Postscapes/Green Smart Home is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click on links on our site. Learn more.

Smart Outlet Header

Best Smart WiFi Outlets and Plugs

Find and compare the right wireless power outlet for your home. Remotely control appliances, monitor usage and set timers from your Android or iPhone.

Could you live with a little more convenience? Do you leave all of your electrical devices on standby? Are you looking for ways of reducing your energy bills? Let’s face it; who isn’t? Smart WiFi outlets and plugs have been proven to be effective in reducing energy bills. And they make our lives a little easier. They add convenience to any appliance and keep unused appliances turned off reducing “standby” consumption. You’ll be able to turn devices on and off remotely from anywhere with an Internet connection, set automation rules for intelligent home behavior that adapts to your own lifestyle and usage habits, and monitor power consumption in real time.

We’re going to explore how smart WiFi outlets and plugs can transform your home; examining:

  • Determine which wireless type you need (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc)
  • What a smart plug or socket does
  • The money you could save on your energy bills
  • The most affordable smart sockets available right now

Top Smart Outlet Picks

Best For
Best for Apple / Homekit
Best for use with Alexa
Best for Google Home
Best Cheapest Outlet
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Kasa Smart Plug Lite
Kasa Smart WiFi Plug
Aoycocr Wifi Plug
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, WiFi Enabled, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub...
Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
Bluetooth WiFi Smart Plug - Smart Outlets Work with Alexa, Google Home Assistant, Aoycocr Remote...
Price
$15.00
$36.70
$40.99
$12.99
iOS App
Android App
Reviews
10,482 Reviews
4,202 Reviews
19,247 Reviews
3,765 Reviews
Best For
Best for Apple / Homekit
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, WiFi Enabled, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit
Price
$15.00
iOS App
Android App
Reviews
10,482 Reviews
More Info
Best For
Best for use with Alexa
Kasa Smart Plug Lite
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub...
Price
$36.70
iOS App
Android App
Reviews
4,202 Reviews
More Info
Best For
Best for Google Home
Kasa Smart WiFi Plug
Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
Price
$40.99
iOS App
Android App
Reviews
19,247 Reviews
More Info
Best For
Best Cheapest Outlet
Aoycocr Wifi Plug
Bluetooth WiFi Smart Plug - Smart Outlets Work with Alexa, Google Home Assistant, Aoycocr Remote...
Price
$12.99
iOS App
Android App
Reviews
3,765 Reviews
More Info
Green Smart Home Features

Smart Plug Features

  • Control from anywhere

    Once plugged in and connected to your Wifi network (Bluetooth versions will only let you control them when you are next to them) you can remotely turn on and off or modify the schedule of whatever you have the outlet attached to.

  • Set Schedules

    Would you like to control your air conditioner to turn on only when you are headed home, turn the crock pot on at just the right time or set a dynamic schedule for your lights while you are away on vacation to mimic your normal routine?

  • Voice Controls

    Use Siri, Alexa or Google Home to control any of the smart plug devices.

Smart Plug Costs

Smart plugs can be one of the most affordable devices you can add to a smart home with some of the cheaper versions selling for as low as $7.99

  • Budget Options ($7-10 per plug)

    Expect these to be Chinese made products with less polished instructions and packaging.

  • Average Price ($18-$29)

    On average if you went to a brick and mortar store expect to spend between $18-$29 per plug.

  • Packages

    Package of outlets are something to keep in mind and can offer a nice savings. These typically come in 2 and 4 plugs in each package.

Green Smart Home Smart Outlet Costs

Things to look out for

  • Monitor energy consumption

    A feature offered on some smart plugs is the ability to monitor and view the energy consumption of the appliance you are plugged into. This is helpful to see unusual activity and also give you better insight on where you are using your electricity.

  • Voltage Requirements

    An important safety item to look out for is to check your plug can handle the max load of the device you are plugging into. Below is a conversion table for your reference. For example Water heaters, ovens, air conditioners are often 240v.

Refrigerator 100 ÷ 120 = .83
Washing Machine 325 ÷ 120 = 2.70
DVD Player 40 ÷ 120 = .33
Air Conditioner 3500 ÷ 230 = 15.2
  • Mulitple User Control

    If you need to share control of the device with other people in your family or in the home, some smart outlet apps allow you to do this easier than others.

How do the best smart plugs compare?

Model
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Kasa Smart Plug Lite
Best for Alexa integration
Kasa Smart WiFi Plug
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, WiFi Enabled, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub...
Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
10,482 Reviews
4,202 Reviews
19,247 Reviews
Android App
 Yes
 Yes
 Yes
iPhone App
 Yes
 Yes
 Yes
Alexa Support
Siri / Homekit Support
Google Home Support
Energy Monitoring
Max voltage
Max 120V~/15A/60Hz/1800W
Max 10A
Certified to switch up to 15A
Number of Plugs
1
2
1
Price
$15.00
$36.70
$40.99
Model
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, WiFi Enabled, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit
10,482 Reviews
Android App
 Yes
iPhone App
 Yes
Alexa Support
Siri / Homekit Support
Google Home Support
Energy Monitoring
Max voltage
Max 120V~/15A/60Hz/1800W
Number of Plugs
1
Price
$15.00
Model
Kasa Smart Plug Lite
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub...
4,202 Reviews
Android App
 Yes
iPhone App
 Yes
Alexa Support
Siri / Homekit Support
Google Home Support
Energy Monitoring
Max voltage
Max 10A
Number of Plugs
2
Price
$36.70
Best for Alexa integration
Model
Kasa Smart WiFi Plug
Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
19,247 Reviews
Android App
 Yes
iPhone App
 Yes
Alexa Support
Siri / Homekit Support
Google Home Support
Energy Monitoring
Max voltage
Certified to switch up to 15A
Number of Plugs
1
Price
$40.99

