The Best Cheap Smart Plug
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I might earn a referral fee (at no expense to you) when you click a link.
A smart plug is a cheap way to control “dumb” appliances with a smartphone or tablet. E.g., a lamp that uses a regular light bulb can be scheduled and controlled like a WiFi-connected smart light.
Smart plugs are about the size of a plug-in nightlight. They connect to a wall outlet and they have a three-prong plug that can power a single appliance. These plugs are “smart” because of the WiFi radio inside: This allows the plugged-in appliance to be controlled by an app. Some plugs are also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa, HomeKit or Google Home.
Many smart plugs have useful features like timers (e.g. shut off the coffee machine at 9:00 a.m.), schedulers (e.g. turn on the air conditioning 30 minutes before I get home) and vacation modes (e.g. make it look like someone is around by turning lights on and off). More advanced plugs can measure power consumption and help to reduce energy usage.
How Much Does a Good Smart Plug Cost?
A basic smart plug (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $15, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same Wi-Fi plugs cost around $9 while on sale: an average discount of 40%.
One Day, Smart Plugs Will Be Given Out for Free
Smart plugs and smart power strips are frequently mentioned in the Environmental Protection Agency’s discussion of smart home energy management systems. Why?
U.S. energy usage is climbing to new highs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At the same time, the shift toward renewable energy sources is making it harder to meet demand.
A study published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers suggests using smart plugs as a way to reduce the strain on utility companies without having to upgrade the power grid or personal appliances. “We may never see smart controls on [low cost appliances],” predicts Steve Montgomery, Chairman of the NEMA Internet of Things Council.
When Energy Star-certified smart plugs arrive, utility companies will almost certainly subsidize them. Visit the Energy Star Rebate Finder to see a list of discounted energy-efficient products.
The best smart plugs are “UL” or “ETL” listed (unfortunately, many smart plugs aren’t). These marks mean a plug has been certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory to meet certain safety standards.
Here are the best affordable smart plugs (indoor and outdoor) and smart power strips for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find smart plugs with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any plug with a price above the mid-point.
To find WiFi outlets with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Plugs and power strips with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Kasa Smart Plug 2-Pack, UL Certified (HS103P2)
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $15
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
Kasa’s inexpensive smart plugs are easy to set up and integrate easily with Alexa and Google Assistant, according to several online customers who praise the simplicity of the Kasa Smart app. Some reviewers wish that Kasa’s app was faster and more secure; others complain that scheduling functions are limited.
Meross ETL-Certified Smart Plug 3-Pack
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $18
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
Meross’ smart plugs are well-designed, easy to install and they pair well with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, according to several online customers. Some reviewers dislike the Meross app (and the necessity of creating yet another account); others say that the plugs produce an audible sound.
Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link (HS-100)
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $10
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Walmart | Check Current Price on B&H
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
TP-Link’s Kasa smart plug is easy to install and works well with Google Home and Alexa, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that this plug is so large, that it obstructs the second outlet.
Globe Electric Collection Wi-Fi Smart Plug (50114)
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $13
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Home Depot | Check Current Price on Walmart
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
Globe Electric’s smart plug is a reliable way to schedule and time appliance usage, according to several online customers. Reviewers say that the WiFi setup took longer than expected, yet the plug is easy to use.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug KP400 by TP-Link
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $20
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy | Check Current Price on B&H
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
This inexpensive outdoor smart plug is ideal for Christmas lights and holiday decorations, according to several online customers. Reviewers have three common criticisms: This plug isn’t fully waterproof; the plug is not flat (making it difficult to use with weather protected outlets); and it doesn’t work well with pool pumps.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Teckin Smart Power Strip (SS30-US)
Good Value: $26 | Great Deal: $13
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
This smart power strip is a great value, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish this power strip supported 5GHz WiFi; others say that it is hard to set up. Customers who use this power strip with Alexa warn that it is “all or nothing,” i.e. Alexa can’t control each plug independently.
Peace AE1002 Wi-Fi Smart Plugs (2-Pack)
Good Value: $19 | Great Deal: $15
Check Current Price on Best Buy
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
These no-frills smart plugs work well with Alexa and Google Assistant and are a great value overall, according to several customers. Some reviewers say these plugs have a limited range; others dislike the LED indicators.
Sengled E1C-NB6 Smart Plug With Timer (Hub Required)
Good Value: $19 | Great Deal: $15
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy
Wireless Protocol: Zigbee
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
Sengled’s smart plug is reliable and it pairs well with SmartThings, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the setup process was confusing; others say the plug occasionally loses WiFi connectivity.
Teckin Smart Outlet With USB (2-Pack)
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $18
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
These inexpensive smart plugs are simple and effective, according to several online customers. Many reviewers appreciate that the outlet and USB port can be independently controlled, however, a lot of customers had difficulty setting these plugs up on a separate 2.4 GHz network.
eufy Alexa-Compatible Smart Plug (AK-T1201121)
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $14
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: No
This budget smart plug works well with Alexa and Google Home, according to several online customers. Many reviewers dislike the EufyHome app; others say the setup process is quirky and frustrating.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Teckin SS31 Outdoor Smart Plug
Good Value: $24 | Great Deal: $20
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
Teckin’s outdoor smart plug is durable and reliable, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that the printed instructions are poorly written; others say it was too hard to set up.
Gosund WP2 Wi-Fi Smart Plug (2-Pack)
Good Value: $26 | Great Deal: $20
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
UL/ETL Certified: No
These smart plugs work well with Alexa and Google Home devices, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the set up process is confusing. Others were disappointed that Alexa and Google Home treat both outlets as if they were one (i.e. the two outlets aren’t independently controlled).
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Teckin SP10(N) Smart Plug (2-Pack)
Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $13
Wireless Protocol: 2.4 GHz WiFi
Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
UL/ETL Certified: Yes
These budget smart plugs work well with Alexa and Google Home, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that these plugs are difficult to set up. Some customers were disappointed that Teckin’s plugs don’t work with 5 GHz wireless networks and that a single plug covers two electrical outlets.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide, Anandtech and Tom’s Hardware. He specializes in the analysis of Amazon reviews and publishes a list of daily deals on Reddit.
