With the rise of smart technology, our homes are getting smarter than ever and the latest home appliance to revolutionize is the humble plug. Smart plugs allow you to control your home appliances anywhere with just the click of a button. Gone are the days of giving in to the unpleasant feeling of knowing if you had permanently unplugged your straightener.
So what is a smart plug?
While it may look like your standard outlet, once plugged into a wall outlet and connected to Wi-Fi, a smart plug lets you control any home gadget right from your phone. For example, with a smart plug, you can turn on the kettle while you drive home or grind the coffee machine from the comfort of your bed while you snooze your morning wake-up call.
The smart plug can also be synced with a smart home hub such as Google Home or Amazon Echo, allowing you to turn on the lamp using Alexa via voice commands.
Most of the smart plugs we tested work with a platform called IFTTT, “if this, then that,” which allows gadgets from different brands to work together seamlessly.
Can a smart plug save you money?
As energy prices soar, these nifty gadgets are sure to help you save some precious pennies. The scheduling feature of many of these smart plugs lets you set timers and durations for lights and heat so you don’t waste energy when it’s not needed. Overall, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that smart plugs can save a household between 1 and 4.58 percent in energy consumption, which equates to 500 to 1,000 kilowatts per year.
Knowing where to start with smart plugs can be confusing, so we’ve rounded up the best on the market.
KP115 Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home, Samsung Bixby
Cut: 5.15cm x 3.75cm x 7.25cm
In addition to controlling your devices, this smart plug allows you to monitor the power consumption of each device whenever and wherever you want. This smart plug is the most compatible of those reviewed when it comes to hands-free voice activation – connecting not only to Alexa and Google but also to Samsung.
Kasa also offers a nifty “away mode” that turns your selected gadgets on and off at random times, ideal when you’re away for long periods of time and don’t want to leave your home unattended.
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Amazon smart plug
Compatibility:Alexa
Cut: 9.62cm x 5.6cm x 6.3cm
The Amazon-branded outlet works best if Alexa is already operational in your home as it works exclusively with those enabled devices. We loved the simplicity of setup and with everything controlled via the app you don’t have to worry about installing other apps or fiddly planning as it can all be done in a matter of seconds. clicks.
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Tapo P100 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Single Outlet
Compatibility: Alexa, Google
Cut: 4cm x 7.2cm x 5.1cm
Want to try a smart plug but still skeptical? At just £12.99 (£7.99 at the moment), this smart plug has all the features you could want, including scheduling, away mode and voice control – and all at a more affordable price.
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Ikea smart plug
Compatibility: Alexa, Google, Apple
Cut: 15cm x 9cm x 17cm
Ikea’s smart plug, TRÅDFRI, is an integral part of the company’s smart lighting range which includes smart LED bulbs, light panels and switches. To work, the outlet must first be connected to the Ikea Home Smart app which can be linked to many smart outlets in your home.
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Teckin Home Gosund Smart Wi-Fi Plug (Four Pack)
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home
Cut: 5.5cm x 5.5cm x 3.3cm
If you’re already a smart convert, then this great value four-pack is an option worth considering. Its simple setup and easy-to-use Smart Life app means you’ll have your devices connected to your phone in no time. Gosund sockets come with all the usual features and claim to work in temperatures ranging from -20 to 50 degrees.
As the smallest smart plug on our list, these plugs are ideal if you want to save space and make them as unobtrusive as possible.
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Lightwave Generation 2 Lighting and Power Starter Kit
Compatibility: Alexa, Google, Apple
Cut: 3cm x 15cm x 8.8cm
If you’re looking to make your smart home even smarter, this kit could be a great investment as it comes with a Smart Series plug, dimmer and Link plus. Although it doesn’t require any additional wiring, we found it took a little longer to install as it replaces your existing switches and outlets with this new, smarter and sleeker Link Plus.
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Eve Energy UK – Smart Plug
Compatibility: Apple products only
Cut: 7.1cm x 7.2cm x 7.2cm
Aware of how much energy you consume? This smart plug includes a simple yet detailed app that provides a breakdown of how much power each device uses. In addition, this smart plug allows you to create “scenes”, integrating various commands under one title. For example, “Hey Siri, it’s bedtime” can cause the TV to turn off, the lights to dim, and the string lights to turn on.
Although this smart plug is ideal for Apple users, there is currently no Android app, so it is not compatible with Samsung or Google devices.
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Meross MSS620 Smart Wi-Fi Indoor Outdoor Socket
Compatibility: Alexa, Google, SmartThings
Cut: 15cm x 8cm x 5cm
For those of us lucky enough to have an outdoor space outfitted with string lights and seasonal decorations, this smart plug is guaranteed to take them to the next level. Although not as sleek and stylish as some other smart plugs, the Meross plug is sturdy and water resistant. This makes it the perfect outdoor accessory come rain or shine.
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TP-Link Kasa KP303
Compatibility: Alexa, Google
Cut: 26cm x 6.34cm x 3.85cm
If, like us, you’re guilty of charging your phone, laptop, and Bluetooth speaker at the same time, then the smart power strip may be your best friend. Compatible with Google Home and Alexa, this strip can support up to five devices simultaneously as it has two USB ports and 3 power outlets. These outlets can be used as smart or regular outlets depending on your needs.
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