Best Smart Plugs 2025: Transform Any Device into a Smart Home Gadget with Voice Control and Scheduling That Saves Energy and Money

Want to make your home smarter without replacing every appliance? Smart plugs are the secret weapon that tech enthusiasts have been using to automate their homes on a budget. These ingenious little devices plug into your existing outlets and instantly give you voice control, app-based scheduling, and energy monitoring for any device you connect to them.

We've tested dozens of smart plugs to find the ones that deliver reliable connectivity, intuitive apps, and seamless integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Whether you're looking to automate your morning coffee routine, control holiday lights from your phone, or monitor energy usage to cut down on electricity bills, we've found the perfect smart plug for every need and budget.

Why Smart Plugs Are a Game-Changer

Smart plugs are the easiest entry point into home automation. Here's why they're worth your attention:

Instant Smart Home Upgrade: Transform any "dumb" device into a smart one without buying expensive replacements. Your old lamp, coffee maker, or fan can now respond to voice commands and schedules.

Energy Savings: Many smart plugs include energy monitoring features that show you exactly how much power your devices consume. You'll quickly identify energy vampires and can set schedules to cut phantom power drain.

Convenience That Actually Matters: Never wonder if you left the iron on again. Control devices from anywhere using your smartphone, set schedules so lights turn on before you get home, and create automation routines that make your daily life smoother.

Voice Control Everything: "Alexa, turn on the coffee maker" becomes your new morning routine. Smart plugs work with all major voice assistants, making hands-free control a reality.

What to Look for in a Smart Plug

Before we dive into our top picks, here's what separates great smart plugs from mediocre ones:

Connectivity Type

Most smart plugs use Wi-Fi (2.4GHz), which is convenient since you don't need a hub. Some use Zigbee or Z-Wave, which require a compatible hub but offer more reliable connections and don't crowd your Wi-Fi network.

Voice Assistant Compatibility

Make sure your smart plug works with your ecosystem—whether that's Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or all three. Not all plugs support every platform.

Size and Design

Bulky smart plugs can block adjacent outlets, rendering them useless. Look for compact designs or models with side-by-side outlets that don't hog space.

Energy Monitoring

If you want to track power consumption and identify energy-wasting devices, choose a plug with built-in energy monitoring. Not all models include this feature.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Rating

Planning to control outdoor lights or a fountain? You'll need a weather-resistant outdoor-rated smart plug with an IP rating for water and dust protection.

App Experience

The companion app is your control center. Look for plugs with intuitive apps that offer scheduling, timers, away mode, and easy automation setup.

Our Top Smart Plug Picks for 2025

Best Overall: Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini (EP25)

What we like: This tiny powerhouse from TP-Link's Kasa line delivers everything most people need in a smart plug at an unbeatable price. It's incredibly compact so it doesn't block adjacent outlets, works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the Kasa app is one of the most user-friendly we've tested. Setup takes less than two minutes, and the plug has never dropped connection during our months of testing.

Other things to know: Works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only (like most smart plugs). Supports scheduling, timers, and away mode that randomly turns lights on/off when you're traveling. Rated for 15A/1800W. No energy monitoring on this model, but the slightly larger EP10 version adds that feature for a few dollars more. Available in 2-packs and 4-packs for better value.

Best with Energy Monitoring: Emporia Smart Plug

What we like: If you're serious about cutting your energy bills, the Emporia Smart Plug is your best friend. The companion app shows real-time power consumption, historical usage, and estimated costs in dollars. We discovered our old dehumidifier was costing us $30/month—and set a schedule that cut that in half. The plug itself is reliable, compact, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Other things to know: Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The energy data is incredibly detailed, showing watts, kilowatt-hours, and cost breakdowns by day, week, or month. Supports voice control and scheduling. Some users report the app can be slow to load detailed energy reports. Rated for 15A. No HomeKit support.

Best for Apple Users: Wemo Smart Plug (Matter-Compatible)

What we like: Apple HomeKit users have long struggled with limited smart plug options, but Wemo's latest Matter-compatible plug changes that. It works seamlessly with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant thanks to Matter protocol support. The plug is compact, reliable, and the Wemo app offers excellent scheduling and automation features. We love that you can control it through the Apple Home app or use Siri voice commands.

Other things to know: Matter compatibility means future-proof smart home integration. Setup through HomeKit is straightforward using the QR code. Supports Thread for more reliable connectivity if you have a Thread border router. No energy monitoring. Slightly more expensive than non-HomeKit alternatives, but worth it for iOS users. Rated for 15A/1800W.

Best Outdoor Smart Plug: Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (EP40A)

What we like: This weather-resistant plug transforms outdoor lighting, fountains, and decorations into smart devices. With two independently controlled outlets, you can manage multiple devices separately—perfect for controlling front and back yard lights on different schedules. The IP64 rating means it handles rain, snow, and dust without issues. We've had one controlling holiday lights through multiple seasons with zero problems.

Other things to know: Each outlet can be controlled independently via app or voice. The 6-foot cord gives you flexibility in placement. Includes a weatherproof cover that seals around plugged-in cords. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Supports scheduling and timers. Rated for 15A per outlet. The plug is larger than indoor models, but that's expected for outdoor-rated gear.

