Best for Alexa or Google Nest: Wyze PlugBest for HomeKit: Wemo Smart PlugBest power strip: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power StripBest for outdoors: Wyze Plug OutdoorBest dimmable: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer

How we selected the best smart plugs

We combined our own experiences, those of tech-savvy friends and colleagues, and testimonials from the most trustworthy sources. We have also had first-hand experience with many of the products on this list. We’ve whittled down the world of choice into a few recommendations. The key elements we considered were reliability, price, compatibility, and convenience. Size and form factor are also especially important here because fitting a smart plug into your space can be trickier than it seems. 

What to consider when shopping for the best smart plugs

There are certainly a few considerations to make when you’re looking to smarten up your surroundings: 

Socket count

Clearly, how many plugs you need and how close together they are is key. If you have many devices that need a smart plug all clumped together, a smart power strip will be a better choice. Smart power strips are more expensive than their smaller counterparts but have independently controllable plugs, making them cheaper overall than several plugs. They also almost always have USB inputs for charging devices.

Smart home platform

Between the big three companies, the choice really comes down to which company you’re already using. If you’re a big iPad/iPhone user, HomeKit might be the best and easier option for interfacing with your smart plugs, even if it means fewer plugs on the market will work with your system. Echo and the Nest speaker are already in a lot of homes; if you already have one, there’s nothing wrong with kitting out with both as your centerpiece. Even if you use an iPhone, there are compatible apps for both systems.

Indoors or outdoors?

If you have a cool outdoor lighting set-up for your deck or balcony, you need to invest in outdoor-fitted plugs to avoid issues when the weather gets unpleasant. There are far fewer options to stay smart while heading outside, but the items on the market are suitably heavy-duty and weather-resistant. Indoors, you have more options, from single-plug replacements to multi-plugs to power strips, with and without USB.

Extra features

Some smart plugs go beyond simply turning devices on and off. They can create schedules or timers, for instance, to customize their functionality. Timing features can be handy when you’re away from home but want the home to seem occupied as a precaution against break-ins.  You can also create dynamic power set-ups for different situations. If you pair your smart plugs with smart bulbs in different lamps and fixtures, you can create multiple colored light combinations for reading, watching TV, romantic encounters, parties, or any other situation. The smart home apps can also give you information about power usage for each device.

The best smart plugs: Reviews & Recommendations

The best smart plugs have become more and more affordable. Our first recommendation is under $15 per plug. Their reliability and responsiveness have improved as well. Durability was once an issue with smart plugs, as they would wear out relatively quickly, but that, too, has become less and less of a consideration. Overall, the best smart plugs offer a simple service—Wi-Fi-enabled power control—but do so exceedingly well. The future truly is now.

Best smart plug for Alexa or Google Nest: Wyze Plug

Why it made the cut: Wyze plugs do the job reliably on the cheap and they get even more affordable if you buy in bulk. Specs

15 amps110 volts2.75 x 4.1 x 1.5 inchesCompatible with Alexa and Google AssistantControllable remotely through the Wyze appWyze app allows for multiple plugs to be controlled as a single system

Pros

ReliableReasonable priceGood companion appAlexa and Google Assistant compatible

Cons

Not HomeKit compatibleA slight bit bulky compared to som

Best smart plug for HomeKit: Wemo Smart Plug

Why it made the cut: Finding affordable plugs compatible with Homekit can be a challenge, but this model fits the bill nicely.  Specs

1.34 x 2.05 x 1.81 inchesSpace-saving design prevents blocking other outletsCompatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKitControllable remotely through the Wemo appWemo app allows for remote control and schedulingAway mode will create random light off/on patterns to simulate someone being at home

Pros

Compatible with all three major voice-control systemsSlim profile for more efficient use of spaceRobust features in the appReliable and sturdy construction

Cons

Slightly more expensive per unit than WyzeNo grouping options in appOnly comes in white

If you’re an Apple HomeKit user, your options on the smart plug market are unfortunately limited compared to Alexa and Google. Wyze is a great basic option for most; for dedicated Apple fans, however, Wemo is the way to go. The Wemo casing is significantly smaller than the Wyze and a bit more stylish as well. The app is a little more bare-bones but still has all the functionality most users need.  There’s a very solid 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, meaning you can rely on Wemo to get the job done. They set up super easy and there’s a physical button on the side in case you don’t want to use a voice command to toggle the power.

Why it made the cut: Offering two options with a ton of plugs, individual control, and surge protection all in one package, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip offers even more than what a single plug does. Specs Pros

Individual control of plugsSurge protection on stripUSB slots means no need for USB power adapters to power or charge devicesSturdy and reliable

Cons

Not compatible with Apple HomeKitMore convenient six-outlet model is more expensive than two three-outlet modelsUSB is always-on, not controllable

A lot of us have more devices that we do plugs, so there are already probably a few power strips in your home. However, plugging a power strip into a smart plug will only give you the option of turning off the entire strip. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip gives you far more control, allowing you to use the Kasa app to control each individual plug on the strip, while also offering surge protection and USB power slots. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is available in a 3-plug version that has 2 USB slots, and a 6-plug version that includes 3 USB slots. However, in a weird quirk of pricing, two of the smaller Kasa actually cost significantly less than the larger one. Depending on your open plug availability or needs, you might actually be better off buying multiples of the small version; assess your needs accordingly.

Best outdoor smart plug: Wyze Plug Outdoor

Why it made the cut: If you need power on the patio or by the pool, the Wyze Plug Outdoor has all the same benefits as the Wyze plug plus some extra features and even stronger protection from the elements. Specs

Energy consumption controls and monitoring with Wyze appUp to 300 ft. Wi-Fi range3.93 x 2.68 x 1.42 inchesIP64 Weather Resistant against rain, dust, dirt, and snowTwo outlets with independent controlCompatible with Alexa or Google Nest or control from Wyze app without a hub

Pros

Additional power saving and monitoring featuresDurable, weather-resistant casingCompetitive priceWyze reliability

Cons

No HomeKit compatibilityShort cordBulky

Why it made the cut: Control dimmable lights outdoors without worry. Specs

IP64 Weather resistanceLong range wifi (up to 300 ft.)Alexa or Google Assistant compatibleDimming capabilitiesApp allows multiple plugs to be grouped for even dimmingMax power: 300W incandescent, 150W LED

Pros

Offers functionality traditional smart plugs do notVersatileReliableGrouping and scheduling possible.

Cons

Only offers a single plugBulky due to being built for outdoor useShort cord

Basic smart plugs typically only have two settings: on or off. But if you have a dimmable lamp or, more commonly these days, dimmable string lights for accent and mood lighting, a typical smart plug simply won’t do. You need a dimmable plug. Because it’s built for the outdoors, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer fits inside a burly, weather-resistant body. The black casing is good for concealing the plug outdoors, but stands out a bit indoors, so you’ll need some strategic placement or a color scheme that works with the plug. Grouping and scheduling options are available in the Kasa app. While there are indoor plugs that blend more seamlessly, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer offers versatility. 

A final word on the best smart plugs

Smart plugs are a vital part of developing a larger smart home system, which can include appliances, thermostats, light bulbs (for color changing and self-contained dimming), and speakers. Once you acclimate to the control and convenience of a smart home, it often becomes difficult to return to “dumb” devices. Individually, smart plugs are quite reasonably priced, but once you start outfitting your entire place with intelligence power, the cost can climb quickly, which is why it’s vital to choose the best devices on the market. This guide should point you in that direction, whether you’re dipping your toe into the new present or trying to fully future-proof your surroundings.