Best Smart Plugs in 2023

TP-Link, prolific in wireless technology, unsurprisingly manufactures some great smart plugs, and this Kasa Smart Plug might just be the most memorable among the best smart plugs, especially when it comes to price, features, and connectivity. It has a relatively small form factor that slots right into your AC outlet and an easy-to-reach power and settings button, which is great for those who have outlets mainly on ground level and awkward to get to at the best of times. Unfortunately, it isn’t quite small enough for you to plug two of these into a dual outlet which is a shame but not a total dealbreaker.

Looking at the connectivity and control of other devices via the Kasa Smart Plug, it’s clear to see why it makes it on this list. It only requires a WiFi connection, and no additional tech is required, making it fully standalone and easy to hook up. It also allows you to utilize voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana-supported devices for a totally hands-free experience, turning your devices on and off, increasing volume, changing light colors, etc. Moreover, with the comprehensive app TP-Link bundled in, you’re able to control any and all of your devices from the comfort of your phone, barely moving an inch.

Moving to the features you get with the Kasa Smart Plug, alongside the aforementioned voice control support, there’s the inclusion of things like on/off scheduling, auto turn-off, and a handy ‘Away Mode’ for those jet setters out there. Taking a deeper dive at the scheduling it really has some impressive benefits. You’re able to control aspects such as your child’s daily activities by limiting their time on devices, have tech like TVs be turned off during homework time, and implement a countdown for any lights at bedtime. The auto-turn-off and Away Mode are similarly useful and provide increased security for both your home and if you make the mistake of leaving a hot iron on.

Overall, the Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link brings the bacon. It has really impressive features as well as voice control capabilities for very easy use. The bundled-in app is also fantastic and provides a bunch of options/controls for your devices. The only real downside is that it just isn’t quite small enough to fit two into a double outlet but that shouldn’t sway you from picking up this stellar smart plug.

Philips produces a plethora of smart lighting with their Hue range and if you want to get in on that action but don’t have smart lamps, you’re likely going to want to pick up one of their smart plugs to get you going. The Philips Hue Smart Plug on the agenda here has a really compact form factor, providing you the opportunity to slot two of these devices into a double outlet with no issues, a one-up over the previously mentioned Kasa Smart Plug from TP-Link.

Of course, this smart plug is specifically designed to work with Philips Hue products but it’s not limited to those, allowing you to hook up other devices such as coffee pots, irons, and more with no issues. It works over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks which some of the cheaper variants lack, so those who specifically use 5GHz for their home network will be overjoyed that they can actually use a smart plug that supports it. Additionally, you’re also able to utilize your Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices to control the tech plugged into it which is a nice plus and makes things much easier. However, one big drawback is the app functionality you get. As previously stated, this smart plug is specifically designed to be used with Philips Hue bulbs thus the app only allows you to control these and not any other device you might have connected. On the other hand, it is comprehensive in its features and allows you to fully customize the brightness, color, timers, and more of your Philips Hue bulbs which is a big advantage over the non-Philips branded smart plugs.

All in all, this is the perfect smart plug solution for those who have Philips Hue bulbs and is still a solid choice for those who don’t. It has the capabilities of syncing to a 5GHz network, which some desire, as well as voice control via your smart speakers. You are able to use these smart plugs with devices other than Philips Hue but you won’t get the in-depth controls that could put you off, for you Hue owners, you’d be delighted to see the amount of customizability at your disposal.

TECKIN is a tech manufacturer that you might never have heard of but don’t rule them out as their smart plugs are probably some of the best budget picks around. With this selection, you’ll be receiving not one but two smart plugs for your devices, enabling you to start the journey of getting your whole house ‘smart.’ While you might think that this will cost you an arm and a leg, TECKIN predominantly deals in budget tech and these smart plugs are no different, hence why they’re our best budget pick.

Looking at the form factor, it’s easy to see that it is smaller than some other smart plugs with its compact, round body. However, it’s slightly too big for you to fit two of these into a double outlet, which is slightly unfortunate and something that TECKIN has overlooked.

The connectivity on display is similar to that of more expensive smart plugs, allowing voice control through your smart speaker of choice while also requiring no external hub, hooking straight up to your WiFi in an instant. The one downside is that you’re only able to connect to a 2.4GHz network which is annoying for those 5GHz users but not a problem for the masses.

For the features, again you might be pleasantly surprised by what this budget smart plug can do. You’re able to create customized schedules to automatically turn on and off any home electronics or appliances, such as lamps, Christmas lighting, coffee makers, etc, which is great for energy saving when you’re on holiday. Moreover, the bundled app is also quite feature-rich, allowing you to operate all the necessary functions quickly and easily.

To sum up, the TECKIN smart plug is a really great option, especially for budget-conscious consumers. You’re basically getting two smart plugs for the price of one of the more expensive branded selections while also having similar overall features. The only real downside is that slight oversight in the form factor. While being small it doesn’t allow you to use two of these smart plugs in a double outlet which is unfortunate but certainly not enough to be less attracted to this option.

There’s no surprise Amazon has got in on the smart plug action and it has developed quite a comprehensive device that offers decent functionality while having a small form factor. Looking firstly at that form factor, it details similar dimensions to that of our Philips option thus allowing you to fit two into a double outlet which is excellent for those who are wanting to get a bunch of their tech online.

Moving to connectivity, it’s a very simple process. If you have the Alexa app on any of your devices, you’re able to quickly add it to your account and away you go. Of course, because of this, it has Alexa voice control support which means that all you have to do is have an Alexa-enabled device to start using this smart plug to its fullest potential. The drawback in this department is the lack of a standalone app thus limiting its overall capabilities.

While we’ve stated that it lacks a standalone app, it does have a bunch of features that can be taken advantage of. Some of these include powering your devices on and off, scheduling power, and controlling them remotely if you’re away. You control these via that Alexa app or simply by your voice.

Overall, this Amazon Smart Plug is a solid pick but only for those who are already in the ecosystem. You have to have an Alexa-enabled device and the app to use the features so those who don’t have one of these are left in the lurch. However, if you do, you’re able to use all of the features it comes with, such as power scheduling and controlling when away from your home, which are great inclusions. The form factor is one of the big plusses, allowing you to fit two of these into a double outlet, so if you’re seeking a smart plug of this ilk, the Amazon smart plug could be a good avenue to go down.