The table above provides a few of the most important qualities for the top smart plugs on the market. However, in order to make an informed purchase, you must know how well these products perform. Additionally, it is important to understand any potential shortcomings with each brand.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the top smart plugs in a few select feature categories:

Ankuoo NEO PRO Wi-Fi Smart Switch

Ankuoo NEO PRO Wi-Fi Smart Switch Image

Highlights

  • Countdown / Anti-theft / Schedule Timer
    • Electrical rating: 120V/15A/60Hz/1800W
      • WiFi Connectivity

Bayit Wi-Fi Socket

Bayit Wi-Fi Socket Image

Highlights

  • WiFi Connectivity
    • Remote On/Off and Scheduling

Quick Links


Online Pricing

$49.96 - Amazon More

Belkin WeMo Insight Switch

Belkin WeMo Insight Switch Image

Highlights

  • Set Schedules and receive customized notifications
    • Amazon Echo, Nest and IFTTT Compatibility
      • Wi-Fi enabled

Quick Links


Merchant

$34.99 - Direct

Online Pricing

$42.96 - Amazon More

Conico Mini WiFi Smart Outlet

Conico Mini WiFi Smart Outlet Image

Highlights

  • Works with Amazon Alexa/Echo
    • Scheduling and the ability to set a random mode to pretend you are at home.
      • Wifi Connectivity

Quick Links


Online Pricing

Price not available - Amazon More

Eve Energy

Eve Energy Image

Highlights

  • Apple Homekit and Siri enabled
    • View energy consumption reports
      • Bluetooth connectivity, and remote control support using Apple TV

Quick Links


Online Pricing

$69.22 - Amazon More

iDevices Switch

iDevices Switch Image

Highlights

  • Apple HomeKit Integration
    • WiFi Connectivity (no additional hub is needed)
      • Energy Tracking and Reporting

Quick Links


Merchant

$23.96 - Direct

Online Pricing

$188.88 - Amazon More

iHome WiFI Smart Plug

iHome WiFI Smart Plug Image

Highlights

  • Integrates with Apple HomeKit, Wink, Amazon Echo and Nest
    • Wifi enabled. No Hub or monthly fees required.
      • Set Schedules

Orvibo Wifi Smart Socket

Orvibo Wifi Smart Socket Image

Highlights

  • WiFi Connectivity
    • Timer Function

SunPort

SunPort Image

Highlights

  • Enables users to refill their devices with SunJoule solar credits
    • Track your daily, weekly and total SunJoule use
      • Bluetooth Connectivity

Quick Links


Merchant

$60 - Direct

Online Pricing

Price not available - Amazon More

TP-Link Smart Plug

TP-Link Smart Plug Image

Highlights

  • No additional hub required using WiFi Connectivity
    • Away mode allows you to set schedule for turning on and off lights, etc.
      • Amazon Alexa support

Quick Links


Merchant

$29.99 - Direct

Online Pricing

$40.99 - Amazon More

Smart Outlet FAQ

When else might I use a smart plug?

You can convert your existing home into a smart home easily with smart plug and outlet technology.

There are many applications for smart plugs and outlets:

  • You can set the coffee maker to prepare your morning coffee from bed
  • You could ask Alexa to switch the heating on
  • You could ask your HomePod to switch the lamp on in the hallway so that you don’t need to wander downstairs in the dark
  • You could make sure that you did switch the iron off from the office.

 

What type of infrastructure do I need?

If you’re visiting this page online at home, you probably already have most of the required equipment for a WiFi plug or outlet to work. Bluetooth plugs work basically the same but you will not be able to control the device if you are away from your home.

Some brands require a specific hub that controls everything but most are Plug and Play.

The simplest of the WiFi plugs work by:

  1. Plugging the smart plug into an electrical socket
  2. Downloading the plug’s associated app onto your smartphone or tablet
  3. Connecting your app to the smart plug
  4. Connecting an electrical appliance to the plug
  5. Controlling your electrical device from anywhere that has an internet connection (including cellular).

 

So it just switches things on and off?

On/Off and Schedules (timed, calendar, etc) are the most common types of control.

Some plugs support services like IFTTT or can be integrated into larger smart home systems using a hub like Wink or SmartThings.

In this case, the controller app offers far greater functionality than just a simple on or off command.

IFTTT scenes for example can interconnect everything that's attached to your smart plug network: your lighting, the coffee maker, washing machine, your fishtank filter, etc.

