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Using smart plugs in your home gives you remote access to your small appliances and other electronic devices. If you are trying to purchase them for the first time, you’ll have many choices, but they won’t all perform the same. Top-quality options are easy to find when you know where to look. This article will help you understand various essential traits so you can pick the best smart plug to integrate into your home.
How We Compared Smart Plugs
To find the right smart plugs, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Control Options
- Ease of Use
- Reliability
- Size
- Energy Efficiency
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Best Smart Plug Reviews
Amazon 2020 Release (Editor’s Choice)
This smart plug holds the Editor’s Choice award due to its easy-to-use design. Its super simple configuration does not require an additional hub for operation. Plug it in and open Alexa to complete the setup process using voice controls to get started.
The Amazon 2020 Release smart plug is proudly ‘Certified for Humans’, which deems it stress-free, struggle-free, and tinker-free. It is also ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ for improved sustainability overall.
These plugs exclusively connect with Alexa devices and the Alexa app to give you voice and remote control over any smart unit you like. They enable you to set schedules and timers so that your home starts to respond to your daily schedule. When used properly, they can help you save time and conserve energy.
Pros:
- Super simple Certified for Humans design
- Voice control enabled through Alexa devices and the Alexa app
- Climate Pledge Friendly for improved sustainability
- Set up schedules and routines with Alexa
- Easy voice installation
Cons:
- It may not sync with apps other than Alexa
- It might not connect to 5 GHz WiFi networks
Hive Active Home (Luxury Choice)
This smart plug option is both easy to install and set up. Its convenient design brings you reliable connectivity in a luxury build. If you want a high-quality smart plug, this could be your pick.
The Hive Active Home smart plug connects to a Hive Hub and the Hive app. Combined, they establish a consistent connection with accurate monitoring and control over a power socket. The app allows you to set up as many as six different time slots for your convenience.
In addition to the app, this smart plug option also pairs with voice control assistants such as Alexa. They also feature a manual power button for direct control. Lastly, they are available for purchase as a single plug, two-pack, or four-pack.
Pros:
- Luxury build quality and design
- Reliable connectivity to hub and app
- Six programmable time slots
- App, voice, and manual control options
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- You may also need to purchase a Hive Hub to establish a connection
- It might have a slightly bulkier design than other top options
TP-Link Tapo (Best Value)
Value and quality intersect with these smart plugs. They feature all of the traits you could want plus a few more, like compact size, to make them easy and convenient to use overall.
No additional hub is required to use TP-Link Tapo smart plugs. They are easy to install using the Tapo app. You can set timer and schedule settings to best suit your daily routine and make things easier on yourself. The app also contains a ‘Device Sharing’ function so multiple members of your household can access controls without issue.
If you prefer, these smart plugs are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to get instant control over a power socket from anywhere you like.
Pros:
- Excellent value option
- Device Sharing for multi-person control via the app
- Compact size
- Voice control, schedule and timer functions
- Easy to use and install
Cons:
- The WiFi connection might be slightly less reliable compared to other top options
- The app may not communicate with Voice Assistants as well as hoped
- It could come without an energy monitoring feature
TVLIVE 2 Pack (Best Easy to Use)
Easy to use and compatible with most voice assistants, these smart plugs make an outstanding choice, even if you are new to this type of device. They connect with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
The TVLIVE 2 Pack of smart plugs is highly customisable via the Smart Life app. You can set daily schedules and timers and utilise ‘Device Sharing’ to give multiple people access to the controls in your home. These smart plugs also allow you to monitor the current energy usage so you can respond accordingly. What’s more, they enable versatile control from anywhere you happen to be with a smart device and don’t require a hub to operate.
Ultra-compact by design, these smart plugs should work side by side without interfering with other plugs. They also feature handy sliding protective covers to prevent accidental shock for child safety.
Pros:
- Energy monitoring via the app
- Device Sharing for multi-person control from smart devices
- Compatible with various voice assistants
- Two-pack of ultra-compact plugs
- Kid-safe design with sliding covers
Cons:
- They might have a shorter lifespan than other options
- It may take a bit more time to install than expected
Meross Power Strip (Best for Reliability)
This smart plug power strip contains four outlets so you can take control of several devices in your home at once. It is easy to install and use and very reliable to maintain control over electronics for the foreseeable future without interruption.
The Meross Power Strip connects to the SmartThings app. No hub is required. The app features timer and scene settings that can automatically adjust based on sunset and sunrise times. You also gain control over each socket individually and can monitor the WiFi signal strength via the app.
