The Best Smart Plugs

I’m a writer for the audio, video, and smart-home team. I’ve authored our guide to music streamers and tabletop radios and contributed to the gear for a home theater roundup, and I currently have about 17 smart-home devices keeping my life on a stringent routine. I am running the three major smart-home platforms simultaneously, and I still don’t have a favorite (Alexa).

For this guide:

• I spent over 100 hours testing 25 smart plugs.
• Writer Rachel Cericola, who previously authored this guide, tested more than 65 smart plug models.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
• In accordance with Wirecutter standards, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete, which may involve longer-term testing by my colleagues and me. I never hang on to “freebies” once testing is done, though I do hold on to our official picks (when possible) for future comparison testing.

If you’ve ever been too tired to get out of bed to turn off a lamp, a smart plug may be for you. All it takes is a smartphone and an empty outlet, and you can use a smart plug to control, schedule, and automate most on/off appliances such as lamps, holiday lights, fans, air purifiers, and TVs.

Smart plugs are a great option for smart-home newbies and enthusiasts alike due to their ease of setup, affordable price, and range of features. And they can be an especially useful tool for anyone with mobility and accessibility concerns. Remote control over an outlet can stave off worries that appliances such as hair straighteners or space heaters were left on. In addition, if you or a loved one has mobility or dexterity issues, a smart plug can make it easier to control devices with a smart speaker or the sound of your voice.

Most smart plugs have a common set of features: remote access via a companion app or smart speaker, and the ability to power on and off on a Schedule or Routine. Our top picks include more advanced features, such as energy monitoring, which can theoretically assist in tracking down power-hungry devices that inflate your electric bill, or Away Mode, which can deter wrongdoers by randomly turning devices on and off to make it look as if someone is home.

If you own your home or can change your outlets and want to make smart-plug features permanent, consider in-wall smart outlets. Additionally, if you’re using your smart plug for a lamp or lights, keep in mind that not all of them have dimming capabilities. If that’s what you want, an in-wall light switch and dimmer for controlling lights or smart LED bulbs for more intricate lighting scenes would be a better option.

Our testing and top-pick criteria have evolved since we first published this guide in 2016. Smart plugs are now essentially a commodity, and most indoor plugs have the same interchangeable features and functionality. So we’ve tightened the belt of testing criteria to be more fine-grained. In my latest round of testing, I considered the following features to be essential for any smart-plug picks:

• Routines, Schedules, and timers: A smart plug should allow you to create a Schedule that turns devices on and off at specific times of the day or week. This aids in convenience and can be crucial for people with mobility or dexterity issues.
• Smart-home integration: For our picks to suit most people, it’s vital that they are compatible with major third-party platforms. Integration with those platforms allows you to control devices with the sound of your voice or combine them with other smart devices.
• User-friendly apps: Initial setup can quickly turn rage-inducing if a device’s companion app is confusing. Plus, not everyone uses their smart plug with a smart-home platform and has to rely on the app to use its features. A readily navigable app that connects your device seamlessly and provides troubleshooting is essential.
• Physical buttons: Models with physical buttons allow you to turn the plug on or off without needing to depend on another device.
• Dimensions: We decline to test single-outlet plugs that block the second outlet or stick out too far.
• Energy monitoring or run-time tracking: Most smart plugs include some form of energy monitoring in kWh — even going so far as to calculate your power bill — or run-time tracking in hours and minutes. This feature can help you determine the costs of running a power-hungry device. If this feature isn’t essential to you, there are plenty of other smart plugs worth considering.

In the latest round of testing, I compared indoor and multi-outlet smart plugs with our current picks. During testing, I paid attention to ease of setup with companion apps using an iPhone and an Android phone, as well as compatible third-party integrations, such as with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home. I then tested timers, Routines, and Schedules via companion apps, smart-home platforms, and voice assistants. I also used Schedules to confirm whether features such as energy monitoring were accurate.

For indoor smart plugs, I used a miniature sky dancer, string lights, a plug-in air freshener, a fan, and a table lamp. I tested outdoor candidates with string lights. I tested the multi-plug models at a workstation that includes a monitor, a printer, a laptop charger, a standing desk, a walking pad, and a phone charger. I tested all of the smart plugs on an Amazon Echo Show 8, an Apple HomePod mini, and a Google Nest Hub.

