its Away Mode that turns your lights, fans, and other items on and off at random times when you’re away to outsmart potential burglars. It also has a scheduling feature. The Mini is compatible with Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit, but like with the Insight Smart Plug, you can use it without an assistant or hub by just using its app.
TP-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug
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.
Wyze Smart Plug
The Wyze Smart Plug is just slightly more expensive than the TP-Link WiFi Smart Plug, with a two-pack for just $20. On its own, the plug is just $12. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allows custom scheduling, and offers a Vacation Mode that imitates the presence of people in the home by randomly turning lights on and off. The Wyze Sense feature means you can control appliances based on motion, and you can link up the Wyze Smart Plug to other devices through IFTTT.
Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer Switch
The Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Switch is great for keeping your electric bill low and home security high. Controllable with Alexa, Google Assistant, Serena shades, and Sonos, you can dim lights, set schedules, and create lighting routines with voice commands or the Lutron app. The switch is also seasonally savvy, meaning as the days grow shorter or longer, the switch adjusts lamp light based on how much sun a room is getting. The unit itself is a little bulky, so you’ll want to make sure it’s not going to interfere with power brick items.
Tonbux Multiple Outlet Surge Protector
This list just wouldn’t be complete without a smart plug that can enhance, power, and protect multiple devices. 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. Though a regular power strip works in a pinch too.
Editors’ Recommendations
