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For most smart homes, the TP-Link Tapo P110M smart plug is the strongest all-around choice: PCMag’s current 2026 guide highlights its compact design, Matter compatibility, energy reporting, and support for Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings. If you only need basic scheduling, the less expensive Kasa EP10 is a simpler choice. For several separately controlled devices, choose a smart power strip such as the Kasa HS300—but verify its current stock and hardware version before buying.
The right pick depends on more than the word “smart.” Your ecosystem, need for energy monitoring, number of outlets, hub requirements, electrical load, and whether the device will be used indoors or outdoors all matter. This guide separates those trade-offs instead of treating one plug as universally best.
Quick verdict: the best smart plugs and strips for 2026
| Pick | Best for | What makes it stand out | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Tapo P110M | Best overall smart plug | Matter, energy reporting, compact design, and broad ecosystem support | Energy monitoring may cost more than a basic on/off plug; verify current pack size and availability |
| TP-Link Kasa EP10 | Simple, compact automation | Small 2.4GHz Wi-Fi design, scheduling, scenes, timers, and voice control | No Matter or energy-monitoring claim on the official product page |
| TP-Link Kasa KP125M | Kasa users who want energy data | Matter certification plus real-time and historical energy monitoring | Requires compatible Matter infrastructure for Matter-based setup and operation |
| TP-Link Tapo P125M | Budget Matter setup | Compact plug with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings support | Matter still requires a suitable controller or hub for ecosystem operation and remote access |
| Eve Energy | Thread, Apple Home, privacy, and local operation | Matter over Thread, energy measurement, and no Eve cloud, subscription, or registration requirement | Requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread Border Router; usually a premium option |
| Kasa HS300 | Six-device power management | Six individually controlled outlets, three USB ports, energy monitoring, surge protection, and schedules | Older product with model/version-specific lifecycle notices; verify stock and support status |
| Kasa KP303 | Smaller desk or entertainment setup | Three independently controlled outlets and two always-on USB ports | Older 2.4GHz Wi-Fi strip; do not assume it is Matter-compatible |
| Eve Energy Strip | Apple-focused three-outlet control | Individually controlled outlets, energy monitoring, child lock, and physical protection features | The U.S. model tested by Engadget was more expensive and limited to HomeKit in that configuration; verify the exact model |
Important: these are not claims that every product was tested by this site. PCMag, WIRED, Engadget, and T3 are identified where their testing or recommendations are the basis for a conclusion. Product availability, prices, firmware, and regional model numbers can change.
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Our top smart-plug recommendations
Best overall: TP-Link Tapo P110M smart plug
PCMag’s July 2026 smart-plug guide names the Tapo P110M its best overall pick. The reason is the combination of features that many households otherwise have to choose between: a compact form, Matter certification, energy reporting, and support for Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings.
Matter makes the P110M especially appealing when a household contains more than one smart-home platform. It can be a better long-term choice than a plug tied to a single manufacturer’s app, although platform support and individual features can still vary by ecosystem. Energy reporting is useful for checking standby consumption or comparing how much different appliances use, but it does not automatically produce a particular electricity-bill saving.
#1 Best Overall
- Voice control: Kasa smart plugs that work with Alexa and Google Home Assistant. Enjoy the hands free convenience of controlling any home electronic appliances with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Easy set up and use: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection required. Plug in, open the Kase app, follow the simple instructions and enjoy
- Scheduling: Use timer or countdown schedules set your smart plug to automatically turn on and off any home electronic appliances such as lamps, fan, humidifier, Christmas lights etc.
- Smart Outlet Control from Anywhere: Turn electronics on and off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app, whether you are at home, in the office or on vacation.
- Trusted and Reliable: Kasa is trusted by over 6 Million users and being the Reader’s Choice of PCMag 2020. UL certified for safety use. 2-year warranty.
The trade-off is value. If you only want to turn a lamp on at sunset or switch a fan off on a schedule, an energy-monitoring Matter plug may be more capability than you need. Check the current listing carefully for the exact pack size, hardware version, price, and supported features before ordering.
Best simple compact plug: Kasa EP10 smart plug
The Kasa EP10 is the better answer for straightforward on/off automation. TP-Link lists it as a compact 2.4GHz Wi-Fi plug with remote control, scheduling, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings support. Used alone, its small body is designed not to block the adjacent receptacle.
