A smart plug is the cheapest, fastest way into home automation. Plug it in, connect it to your phone and any lamp, fan or appliance can follow a schedule, react to a voice command or switch off while you are away.
We compared the most popular plugs on Amazon and kept six: Amazon's own Alexa plug, value packs from Kasa, Govee and meross, the energy-monitoring Tapo P115 and a weatherproof BN-LINK for the porch and garden.
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#1 — Amazon Smart Plug
- Amazon Smart Plug works with the Alexa app and compatible Alexa devices to add voice control to any electrical outlet.
- Simple setup – No smart home hub required. Just plug it in, open the Alexa app and follow the stress-free directions to …
- Compatible with many lamps, fans, coffee makers, and other household devices with a physical on/off switch.
Amazon's plug is set up in the Alexa app in a couple of taps and then responds to voice, routines and schedules. It is the simplest way to put a lamp, fan or kettle on a timer if you already own an Echo.
Best for: Alexa homes that want zero-fuss setup
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#2 — Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, 2-Pack
- Voice Control: Add voice control to any outlet. Enjoy the hands-free convenience of controlling any home electronic appl…
- Control From Anywhere: Turn electronics on and off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app, whether you ar…
- Scheduling: Use timer or countdown schedules set your smart plug to automatically turn on and off any home electronic ap…
Kasa's compact HS103 plugs work with both Alexa and Google Assistant and are controlled from the polished Kasa app. Schedules, away mode and timers are built in, and the slim body leaves the second outlet free.
Best for: Mixed Alexa and Google households
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#3 — Govee Smart Plug, 4-Pack
- Stability Upgrade: Supports Bluetooth or WiFi connection, which is more stable and faster than plugs that can only be co…
- Smart Voice Control: WiFi Plugs Work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control the smart home devices u…
- Scheduling & Group Controller: Create customized schedules to power your electronic appliances on/off automatically for …
Govee's plugs connect over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for a more stable link, and the four-pack makes it easy to automate a whole floor. Timers, schedules and voice control via Alexa or Google are included.
Best for: Covering several rooms on a budget
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#4 — meross Smart Plug 15A (HomeKit)
- Remote Control: To enable HomeKit remote control, you need a HomePod, an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an iPad. Set any o…
- Voice Control: You can control your devices hands free, just give voice commands to turn on/off the connected devices. C…
- Compact Size: Smart plug occupies only one socket, the device allows you to stack two mini smart plugs in the same outle…
meross is one of the few budget plugs with native Apple HomeKit support, so it shows up in the Home app and works with Siri. It also supports Alexa and Google, and handles a full 15A load.
Best for: iPhone users on Apple Home
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#5 — Tapo P115 Energy Monitoring Plug, 4-Pack
- 【Insightful Energy Tracking】Track your plug’s energy use with clear and easy-to-understand statistics and intuitive char…
- 【Estimate Your Energy Bill】 Enhance energy management by integrating with billing systems for clear cost visualization (…
- 【Smart Charging for Devices】Automatically cuts power once your device reaches the low-battery limit you set, preventing …
Tapo's P115 tracks real-time and historical energy use for each outlet and estimates your costs in the app. Add schedules, timers and voice control and it becomes a small energy dashboard for your home.
Best for: Tracking what your devices really use
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#6 — BN-LINK Outdoor Smart Plug, 3 Outlets
- [CONTROL MULTIPLE DEVICES]: BN-LINK Outdoor Smart Plug controls up to 3 devices simultaneously(NOT indiviudally controll…
- [HANDS-FREE OPERATION]: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your devices with just your voice. N…
- [SMART SCHEDULING]: Set your smart outdoor plug to turn on and off automatically through Smart Life app, so you can save…
BN-LINK's heavy-duty outdoor plug has three grounded outlets in a weather-resistant housing. Control them together from the app or by voice, and set sunrise and sunset style schedules for outdoor lighting.
Best for: Porch lights, fountains and holiday displays
Verdict: ★★★★☆
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose
Match your ecosystem
Check that the plug works with the assistant you already use: Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit. Matter support keeps future options open.
Energy monitoring is worth it
Plugs that track power use help you find energy-hungry devices and confirm that a heater or iron really switched off.
Mind the footprint
Compact plugs leave the second outlet free. Bulky models can block a duplex socket.
Outdoor needs outdoor ratings
Only use plugs rated for outdoor use outside, and keep them sheltered from standing water.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon Smart Plug is the easiest pick for Alexa homes, the Kasa 2-pack is the best all-rounder, and the Tapo P115 is the one to buy if you want energy tracking. Choose meross for HomeKit and BN-LINK for outdoor lights.
Upgrade the next room: read our guides to the best video doorbells and smart thermostats.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.