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Smart home devices are replacing our speakers, old light bulbs, and even our refrigerators at record speeds. But what is there in our homes that is not smart yet? This is where smart plugs come from.
These nifty gadgets are your regular lamps, fans, Coffee maker, Almost anything for your smart home for kitchen equipment or automation and voice control. There are models for every voice assistant. Some also work with all three: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple home kit.
With so many options, choosing the best smart plug to turn your newly connected devices on and off means that you have to look at all your needs, your home’s connectivity setup, whether you want to use voice commands Or not the platform you use to control it – with “all” now including any wall outlet you choose.
We have tested dozens of smart plugs from large and small companies, and these are our picks for getting your smart home plugs to the rest of your home online. Smart Home Device, Here We Come!
Chris Monroe / Tips Clear
TP-Link’s Casa line of smart home products includes this space-saving smart plug. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa via your Wi-Fi network, and the Casa app (Android and iOS) offers plenty of detailed options for optimizing scheduling, away modes, and timers.
What won’t you get Energy consumption data, a USB port, or HomeKit compatibility? Still, if you are interested in scheduling and using voice control and voice commands, TP-Link’s $ 14 smart plug is a great option to control a light switch or other connected device. Read the TP-Casa Smart WiFi Plug Mini-Review.
Tyler Lizenby / Tips Clear
At only $ 18, this smart plug is the cheapest on our list. It is also the smallest. Pair that with energy usage monitoring and Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart and voice control, and you’ve got a great option for your socket or smart home.
The SmartThings Wi-Fi Smart Plug will not work with HomeKit, and there are no additional USB ports for charging – a smart power strip is not it. The SmartThings app (iOS and Android) does not offer as many customization options and scheduling capabilities as TP-Link’s Casa Smart Plug, but SmartThings has impressed us by making it easier to set up a smart plug from your socket that needs it. Not a SmartThings Hub. Read more.
Read more: Best smart home products of 2020 that aren’t made by Amazon or Google
Molly Price / Tips Clear
At $ 25, the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug is affordable and comes with native Google Assistant, Alexa and yes, HomeKit compatibility.
The WeMo app is not our favorite app, and you won’t get energy monitoring with the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug. Those drawbacks aside, this smart plug’s space-saving design and solid HomeKit compatibility make it easy for users to recommend in Apple’s ecosystem. Read our WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug review.
Is best for outdoor
iDevices Outdoor Switch
The $ 80 iDevices Outdoor Switch is a great way to automate outdoor lights, fans, lamps, switches or other patio electronics. This outdoor smart switch works with Google Assistant, Alexa and HomeKit via your Wi-Fi connection and includes energy tracking and remote control.
While you will get two outlets, you cannot control them individually. If this is necessary for you, we would recommend checking out the iClever Smart Plug, which uses the Smart Life app as its control center to remotely control your devices. Read our iDevices Outdoor Switch review.
Other Models, We Tested
There are dozens of smart plugs from companies big and small, and while we haven’t tested each one, we’ve seen quite a lot through Tips Clear Smart Home. Here is a quick look at other notable options.
- Amazon Smart Plug: A flagship for the brand, the Amazon Smart Plug is priced at $ 25 and only works with Alexa. While the setup is easy, it is not as feature-rich as other models, which can be a deal breaker if you are looking for a smart outlet.
- Satechi Dual Smart Outlet: This HomeKit compatible smart plug costs $ 30, and you’ll get two outlets and energy monitoring capability. There is no compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which will not be possible for all of you when you are on your Alexa app.
- iHome Outdoors: This $ 40 outdoor smart plug works with all three voice assistants, but you’ll only find one outlet.
- ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2: This $ 60 Behemoth does it all – energy monitoring, individually controlled outlets, a USB port and LED status light. However, the price and unattractive, oversized design are enough to stop me from recommending it. Everyone loves a smart outlet, but no one likes an ugly one.
- Koogeek: This $ 32 smart plug works well with HomeKit, but blocks adjacent outlets. Alexa or Google Assistance is not as smooth as we would like to see in our connected devices.
- Purge pursewich: This HomeKit-focused smart plug is another solid alternative to Apple smart homes, but it also did not perform as well in our testing as other HomeKit compatible devices.
- Eufy Smart Plug Mini: This pint-sized smart plug is only slightly larger than our SmartThings budget and costs a little over $ 23 dollars. You’ll also find Amazon and Google Assistant Smarts.
- Wise Smart Plug: This voice plug two-pack is incredibly cheap for just $ 15, and does the basics well. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa but does not have power monitoring.
Read more: Best smart home products for 2020 that aren’t made by Google or Amazon
Things to remember
Choosing the best smart plug for you starts with voice assistant compatibility. Choose a plug that works with the voice assistant you are using, whether it is a smartphone, tablet, or other devices. You can usually find this information on the product box, website, or on your voice assistant’s mobile app.
Next, consider where your plug will be placed and whether it is a concern to block other nearby outlets. If yes, be sure to choose a plug that is not too large. Most models described as “mini” will be space-saving.
Additional features such as energy monitoring and USB charging can add even more control and convenience. No matter which smart plug you choose, bringing everyday products online with the plug is one of the simplest ways to make your home automated and smart.