All of our smart plug picks operate on the 2.4 GHz band. Before purchasing any smart device that operates over Wi-Fi, confirm that your router supports 2.4 GHz devices.

Privacy is a big concern with any device that’s connected via Wi-Fi. (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter have different encryption standards but require separate controllers or have limited device availability.) Once I narrowed down the candidates, I reviewed their makers’ respective privacy policies and sent a privacy and security questionnaire to the manufacturers.

I asked specific questions about each company’s security policies and practices, and how it handled device owners’ data. Among other things, such data handling includes login practices, support for two-factor authentication, what user data is encrypted, and what data is recorded and shared. We’ve recorded the results in the “Privacy and security snapshot” sections.

Top pick

The best smart plug

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25)

This smart plug worked reliably in tests, includes real-time energy monitoring and an Away Mode, and it’s widely compatible with all the major smart-home platforms.

$37 from Amazon
(pack of four)

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) remains our pick for the best smart plug because it’s simple enough for smart-home novices but has features that enthusiasts will appreciate. It’s easy to set up and use remotely with all major smart-home platforms, and it responds quickly to voice commands. Its useful range of features work consistently and can be accessed in the Tapo app, where energy-monitoring and running-time reports appear on the plug’s home screen.

Setup is simple and intuitive. The EP25 connected to the Tapo app in less than 30 seconds. The user manual doesn’t include much information in the way of troubleshooting, but if for some reason you encounter a problem with setup, the Tapo or Kasa app provides helpful tips along the way. I was able to disconnect the plug and move it from room to room without any issues.

It offers the best features at the lowest price. I found many smart plugs that had higher price tags but omitted half the features of the EP25. What’s even better about this plug is that it executed all of its functions without a hitch. I used the Schedule and sunrise/sunset function with my out-of-season Christmas tree (no judgy) to turn its lights on and off. The timer feature was a big help in making sure a hair straightener wasn’t left on too long (a common and anxiety-inducing occurrence in my home), and setting the sky dancer to go off at 5 p.m. on a Friday to signal the end of the workweek was a particular joy. This plug also has an Away Mode, which switches devices on and off randomly to make it look like someone is home; you need to set Away Mode either on a Schedule or on a manual one-time-only basis.

Energy monitoring could contribute to a lower electric bill. For energy-conscious folks, the EP25 includes energy monitoring in kilowatt-hours and run time on the device’s home screen in the Tapo app. In the Kasa app, you can find this information when you tap the device icon and then tap the Energy button in the lower-right corner. Both apps deliver stats in watts and kilowatt-hours (kWh), as well as the daily-average and total-consumption numbers for the past seven and 30 days.

If you’re concerned about energy usage from higher-wattage devices, this feature keeps tabs on just how much power they’re consuming. You can then set a Schedule to mitigate any problems. (Keep in mind, however, that you’re limited to plugging in devices that draw 15 amps or less.)

It’s compatible with all major smart-home platforms. Integrating this smart plug with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home is effortless, and it responds promptly to voice commands. You can set up the EP25 through an iOS or Android app or via Apple’s Home app, though you miss out on some features with the third option. In my experience, both Alexa and Google found the EP25 without prompting, and the Routines I created in the Tapo app were picked up immediately. Naming and grouping the plug in each ecosystem was also simple.

If you don’t use Apple Home, note that the EP25 may prompt you to set up with this platform first on an iPhone. You can bypass the Apple Home setup by following the prompts during the connection process. On the flip side, if you are using Apple’s Home app, the setup is slightly different; you can bypass TP-Link’s app, but then you miss out on a few features, most notably built-in energy monitoring and the ability to use the Away Mode.

You can use either TP-Link app — but the Tapo app is better. By default, the EP25 prompts you to set it up in the Kasa app, but we recommend using the Tapo app instead. The two apps are from the same company, and both are intuitive, presenting all of the EP25’s functions within easy reach on one screen. But if you have other Tapo devices, you can’t integrate or group them in the Kasa app, whereas the Tapo app allows you to control devices from both brands. In addition, the Tapo app adds a Smart Actions widget, which includes automated presets for your devices. One nice touch: We found that when we added devices to the Kasa app first, they immediately populated in the Tapo app.