This smart plug is compatible with voice assistant devices. It contains a Mediatek IoT chipset that helps maintain a more reliable connection at a longer distance, especially compared to other top options. A sliding safety cover is also built into the design for enhanced child safety.
Pros:
- Four outlet power strip
- Ability to control each socket individually
- Highly reliable WiFi connection
- Sliding safety cover for added protection
- Customisable timer and scene functions
Cons:
- Apple HomeKit might not support it
- The bulkier design may not be ideal for all homes
Meross Mini 4 Pack (Best Compact)
These smart plugs make a great choice if you are looking for an ultra-compact space-saving design. They can be placed in a standard plug or power strip without interfering with the surrounding sockets.
In addition to their slim build, these smart plugs feature a powerful chipset to facilitate an extended WiFi connection. Local Control technology helps protect your privacy and doesn’t share your operation commands with the cloud server. They also have offline control as long as your app is still connected.
The Meross Mini 4 Pack uses a SmartThings app and can be controlled using voice assistants. It does not require an additional hub for operation. The app contains timer and scene settings so you can schedule your home to respond to your specific habits. The scene function responds to sunset and sunrise times.
Pros:
- Thin space-saving design
- Customisable timer and scene settings
- Pack of 4
- Capable of an extended WiFi connection
- Local Control for added privacy
Cons:
- They may not be the easiest to install
- They might not automatically reconnect if you reboot your router
EMPORIA ENERGY 4 Pack (Best for Saving Energy)
These smart plugs are ideal for conserving your energy usage. They even come with built-in power monitoring. Available at a convenient pack of four, you’ll be able to gain control over multiple devices.
The EMPORIA ENERGY 4 Pack is compatible with voice control assistants and connects to an app. The Emporia app is straightforward to use, unlike other similar apps. It has timers that allow you to schedule when appliances will automatically turn on or shut off.
If you are looking for a manual operation option, you can turn these smart plugs on or off using a power switch on each device’s side. They are also narrow enough that you can plug them in side by side.
Pros:
- Inbuilt power monitoring
- Easy to use Emporia app
- Schedule and timer functions
- Help you save energy
- It comes with four plugs included
Cons:
- They may be a bit bulkier lengthwise than other options
- This device may not support 5.0 GHz WiFi networks
How to Choose a Smart Plug
Control Options
Controlling a smart plug is easy with a suitable device. Most options facilitate remote control using an app, voice control using assistants like Alexa and Google Home, or both. Many selections also have a manual power button located on the device. For optimal use, look for apps that enable multi-person control. Then, you will be able to share functionality with other household members.
Ease of Use
Aside from the controls, smart plugs will also be easy to use and install. We found that the most effortless smart plugs utilise voice control with an app for installation.
One thing that could potentially delay your installation is if you do not know you need a hub to work in tandem with the device. Most smart plugs will proudly declare that they do not need a hub if that is the case.
The ability to set timers and create customisable schedules also makes a smart plug easier to use. Once you set up your routines, you can sit back and relax while your appliances automatically turn on and off to your liking.
Reliability
Considering how smart plugs use a WiFi connection to operate and stay connected to the controls, they must be reliable. Without a steadfast connection, you may find yourself reinstalling smart plugs when they disconnect. Or, you will be unable to use the app or voice control assistant to connect and make adjustments. Look for smart plugs that have a strong signal and will function when and where you need them.
Size
Smart plugs vary in size and shape. We think the best ones will have a compact size that does not interfere with the surrounding sockets in an outlet or power strip. Some are bulkier than others, and they are likely to limit your peripheral outlet usage. To avoid this issue, look for smaller plugs. Many options will also allow you to put another smart plug in directly beside or above.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant benefits of installing smart plugs in your home is that they can help you minimise energy consumption. They facilitate automatic shut-off, and many also allow you to monitor your energy usage in real-time on the app. With this feature, you can determine how frequently you want to use your electronic devices and appliances to conserve energy.
Summary
Our Editor’s Choice award goes to the Amazon 2020 Release smart plug. It has a super simple ‘Certified for Humans’ design and is easy to install using voice controls. It also enables app and voice command control through Alexa. It allows you to easily set up schedules and timers to make your appliances automatically turn on and off based on your unique routines. Lastly, it is also ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ for improved sustainability. You can rest assured you made a reliable and conscious decision if you purchase this smart plug option for your home.
Emily is a woman of many talents. She has a B.A. in English and enjoys writing. Emily loves accessorising her home with quality products that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall convenience and tranquillity of her living space; there’s nothing like coming home to your own personal sanctuary after a long day! She loves anything that can make life easier or more comfortable—from dishware to furniture to lighting fixtures.