Andy Nguyen
Elizabeth Henges
What to Look For in a Smart Plug in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Smart Plug Overall: Kasa Smart Plug
Best Budget Smart Plug: BroadLink Smart Plug
Best Outdoor Smart Plug: Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug
Best Smart Plug For Amazon Alexa: Amazon Smart Plug
Best Smart Plug for Google Assistant: Vont Smart Plug
Best Smart Plug For Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy Smart Plug
Update, 01/24/2023: We’ve reviewed our recommendations and have updated our best for outdoors pick with the Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug.
What to Look For in a Smart Plug in 2023
Most smart plugs have the same general capabilities. They’re able to open or block the flow of electricity to turn appliances on and off. However, this only works if an appliance has a power switch that can be “On.”
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Smart Plug Overall: Kasa Smart Plug
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.
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!
$16.99 
$19.99 Save 15%
Best Budget Smart Plug: BroadLink Smart Plug
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.
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.
$7.99 $11.99 Save 33%
Best Outdoor Smart Plug: Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug
Pros
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Control both outlets independently
- ✓ Simple to install and use via smartphone app
Cons
- ✗ Only supports Alexa
A good outdoor smart plug needs to offer everything found in its indoor counterparts along with a waterproof design. And while there are plenty of great options to choose from, the simplicity offered by the Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug makes it perfect for most households.
This outdoor plug is IP65 rated for water resistance, allowing you to leave it outside during all sorts of inclement weather. It also comes with an outlet cover that protects both sockets when not in use.
Better yet, you can control its two sockets independently or as a group through voice commands or the Alexa app. Whether you want to set up a daily schedule or create different routines, the Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug gives you plenty of versatility.
Unfortunately, that versatility doesn’t extend to Google Home or Apple HomeKit. Amazon’s smart plug is only compatible with Alexa, which could leave some homeowners out in the cold. There is, however, hope for the future. Amazon strongly supports Matter, so we may see increased support for the smart plug in the coming months.
The Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug is a solid option for most homes (especially ones that don’t mind using Alexa). Water-resistant, designed around a powerful app, and with two independent outlets, few products in the space are this versatile and carry a similar price tag.
Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug
It doesn't come with support for Google Home or Apple HomeKit, but the Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug is a no-frills product that's easy to use and packed full of features.
$23.99
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.
Amazon Smart Plug, for home automation, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device
The best smart plug for your Echo smart speaker or smart display is manufactured by Amazon, of course. Just know that it only works with Alexa!
$24.99
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.
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.
$11.99
Best Smart Plug For Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy Smart Plug
Pros
- ✓ Built-in energy usage monitor
- ✓ Compatible with Thread networks
- ✓ Illuminated button on the plug
- ✓ Works perfectly with Siri and HomeKit
Cons
- ✗ Slightly expensive if used as basic smart plug
If you’re looking for a smart plug that works perfectly with Siri and Apple HomeKit, the Eve Energy Smart Plug should be on the top of your list. It not only makes it easy to link up smart home devices and control them with voice or your iPhone, but it also lets you keep track of your energy use.
The Eve Energy plug needs power and connection to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, and that’s it. You don’t need a bridge or hub to add the plug to your smart home setup. You can then control it through Apple Home, with your voice and Siri Shortcuts, or by using the Eve app. The app also contains an energy dashboard that lets you monitor how much power an appliance uses.
Another clever extra feature is Thread compatibility. If your home Wi-Fi setup is compatible with Thread, the plug can be used as an additional node on the network. This lets you extend wireless coverage without the expense of buying a dedicated node for your mesh system.
The plug features a fairly standard design, suitable for use in vertically stacked rather than side-by-side outlets. The small, illuminated button on the device makes it easy to see when it is active and to turn it on or off without using your phone.
The Eve Energy smart plug is perfect for anyone using Apple’s HomeKit to create a smarter home. It’s one of the more expensive options available, but the extra features help to add value.
Eve Energy Smart Plug
A good-quality smart plug that makes great sense for anyone using Apple HomeKit to make their home smarter. Extra features, including the energy monitor, really help add value.
$39.95
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Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Sonos Era 100
Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit
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