Best Smart Plugs 2026: Alexa, HomeKit & Energy Tracking
Five of the best smart plugs compared on voice assistant support, Matter and HomeKit compatibility, energy monitoring and load limits, drawn from manufacturer specs and expert recommendations.
25 products compared · Research-based · Affiliate links
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never decides our picks. How we make money
Which one should you buy?
Our picks by what matters to you · details below ↓
Best for: Budget shoppers wanting energy tracking and Alexa or Google control
Check price on Amazon- Also GreatLinkind Matter Smart PlugBest for: Mixed-ecosystem households wanting Matter compatibility and Apple Home supportCheck price
- Best BudgetAmazon Smart PlugBest for: Alexa-only households wanting simple, dependable plug automationCheck price
- Premium PickMeross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110)Best for: HomeKit users wanting compact plugs with sunrise and sunset automationCheck price
- Best ValueEmporia Energy Monitoring Smart PlugBest for: Energy-conscious buyers tracking power use of individual devicesCheck price
The best smart plugs turn an ordinary lamp, fan or small appliance into something you can schedule, switch from your phone and control by voice. The right one depends on your ecosystem: Alexa, Google, Apple Home or a mix. It also depends on whether you want to see how much power your devices draw. This guide compares five popular options.
Every pick here is based on manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, not our own hands-on testing. Where reviewers have published scores, we cite them by name.
Best Smart Plugs at a Glance
| Pick | Label | Best for | Energy monitoring | Platforms | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Tapo P115 | Best Overall | Budget shoppers wanting energy tracking | Yes, real-time | Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Check price |
| Linkind Matter Smart Plug | Also Great | Mixed-ecosystem households | Not listed | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings | Check price |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Best Budget | Alexa-only households | No | Alexa only | Check price |
| Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110) | Premium Pick | HomeKit users | No | HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Check price |
| Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug | Best Value | Tracking individual devices | Yes, 24/7 per device | Alexa, Google Home | Check price |
TP-Link Tapo P115: Best Overall for Energy Tracking on a Budget
Best for: Budget shoppers wanting energy tracking and Alexa or Google control
A budget plug that pairs energy monitoring with broad voice assistant support and a compact build. It covers the everyday essentials without needing a hub.
Read our full TP-Link Tapo P115 review →- Voltage
- 100-240V~, 50/60 Hz
- Scheduling
- Yes
- Remote access
- Yes, via Tapo app
- Voice control
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings
- Remote control
- Yes
- Wi-Fi standard
- IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Reasons to buy
- Real-time energy monitoring with bill estimation
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
- Compact body leaves neighboring outlets usable
- Schedules and countdown timers included
Reasons to avoid
- No Apple HomeKit support listed
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Digital Citizen
- 10.0
- Smart-Wired
- 9.0
The TP-Link Tapo P115 earns Best Overall by combining real-time energy monitoring with broad voice assistant support in a budget-tier plug. It suits shoppers who want to see what their devices consume and control them through Alexa or Google Assistant. It is recommended in 5 expert guides.
Keep reading about TP-Link Tapo P115
Beyond monitoring, which includes bill estimation, it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings. You can switch it remotely through the Tapo app and set schedules and countdown timers. The body is compact, so it doesn't block the neighboring outlet. The listed maximum load is 15A, 1800W for the US model. Reviewers have scored it well: Digital Citizen gave it 5 out of 5 and Smart-Wired 4.5 out of 5.
The trade-off
No Apple HomeKit support is listed, so iPhone-first households may want a different pick. It also uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only (IEEE 802.11b/g/n).
Linkind Matter Smart Plug: Also Great for Matter Across Platforms
Best for: Mixed-ecosystem households wanting Matter compatibility and Apple Home support
A future-friendly choice that works across all the major smart home platforms through Matter. Local operation adds reliability, though it skips energy tracking.