This TP-Link isn’t the other TP-Link. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link, and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024, which markets and sells TP-Link smart-home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

You have to buy more than one. The EP25 is sold only in packs of two or packs of four. Though the price per plug is competitive, you may not want to pay for multiple plugs, especially if you need only one.

It isn’t bulky, but it could be smaller. Despite being marketed as a “slim” model, the EP25 turned out to be about the same size as most other, non-slim models we tested. While it doesn’t block the second outlet, it does stick out about 1.5 inches from the wall, which could make it slightly difficult to place behind tight-fitting furniture. Our runner-up pick is far smaller, but it doesn’t include Apple Home support or energy monitoring.

Privacy and security snapshot

• TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
• TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
• Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended but not required.
• User data is encrypted in the cloud.

For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.

Runner-up

Best for tight spaces

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10)

The tiny EP10 is cheap and easy to use, and it has impressive features for its size.

$15 from Amazon
(pack of two)

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

The tiny TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10) is almost identical to the TP-Link Kasa Smart EP25 in its features, though it does lack a few useful options.

It’s simple, cheap, and small. The EP10 is truly mini: Measuring just 2.36 by 1.5 by 1.21 inches, it fits more easily behind furniture than any other model I’ve tested. It’s sold only in packs of two or four, but that means you can outfit devices throughout your home readily and affordably. Setup with the Kasa app and the Tapo app was straightforward. When I tried to place the plug in an area with spotty Wi-Fi, I had to do some troubleshooting, but the Tapo app walked me through it.

It’s feature-packed for the price. If the EP10 included energy monitoring (instead it records device usage in hours and minutes by day, week, and month) and Apple Home compatibility, it would dethrone the EP25 as our top pick. It offers nearly all of the same features in a much smaller package, including sunrise/sunset scheduling, a timer, and an Away Mode.

It works with most smart-home platforms. I tested the EP10 with my pink Christmas tree — named, helpfully, “Christmas tree” in the app — and used both Alexa and Google voice commands to turn it on and off without a hitch. I also created a sunset/sunrise Routine with it in both apps, making it a sort of festive night-light. Notably, the EP10 was the first smart plug in my long-term testing roster to connect to my new Wi-Fi network and smart-home ecosystems without any trouble after I moved.

This TP-Link isn’t the other TP-Link. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024, which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It has no love for Apple Home users. Like our power strip pick, the EP10 isn’t compatible with Apple Home. If you’re an Apple diehard, you may want to consider one of our other tiny recommendations if size is your main concern.

It only tracks device run time. Unfortunately this tiny plug can’t tell you actual power consumption stats in kWh. If scrupulous energy monitoring is a must, then our top pick does the job just fine. Other models like the Tapo TP110 will calculate in dollars and cents, but we aren’t completely sold on their accuracy.

Privacy and security snapshot

• TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
• TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
• Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended but not required.
• User data is encrypted in the cloud.

For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.

Top pick

The best outdoor smart plug

TP-Link Tapo TP25 Outdoor Plug

This Matter-enabled outdoor smart plug has a robust IP65 weather-resistance rating and independently controllable dual outlets, and can track device running time.

$22 from Amazon

$30 from Best Buy

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Matter, Samsung SmartThings

The TP-Link Tapo TP25 Outdoor Plug, also known as the P400M, is rugged enough to withstand most climates thanks to its IP65 weather-resistance rating and dual-outlet covers. This outdoor smart plug has more features than other models, such as sunrise/sunset scheduling, an Away Mode, device run-time stats, and a sharing function. Quick to set up and easy to connect, the TP25/P400M is also compatible with all major smart-home platforms via Matter. If you don’t like Matter, we still recommend the TP-Link Kasa Smart EP40A, our previous outdoor-plug pick.

They aren’t banned. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024 which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

It’s weather-proof. The IP65 weather-resistance rating of the TP25/P400M indicates that the plug is dustproof and suitable for damp or humid environments, as well as rain, wind, and snow. It also has an operating-temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This plug stayed true to its claims, as it managed to survive the polar vortex that hit upstate New York last winter and kept outdoor string lights shining bright.

