Best Smart Outlets and Plugs

Best Overall Value
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini from TP Link
 
$22.99*
Pro Bullet Small size to leave other outlets free
Pro Bullet Mobile app control
Con Bullet Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
Best for Compatibility
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
 
$34.99*
Pro Bullet More compatibility than most
Pro Bullet Small design
Con Bullet No energy monitoring
Best Energy Tracker
Wemo Insight Smart Plug
 
$39.99*
Pro Bullet Energy usage tracking
Pro Bullet Sync with Nest Home and Away Mode
Con Bullet Bulkier design
Best In-wall Smart Outlet
Insteon On/Off Outlet
 
$59.99*
Pro Bullet Mobile app control
Pro Bullet Two smart outlets in one device
Con Bullet Expensive hub required for most features
* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
Looking for the latest? We’ve checked this page to make sure everything is up to date. We still think these are the best smart outlets and plugs out there.

Overview
A few inexpensive smart plugs might not turn your home into any of the homes you dreamed of while watching The Jetsons, but it will be close.

Smart plugs and outlets give you voice control, remote access, and the ability to program schedules for your everyday appliances. Check out our favorite smart plugs below.

Here are the best smart plugs of 2020

Compare smart plugs and outlets

* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
† Often available at a lower price.

Best overall value: TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
 
$22.99*
  • Small size to leave other outlet free
  • Voice control with Alexa, Google, and Cortana
Size
2.61 x 1.49 x 1.57 in.
Maximum load
15 amperes
Voltage
120 V
Wi-Fi
2.4GHz
* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
Pros
  • Pro BulletLow cost
  • Pro BulletMobile app control
  • Pro BulletGroup control for multiple outlets
  • Pro BulletNo hub needed
Cons
  • Con BulletNo Apple HomeKit support
  • Con BulletNo energy use tracking

What we like

TP Link’s Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is the most practical smart plug available. It’s inexpensive enough that you could get one for every room in your house without dipping into your vacation fund. And it’s small enough to either stack two on one outlet or leave the second outlet free for appliances that don’t need smart control.

And while it doesn’t have Apple HomeKit or IFTTT support, the Kasa works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and mobile apps—that’s probably enough integration for most people.

We also like the grouping feature, which lets you control multiple smart plugs at once. Want to turn on all the smart plugs in your basement? Group them together and you’re set.

>>Get the TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini


Best for compatibility: Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Wemo Mini Smart Plug
 
$34.99*
  • More compatibility than most smart plugs
  • Set schedules or randomize with Away Mode
Size
3.8 x 1.4 x 2.4 in.
Maximum load
15 amperes
Voltage
120 V
Wi-Fi
2.4GHz
* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
Pros
  • Pro BulletSmall design
  • Pro BulletReasonable price point
Cons
  • Con BulletComplaints about app and setup
  • Con BulletNo energy monitoring

What we like

Wemo’s Mini Smart Plug was a strong contender for first place. It’s affordable, small, and compatible with most everything (including Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Alexa, Google Home, and Nest.

It lost out to Kasa’s smart plug because of its slightly higher price and complaints about the app and setup. But it’s still an excellent plug-in smart outlet that will quickly give you remote control over your appliances.

>>Get the Wemo Mini Smart Plug


Best energy consumption tracker: Wemo Insight Smart Plug review

Wemo Insight Smart Plug
 
$39.99*
  • Energy usage tracking
  • Can set IFTTT scenarios
Size
2.9 x 2.9 x 2.3 in.
Maximum load
15 amperes
Voltage
120 V
Wi-Fi
2.4GHz
* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
Pros
  • Pro BulletLots of compatibility
  • Pro BulletApp control and IFTTT scenarios
  • Pro BulletSync with Nest Home and Away Mode
Cons
  • Con BulletComplaints about app and setup
  • Con BulletBulkier design
  • Con BulletSlightly higher price than other picks

What we like

The larger Wemo Insight Smart Plug gives you most of the same benefits as the Wemo Mini—like app control, scheduling, and compatibility.

The Insight adds energy tracking so you can keep a close eye on how much power certain appliances use and how often they’re being used.

On the down side, the Insight costs a bit more than some of our other picks, and its larger size could block other outlets. But if you’re looking for a smart outlet that helps you track energy consumption, it’s a great pick.

>>Get the Wemo Insight Smart Plug


Best in-wall smart outlet: Insteon On/Off Outlet

Insteon On/Off Outlet
 
$59.99*
  • Flat design lies flush with the wall
  • Ability to set lighting patterns and notifications
Size
2.9 x 2.9 x 2.3 in.
Maximum load
15 amperes
Voltage
120 V
Wi-Fi
2.4GHz and 5GHz
* Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).
Pros
  • Pro BulletTwo independent smart outlets in one device
  • Pro BulletDual-band Wi-Fi compatibility (2.4 and 5GHz)
  • Pro BulletMobile app control
  • Pro BulletCustom schedules
Cons
  • Con BulletExpensive hub required for most features
  • Con BulletNo wall plate included
  • Con BulletMore complex installation than a plug-in outlet

What we like

Insteon’s On/Off smart outlet is powerful and sleek. In fact, it’s incredibly well reviewed by customers and offers more capabilities than most of the smart plugs listed above. So why isn’t it higher on the list?

Because it’s harder to install, more expensive, and requires a pricey hub for features like voice control.

That said, it’s worth a bit of hassle and investment. You can permanently add value to your home, install outlets that are flush with the wall, and control two devices independently when they’re plugged into the same wall outlet.

Plus, it’s the only smart outlet on this list that is dual band (meaning you can set it up with either 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi).

If you’re willing to spend a bit more and permanently install a new outlet, it’s worth the trouble. Especially if you have other Insteon devices that will sync with the same hub.

>>Get the Insteon On/Off Smart Outlet


Our recommendation

We prefer plug-in smart outlets because they’re so much easier to set up and move around—handy if you want a smart slow cooker one day and a smart bedroom lamp a few days later.

The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini isn’t the fanciest option on the market, but with its easy voice control, remote app access, and a low price, we think it’s the best value for most people—especially if you’d like to get a few.

Interested in other smart home products? Check out our top picks for other home automation devices.

Our favorite smart plug
TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
 
$22.99*
    * Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 11:36 a.m. (MST).

    * Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable, at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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