Best Multi-Outlet: Kasa Smart Power Strip (HS300)

What we like: Why use multiple smart plugs when you can have six smart outlets plus three USB ports in one power strip? This is perfect for entertainment centers, home offices, or anywhere you need to control multiple devices. Each outlet can be controlled independently, and the built-in energy monitoring tracks consumption for each outlet separately. We use this behind our TV setup to control the TV, soundbar, gaming console, and ambient lighting all individually.

Other things to know: The 6-foot cord reaches distant outlets easily. Energy monitoring for each outlet helps identify power-hungry devices. Supports individual scheduling and group control. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant. The power strip is larger than standard strips, so measure your space. Surge protection included (1710 joules). USB ports are always on and not smart-controlled.

Best Budget Option: Wyze Plug

What we like: At under $10, the Wyze Plug proves you don't need to spend much to get smart home functionality. Despite the low price, it's reliable, compact, and the Wyze app offers all the essential features including scheduling, timers, and vacation mode. Setup is quick, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Perfect for outfitting your entire home without breaking the bank.

Other things to know: Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and a Wyze account. No energy monitoring. The plug is slightly larger than premium compact models, so it may block adjacent outlets depending on your wall plate. Some users report occasional connectivity hiccups, but firmware updates have improved stability. Rated for 15A/1800W. No HomeKit support. Available in multi-packs for even better value.

Best for High-Wattage Devices: BN-LINK Heavy Duty Smart Plug

What we like: Most smart plugs max out at 15A, but space heaters, window AC units, and power tools often need more. This heavy-duty plug handles up to 20A/2400W, making it perfect for high-power devices. Despite the higher capacity, it maintains smart features like scheduling and voice control. We've used this with a portable AC unit all summer with flawless performance.

Other things to know: Larger and bulkier than standard smart plugs due to the heavy-duty components. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Supports scheduling and timers through the Smart Life app. Indoor use only. The outlet may require a dedicated wall outlet due to size. Check your device's power requirements before assuming you need 20A—most household devices work fine with standard 15A plugs.

Smart Plug Setup and Automation Ideas

Getting started with smart plugs is incredibly easy, but here are some pro tips to maximize their potential:

Quick Setup Tips

1. Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Most smart plugs don't support 5GHz networks. Make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4GHz network or set up a guest network specifically for smart home devices.

2. Name Devices Clearly: Use specific names like "Living Room Lamp" instead of "Lamp 1" so voice commands work intuitively.

3. Group Related Devices: Create groups in your smart home app to control multiple devices with one command—like "Goodnight" to turn off all downstairs lights.

4. Update Firmware: Check for firmware updates after setup to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

Brilliant Automation Ideas

Morning Coffee Routine: Schedule your coffee maker to turn on 10 minutes before your alarm so you wake up to fresh coffee.

Simulated Presence: Use away mode or random scheduling to turn lights on/off when you're traveling, making it look like someone's home.

Energy Vampire Elimination: Use smart plugs with energy monitoring to identify devices that draw power when "off," then set schedules to cut power completely during sleeping hours.

Seasonal Lighting: Set holiday lights to turn on at sunset and off at bedtime automatically. No more forgetting to turn them off.

Temperature-Based Control: Pair smart plugs with smart thermostats or temperature sensors to automatically turn on fans when rooms get too warm.

Bedtime Routine: Create a routine that turns off all entertainment devices, charges your phone, and turns on a white noise machine with one voice command.

Smart Plug FAQs

Do smart plugs work without Wi-Fi? Most Wi-Fi smart plugs need an internet connection for app control and voice commands, but some retain their last schedule if Wi-Fi drops. Zigbee and Z-Wave plugs work locally through your hub even without internet.

Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity? Smart plugs consume about 1-2 watts when idle—roughly $2-3 per year per plug. The energy savings from controlling devices far outweighs this minimal consumption.

Can I use a smart plug with any device? Yes, as long as the device has a mechanical on/off switch and doesn't exceed the plug's wattage rating (typically 1800W/15A). Devices with electronic switches or that require button presses won't work properly.

Are smart plugs safe? Quality smart plugs from reputable brands are UL or ETL certified and as safe as regular outlets. Avoid unknown brands without safety certifications, and never exceed the rated wattage.

Can smart plugs be hacked? Like any connected device, smart plugs have potential security risks. Minimize risk by using strong Wi-Fi passwords, keeping firmware updated, and buying from reputable manufacturers with good security track records.

The Bottom Line

Smart plugs are the easiest and most affordable way to dip your toes into home automation. For under $20, you can transform ordinary devices into smart appliances that respond to your voice, follow schedules, and help you save energy.

Our top pick for most people is the Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini (EP25)—it's compact, reliable, affordable, and works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant. If you want energy monitoring, upgrade to the Emporia Smart Plug. Apple users should grab the Wemo Smart Plug for seamless HomeKit integration.

Start with a couple of smart plugs for your most-used devices—lamps, coffee makers, fans—and you'll quickly find yourself automating more of your home. The convenience of voice control and app-based scheduling is genuinely life-changing once you experience it.

Your home is smarter than you think—it just needs the right plugs to unlock its potential!