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WIRED has called the Kasa Mini line a favorite and identifies the EP10 as a compact option for lamps and similar devices. Its practical strengths are scenes, timers, schedules, and simple app-based control—not Matter or energy analytics.
The EP10 is a good fit for a lamp, fan, seasonal lights, or another device that has a simple physical power switch and remains on when power is restored. TP-Link specifies a 15-amp/1,800-watt maximum for general-use resistive loads at the product’s stated rating. That number is not a blanket approval for every appliance near the limit; motors, compressors, heating elements, and startup surges require additional care.
Best Kasa plug for energy monitoring: Kasa KP125M energy monitoring smart plug
The KP125M is the Kasa alternative for buyers who want energy information as well as automation. TP-Link describes it as a compact Matter-certified plug with real-time and historical energy monitoring, voice control through Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, remote control, schedules, and Away Mode.
Choose the KP125M over the EP10 when energy data and Matter are priorities. Choose the EP10 when you want the simplest inexpensive control for a lamp or fan and do not need usage reporting. Those are different buying decisions even though both are compact Kasa plugs.
Best broad-ecosystem budget Matter plug: Tapo P125M Matter smart plug
The Tapo P125M is a strong alternative for readers who want Matter without moving into a more specialized Thread setup. TP-Link lists support for Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, along with remote and local control, schedules, Auto-Off, and Away Mode. It is rated for a 15-amp/1,800-watt load at 120 volts.
Its small size and broad platform support make it attractive for a mixed smart home. WIRED also lists the P125M among its favorites, emphasizing that setup can be handled through a preferred home hub rather than necessarily through the TP-Link app.
Do not interpret “Matter” as “hub-free.” A Matter system needs a Matter-certified device, a compatible Matter controller—often a smart speaker, hub, or router—and an appropriate app. The controller must remain available if you want the ecosystem to manage the plug while you are away from home.
Rank #2
- SIMPLE TO SET UP WITH ALEXA: Get started in minutes with multiple setup options, including a zero touch experience when you select "Link device to your Alexa account" at checkout
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: Schedule plugged-in appliances like lights or fans to turn on/off automatically, or control them remotely via the Alexa app when you’re away
- COMPACT DESIGN: The plug fits perfectly into 1 socket, leaving remaining sockets and outlets free for use; ideal for multiple appliances like holiday lighting, heaters, fans, lamps, water kettles, coffee makers, and more
- CUSTOMIZE ROUTINES: Schedule your smart plug to turn on/off either at designated times, with a voice command, or even at sunrise and sunset
- NO 3RD PARTY APPS OR HUBS REQUIRED: Set up and manage connected devices directly in the Alexa app; no need for additional smart hubs or 3rd party apps
Best for Thread and privacy: Eve Energy Matter smart plug
Eve Energy is the premium choice for readers already invested in Apple Home, Thread, or a locally operated smart home. Eve says the plug uses Matter over Thread, measures energy, and works with Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant. Eve also states that it does not require an Eve cloud account, subscription, or registration.
The U.S. model is rated for 120 volts, 60Hz, and up to 15 amps/1,800 watts. Eve emphasizes local operation, energy measurement, and projected cost information. Thread can be an excellent fit for a responsive, low-power smart-home network, but it adds an infrastructure requirement: you need a compatible Matter controller and a Thread Border Router.
That makes Eve Energy a particularly sensible pick for an Apple Home or Thread household, not necessarily the best value for someone who only wants a timed lamp. It is also inaccurate to call it hub-free simply because the plug does not need an Eve cloud service.
The best smart power strips
Best six-outlet strip: Kasa HS300 smart power strip
The Kasa HS300 is designed for a desk, entertainment center, charging station, or holiday-light arrangement where each connected device needs its own schedule or remote-control switch. It has six individually controlled smart outlets, three USB charging ports, surge protection, energy monitoring, Alexa and Google Assistant support, and scheduling. TP-Link lists it as an indoor 2.4GHz Wi-Fi product that does not require a separate smart-home hub.
Its total-load rating is 15 amps/1,875 watts, and the strip includes a resettable circuit breaker. The outlets can be controlled separately, which is much more useful than a basic strip that merely switches everything at once. The USB ports are charging ports; do not describe them as independently smart-controlled outlets.