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
- Scheduling
- Yes
- Remote access
- Yes, via app and voice commands
- Voice control
- Apple HomeKit, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Remote control
- Yes
- Wi-Fi standard
- 2.4GHz
Reasons to buy
- Matter-certified, works across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
- Keeps local control working if internet drops
- Voice control through Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Short-circuit and overload protection with fire-resistant materials
Reasons to avoid
- No energy monitoring
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Mercury PC
- 8.8
- MicroControllersLab
- 8.8
- Top10Scout
- 8.8
The Linkind Matter Smart Plug is the pick for households that mix ecosystems. Its Matter certification means it works across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings without separate apps. It is recommended in 6 expert guides.
Keep reading about Linkind Matter Smart Plug
It keeps control working on your local network if the internet drops. Voice control runs through Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, and the app handles remote control, scheduling and timers. Safety features include short-circuit and overload protection and fire-resistant materials rated up to 750°C. The capacity is 15A, 1800W maximum, suitable for lamps, fans and small appliances. Mercury PC, MicroControllersLab and Top10Scout each scored it 4.4 out of 5.
The trade-off
Energy monitoring is not listed, so look at the TP-Link or Emporia if usage tracking matters. It also supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Amazon Smart Plug: Best Budget for Alexa-Only Homes
Best for: Alexa-only households wanting simple, dependable plug automation
A simple, no-fuss plug for people already invested in Alexa. It handles schedules and routines well but offers no other ecosystem support.
Read our full Amazon Smart Plug review →- Voltage
- 100-120V
- Scheduling
- Yes
- Remote access
- Yes, via Alexa app
- Voice control
- Amazon Alexa only (requires Alexa device or app)
- Remote control
- Alexa app
- Wi-Fi standard
- 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz only)
Reasons to buy
- No smart home hub required
- Automatically reconnects after power outages
- Schedules and routines through the Alexa app
- Compact design preserves adjacent outlet access
Reasons to avoid
- Works only with Alexa
- No energy monitoring
- No Google Home, HomeKit, or SmartThings support
- Android Central
- 9.0
- T3
- 8.0
- Sarah Lee & Johnny
- 9.4
The Amazon Smart Plug is a simple, no-fuss option for people already invested in Alexa. It needs no smart home hub, and it is recommended in 8 expert guides, the most of the five plugs here. If your whole setup runs on Alexa, it handles the basics without extra complexity.
Keep reading about Amazon Smart Plug
Schedules and routines are set through the Alexa app, which also provides remote control. The plug reconnects automatically after power outages, and its compact design preserves access to the adjacent outlet. The rating is 15A / 1800W resistive, with a 1-year limited warranty. Android Central scored it 4.5 out of 5, T3 gave it 4 out of 5, and Sarah Lee & Johnny gave it 4.7 out of 5.
The trade-off
It works only with Alexa. There is no Google Home, HomeKit or SmartThings support, and no energy monitoring. It also uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only (802.11 b/g/n). If you might change ecosystems, a Matter plug is the safer choice.
Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110): Premium Pick for HomeKit Users
Best for: HomeKit users wanting compact plugs with sunrise and sunset automation
A compact plug with wide platform support and useful sunrise/sunset scheduling. A good fit for HomeKit users, though it lacks energy monitoring.
- Voltage
- 100-240V~, 50/60Hz
- Scheduling
- Yes (on/off schedules)
- Remote access
- Yes, via Meross app
- Voice control
- Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Remote control
- Yes (Meross app)
- Wi-Fi standard
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz, 1T1R
Reasons to buy
- Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
- Compact enough to fit two plugs in one outlet
- Sunrise and sunset scheduling support
- Handles 15A/1800W appliances without a hub
Reasons to avoid
- No energy monitoring
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Trusted Reviews
- 9.0
- The Ambient
- 9.0
The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is the Premium Pick for HomeKit users who want a compact plug with sunrise and sunset automation. It sits at the premium end of this group. It is recommended in 5 expert guides.
Keep reading about Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110)
The small body fits two plugs in one wall outlet. It works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, and it needs no hub, running on your existing 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. You control it remotely through the Meross app and can schedule it around sunrise and sunset. It supports 15A/1800W appliances. Trusted Reviews and The Ambient both scored it 4.5 out of 5.
