What makes a good smart plug
A smart plug sits between the wall and a lamp, fan or coffee maker and lets you switch it from your phone, by voice, or on a schedule. They’re the cheapest useful smart home device, so the differences come down to three things: which apps it works with, whether it measures energy, and how easy setup is.
We compared plugs on those points using manufacturer specs, published reviews and owner feedback. See how we choose for the full method.
Best overall smart plug: Kasa Matter Smart Plug KP125M (2-pack)
The KP125M is Matter-certified, so it pairs directly with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings by scanning a code. That flexibility matters: if you switch phones or voice assistants, your plugs come with you.
It also tracks energy in real time and estimates costs, which is how smart plugs actually save money. Plug in an old fridge, a gaming PC or a space heater for a week and you’ll know exactly what it costs to run. The slim body leaves the second outlet free.
- Matter setup works in every major home app
- Energy tracking with cost estimates
- Slim, doesn’t block the second outlet
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Apple Home remote control needs a HomePod or Apple TV
Skip it if you only use Alexa and never care about energy data. The Amazon Smart Plug is simpler and usually cheaper.
Best value multi-pack: Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25 (4-pack)
Engadget named the EP25 its best smart plug overall (February 2026), and the four-pack is the cheapest way to put every lamp in the house on a schedule. It has no Matter support, but it already works directly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, which covers nearly every home. Energy monitoring is included too.
- Very low cost per plug
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google and SmartThings
- Energy monitoring included
- No Matter
- 2.4 GHz only
Skip it if you want a device that will work with any future platform. Pay a little more for the Matter KP125M.
Best for Alexa-only homes: Amazon Smart Plug
If your home runs on Echo speakers and you never plan to change, the Amazon Smart Plug is the simplest option: it sets up inside the Alexa app in a minute, with no extra brand app or account. It doesn’t work with Google or Apple and doesn’t track energy, so it’s a narrower choice.
- Sets up inside the Alexa app in a minute
- Reliable with Alexa routines
- No extra brand app
- Alexa only: no Google or Apple
- No energy monitoring
Skip it if anyone in your home uses Google Home or Apple Home, or might in future.
Before you buy: two things to check
First, all three plugs connect only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If setup fails, it’s almost always the band mix-up covered in our 2.4 GHz fix.
Second, read the load rating. These plugs handle up to 15 A resistive loads, but motors are limited to 1/6 horsepower. Space heaters draw a lot of current for hours, so check the heater’s manual: many manufacturers say to plug them straight into the wall.
For string lights and garden gear, use a plug rated for outdoors: see the best outdoor smart plugs.
