Smart plug boxes are covered in logos: Matter, Thread, WiFi, Zigbee. They aren’t competing brands so much as different ways a plug talks to your phone and your smart home. The simplest way to choose is to start with what you already own.
WiFi: the no-hub option
WiFi plugs connect straight to your router, so there’s nothing else to buy. Most, including every WiFi plug we review, use 2.4GHz only. The downside is that every plug becomes another device on your WiFi, and most rely on the maker’s app and cloud for remote access and energy history.
Matter: the compatibility layer
Matter is a standard that lets one plug work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, often at the same time. It runs over WiFi or Thread. One catch for energy buyers: on plugs like the Kasa KP125M, reviewers found the energy readings still live in the maker’s app, while Matter handles on and off. Newer Matter versions can carry energy data, and TP-Link has added this to the Tapo P110M, starting with the UK model, but only some platforms, such as SmartThings and Home Assistant, display it so far.
Thread: the mesh option
Thread is a low-power mesh network, and each plugged-in Thread device can strengthen it. It needs a Thread border router, which you may already own: the HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K models with Thread, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) and Echo (4th gen) all qualify. The Eve Energy is a good example of a Thread plug.
Zigbee: the hub-based classic
Zigbee has been around for years and is popular with Home Assistant, SmartThings and Hubitat users. It needs a Zigbee hub, and some Echo models have one built in. Zigbee plugs like the THIRDREALITY Gen3 act as repeaters, making the rest of your Zigbee devices more reliable.
How to decide
No hub and mixed phones in the house? Pick a Matter WiFi plug. An Apple home with a HomePod mini? Thread is worth it. Already running Zigbee? Stay with Zigbee. Not sure yet? Matter over WiFi keeps the most doors open, since it works with every major platform, and the Matter controller it needs is often a smart speaker or display you already own.
Want to see how a few smart plugs fit with the rest of your setup? Our Whole-Home Energy Calculator adds up what plugs, a thermostat, an energy monitor, an EV charger and a backup battery would mean for your monthly bill.