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There is an important availability qualification. TP-Link’s 2025–2026 lifecycle documentation contains HS300 entries with model- and hardware-version-specific end-of-life or replacement language. That does not prove every listing is unavailable, but it does mean you should verify current stock, the exact hardware version, warranty coverage, and replacement status before buying.
Best smaller strip: Kasa KP303 smart power strip
The KP303 is a better fit when six outlets would be excessive. It provides three independently controlled smart outlets, two always-on USB ports, surge protection, remote control, schedules, and Alexa and Google Assistant support. TP-Link lists a 15-amp/1,875-watt total load and indoor 2.4GHz Wi-Fi operation.
Use it for a bedside table, smaller desk, or compact entertainment setup. Like the HS300, it is a Wi-Fi product rather than a Matter recommendation in this guide. Confirm the exact hardware and current support documentation rather than assuming that every similarly named Kasa strip has the same capabilities.
Apple-focused alternative: Eve Energy Strip
The Eve Energy Strip has three individually controlled outlets, energy monitoring, schedules, a child lock, and a 6.3-foot cable. Eve’s U.S. support information lists 120 volts, 60Hz, and a maximum 15-amp/1,800-watt load, along with overcurrent, overvoltage, and surge protection.
Rank #3
- Stability Upgrade: Supports Bluetooth or WiFi connection, which is more stable and faster than plugs that can only be connected through WiFi. No disconnection worries, control all your home appliances and devices anytime & anywhere.
- Smart Voice Control: WiFi Plugs Work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control the smart home devices using simple voice commands. Free hands by using smart plugs and enjoy the funny interactive process. Note: Don't support 5G WiFi.
- Scheduling & Group Controller: Create customized schedules to power your electronic appliances on/off automatically for helping save energy and money. And with a single tough of one button, you can manage multiple smart plugs simultaneously.
- Multiple Safeguards & Small Size: With ETL & FCC certified, the quality of smart plug is assessed. Our product is rated: 10A, 1200W and support 120V. Compact and flexible design can save space, smart home plugs fit for every corner of your room.
- Easy Install and Use: Download the Govee Home App and search for H5083, you can pair smart outlet successfully in minutes without barrier in smart home; share with your family on Govee app via phones so you can enjoy the smart life together.
Engadget tested the Eve Energy Strip and praised its aluminum construction, physical LED buttons, individual outlet control, scheduling, and energy monitoring. Engadget also found it more expensive and limited to HomeKit in the tested configuration. Because Eve’s current Matter documentation distinguishes newer Matter/Thread products from the older U.S. Wi-Fi Eve Energy Strip, verify the exact retail model and firmware before treating it as Matter-compatible.
What about the Tapo P304M and P360?
These model names should not be merged into one recommendation. T3’s review of the Tapo P304M describes a four-outlet Matter smart strip with individual control, energy monitoring, surge protection, scheduling, and compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings. However, that review concerns a U.K. product in a 230-volt context and uses U.K. pricing.
TP-Link’s U.S. site separately lists the Tapo P360 as a six-outlet strip with individual control, energy monitoring, three USB ports, voice control, schedules, and ETL-certified surge protection. The page also notes that some features may require software upgrades or subscriptions.
For a U.S. purchase, confirm voltage, outlet standard, outlet count, certification, availability, firmware requirements, and the exact retail model. Do not transfer the P304M’s U.K. specifications or price into a U.S. comparison table.
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1. Start with the device you want to control
Smart plugs work best when the connected device has a predictable power state. A lamp with a physical switch that stays in the “on” position is ideal. Fans, seasonal decorations, and some coffee makers or humidifiers can also work if they safely resume operation when power returns and their manufacturers permit that operating pattern.
A smart plug cannot make every appliance smart. It cannot reliably operate a device that requires a button to be held down, a touchscreen command after power is restored, or a manual safety confirmation. Before purchasing, unplug and reconnect the appliance—or consult its manual—to see what it does after a power interruption.
2. Pick the ecosystem before the brand
- Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or SmartThings: Matter models such as the Tapo P110M, Tapo P125M, Kasa KP125M, and Eve Energy can be appealing, but verify support for the specific feature you need.
- Simple Wi-Fi automation: The Kasa EP10, HS300, and KP303 use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and are suitable when you are comfortable with the manufacturer’s app and supported voice platforms.
