For clarity, a smart plug is a smart home gadget that plugs into a standard outlet. And also has a standard outlet for other products to be plugged in. Then, the plug can be controlled via voice, app, or other scheduling and routines. In effect, the plug allows products such as lights, fans, one-switch coffee makers, and more to act like smart home products. Turning on or off via those control methods. But how do you pick the best one? Let’s dive right into the best smart plugs currently available to buy.
Summary of the top best smart plugs to make your home more connected
Now, smart plugs are one of those gadget categories that are incredibly broad and difficult to narrow down. So picking out the top devices is a non-menial task, to say the least. Although there are some differentiating factors worth considering. With that in mind, this list was built to showcase our picks for the best devices in any one of those areas. For both budget-friendly hardware and more expensive smart plugs. And it’s worth bearing in mind that many of these plugs will work with more than one ecosystem too. So that’s been noted in the longer descriptions below the summary.
Best smart plug on a budget for Google Home
BN-LINK WiFi Heavy Duty Smart Plug Outlet
Starting out at just $16.99 for a two-pack and ranging up to just $26.99 for four, the BN-LINK WiFi Heavy Duty Smart Plug Outlet is easily going to be one of the best budget smart plugs for Google Home. But it isn’t just the small size that makes this plug worthwhile either. Of course, with this BN-LINK smart plug, you’re going to get all of the features associated with Google Home and these types of devices. From voice-based controls to control at-a-distance. Including control from anywhere with intelligent routine scheduling and group controls. Without the need for a secondary control hub. Additionally, the design of this particular plug makes it easier to use in some situations even without a voice command or app. Namely, this plug comes with an offset button. So it can be placed behind furniture that just doesn’t quite leave the plug free to access. And the control button itself will still be accessible. BN-LINK WiFi Heavy Duty Smart Plug Outlet
TP-Link – Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini
Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini can be used with schedules. Such as for home appliances like a lamp, fans, lighting, and more. And set up is easy, with no central hub required, as is often the case with some devices. Additionally, it packs support for the widely-lauded customization app IFTTT. So Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini can be programmed with more granularity and a wider array of triggers. That’s as compared to competing devices that only work with smart home assistants. TP-Link - Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini
Best smart plug on a budget for Apple HomeKit
TP-Link – Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with HomeKit
Now, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with HomeKit shouldn’t be confused with the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini above. Although it is a nearly identical device. In fact, its biggest differentiating feature is right there in the branding. Namely, this smart plug supports Apple’s HomeKit. So it might be the best option on a budget if the plug mentioned above sounds appealing but you’re only using Apple HomeKit. Or if you’re looking for the best smart plug on a budget in a smart home that uses a combination of HomeKit and other ecosystems. TP-Link - Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with HomeKit
Best standalone smart plug on a budget
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Starting out at just under $25, what sets the Wemo Mini Smart Plug apart from others in our list of the best plugs is straightforward. It isn’t the fact that it sports all of the features and safety features found on others on the list. Or that it comes in two sizes, with support for Thread, if you purchase the correct plug. That also means it has a similar offset version to the BN-LINK plug above. Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Best all-around smart plug for Google Home
Wyze Plug
Wyze Plug is yet another of the best smart plugs you can buy for your smart home ecosystem for Google — and for Alexa. Not least of all, because it starts out at just $11.46. Although a two-pack will set you back nearly $20 and a four-pack nearly $40. Setting aside the fact that all major features for a smart plug are supported, from routines to scheduling and Google Assistant voice controls, there’s one other factor to consider here. Namely, that Wyze Plug also comes in an outdoor variant. This means that for $17.98, you can get a plug with IP64 weather resistance. Moreover, the outdoor plug has two ports and both of those are independently controllable. Wyze Plug
Best all-around smart plug for Apple HomeKit
Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter
If you’re an Apple user who wants to get even more from your smart plugs, the best plug will arguably be the Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter. Not only does the Eve Energy Smart Plug do all of the things you’d want in a smart plug. From routines to location and one-off voice commands — and all without a hub or subscription. This smart plug also comes with the added benefit of being exclusive to Apple HomeKit. And it has the added benefit, for a higher cost, of monitoring your power consumption with helpful charts and breakdowns. Moreover, Eve supports Bluetooth and joins a Thread network automatically. And it can be set to work without reliance on any cloud networks. Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter
Best all-around standalone smart plug
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
Our final pick for the best smart home plugs is one of a kind on this list because it’s a full-blown power strip. It comes at a higher price too. But that’s offset by its defining feature. Namely, each plug is controllable independently of others. That means that for just under $60, you can connect up to six devices to Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300. Not accounting for the additional three USB ports. And that each product or appliance plugged into the strip can be controlled individually. Whether that’s via voice command or routine. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
