The Five Best Smart Plugs for 2021
Smart plugs are the first and most easy step into home automation. These devices allow you to control your appliances from an app on your phone or even through a voice assistant from anywhere and at any time. All it takes to smarten up a non-smart device in your home is to plug one into a traditional electrical outlet, fan, lamp, or any other on/off device and set it up with the app. Smart plugs are not only fun, but they also make your life a lot easier and can be a vital aid for persons with physical challenges who struggle to reach light switches and other home devices.
The market typically features a myriad of products, and buying the ideal smart plug for your needs can get confusing. Not to worry, we have put together a great list of nifty gadgets with great features to take care of your needs. Take a look at our review of the best smart plugs to turn on and off your newly connected devices:
Best Smart Plug Overall: TP-Links Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
The TP-Links Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a small but excellent plug that keeps other outlets free, works perfectly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant while offering plenty of scheduling and timing options. Importantly, it is an If This Then That (IFTTT) and Nest device that integrates well with a range of other smart home devices from surveillance cameras to garage door openers. If you are looking for a smart plug for remote access to a wide range of your everyday appliances, this should be your great pick. This option also features reliable support from the Kasa App that guarantees easy control of any device in your home via your phone. Its small size makes it best for use in tight spaces and hard-to-reach spots.
Best Budget Plug: Wyze Plug
If you are in the market for a super affordable smart plug that is easy to use and offers ultimate control of your home devices, go for Wyze Plug. At just $15 for a two-pack, this gadget impresses with premium category performance and features for easy access and remote control of a range of home devices, including door locks, robot vacuums, smart bulbs, and many more.
Apart from its affordability, this plug also supports Alexa and Google voice control, is easy to install, and works with lots of other smart devices via IFTTT applets. Notably, you can use both assistants to turn the plug on or off or, better still, control it via a handy Wyze app. Another great feature that is hard to come by in other options under the same category is a vacation mode that randomly powers devices such as lamps, TVs, and radios to create the illusion that someone is home.
Best for Home Kit: WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug
WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug is the new champion under the best home kit category. The plug comes with a compact design and a size that is almost half its predecessor: the WeMo Mini. It brings with it the finest elements of Wemo Mini, including support for Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Its power button that was prominently located on the front of the Mini has now been relocated to the side of the device to enhance a slimmer, more stylish design.
Other notable additions include scheduling and timers that work well with the Wemo app. Its price is substantially down when compared to the WeMo Mini, and you can therefore rest assured of getting more benefits at a greater price.
Best For Outdoors: iDevices Outdoor Switch
The iDevices Outdoor Switch is a premium gadget that guarantees you will never step outside to turn on your lights ever again. The smart plug allows you to control and monitor a range of outdoor electronics from your mobile phone and at the comfort of your couch. It is a rain-tight connected smart plug with rugged design features and a dual outlet for controlling two products simultaneously.
We tested this device against harsh conditions such as rain, sleet, and snow, and we can confidently report that you can leave it outside without worry. It also boasts of dynamic scheduling features for turning on electronics automatically whether you are home or away.
Best Multiplug Option: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)
This Kasa model is arguably the best multiplug gadget in the market currently. It is designed to turn one outlet into six independently controlled smart ones, thereby offering more value. The smart plug boasts built-in energy monitoring and integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and automation via IFTTT. It also boasts the most USB ports totaling three and the longest power cord of all the smart plugs in our review list. Its top-notch user interface helps you determine the action you are taking and the outlet you have to schedule.
The Best Smart Plug for Lamps: Lutron Caseta Dimmer Plug
Lutron Caseta Dimmer Plug is arguably the best smart plug for a range of your home lamps. The device is compatible with up to 800 different desk and table lamps, from Chandeliers to recessed lighting.
Unlike other standard options out there, this smart plug allows you to dim the bulb when need be rather than simply turning it on or off. The Starter kit features a functional remote for easy and convenient control. Besides, you can also control the unit with your voice assistant, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. Other notable features include:
- A simple setup
- Support of two lamps simultaneously
- A Lutron app for Android and iOS device control
Finally, the best smart plugs offer a lot of convenience by allowing you to control various home appliances, even when you are not home. Using a smart plug is the easiest, cheapest way to upgrade a non-smart device into a valuable workhorse.
However, not all smart plugs out there are as good as they claim. To make your shopping a lot easier, we took the trouble to test a long list of available options before settling on the best plugs worth investing in. If you are looking for an ideal unit that offers excellent value and works to meet all your specific needs, pick any of the devices on our list today.
