Smart plugs can bring new life to older electrical devices by allowing you to control power to lights, printers, and sound bars with ease. Smart plugs are the perfect smart home devices for beginners just starting out with their smart home or more advanced folks optimizing their home. These devices have super easy setup and installation, making them really easy to add into your home. There are all sorts of smart plugs available; from single outlet plugs, to multiple outlet power strips, to outdoor smart plugs, there are multiple different smart plug types. If you’re considering enhancing your home with smart technology, this post will guide you through the best smart plugs available.
Best Basic Smart Plug
The GE Cync Indoor Matter Smart Plug is a practical device for turning your regular electrical appliances into smart ones. This smart plug is the best way to control older, dumb devices like lamps, fans, or even hair straighteners remotely through your phone or voice commands. It works with popular smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, letting you use voice control with the plugs. The plug is also compact, so it doesn’t block other outlets, allowing you to use multiple devices simultaneously. You can schedule devices to turn on or off at specific times, which adds convenience and can help save energy. This makes it a good choice for anyone looking to start building a smart home or adding to an existing one.
Best Smart Plug Multi Pack
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with Matter is a good option for those looking to add smart features to older electrical devices like lights and sound bars. Smart plugs are easy to set up and use, making them a good first step for those new to smart homes. The Tapo TP15 model is Matter-Certified, which means it works well with multiple major smart home platforms such as Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. These indoor smart plugs allow users to share control with family members thanks to Matter’s Multi-Admin feature. The Tapo app provides options to set schedules, create scenes, and control devices from anywhere. It also includes a timer feature. The setup is straightforward with built-in Bluetooth, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Best Outdoor Smart Plug
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug with Matter is a useful device for those looking to add smart home features outdoors or to their yard. It is an IP65-rated plug, meaning it can handle dust and splashes of water, making it suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor models like this TP-Link smart plug are perfect for controlling water features, outdoor lights, or even holiday lights on demand. This smart plug allows you to control two separate devices from your phone or smart home assistant. It also has an on and off button so you can turn it on directly. It works with various platforms, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, thanks to Matter compatibility. The Multi-Admin feature lets you share control with family members, making it easy to manage. The Tapo companion app helps with setting schedules and creating scenes, and the setup process is straightforward due to Bluetooth connectivity. This makes the TP-Link Tapo a strong contender among the best smart plugs for outdoor use.
Best Smart Power Strip
The Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 is often mentioned among the best smart plugs because it offers multiple features in a single device. It allows you to independently control six different devices and includes extra USB ports to charge three more. This makes it suitable for various indoor use settings like family rooms, home offices, or small businesses. You can control each outlet remotely using the Kasa app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Additionally, it supports voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. The power strip also provides surge protection, which helps shield your electronics from sudden power surges. With energy monitoring, you can track how much power each connected device uses and manage it accordingly. This makes the Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 a versatile and practical choice for those looking to add some smart home features to their setup.
Best Non-Wifi Smart Plug
The Aqara Smart Plug is a strong choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile smart plug that isn’t Wifi based. This smart plug uses the Zigbee mesh protocol to communicate. This means that you will need a Zigbee hub in order to connect it to your smart home hub. Its compact design makes it easy to fit into any socket, and the setup process is straightforward. This smart plug allows remote control of your devices, which can help automate various aspects of your home. It works well with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it simple to control devices with voice commands. Additionally, it features built-in power consumption and energy monitoring, which can help you know how much energy you are using. The timer and scheduling features let you set specific times for devices to turn on or off, aiding in energy savings and convenience. This makes the Aqara Smart Plug a practical option for those looking to add some smart home capabilities to their living space.
Best Smart Plug to Add an Outlet
The Govee Dual Smart Plug 2 Pack is often mentioned when discussing the best smart plugs available. Smart plugs are useful for making older devices like lights, printers, and sound bars more efficient by controlling when they receive power. These Govee smart plugs are particularly nice since they allow you to add a second outlet with just the one plug. These plugs are easy to install and set up, making them a good starting point for anyone new to smart homes. Adding the Govee Dual Smart Plug to your home can add a touch of smart home convenience. This pack offers good value, providing two plugs that can be controlled through an app, making it easy to manage your devices.
Best Smart Plug with Dimmer
The Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug is a practical choice for anyone looking to add smart dimmer controls to their home. It allows you to turn normal, dumb light fixtures into smart lights with dimming. This device connects to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled through the My Leviton app, making it simple to manage your lighting from anywhere. It works with major voice assistants like Google, Alexa, and Siri, allowing for hands-free operation to dim or brighten lights. The second-generation design is compact, letting you plug in two devices in a standard outlet. It’s also easy to install and supports firmware updates for Matter connectivity. This smart plug offers full-range dimming and various settings for light levels and fade rates, making it versatile for different lighting needs. Whether you’re new to smart homes or looking to expand your setup, the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug is an affordable and effective option.
Smart plugs offer a simple way to make your home more efficient. They allow you to control appliances remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy usage. When choosing a smart plug, consider factors such as compatibility with your home devices, ease of use, and any additional features that may be useful. Different models have varying capabilities, so it is important to select one that meets your specific needs. Overall, smart plugs can enhance the convenience and functionality of your living space.