While the TP25/P400M is admittedly sturdy, it can’t be submerged in water, and TP-Link recommends mounting the plug outlet-side down, 1 foot above the ground. As you should with any outdoor plug, always plug the TP25/P400M into an outdoor receptacle with a weatherproof box.

Even with two outlets and Matter, it’s uncomplicated. I haven’t always had the best luck with Matter in the past, but setup with Apple Home through Matter (via iOS devices only, not Android) was exponentially easier with the TP25/P400M. You can find and operate all of its features on its home screen in the Tapo app, and you can name and control each of its two outlets independently to avoid confusion about which device is plugged in where or to allow for easier voice commands. You can use the two physical buttons on top of the TP25/P400M for manual on and off; green LED lights indicate its power status.

It has more features than other outdoor models. The TP25/P400M includes a “sharing” function that allows more than one person with a TP-Link account to access and control the device. During tests, I was able to share the plug with senior staff writer Rachel Cericola, who was able to turn it on and off and create Schedules while sitting comfortably at home a few hundred miles away. (You can un-share access to a switch just as easily.) It tracks how long a device is used in hours and minutes on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and it includes a timer, sunrise/sunset scheduling, and an Away Mode. We tested each of these functions and found both setup and execution to be flawless.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It tracks only device run time. The TP25/P400M can’t tell you how many kilowatt-hours your outdoor devices are using; instead it tracks only device run time, in hours and minutes. If you’re willing to do the math, you can figure out how much it costs to run a device, but otherwise this is not an especially useful feature.

Matter doesn’t always play nice, and it requires a compatible hub device. Although Matter worked for me, it has a reputation for being finicky. It also requires the use of a compatible hub, which acts as a traffic controller for your smart devices. Many popular plug-in smart devices already have a Matter hub built in, including smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, the Nest Hub, the HomePod Mini, and Eero routers.

If you don’t have other smart devices, or if you already rely on just one of the major smart-home platforms, you can simply skip Matter setup altogether.

Privacy and security snapshot

• TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
• TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
• Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended, but not required.
• User data is encrypted in the cloud.

For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.

Top pick

A multi-plug option

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)

This model turns one outlet into six independently controlled smart ones, with built-in energy monitoring and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It also has three USB ports.

$42 from Amazon

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) offers six independently controllable outlets and three USB ports. Its 38-inch power cord makes it suitable for tucking away in a variety of spots, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants to control multiple devices in one location.

It has more outlets and USB ports than other smart power strips. You control all six outlets on the HS300, independently, via the Tapo app. In the app, as well as third-party integrations such as Alexa and Google, each outlet appears as an individual device, which lets you control them quickly instead of having to tap through menus to get to the one outlet you want.

You can rename and group the outlets too, which allows you to turn several devices on or off at once, and TP-Link makes that simple by putting a small physical label under each outlet. Naming plugs simplifies voice commands, allowing you to use natural language, and assists you in setting Schedules or Routines.

It offers more features than other smart power strips. The HS300 has all of the same features as our top-pick plug, with the exception of Apple Home compatibility. Every outlet supports energy monitoring, so you can peek at real-time power consumption based on readings from the embedded power-meter chipset, as well as daily, weekly, and monthly averages in kilowatt-hours. It also features timers, an Away Mode, and sunrise/sunset scheduling.

I hooked up the HS300 to my work-from-home station and set my laptop charger on a timer to aid in battery life. I also set a Schedule that turns off the entire workstation over the weekend. If you need to turn a device back on outside of previously scheduled times, the power strip has a physical button for each outlet.

It has impressive smart-home support. Alexa found the HS300 without prompting (and proceeded to list off all six of the new outlets it found before I had to tell it to pipe down). Similarly, the outlets populated immediately in Google Home. The power strip responded quickly to voice commands once I gave the outlets custom names, and grouping them as a unit was foolproof.

This TP-Link isn’t the other TP-Link. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024, which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It doesn’t support Apple Home, and its USB ports aren’t smart. The biggest drawback of the HS300 is that it isn’t compatible with Apple Home. Plus, its USB ports don’t support remote control.