The trade-off
There is no energy monitoring, and it supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only. If you don't use HomeKit, cheaper options cover the same basics.
Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug: Best Value for Per-Device Energy Tracking
Best for: Energy-conscious buyers tracking power use of individual devices
An energy-focused plug that helps identify power-hungry devices while offering standard remote control and scheduling. Best for tracking usage rather than heavy-duty loads.
- Voltage
- 120V
- Scheduling
- Yes
- Remote access
- Emporia app control from anywhere
- Voice control
- Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatible
- Remote control
- Yes
- Wi-Fi standard
- 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n
Reasons to buy
- 24/7 per-device energy tracking with detailed reports
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Remote control and scheduling through the Emporia app
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
- No Apple HomeKit support listed
- Continuous load limited to 10A
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Digital Trends
- 8.0
- Pocketables
- 8.6
- Mighty Gadget
- 8.0
The Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug is the Best Value pick for energy-conscious buyers who want to track power use device by device. It is a budget-tier plug built around monitoring, and it is recommended in 5 expert guides.
Keep reading about Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug
It tracks energy 24/7 for each device and produces detailed reports and analytics to help you spot power drains. You can control it remotely through the Emporia app, set schedules to automate on/off times, and use it with Alexa and Google Home. It also integrates with Emporia Vue and comes with a 1-year warranty.
The trade-off
It is better for tracking usage than for heavy-duty loads. It is rated at 1800W @ 120V, but the continuous load is limited to 10A, and the 15A peak applies for up to 1 hour a day. No Apple HomeKit support is listed, and the plug does not support 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi.
Compare our picks side by side
The specs most of our picks share, from each maker’s spec page (— = not published). Expert score = the average of published expert reviews, which rate each product for its price. Scroll sideways on small screens.
| Spec | TP-Link Tapo P115 | Linkind Matter Smart Plug | Amazon Smart Plug | Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110) | Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Also Great | Best Budget | Premium Pick | Best Value |
| Expert score | 9.5 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.2 |
| Price vs. these picks | Lower | Middle | Middle | Higher | Lower |
| Voltage | 100-240V~, 50/60 Hz | 120 Volts | 100-120V | 100-240V~, 50/60Hz | 120V |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (on/off schedules) | Yes |
| Remote access | Yes, via Tapo app | Yes, via app and voice commands | Yes, via Alexa app | Yes, via Meross app | Emporia app control from anywhere |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings | Apple HomeKit, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa only (requires Alexa device or app) | Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatible |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes | Alexa app | Yes (Meross app) | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standard | IEEE 802.11b/g/n | 2.4GHz | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz only) | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz, 1T1R | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n |
| Timer/scheduling | Yes, countdown timers and schedules | Yes, flexible scheduling and timers | Yes, via Alexa app | Yes, with sunrise/sunset support | Built-in on/off scheduling, timers |
| Wattage capacity | 3680W | 1800W | 1800W | 1800W (15A @ 120V) | 1800W @ 120V |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How to Choose the Best Smart Plugs for Your Home
Match the plug to your ecosystem
Start with the assistant you use. Alexa-only homes can use any of these, including the Amazon Smart Plug. Google users should look at the TP-Link, Linkind, Meross or Emporia. If you use Apple Home, the Linkind and Meross are the two picks here with Siri and HomeKit support.
Decide whether you want energy monitoring
Only the TP-Link Tapo P115 and Emporia plug list energy monitoring. The Linkind lists none, while the Amazon and Meross plugs state they have none. If seeing what a device costs to run matters to you, choose one of the first two.
Check the load
Most plugs here are listed at 15A and 1800W, which suits lamps, fans and small appliances. The Emporia has a lower continuous rating of 10A, so don't pair it with anything that runs near the limit for long periods.
Consider Wi-Fi and future-proofing
Every plug in this guide is listed as 2.4 GHz only, so make sure your router offers that band. If you expect to change platforms later, Matter support, as on the Linkind, keeps your options open, and the Linkind is also offline-ready, so local control keeps working during an internet outage.
