Diving into the World of Smart Plugs: A Comprehensive Guide

Smart home technology can feel overwhelming, but starting with something simple like a smart plug offers an accessible and affordable entry point. A smart plug, essentially an adapter that plugs into a standard outlet, can transform any ordinary appliance into a remotely controllable device. With no special wiring needed, it’s a straightforward upgrade that can significantly enhance your convenience and home automation capabilities.

Getting Started with Smart Plugs

The process is remarkably simple. Just plug the smart plug into a wall outlet, then plug your desired lamp or small appliance into the smart plug. Download the manufacturer’s mobile app, connect the plug to your home Wi-Fi network, and you’re ready to experience the benefits of hands-free control.

The Advantages of Smart Plugs

Smart plugs offer a diverse range of functionalities:

• Remote Control: Operate your connected devices from anywhere using your smartphone. Forgot to turn off the lights? No problem, just use the app.

• Scheduling: Set up schedules to automatically turn lights on or off at specific times, creating a sense of security or automating your morning routine.

• Away Mode: Program the plug to turn lights on and off randomly when you’re away, deterring potential burglars.

• Voice Control: Compatible smart plugs (and virtually all good ones are) integrate seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Simply use voice commands to control your devices.

• Matter Compatibility: A Matter-certified smart plug ensures compatibility across different smart home ecosystems, simplifying integration with your existing setup.

Smart Plugs for the Advanced User

Even for those with comprehensive smart home systems, smart plugs remain essential components. They fill gaps where hardwired smart solutions aren’t practical or cost-effective, offering a flexible and adaptable approach to home automation.

TechHive’s Decade of Smart Plug Testing

For over a decade, TechHive’s editors and contributors have rigorously tested smart plugs in real-world settings, installing them in their own homes to provide informed and practical recommendations. This dedication, coupled with broad expertise in smart home systems, enables them to accurately assess product integration and overall user experience.

Top Smart Plug Recommendations

Here’s a look at some of the top smart plugs on the market, along with their strengths and weaknesses:

• Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Switch (2nd Gen) (D215P): A compact and versatile Wi-Fi smart plug compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and Matter, eliminating the need for a smart hub. It supports up to 15-amp loads and offers cool features like the Decora Smart Switch Anywhere Companion for remote on/off control. While not the slimmest, two can fit in a duplex outlet. Leviton also offers a vast array of other smart home devices for further expansion.

  • Pros: Broad compatibility, easy setup, Decora Companion option, extensive ecosystem
  • Cons: Slightly bulky

• Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer (D23LP): If dimming is essential, this second-generation dimmer plug, compatible with the Anywhere Companion (on/off only), is a great choice. Like the D215P, it will eventually be Matter-compatible via a firmware update.

  • Pros: Dimming capability, Decora Companion option, eventually Matter compatible
  • Cons: Dimming function requires compatible lamps.

• Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Plug: Part of Lutron’s advanced Caséta ecosystem, this plug offers enhanced settings and control through the Lutron app, included remote controls, or buttons on the plug. It requires a bridge hardwired to your router and is only for lamps. While it lacks Matter support, it integrates with Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and other major platforms.

  • Pros: Advanced control options, broad compatibility with other ecosystems, excellent in-wall alternatives.
  • Cons: Requires Lutron bridge, only for lamps, no Matter support.

• TP-Link Tapo P125M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug: An outstanding example of Matter implementation, this mini plug is incredibly compact, allowing two to fit in a single outlet. It’s also offered at an outstanding value. It enables scheduling through the Tapo app or other Matter-compatible apps, but lacks energy monitoring.

  • Pros: Compact size, excellent value, Matter support
  • Cons: No energy monitoring

• Wyze Plug: An inexpensive two-pack offering exceptional value. It supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, but doesn’t offer dimming or Matter support. Wyze’s ecosystem is less extensive than others.

  • Pros: Inexpensive, compact.
  • Cons: No dimming, no Matter, limited ecosystem, potential for complicated app UI.

• Emporia Smart Plug: Tracks energy consumption, providing detailed insights into device usage. It’s an on/off plug only, lacking dimming capabilities. Can be combined with the Emporia Vue energy monitor for whole-house tracking.

  • Pros: Energy monitoring
  • Cons: No dimming

• TP-Link Tapo P400M / TP25 Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug: A top pick for both outdoor use and budget shoppers. It features two independently controlled outlets, Matter support, dual 2.4GHz Wi-Fi antennas for long range and is a recommended device for both enthusiast and casual shoppers.

  • Pros: Universally compaitble, easy to setup, durable.
  • Cons: None

• Lutron Caséta Wireless Outdoor Smart Plug: Perfect for those already invested in the Caséta ecosystem. It can control small pumps and motors, making it ideal for water features. Lacks Matter support but offers broad ecosystem compatibility.

  • Pros: Broadly Compatible, Durable, Good App Support.
  • Cons: Matter- Incompatible

• TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Dimmer Plug (KP405): One of the few outdoor smart plugs offering dimming capabilities. It’s weatherproof and easy to set up, but features only one receptacle and lacks Matter support.

  • Pros: Outdoor Dimming
  • Cons: One Receptacle, Matter Incompatible

• TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip: Features six independently controlled grounded outlets and three fast USB charging ports. Also offers surge protection.

  • Pros: Multiple Independant outlets, Surge protection
  • Cons: Possible high cost.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Smart Plug

Before purchasing a smart plug, consider the following factors:

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Ensure the plug is rated for the intended environment. Outdoor plugs are weatherproof and designed to withstand the elements.

• Hub Requirements: Determine if the plug requires a separate hub or if it connects directly to your Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi plugs are generally simpler to set up.

• Wireless Technology: Smart plugs use various wireless technologies like Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, or Wi-Fi. Choose a technology compatible with your existing smart home system.

• Ecosystem Compatibility: Check for compatibility with your preferred voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) and smart home platforms (Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings). Matter-certified products offer broad compatibility.

• Power Rating: Ensure the plug can handle the power consumption of the devices you plan to connect. Avoid overloading the plug with high-draw appliances.

• Design: Consider the plug’s physical design and whether it blocks adjacent outlets. Smart power strips offer multiple individually controlled outlets.

• Grounding: If you require grounded electricity, choose a plug with a three-prong design.

• Energy Monitoring: If you want to track power consumption, select a plug with energy monitoring features.

• Dimming: If you’re connecting a lamp, consider a smart plug with dimming capabilities.

Smart plugs provide a simple and effective way to add convenience and automation to your home. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the perfect smart plug to enhance your living space.