Make your home smart with a smart plug. Any of the best smart jacks allows you to control various small appliances without having to be home. For example, connect a lamp to a smart outlet and you can then use your smartphone to turn the lamp on and off or to create a program that will automatically turn the lamp on or off.
Because the best smart jacks are easy to use and very affordable, starting at less than $ 30 on the switch, anyone with a smartphone can get into the convenience (and, dare we say, fun) of using one of the best smart home devices.
After testing dozens of smart plugs, we think the best overall is the WeMo Mini. Although not as compact as other smart plugs, it has a lot of useful planning features and is one of the few smart plugs that it works with. Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit. WeMo is coming out with an even smaller version, the WeMo WiFi Smart Plug ($ 24.99), which will be available this spring.
You can find a lot of cheap smart plugs online, but we think the best budget model is Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Lite by TP-Link. An individual plug is only $ 13, and the other smart home products of the company were generally very reliable.
1. WeMo Mini
The best smart connector in general
size: 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT | Electrical rating: 120V ~ / 15A / 60Hz / 1800W
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit
Home / away mode
Wider than most smart jacks
The WeMo Mini is wide, but thin enough so you can fit two of them into the outlet without blocking electrical access. Although it has no energy monitoring information, Mini works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. It also has a handy switch on the jack itself, if you prefer to use manual controls.
Although a bit more expensive than the alternatives we reviewed, the WeMo Mini is the easiest to configure and the best smart plug for most people.
2. Kasa Smart WiFi Lite HS103 Smart Plug
An excellent and affordable option for the smart socket
size: 2.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, IFTTT | Electrical rating: 120V / 12A / 1200W
Small, compact
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant
Robust application
Rated for 12A
At only $ 13 per card, the Kasa Smart WiFi Lite is a real value; we tested other smart plugs from TP-Link and found them reliable. In addition, the Kasa app has a lot of features, including programming and the ability to control other TP-Link smart devices. The only catch is that the Kasa Lite is rated for only 12 amps, so if you want to use it with a higher-power device, you should check out the WeMo Mini or the Kasa HS105 smart jack.
3. Plug Case Smart Outdoor KP400
The best smart connector for outdoor use
size: 24.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, IFTTT | Electrical rating: 125V / 15A / 1875W
Waterproof
Two sockets can be controlled separately
Without HomeKit support
The Kasa Smart Outdoor KP400 plug-in from TP-Link has two sockets, so you can control two devices independently. The plug is substantially 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches, but housed inside its thick plastic housing is a Wi-Fi radio that should connect to your router up to 300 meters away. The KP400 has an IP64 rating, so it can withstand dust and most precipitation, but you need to make sure the sockets are down and covered when not in use.
Apart from hardware, the Kasa application of TP-Link sets this device apart from other smart outlets. The application makes the configuration process extremely simple; works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT (without HomeKit, sorry) and has good programming options to allow you to turn on and off the lights at certain times. However, one feature you need is the ability to start at sunset rather than at a set time, but you can set this using an Alexa routine.
4. Lock Lutron Box Dimmer
The best smart connector for lamps
size: 2 x 5.9 x 6.8 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT | Electrical rating: 120V / 300W
It allows you the weak lamps
The remote control is included
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit
The bridge needed to control the smartphone
Works only with two-pronged lamps
More expensive than other smart jacks
Most smart jacks do not have a major feature: they are on / off and cannot illuminate your lights. A rare exception for Lutron, the Lamp Dimmer Box. And, not only are their controls on the plug itself, but it also comes with a small remote control, so you don't have to get up from the couch to adjust the lights. And, you can connect two lamps in the Dimmer Lamp Box. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, SmartThings and HomeKit, but if you want to use any of these voice assistants to control your device, you'll need to purchase the Lutron Smart Bridge ($ 78), sold separately.
5. Kasa TP-Link Smart Plug, 2 Plugs (HS107)
The best smart plug with two sockets
size: 4.3 x 2.9 x 2 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, Nest, IFTTT | Electrical rating: 120V / 15A
Control two devices independently
Supports up to 15 amps
Good application programming
A little bulky
Not only does the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug (HS107) have one of the best models among the plugs we tested, but its application is also full of features. The rectangular device has three-socket sockets on both ends, so you can control two devices independently of a single socket. This socket is narrow enough that it will not lock the second wall socket, if you want to connect something else, but the match will be tight.
You can manually control each jack using two LED-illuminated buttons at the front end of the switch, while a center light lets you know if the jack is connected to the Wi-Fi network. The HS107 will work with devices up to 15 amps so you can connect things like coffee makers and portable heaters.
As with the TP-Link single-plug device, you can easily create programs, including configuring an Away mode, which will randomly turn the lights on and off to make you look like you're home; this is perhaps the best feature of the file. The Kasa app also allows you to group other products from TP-Link, such as security cameras and lights, and control them with Alexa and Google Assistant.
6. Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip Case
The best intelligent power strip
size: 14.2 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant | Electrical rating: 120V / 15A
More login options
USB ports
Expensive
TP-Link's Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is six smart plugs built into one (with three USB ports to turn on). You can control each connected device individually using the Kasa, Alexa or Google Assistant app or the buttons on the device itself. And it has a built-in surge protector, which lacks most of the individual smart jacks. That being said, at $ 79, it's a little expensive.
7. Monoprice wireless intelligent smart tape
A smart tape with an accessible smart outlet
size: 14.8 x 4.2 x 1.8 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant | Electrical rating: 120V / 15A / 1875W
Accessible
USB ports
Less sockets
Our favorite smart tape value is the Monoprice wireless smart tape. With four sockets and two USB ports, it cannot accommodate as many devices as it can protect against overvoltage. But at only $ 32, it's less than half the price of some luxury competitors, such as Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip.
The Monoprice electric tape also offers more features than most expensive competitors. Using the Stitch Monoprice application, you can remotely monitor and control the devices and you can control and program each socket individually. You can set each start or deactivation port depending on various environmental factors, such as time, temperature, humidity, sunrise and sunset or other smart home devices. And if you don't use a voice assistant, you can still create scenes using all of your Stitch products to easily set the mood in your home.
8. TP-Link Case HS105
An older smart connector, but still great
size: 2.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 inches | Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant | Electrical rating: 120V / 15A / 1875W
Lots of programming options
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant
One stopper
The Kasa smart plug from the TP-Link HS105 is an older model, but it still works well and costs less than $ 20. It has a compact design, which makes it possible to add two in one socket and has an LED that lets you know at once if the switch is on. We liked the Kasa application, which was easy to use and has a robust set of features, such as the ability to create programs and an Away mode that turns you on and off at random intervals while you are away from home.
9. Amazon Smart Plug
A simple smart plug-in, but it only works with Alexa
size: 3.2 x 2.2 x 1.5 inches | Works with: Alexa | Electrical rating: 120V / 15A
Simple to configure
It integrates easily with Alexa routines
Works only with Alexa
The smart plug from Amazon is simple, compact and has great value at a low price. It comes bundled with all Alexa features, including compatibility with routines, programs, timers and other advanced automation. It also has a physical on / off button and an LED to indicate its status.
We would love this smart connector much more if it were compatible with voice assistants, besides Alexa.
Other smart tests tested
Although the iHome ISP6X smart plug does not have the Away feature, which we love so much in the TP-Link application, the iSP6X works with many smarter home systems, including Nest, Wink and Samsung SmartThings.
Aukey's plug is not only very compact, but also very cheap: you get two for $ 24, about half of most other plugs. Although it only works with Alexa and Google Assistant, the Aukey app has a good number of automatic price features.
IDevices Switch has a number of advanced features, including programming, scenes, geofencing, and other home automation (if you have an Apple TV or iPad) and power monitoring. But it is slightly larger than other plugs and it took some time to configure ourselves in our testing.
How we test smart home jacks
Reviewing a smart connector is not as simple as connecting it. Well, it's almost over. In addition to ensuring that the jack actually activates the work connected to it, we also evaluate the plugs on several factors:
- Design: Can you insert multiple plugs into an outlet? Does it have a physical start / stop switch or indicators?
- established: How easy is it to connect the jack to the Wi-Fi network and its application?
- appointment: How robust is the in-app programming function?
- Characteristics: Are there other features that distinguish the listing from others?
- Smart home connectivity: How many other smart home systems does the jack work? Alexa and Google Assistant should be provided.
What to look for when buying a smart plug
There are tons of smart plugs available on Amazon and other online retailers, many of which cost less than $ 30 and work with Alexa. So how do you decide which is best? Here are some things to consider.
1. Will my other outlet lock? Some smart plugs are so big that if you plug them into an outlet, it will lock the second outlet. It's a design failure. The HS105 from TP-Link, iHome ISP6X and Belkin WeMo Mini are all small enough to keep the other outlet free.
2. Will it work with more than Alexa? It's great to be able to say "Alexa, turn off my lights" and turn off your smart plug. But better plugins will work with Google Home, and some - such as iHome's - also work with Apple HomeKit.
3. Is the application good? Many of the cheaper plugins have cheaper applications, which makes programming difficult when you have to stop and start up. I even found some that were not fully translated into English. While you will need to download the plug-in application before purchasing the plug, this step can save you a lot of frustration.
Smart Vs. smart vs switches smart lights
When it makes sense to get a smart outlet than to smart light switch or smart bulb? For one, most smart jacks can be used to control more than just the lights. For example, you can connect a coffee machine or floor fan to a smart outlet and you can turn on that device at a time.
If you use a smart connector mainly for lighting, it is better for floor and table lamps because you can use less expensive bulbs. However, if you want bulbs that can change color or color temperature, then a smart bulb can be a better way to go. If all your lights are controlled by a wall switch, then you will want a smart switch.