Smart Plugs

meross MSS315 Matter Smart Plug (4-Pack)

4.4$40–$50 (4-pack)

The meross MSS315 4-pack gives you four Matter smart plugs with energy monitoring for about $45. Here is who it suits.

Wyze Plug Outdoor

4.3$30–$40

The Wyze Plug Outdoor gives you two weatherproof, separately controlled outlets with energy monitoring. Here is who it suits.

Shelly Plug US Gen4

4.4$22–$30

The Shelly Plug US Gen4 combines Matter, Wi-Fi, Zigbee and accurate power metering for about $25. Here is who it suits.

SONOFF S31 Smart Plug

4.2$10–$15

The SONOFF S31 is an $11 smart plug with real-time power, current and voltage readings. Here is who it suits and who should skip it.

Kasa EP25 Smart Plug Mini (4-Pack)

4.4$38–$48 (4-pack)

The Kasa EP25 4-pack gives you four energy-monitoring smart plugs with HomeKit, Alexa and Google support for about $10 each. Here is who it suits.

THIRDREALITY Smart Plug Gen3

4.4$15–$45

An accurate, low-cost Zigbee energy plug that doubles as a mesh repeater, if you already have a Zigbee hub.

Eve Energy (Matter)

4.3$30–$70

A private, Thread-based energy plug that makes the most sense for Apple Home households.

Tapo P110M

4.4$24–$36

A budget Matter WiFi plug with bill estimates and automatic shutoffs in the Tapo app.

Emporia Smart Plug

4.2$12–$35

A low-cost energy plug that shines when paired with an Emporia Vue, as long as you respect its 10A continuous limit.

Kasa Matter Smart Plug KP125M

4.5$30–$50

A Matter-certified WiFi plug with real energy tracking in the Kasa app, and the easiest pick for most homes.

Buying guides 5

How to Find Phantom (Standby) Loads With a Smart Plug

A simple room-by-room method for finding the devices that use power while they're supposedly off.

Matter, Thread, WiFi or Zigbee: Which Smart Plug Protocol Should You Pick?

The right protocol depends on the hub you already own. Here's a plain-English way to decide.

Which Appliances Are Safe (and Unsafe) on a Smart Plug?

Most plugs are rated for 15 amps, but that number doesn't tell the whole story. Here's what to keep off them.

Smart Plug vs. Whole-Home Energy Monitor: Which Do You Need?

One measures a single device, the other measures your whole panel. Here's how to pick, or why you might want both.

Do Energy-Monitoring Smart Plugs Actually Save Money?

The plug itself saves nothing. The number it shows you is what changes your bill.