Smart home devices are replacing our speakers, old light bulbs, and even our refrigerators at a record rate. But what about the things in our homes that aren’t smart yet? That’s where smart plugs come in.
These ingenious devices connect your lamp, fan, coffee maker, kitchen appliances or just about anything else to your smart home for automation and voice control. There are models for each voice assistant. Some even work with all three: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. It’s a fast and affordable way to get the most out of your smart home platform.
Read more: Do you want to buy a smart plug? Read this first
With so many options available, choosing the best smart plug to turn your newly connected devices on and off means you will need to analyze all your needs, your home connectivity settings, whether you want to use voice command, and the platform you use to control it. everything, with “everything” now including any wall outlet you choose.
We’ve tested dozens of smart plugs from businesses large and small, and here are our picks for the best smart plug to get the rest of your home online. We update this list periodically. Smart home devices, here we go!
Read more: These smart plugs are the secret to a perfect smart home
Chris Monroe / CNET
TP-Link’s Kasa line of smart home products includes this space-saving smart plug. It works with the Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa over its Wi-Fi network, and the Kasa app (Android and iOS) offers many detailed options for customizing scheduling, away modes, and timers.
What will you not get? Power consumption data, a USB port, or HomeKit support. Still, if you’re interested in programming and using voice control and voice commands, the TP-Link smart plug is a great option for controlling a light switch or other connected device. Read our TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini review.
Tyler Lizenby / CNET
At just $ 15 for a two-pack, the Wyze Plug packs a punch. We tested it at CNET Smart Home, and setup was easy. The Wyze Plug works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and comes with a physical on / off switch on the side of the plug. There is no USB port on the side for additional charging.
Voice commands in our tests worked well, and the size and design of the plug keeps it from interfering with other outputs. There was a noticeable delay when turning on the devices with the Wyze app, but your results may vary depending on the strength of your Wi-Fi.
Molly / CNET Price
The WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug is affordable and comes with the native Google Assistant, Alexa, and yes, HomeKit compatibility.
The WeMo app is not our favorite app and you won’t get power monitoring with the WeMo Wi-Fi smart plug. Those shortcomings aside, this smart plug’s space-saving design and robust HomeKit compatibility make it easy to recommend to users in the Apple ecosystem. Read our WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug review.
The iDevices Outdoor Switch is a great way to automate outdoor lights, fans, lamps, switches, or other electronic devices. This outdoor smart switch works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit through your Wi-Fi connection and includes remote control and power tracking.
While you will get two outlets, you cannot control them individually. If that’s a must for you, we recommend checking out the TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, which works with Google and Alexa and has a great companion app. Read our iDevices Outdoor Switch review.
Other models we tested
There are dozens of smart plugs from companies large and small, and while we haven’t tested each and every one of them, we’ve seen a few go through CNET Smart Home. Here’s a quick look at other notable options.
- Amazon smart plug: A flagship of the brand, the Amazon smart plug costs $ 25 and only works with Alexa. While setup is easy, it’s not as feature-rich as other models, which can be a deal breaker when you’re looking for a smart way out.
- Satechi dual smart output: This HomeKit compatible smart plug costs $ 30 and you get two outlets and power monitoring capability. There is no compatibility with the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which will not be sustainable if you are fully involved in your Alexa app.
- iHome outdoors: This $ 40 outdoor smart plug works with all three voice assistants, but you’ll only get one outlet.
- ConnectSense 2 smart output: This $ 60 behemoth does it all: power monitoring, individually controlled outlets, a USB port, and LED status lighting. However, the unattractive, oversized price and design are enough to prevent me from recommending it. Everyone loves a smart outing, but no one likes an ugly one.
- Koogeek: This $ 32 smart plug works well with HomeKit, but blocks adjacent plugs. The Alexa or Google Assistant integrations aren’t as seamless as we’d like to see on our connected devices.
- Puregear Pureswitch: This HomeKit-centric smart plug is another solid option for Apple’s smart homes, but it didn’t perform as well in our tests as other HomeKit-compatible devices.
- Eufy mini smart plug: This pint-sized smart plug is only slightly larger than our previous SmartThings budget pick and costs just a few bucks more at $ 23. You’ll also get the intelligence of Amazon and Google Assistant.
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3 reasons you need a smart plug
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Things to remember
Choosing the best smart plug for you starts with voice assistant compatibility. Choose a plug that works with whatever voice assistant you’re using, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or other device. You can usually find this information on the product box, the website, or in your voice assistant’s mobile app.
Next, consider where your plug will be placed and if blocking other adjacent outlets is a concern. If so, be sure to choose a plug that is not too large. Most models described as “mini” will save space.
Additional features like power monitoring and USB charging can add even more control and convenience. Regardless of which smart plug you choose, bringing everyday products online with a plug is one of the easiest ways to automate and enhance your home.