It’s a power strip, not a surge protector. TP-Link claims that the HS300 is rated to reduce power spikes to 500 volts when exposed to a 6,000-volt surge in testing. However, for our surge-protector guide, the models we test are generally rated to drop surges to 400 volts or lower in the same situation. And in our own tests using 5,000-volt surges, our top surge-protector picks were able to reduce that even further, to below 200 volts. As a result, we don’t think anyone should depend on the HS300 for surge protection.

Privacy and security snapshot

• TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
• TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
• Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended but not required.
• User data is encrypted in the cloud.

For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.

Best for…

Best for multiple outlets in a small space

TP-Link Tapo P306 Smart Wi-Fi Outlet Extender

The Tapo P306 converts a two-plug outlet into a multi-port setup with three smart outlets, three always-on outlets, and three smart USB ports.

$35 from Amazon

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home

A corded power strip isn’t always the best multi-outlet option. Rather than taking up floor space, the TP-Link Tapo P306 Smart Wi-Fi Outlet Extender covers the traditional two-outlet wall receptacle with six outlets, two USB-A, and one USB-C port. Its smart outlets and USBs are remotely controllable using Alexa, Google, Apple, or the Tapo app. It has all of the same features as our top multi-plug pick and it works well for tight spaces or anywhere else a power strip might look strange.

It turns two outlets into the perfect multi-plug hub. Rather than attaching to a power cord, this extender covers your existing receptacle and can either be mounted via a provided screw or plugged in with the adjustable back post. The Tapo P306 uses all of its 6.75-by-4-by-1.25-inch (LWH) surface area to provide three smart and three always-on outlets, plus two USB-A slots and one USB-C port (all of which offer fast charging). The smart and always-on outlets are labeled as such, with the smart side featuring LED lights to denote power status and physical buttons on the side to manually turn them on or off.

It seems counterintuitive, but I liked the fact that the Tapo P306 included three “dumb” outlets. It worked well under my nightstand, where I used the traditional outlets for my Echo Show and various non-USB chargers. I used the remote-controllable USB ports on the right-hand side of the P306 to charge an Android phone, a pair of headphones, and my iPhone. Along with the Tapo app, an LED indicator underneath the ports lets you know if they’re on or off.

The P306 has almost as many features as our multi-plug pick. The smart outlets, USB ports, and ambient night-light can be set on or off with the Timer function. Routines can be used for a specific time of day or according to sunrise/sunset. For example, I scheduled to turn my lamp on at sunrise and off at sunset. You can also use the Away Mode while you’re out of the house to turn devices on and off randomly.

Each of the smart outlets and USB ports are able to monitor energy in hours and minutes (if you want that in kWh, our top multi-plug pick does that). Run time is tracked daily, weekly, and monthly on each plug’s homescreen. Additionally, the home screen includes preset “smart actions,” the TP-Link support center, and device sharing, which allows multiple users to control it at once.

It has the widest range of smart-home compatibility. The P306 is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home (unlike our top multi-plug pick), and it responded to voice commands immediately and executed functions without a problem. During installation it integrated with Alexa and Google once I set it up in the Tapo app. Apple Home, however, took a little more convincing. If you want to use Apple Home alongside other voice assistants, we recommend adding that ecosystem first to avoid a lengthier setup process.

The extra features are extra useful. The P306’s outlets and USB chargers can be grouped together using the app, which is a big help if you want to be able to control some or all of your devices with a single command.

The underside of the P306 has a built-in smart “night-light,” which offers the same features and functions as the outlets above it (such as Timers, Schedules, Routines) and is also dimmable. An ambient light sensor at the top of the unit detects low-light conditions and automatically turns the light on and off. The level of light can be adjusted via the Tapo app or through one of its smart-home integrations, and if you don’t want it to automatically turn on or off you can set it on a routine.

This TP-Link isn’t the other TP-Link. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024, which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Not all of its outlets are smart. Though the Tapo P306 has six outlets, only three of them are “smart.” That, combined with its design (which basically takes over the entire receptacle), means you really need to plan how you will plug your devices in. It’s best suited for an area where you need more outlets but don’t need all of them to be remotely controllable, such as by a bedside or for an entertainment center.

