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Update, 07/08/2022: We’ve upgraded our best for Google Assistant pick, the Kasa Smart Plug, to the best smart plug overall.
What to Look For in a Smart Plug in 2022
In other words, if your appliance can turn on after plugging it into an outlet, it’ll work with smart plugs. If you need to press a button after plugging in an appliance to turn it on, it won’t work with a smart plug. Keep this in mind before shopping for any plug.
Smart plugs can connect to various smart assistants such as Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, HomeKit, and IFTTT. This allows you to control them with the respective voice assistant, usually through the app and by voice.
So, if you have an Echo smart speaker and want to make the most of your smart plug, look for one that supports Alexa. The same goes for other voice assistants. Smart plugs usually can work with all ecosystems, but there are exceptions!
The size of smart plugs is another important factor to consider. Some are incredibly bulky and can take up multiple AC power sockets that are next to each other. Remember that just because a smart plug is bigger doesn’t mean it’ll provide additional features or perform better.
The last thing to note is that smart plugs are essentially the same thing as smart outlets. The main difference is that smart outlets are bigger, which usually provides more sockets for you to plug in numerous appliances.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best smart plugs on the market.
Pros
- ✓ Monitors energy consumption
- ✓ Works well with many third-party devices
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Offers Away mode to scare off strangers
- ✓ Great integration with Google Nest and Alexa
Cons
- ✗ Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
- ✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
The Kasa Smart Plug makes the top of our list because it pairs seamlessly with Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT, so it’s a fantastic smart plug for most people. Apple HomeKit users will have to get a smart plug designed for their smart home ecosystem, but for everyone else, Kasa’s plug is a perfect fit.
Once you set up the plug, you can control it all in the Kasa app. There, you can set timers, create schedules, turn the plug on and off, turn on Away mode to make your home look occupied, and monitor run times and usage. You can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant to control the plug.
Although this smart plug needs to connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal, it works well with many third-party devices, including other Kasa products. You won’t need to worry about compatibility here.
Finally, like most of our recommendations, the Kasa smart plug has a rectangular build to save on space. This one won’t take up an extra outlet by being too big!
The $20 set comes with two plugs, but you can get the three-pack for $25. The three-pack is the best value if you’re looking to deck out your home with smart home technology.
Best Smart Plug
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control,15 Amp,UL Certified, 2-Pack White
The Kasa smart plug works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. They’re simple and cost-effective!
Pros
- ✓ No need to install a third-party app
- ✓ Offers strong performance and connectivity
- ✓ Fast and easy set up
- ✓ Same capabilities as more expensive plugs
Cons
- ✗ Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
- ✗ Requires Alexa or Google Assistant
- ✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
Looking for a cheap smart plug that can do the job? BroadLink’s smart plug costs just $8 for one, but you can get three for $17, or five for $28. We recommend going for the three-pack as you’re almost getting one for free.
We chose this as the best budget option for several reasons. For starters, it’s definitely one of the least expensive smart plugs on the market, while still providing great value. The plug requires you to have Alexa- or Google Assistant-powered devices, and it also works with IFTTT.
There’s no third-party app to download, so you need to connect it to a voice assistant, but there’s a good chance you’re using one of those anyway if you’re decking out a smart home.
Once connected, you can control the plug by voice, set timers, and create schedules. There’s even an Away mode, which turns on the plug at random times to make it seem like you’re at home. The plug uses a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal, and it has a rectangular build. You can conveniently stack three of these on top of each other, so you can use them in standard outlets easily.
Best Budget Smart Plug
Wyze Smart Plug
Just need a budget smart plug that gets the job done? BreadLink’s got you covered, provided you don’t need a plug that works with HomeKit.
Pros
- ✓ Able to control sockets independently
- ✓ Offers vacation mode that can be used for security
- ✓ Able to connect to other smart home devices with IFTTT
- ✓ Fast and easy setup in Wyze app or through Bluetooth
- ✓ Monitors energy consumption
Cons
- ✗ Doesn’t support Apple’s Siri or HomeKit
If you want a smart plug that you can leave outside, you need something weatherproof. For our pick, we have another Wyze option! The Wyze Outdoor Smart Plug, like the name suggests, is designed to be used outside. It’s IP64 water- and dust-resistant, making it safe to plug into areas that have been exposed to rain, snow, dust, wind, and dirt.
The plug costs $16 and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You can conveniently use voice commands, the Wyze app, or a smart assistant’s app to control your plug from inside your home.
There are two sockets on the Wyze Outdoor Plug, so you can connect up to two appliances. However, you can control each socket independently, so there are no problems if you need to turn a particular light on or off.
Through the Wyze app, you can quickly install the plug, turn it on and off, set timers, and create schedules. You can even track energy consumption and set alerts for when an appliance uses a specific amount of energy.