How We Picked
We compared five popular plugs using manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations, including how many expert buying guides recommend each plug and the scores reviewers have published. We looked at ecosystem support, energy monitoring, load rating, scheduling and the drawbacks that experts and specs point to. This guide is not based on hands-on testing. Prices change often, so use the check price buttons for current offers.
Bottom Line
For most people, the TP-Link Tapo P115 is the best all-round choice, pairing energy monitoring with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings support. Choose the Linkind Matter Smart Plug if your household mixes ecosystems, or the Meross if you live in HomeKit. The Amazon Smart Plug suits Alexa-only homes, and the Emporia is a good fit if tracking individual devices is the priority.
Ready to buy?
Best OverallTP-Link Tapo P115Check price- Also GreatLinkind Matter Smart PlugCheck price
- Best BudgetAmazon Smart PlugCheck price
- Premium PickMeross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110)Check price
- Best ValueEmporia Energy Monitoring Smart PlugCheck price
Related buying guides
- Best Smart Light Bulbs in 2026: Bright, Colorful, Hub-Free
- Best Smart Thermostats 2026: Compatibility and C-Wire Guide
- Best Smart Display 2026: Echo Shows for Every Room
- Best Smart Lock for Renters 2026: Easy Installs & Retrofits
- Best Matter Hub 2026: Thread, Zigbee and Z-Wave Options
- LIFX Color A19 Review (2026): Bright HomeKit Bulb, No Hub
- Kasa Smart Bulb KL125 Review (2026): Color Without the Hub
Frequently asked questions
Which smart plug has energy monitoring?
The TP-Link Tapo P115 and the Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug. The TP-Link offers real-time monitoring with bill estimation, while the Emporia tracks each device 24/7 with detailed reports. The Linkind, Amazon and Meross plugs do not offer energy monitoring.
Which smart plug works with Apple HomeKit?
The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110) and the Linkind Matter Smart Plug. The Meross lists HomeKit and Siri support, and the Linkind works with Apple Home through Matter. The TP-Link, Amazon and Emporia plugs don't list HomeKit support.
Do smart plugs need a hub?
No, not for the Amazon Smart Plug, the TP-Link Tapo P115 or the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini. Their listings describe hub-free setups, with the Meross using your existing 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
What is the maximum load of these smart plugs?
The TP-Link Tapo P115: 15A, 1800W for the US model. The Linkind and Meross list the same 15A, 1800W, and the Amazon plug is rated at 15A / 1800W resistive. The Emporia is the exception, with a 10A continuous load and a 15A peak for up to 1 hour a day.
Which smart plug keeps working if the internet goes down?
The Linkind Matter Smart Plug. It is offline-ready, so device control continues on your local network if the internet drops. Other plugs here don't list this feature.
Sources
Specs are taken from the manufacturers' official pages; expert recommendations from the publications below.
- TP-Link Tapo P115: tp-link.com, tapo.com, manuals.co.uk
- Linkind Matter Smart Plug: linkind.com, aidot.com, walmart.com
- Amazon Smart Plug: androidcentral.com, smarthomeworkflow.com, zerofy.net, robbsutton.com
- Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (MSS110): shop.meross.com, appleinsider.com, techhive.com, manuals.plus
- Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug: shop.emporiaenergy.com, currentconnected.com, cdn.emporiaenergy.com, manuals.plus
More buying guides
TP-Link Tapo P115 Review (2026): Energy Tracking Plug
A look at the TP-Link Tapo P115 smart plug: energy monitoring, safety automation, voice assistant support and the ecosystem gaps to know about before buying.
Published Oct 26, 2026
Amazon Smart Plug (Version 2) Review: Alexa-Only Simplicity
A look at the Amazon Smart Plug (Version 2): hub-free Alexa control, schedules and a compact body, plus the trade-offs of Alexa-only support and no surge protection.
Published Oct 29, 2026
Wyze Bulb Color Review (2026): Bright, Hub-Free, No HomeKit
The Wyze Bulb Color pairs up to 1100 lumens with 16 million colors and no hub. Here is what it does well, where it falls short and who it suits.
Published Oct 28, 2026