Discover the 5 Best Smart Plugs of the Year

In today’s world, where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, the quest for energy efficiency has taken a smart turn. Enter the realm of smart plugs – compact, ingenious devices that promise not only convenience but also significant savings on your energy bills. As a home energy efficiency advisor, I’ve seen firsthand how these nifty smart home upgrades can transform ordinary homes into smart, energy-conscious spaces.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look into the best smart plugs that stand out in the market, each with its unique features and capabilities. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking to take your first steps towards net zero energy, understanding the nuances of these smart plugs is crucial in making an informed decision.

We’ll explore the ins and outs of each model, covering their pros and cons, to provide you with a clear picture of what works best for your home’s needs. From the ease of use and installation to their compatibility with various smart home ecosystems and energy-saving potential, this guide aims to equip you with all the necessary information.

So, whether you’re considering your first foray into smart home technology or looking to upgrade your current setup, join me as we uncover the potential of these top 5 smart plugs. It’s time to make your home not just smarter, but also more energy-efficient!

We’ll be covering…

Smart Plugs Basics

What are Smart Plugs?

This simple yet powerful tool allows for scheduling, energy monitoring, and even voice control when paired with smart home assistants like Siri, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Essentially, smart plugs act as a bridge, bringing internet connectivity to non-smart appliances, offering both convenience and a step towards modernizing your home.

How Do Smart Plugs Contribute to Energy Efficiency?

Smart plugs play a pivotal role in enhancing home energy efficiency. They allow you to monitor and manage the energy usage of connected devices, helping identify and eliminate unnecessary power consumption. For example, you can set schedules to ensure devices are turned off when not in use, preventing power-hungry appliances from wasting energy. Additionally, the ability to track energy usage over time provides valuable insights into your consumption patterns, encouraging more conscious energy use. By automating and optimizing how and when appliances use electricity, smart plugs are instrumental in reducing your carbon footprint and lowering energy bills.

Key Features to Look for in Smart Plugs

When selecting a smart plug, consider these key features:

Feature	What to look for…
Compatibility	Ensure the plug works with your existing smart home system and appliances. (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
Scheduling Capabilities	Look for plugs that are programmable and provide real-time energy usage data.
Ease of Use	User-friendly apps and simple setup processes are essential.
Voice Control	Compatibility with voice assistants adds convenience.
Design	The plug should not obstruct other outlets.
Security	Opt for plugs with robust security features to protect your home network.

Understanding these basics will guide you in choosing the right smart plug for your home, ensuring an efficient, convenient, and smart living experience.

Our Picks for Best Smart Plugs 2024

Best Overall Smart Plugs – Wemo Smart Plug

Overview and Key Features

• Remote Control: Operate your devices from anywhere using the Wemo app or voice commands.
• Voice Control Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
• Away Mode: Randomizes light schedules to simulate occupancy, enhancing home security.
• Scheduling: Set automatic schedules for any device plugged into the Wemo Smart Plug.
• Compact Design: Its sleek design ensures it doesn’t block other outlets.
• No Hub Required: Direct Wi-Fi connectivity without the need for an additional hub.

Pros

• Broad Compatibility: Its support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and especially Apple HomeKit caters to a wide range of users.
• User-Friendly App: The Wemo app is straightforward, offering effortless setup and control.
• Energy-Saving Features: Schedule and Away Mode help reduce unnecessary power usage.
• Enhanced Security: The Away Mode feature adds an extra layer of security to your home.
• Sleek and Discreet: Its minimalist design blends well with any home decor.
• Easy Installation: Quick and easy to set up without any technical complexities.

Cons

• Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported occasional connectivity problems, impacting reliability.
• No Energy Monitoring: Lacks the ability to monitor and report energy usage of connected devices.
• Price Point: It is priced higher than some competitors, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
• Software Updates: Requires frequent updates, which can be inconvenient at times.

The Wemo Smart Plug stands out for its simplicity, broad compatibility, and user-friendly features, making it a strong contender in the smart plug market, especially for users invested in the Apple ecosystem.

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Best Design Smart Plugs – TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim

Overview and Key Features

It connects to your home wifi network without the need for a separate hub and can be controlled via the Kasa Smart app. Key features include:

• Remote Control: Manage your devices anywhere using the app.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana for hands-free convenience.
• Scheduling: Customize schedules to automatically power electronics on and off as needed.
• Energy Monitoring: Track real-time energy usage for connected devices, aiding in efficient energy management.
• Grouping: Combine your smart devices for unified control with a single tap.

Pros

• Space-Saving Design: Its slim profile is a significant advantage, preventing blockage of other outlets.
• Easy Setup: Setting up the Kasa Smart Plug Slim is straightforward, requiring just a few minutes and no technical expertise.
• No Hub Required: It operates independently without needing an additional hub, simplifying the setup process.
• Energy Efficiency: The energy monitoring feature helps in reducing unnecessary power usage, potentially lowering energy bills.
• Reliable App Control: The Kasa app is user-friendly, offering robust control and customization options.
• Strong Connectivity: Maintains a stable wifi connection, ensuring consistent performance.

Cons

• Limited Range of Features: While efficient, it lacks some advanced features like power outage recovery.
• No HomeKit Support: Apple HomeKit users might find its lack of compatibility a drawback.
• Price: Slightly more expensive compared to basic models, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
• No Dimming Feature: It doesn’t support dimming functionality for lighting, which may be a limitation for some users.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, space-efficient smart plug with essential features for smart home automation and energy management.