Although the plug will be outside, it has an extended Wi-Fi range of 300 feet in open space. This provides you with better connectivity, allowing you to reliably control the plug from around your home.
Note: In March 2022, Bitdefender revealed security flaws in Wyze cameras that went unfixed for three years after being reported to the company. Wyze has patched the vulnerabilities (except on the V1 Cam), but Wyze’s lack of communication raises serious questions about its commitment to security. Our sister site Review Geek has a deeper look at everything you need to know.
Best Outdoor Smart Plug
Wyze Outdoor Smart Plug
If you want a smart plug for the outdoors, you need something that is water and dirt resistant. Wyze’s outdoor plug is that, and you’ll also be able to plug two devices in at once!
Best Smart Plug For Amazon Alexa: Amazon Smart Plug
Pros
- ✓ Great compatibility with Amazon Alexa devices
- ✓ Fast setup in the Alexa app
- ✓ High-performance and strong connectivity
Cons
- ✗ A little pricey
- ✗ Doesn’t support any other voice assistant than Alexa
- ✗ Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
If you’re wondering what the best smart plug is for your Alexa smart speaker or smart display, it’s probably the one from Amazon. Amazon’s known to make some of the most popular smart home technology today, such as the Amazon Echo. With its $25 smart plug, you’ll have an easy time connecting it to your Alexa-powered smart home.
The plug works exclusively with Alexa—Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Apple HomeKit users will have to look for another plug. Through the Alexa app on Android or iPhone, you can set up the Amazon Smart Plug easily and have control of all of this plug’s features, including voice control, scheduling, and controlling the power. However, you’ll need to connect the plug to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, so you can’t just configure it with Alexa and call it a day.
With the Amazon Smart Plug, you can create Alexa Routines seamlessly, making it the perfect plug for those with an Alexa ecosystem. The Amazon Smart Plug also has a space-saving rectangular build best suited for outlets with vertically stacked sockets.
Best Amazon Alexa Smart Plug
Best Smart Plug for Google Assistant: Vont Smart Plug
Pros
- ✓ Works perfectly with Google Assistant
- ✓ Good automation and schedule options
- ✓ Slim design fits compact outlets
- ✓ Can be controlled remotely
Cons
- ✗ Doesn’t work with HomeKit
The Vont Smart Plug is a well-designed, reliable, and feature-packed plug that’s perfect for anyone who wants to add smart functionality to all manner of household appliances. It also works perfectly with Google Nest, making the smart plug a great fit for the ecosystem.
You can control the plug through the Vont app, or with Google Assistant for voice commands. Vont’s plug is also compatible with IFTTT, which allows you to add automation routines to Google Assistant, as well as with Amazon Alexa.
Once set up and the plug is connected to the required 2.4Ghz wireless network, you have loads of options at your fingertips. You can set timers, create schedules to switch lights on when you’re away from home, and even control several plugs together in a group. The Vont app also lets you see how much electricity is being used through the plug each day.
A nice feature, which isn’t always available in smart plugs, is the ability to control the plug even while away from home. As long as your home Wi-Fi is running, you can control your devices from anywhere.
The Vont Smart Plug, available individually or in a 2-pack, is designed for both standard and compact outlets. Two plugs can easily fit double sockets, either above and below or side by side. If you are looking for a good-value smart plug to pair up with Google Assistant, look no further.
Best Smart Plug for Google Assistant
Vont Smart Plug
A great-quality smart plug, packed with useful features. Works perfectly with Google Home and Google Assistant, as well as Alexa and IFTTT.
Best Smart Plug For Apple HomeKit: Wemo Smart Plug
Pros
- ✓ Great integration with Apple HomeKit
- ✓ Works with Apple’s Siri
- ✓ Compact size
- ✓ Offers Away mode to scare off strangers
- ✓ Compatible with most major voice assistants
Cons
- ✗ Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
- ✗ A little pricey
If you use Siri on your iOS device or already have Apple HomeKit, you’ll want to try out the Wemo Smart Plug. It integrates incredibly well with Apple HomeKit, and you don’t need a hub or a bridge to use it in the Apple Home app. The plug also works with Alexa, Google Nest, and IFTTT.
To set up the plug, download the Wemo app on iPhone or Android, plug in your smart plug, and follow the instructions on the screen. The Wemo plugs need to connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, then you pair it with Apple HomeKit and you’re ready to go.
You’ll have access to voice control, and you can control the plug using the Wemo or Apple Home app. You can create advanced schedules, turn the plug on and off, and turn on Away mode to scare off unwanted visitors.
The rectangular build is best for outlets with vertically stacked sockets, and there’s even a mini version that’s 45% smaller, in case you need the extra space.
Best Apple HomeKit Smart Plug
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