It doesn’t monitor energy in kWh. Energy-monitoring capabilities in smart plugs are becoming more advanced, especially when you consider models like the T110 that calculate power draw against your electric bill. However, the P306 only monitors its power consumption in hours and minutes. Regardless, information in kilowatt-hours isn’t necessary or preferred by everyone.

The USB ports are managed as a group. We have yet to find a multi-plug smart outlet that has individually-controllable USB ports. The P306’s show up as a single unit in the companion app and through its compatible smart home platforms.

Privacy and security snapshot

• TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
• TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
• Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended but not required.
• User data is encrypted in the cloud.

For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.

We tested a number of smart plugs that we didn’t prefer as picks but found to be perfectly fine choices to suit more specific situations.

If you want to buy only one plug at a time: The Meross Smart Plug Mini MSS110 is a good smart plug that’s compatible with all of the major smart-home platforms. We found our top pick to be easier to use, and this Meross model is also a bit bigger than we’d like. If you don’t care about Apple Home compatibility, the Roku Indoor Smart Plug SE is a simpler option.

If you’re scrupulous about power consumption: The TP-Link Tapo P110 tracks how much power is being consumed and can calculate the cost in dollars and cents. Although this feature and the plug’s sharing capabilities are definitely neat, this model is compatible only with Alexa and Google, and it isn’t small enough to fit behind furniture. Otherwise, it has many of the same features as our top pick. TP-Link’s P110M uses Matter to connect with Apple Home, but it didn’t function as well as the regular P110.

If Apple Home is your preferred ecosystem: Our current outdoor pick is compatible with Apple Home via Matter, but if you don’t like Matter or don’t have a controller, we still recommend the TP-Link Kasa EP40A. It has a slightly lower weather-resistance rating of IP64 but is otherwise largely the same as the TP25/P400M.

We considered choosing the Meross Smart Power Strip MSS425FHK as a multi-plug pick because it has nearly all of the same features as the HS300 but adds Apple Home compatibility and four controllable USB ports. The HS300 edged it out as our multi-plug pick, though, because the Meross’s outlets lack physical buttons, and it doesn’t include energy monitoring. In addition, the Meross Matter Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini MSS115 is compatible with Apple Home via Matter if you’re looking for something similar in size to the EP10.

If you need an outdoor dimmer: The Meross Smart Outdoor Dimmer Plug MPD100 has a single outlet that can dim outdoor lighting. However, it has just one controllable outlet and a limited operating temperature of 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

We’ve tested dozens of smart plugs since this guide was first researched and written in 2016, and while we can’t list all of them here, these recent models were dismissed:

Indoor

Our biggest problem with the GE Cync Indoor Smart Plug is its companion app. We ran into several issues when setting up an account and found its user interface difficult to navigate.

The Shelly Plus Plug US was responsive, but its app was overly complex, and the plug is slightly bigger than I’d prefer. Sizing was also my main gripe with the UltraPro 1-Outlet Wi-Fi Smart Plug. Instead of covering one outlet evenly, it juts out to one side, limiting its placement options. (UltraPro also sells a two-outlet option, but I haven’t tested it.)

I had connectivity issues with the Geeni Smart Dot and ended up having to switch to manual pairing during testing. The TP-Link Tapo P110M didn’t work nearly as well as its non-Matter counterpart, and setup with Apple Home was nigh impossible.

Matter continued to present issues during our testing of the Meross Matter Smart Wi-Fi Plug MSS315. Although Meross provided detailed instructions by way of tutorial videos (hosted by an AI avatar straight from the uncanny valley), they still weren’t enough to guide me through the frustrating process of integrating the plug with Alexa or Apple Home. Eventually it was able to connect to Google and then to the other platforms — before un-adding itself the next day.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP125M and the TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug P125M worked decently, but they are more expensive than our top pick — and we actually found the non-Matter Kasa Smart EP25 to be easier to set up with all three major smart-home platforms.

I was disappointed by the slow reaction times of the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Dimmer D23LP-2RW. The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch D215P-2RW lacks features of our top pick, yet it is almost triple the price, and the timer for both units remains a permanent setting unless you manually change it.