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Best Affordable Smart Plugs – Wyze Plug

Overview and Key Features

Key aspects of the Wyze Plug include:

• Remote Control: Manage devices from anywhere using the Wyze app.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
• Scheduling and Timer: Set custom schedules and timers for your devices to save energy.
• Vacation Mode: Randomizes lights to give the appearance of someone is home, enhancing security.
• No Hub Required: Directly connects to wifi without needing a separate hub.
• Group Control: Allows the grouping of multiple plugs for coordinated control.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable smart plugs on the market.
• Simple Setup: Easy to install and configure with the Wyze app.
• Reliable Performance: Consistent and dependable connectivity and control.
• Compact Design: Does not obstruct other outlets, suitable for tight spaces.
• Grouping Feature: Handy for managing multiple devices simultaneously.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for a variety of household devices, from lamps to coffee makers.

Cons

• Limited Third-Party Integration: Works primarily with Alexa and Google Assistant, lacking support for Apple HomeKit.
• No Energy Monitoring: Does not provide energy usage data for connected devices.
• Basic Functionality: Lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-priced models.
• Wi-Fi Dependency: Performance is heavily reliant on wifi strength and stability.

The Wyze Plug stands out as an excellent option for those seeking an affordable, straightforward solution to smart home automation, especially for basic remote control and scheduling needs.

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Best Value Smart Plugs – Amazon Smart Plug

Overview and Key Features

Key features of the Amazon Smart Plug include:

• Voice Control: Optimized for Amazon Alexa, enabling voice command functionality.
• Remote Control: Control appliances remotely using the Alexa app, even when you’re away from home.
• Scheduling: Customize schedules to automatically turn appliances on or off.
• Simple Setup: Easy setup process directly through the Alexa app without needing a separate hub.
• Compact Design: Streamlined design that keeps your second outlet free for use.

Pros

• Seamless Integration with Alexa: Designed to work flawlessly with Alexa for a cohesive smart home experience.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive setup and operation, making it ideal for those new to smart home technology.
• Reliable Performance: Known for its stability and consistent control.
• Schedule and Routine Creation: Allows for easy automation of daily tasks through the Alexa app.
• No Hub Required: Direct wifi connection, eliminating the need for additional hardware.

Cons

• Limited Compatibility: Works exclusively with Alexa, lacking support for other smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
• No Energy Monitoring: Does not provide usage statistics or energy consumption data.
• Higher Price Point: Slightly more expensive than some other smart plugs, reflecting its brand premium.
• Limited Advanced Features: Focuses on basic functionality, lacking some of the more advanced features found in other smart plugs.

The Amazon Smart Plug is an excellent choice for users who are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem and are looking for a smart plug that offers simplicity and reliable performance.

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Best Dimmable Smart Plugs – Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug

Overview and Key Features

This plug is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of smart home systems.

Key features include:

• Dimming Capability: Allows for the adjustment of brightness levels of connected lighting.
• Voice Control Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
• Scheduling: Customizable schedules for automated lighting control.
• Remote Control: Manage your lights from anywhere using the Leviton app.
• Design: Sleek, modern design that fits well with home décor.
• No Hub Required: Connects directly to your wifi network.

Pros

• Enhanced Lighting Control: The dimming feature offers more control over lighting compared to standard smart plugs.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with major smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit.
• Easy to Use: The Leviton app is user-friendly and provides straightforward device management.
• Energy Saving: The ability to dim lights can lead to significant energy savings.
• Robust Construction: Known for its durability and quality build.
• Scene Setting: Ability to create and control custom lighting scenes.

Cons

• Price Point: Higher priced compared to basic smart plugs, reflecting its advanced features.
• Limited to Lighting: Primarily focused on lighting control, may not be ideal for other types of appliances.
• Complexity in Setup: May require more technical know-how for initial setup, especially in HomeKit integration.
• Size: Slightly larger than some other smart plugs, potentially obstructing adjacent outlets.

The Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug is a premium choice for those looking to have advanced control over their home lighting, offering a blend of smart technology and energy efficiency.

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Wrap Up

In this journey through the world of smart plugs, we’ve explored five distinct models, each offering its unique blend of features, advantages, and considerations. From the space-saving design of the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim to the comprehensive Apple HomeKit compatibility of the Wemo Smart Plug, these devices demonstrate the versatility and innovation present in today’s smart home technology.

The Wyze Plug stood out for its affordability and straightforward functionality, making smart home automation accessible to a broader audience. Meanwhile, the Amazon Smart Plug presented an optimal choice for those deeply integrated with the Alexa ecosystem, prioritizing ease of use and reliability. Lastly, the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug brought a specialized focus to lighting control, offering dimming capabilities that set it apart from its counterparts.

Each of these smart plugs contributes to a more efficient, convenient, and modernized home. Whether your priority lies in energy savings, ease of use, or advanced features, there’s a smart plug out there to meet your needs. Remember, the right smart plug can do more than just turn your appliances on and off remotely; it can transform how you interact with your home, making everyday tasks simpler and contributing to a more energy-conscious lifestyle.

In the evolving landscape of smart home technology, smart plugs are just the beginning. They open the door to countless possibilities, making our homes smarter, safer, and more in tune with our needs. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more innovative solutions to enhance our living spaces.

Want to share your thoughts about some of the smart plugs in this article? Are there other models you recommend? Feel free to share in the comments below or on our Reddit Community.

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