Backyard Gear Pro

Best Smart Plugs

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Smart plugs are the cheapest, most reliable way to add voice and app control to anything with a power cord. We focused on plugs with a track record for staying connected reliably, since a smart plug that constantly drops offline defeats the purpose.

Most of these work over Wi-Fi directly with no separate hub required, which keeps setup simple for a handful of plugs around the house.

How we picked: We prioritized plugs with a reliable connection history, a reasonably compact design that doesn't block a second outlet, and broad compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home where relevant.

Amazon Smart Plug

Best simple pick for Alexa households

  • Extremely easy setup through the Alexa app
  • Reliable connection with minimal dropouts
  • Often bundled at a discount with Echo devices

Con: Works best within the Alexa ecosystem; less useful if you use Google Assistant or Apple Home.

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Kasa Smart Plug KP125

Best with energy monitoring

  • Tracks real-time and historical energy usage in the app
  • Compact design that doesn't block the second outlet
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home

Con: The Kasa app pushes its own automations, which can feel redundant if you're already using Alexa routines.

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TP-Link Tapo P100

Best budget multi-pack

  • Very low cost per plug, especially in 4-packs
  • Simple, no-frills app that's easy for non-technical users
  • Reliable enough for basic schedules and voice control

Con: No energy monitoring, and the bulkier shape can block a second outlet.

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Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Best compact design

  • Low-profile shape leaves the second outlet accessible
  • Solid Apple Home compatibility
  • Simple, stable performance for basic on/off control

Con: No energy monitoring and a fairly bare-bones feature set compared to Kasa.

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Eve Energy

Best for Apple Home and Matter

  • Native Thread/Matter support for fast, local (not cloud-dependent) control
  • Built-in energy monitoring with a clean history view
  • No separate hub required for Apple Home users with a HomePod mini or Apple TV

Con: Costs more than basic Wi-Fi plugs like the Tapo P100.

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Govee Smart Plug

Best for pairing with Govee lighting

  • Works well alongside Govee's smart light strips and bulbs in one app
  • Competitive pricing for the feature set
  • Supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice control

Con: The Govee Home app can feel cluttered if you're only using it for a single plug.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a smart plug on a power strip?
Yes, but check the plug's amperage rating against everything downstream on the strip. Don't exceed the plug's rated load, and never put a high-draw appliance like a space heater on a smart plug unless it's explicitly rated for that wattage.
Do smart plugs work if my internet goes down?
Basic on/off control at the plug (if it has a manual button) still works, but app control, voice control, and scheduling that relies on cloud connectivity will stop working until the connection is restored.
Do I need a hub for smart plugs?
Most smart plugs connect directly to Wi-Fi and need no hub. Some Matter/Thread plugs like Eve Energy benefit from a Thread border router (built into devices like a HomePod mini or newer Echo) for the fastest, most local control.

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Smart Plugs Buying Advice