Both the Shelly Qubino Wave Plug US and IKEA Tretak smart plug require using a separate hub, which makes them uneconomical if you aren’t working within these ecosystems already.

The Amazon Smart Plug, the Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, and the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug also worked fine in testing. But their functionality limits them to people who are already committed to Amazon. There are many less pricey options that are more widely compatible.

The U-tec Smart Plug included a child-lock feature that allows you to disable its physical button either manually or via the app. Although that unique feature is attractive, I didn’t think it was enough to outweigh the plug’s omission of functions such as an Away Mode, sunrise/sunset scheduling, and energy monitoring. I dismissed the Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring for similar reasons, and while its energy-monitoring feature worked well, it was missing too many other features to justify the price.

The Eve Energy includes Thread and supports Matter, but it wasn’t easy to set up with third-party apps, and when set up as a Matter device it doesn’t support features such as energy monitoring. Also, a single plug costs as much as a four-pack of our top pick. The Wemo Smart Plug also offers the option to work over Thread, but it lacks key features and is compatible only with Apple Home. However, it has been discontinued and the company says it will no longer support Wemo devices after January 31st, 2026. Wemo plugs will, however, continue to work if you integrate them with Apple Home.

Outdoor

I had setup and performance problems with the GE Enbrighten Dual Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug, and the two outlets can’t be controlled individually. I also didn’t find the companion app for the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug to be user-friendly or intuitive, and it had issues with basic functions such as setting a Schedule.

While testing the Monoprice Stitch Outdoor 2-Outlet Smart Plug, I encountered consistent anomalies with the Stitch app, such as the plug showing incorrect on/off status. The RCA Smart Outdoor Plug had a puzzling pairing process with Alexa and Google Home. There are too many good options that are easier to use.

Curiously, Geeni’s indoor plugs have a better operating temperature range than the Geeni Outdoor Duo and Geeni Outdoor Smart Plug. Both the two-outlet Duo and the single-outlet outdoor models can withstand an operating-temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Indoor/Outdoor Plug MSS630 has a rating of IP44, which is the lowest necessary to qualify for outdoor use, and its operating temperature range makes it unsuitable for cold winters.

Setting up the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug with Matter was shaky in our tests, though the plug worked well without Matter. It’s compatible with the Leviton Decora Smart Switch Anywhere Companion, a wire-free wall-mounted controller, but otherwise it has only a single outlet and not enough features for the price.

The Lutron Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug requires the Lutron Smart Bridge for remote operation and has only one outlet. While it is sturdy and operates as it should, it doesn’t have all of the same features as our outdoor pick and costs quite a bit more.

Multi-plug

Unlike our current power strip pick, the Geeni Surge doesn’t have physical buttons for its six outlets. It doesn’t include energy monitoring or USB ports, either.

The Eve Energy Strip has just three outlets and Apple Home compatibility; also its energy-monitoring feature applies to all the devices plugged into it, rather than to each individual outlet. I had a hard time swallowing its price tag when compared with our multi-plug pick and other smart plugs we liked.

The Lutron Caséta Smart Lamp Dimmer is a good option for a whole-home lighting system, but its outlets aren’t independently controllable, and it works only with lamps.

The ConnectSense Smart Outlet2 has two outlets in a single unit, but as a result the housing takes up the entire receptacle, which may be unwelcome for some people. I didn’t find the user interface of the ConnectSense app to be as intuitive as that of our top picks’ apps. The Govee Dual Smart Plug worked well enough and, unlike the ConnectSense, won’t take up the entire outlet. However, it was missing features like an Away Mode, sunrise/sunset scheduling, and energy monitoring.

I plan to test the following smart plugs and will update this guide with results:

• The Emporia Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Through the Emporia app, you can set schedules and routines as well as monitor energy consumption.
• The Shelly Plug US Gen4 includes support for Matter, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee. It also features scheduling and a countdown timer via your Matter-enabled smart-home platform of choice or the Shelly app, and is rated for 15 amps and 1,800 watts of power.
• Along with basic smart plug functions, like Routines and Schedules, the Matter-enabled WiZ Smart Plug Gen 2 also has the ability to act as a motion sensor when two or more WiZ devices are in the room.

This article was edited by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.