And you can use variables to control them, such as:

  • IF the temperature in the house is x, THEN switch on the smart plug that controls the electric heater.
  • IF the time is 8 am, THEN switch on the kettle.

The possibilities are endless; all controlled via the app.

 

Can they help you save energy?

Smart plugs help you monitor your energy consumption.

Your smart plug app isn't just an elaborate remote control; it can also report on how much energy it draws.

Some smart plugs will send you an alert if the connected electrical device suddenly begins to draw more energy than usual.

 

Slay the vampires!

Let’s face it: very few of us unplug our devices when they’re not in use.

But these appliances are likely to be drawing power; even if they’re switched off.

Consider how many electrical devices you have around the home? They’re “vampire drawing” your energy.

Smart plugs have been designed to negate this problem because they report consumption; helping you save lots of money over the year.

 

Doesn’t a smart plug use energy?

Smart plugs can help you save energy, but they do draw a small amount of power when they’re in standby mode. It’s only around 1 Watt, however, so it’s unlikely to affect your energy bills considerably.

However, if you make use of smart plugs correctly, you can reduce your overall energy consumption by up to 4.58%.

Green Impact

Green Smart Home Icon

$120 Per year
Possible savings in reducing phantom power usage according to the Department of Energy

In January 2012, the APS Working Group produced the NEEP APS Deemed Savings Methodology which illustrates the average annual energy and financial savings for a typical household. For a typical household, using one smart power strip for entertainment purposes and one for home office purposes would result in an estimated savings for 106.1 kWh (75.1 kWh home entertainments and 31 kWh home office) per year.
- Source 

Demand savings range: 0.5 –1.0 kW per customer
- ClearResults

View our full green smart home overview here.

Protocol-Specific Smart Plugs

These smart plugs are specific to a single company's smart-home ecosystem or wireless protocol. They're not as flexible as standalone options, but they do offer easy integration if you're willing to invest (or have already invested) in a unified smart-home solution. Most of these are Z-wave compatible and will work with popular smart home hubs on the market like SmartThings, Wink, etc

smart plug

IRIS SMART PLUG

Lowes Iris $25 110 Volts Smart Plug

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG SMARTTHINGS OUTLET

Samsung SmartThings Outlet "allows you to control lights, electronics, and small appliances from anywhere. You can also set things to...

Go control

GOCONTROL WO15Z-1 (Z-WAVE)

$32 - "The WO15Z-1 Single Wall Outlet is wired in place of a standard duplex receptacle.This WO15Z-1 Outlet integrates with other Nortek Security...

ge wireless

GE WIRELESS (Z-WAVE)

$38 - "The receptacle replaces your current electrical outlet, uses your existing wiring and provides a Z-Wave enabled outlet for the lamp or...

SWITCH

AEON LABS SMART ENERGY SWITCH

A popular option with 523 reviews and a 4.5 star rating. This Z-wave enabled switch includes a built-in meter to monitor energy consumption.

DIY & Open-Source Smart Plugs

If the amateur electrician in you rebels at the thought of a pre-made smart outlet, try building your own. Low-cost hardware like Aurduino and Raspberry Pi can get the job done for about the same cost as retail products, but with the freedom to design for your own needs. Here are a few projects that will walk you through the process.

By
TIM LELAND
- Hardware Needed: include Etekcity 5 Pack (Try promo code: Etekcity ZAP...

Hackster walk-through by
DANIEL NORDNESS
"The parts needed ended up costing about...

By Marco Schwartz "We are going to use Arduino, the CC3000 WiFi chip, a relay module and a current sensor to make an open-source version of such...

By Naran "You should have Raspberry Pi, SD card with installed Prota OS, wireless power socket (we used Watts Clever), breadboard, jumper wires,...

By
MATT COLYER
"The goal of this project is provide all the same functionality of the bundled...

Instructable by flashular "This project enables your Arduino to control real-world 120 Volt electrical appliances you have in your...

Multi-Plug Smart Power Strips

When one smart outlet just isn't enough, reach for one of these smart power strips. With options to control and monitor each plug separately, they're a great way to manage clusters of appliances such as a home theater setup.

"With the LockState Connect Wi-Fi Multi-Outlet Power Strip, you’re able to monitor and control up to 4 outlets from anywhere in the world. Turn...

The Revogi smart power strip uses your home Wi-Fi to connect to your phone or tablet. The Revogi home app can control any of the 6 sockets...

Wi-Fi-enabled 7 outlets total. 5 schedulable and 2 always on, plus 2 USB charge ports.

Additional

Pre-Order

Smart Wall Outlets

These outlets replace your entire outlet (versus the plugs listed above that are plugged into your existing wall connection) and provide a much more integrated look than the plug options.

iDevices Wall Outlet

iDevices Wall Outlet Image

Highlights

  • Works well with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant
    • Tamper resistant design and independent (2) outlet controls.
      • Energy Monitoring and custom night colors.

Outdoor Smart Plugs

In order to use a smart plug outdoors you will need to have some additional waterproofing and durability requirements.

Outdoor smart plugs are a great fit to control your Christmas or patio lights, your outdoor pond, or Halloween decorations.