- Thread: Eve Energy is the relevant choice in this group, but Thread requires a Thread Border Router in addition to a suitable Matter controller.
- Home Assistant or local-control priorities: Check the exact Matter, Thread, and controller combination. Compatibility on the box does not guarantee that every advanced feature exposes itself identically in every platform.
3. Decide whether energy monitoring is worth it
Energy monitoring is useful when you want to compare devices, investigate standby loads, or understand when a particular appliance consumes power. It is central to the Tapo P110M, Kasa KP125M, and Eve Energy, and also appears on the HS300 and Eve Energy Strip.
It is unnecessary for a plug that only turns a lamp on and off. Energy data also does not guarantee accurate bill savings: the result depends on the appliance, electricity tariff, schedule, and whether you actually change your usage.
4. Choose a strip only when outlets need separate control
A strip is worthwhile when several devices share one location but need different schedules—for example, turning display lights off at night while leaving a router powered. If everything should always switch together, a normal strip or a single smart plug may be simpler.
Rank #4
- Stability Upgrade Quick Connection:Supports Bluetooth or WiFi connection.The improved WiFi technology let you quick connection and stay stable,no disconnection worries. Please keep the smart plug connected to your stable 2.4GHz network.(Note: Only 2.4Ghz WiFi)
- Hand-Free Voice Control:Smart plugs that work with Alexa and Googel Assistant. Just give a simple voice command to Alexa or Google Assistant to control your connected home devices. Enjoy the joy of smart home devices.
- APP Remote Control From Anywhere:You also can control your outlet timers anywhere anytime via the APP directly when you are away. Monitor and control connected electrical equipment in your home.The smart outlet plug compatible with GHome APP, Smart Life App and Tuya App.
- Schedules and Timer Function:Easy to set timers and add schedules to connected smart home devices circularly or randomly, making them work as scheduled like auto-off and auto-on to save energy and money. Such as lamps, fan, humidifier, Christmas light timers etc.
- Group Control and Sharing:You can set a group for some wifi smart plugs and control connected appliances with one tap. Also you can share your wifi outlet plug by App with your families and enjoy the smart life together.
Remember that the strip’s load rating applies to the total connected load. Six outlets do not mean six devices can each draw the maximum rating. The HS300 and KP303 include resettable overload protection, but the breaker is a safeguard, not a reason to operate continuously at the limit.
5. Check the environment and installation
The plugs and strips covered here are primarily indoor consumer products. They are not automatically suitable for rain, condensation, dust, construction debris, or exposed outdoor receptacles. If you need outdoor holiday-light control, use a product specifically rated for outdoor use and follow its weatherproofing instructions.
For a hardwired wall outlet, a bathroom or kitchen installation, or a circuit that needs GFCI protection, a listed smart receptacle installed according to local electrical requirements may be more appropriate than an adapter-style plug. In a construction or renovation setting, have a qualified electrician handle line-voltage work. A smart plug is not a substitute for GFCI protection, proper grounding, weather-rated equipment, or an electrical inspection.
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Matter is a smart-home interoperability standard, not a wireless technology. Matter devices can communicate over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread; Bluetooth may be used during setup. Matter can make cross-platform ownership easier, but it does not remove the need for a controller.
A Wi-Fi plug such as the EP10 connects to your wireless network and generally uses its manufacturer’s app and supported integrations. “No hub required” on a product such as the HS300 means you do not need a dedicated hub for basic operation; it does not mean the plug has no network, app, account, or router dependencies.
A Matter-over-Wi-Fi product such as the Tapo P125M can work across compatible ecosystems, but the chosen ecosystem still needs a Matter controller for setup and management. A Thread product such as Eve Energy additionally needs a Thread Border Router. If that controller or border router is offline, away-from-home control and some automations may not work as expected.
Safety: what not to connect
Do not treat a smart plug’s maximum amperage as permission to connect any appliance that approaches it. Check the plug’s rating, the appliance’s rating, the type of load, and the manufacturer’s instructions. Motors and compressors can draw more current at startup than their running wattage suggests.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Portable heaters and other high-power heating appliances: avoid casual use, especially unattended operation. Confirm the appliance and plug manufacturer’s instructions.
- Medical equipment: do not put safety-critical equipment behind a consumer smart plug unless the equipment manufacturer and a qualified professional explicitly approve it.
- Refrigerators and freezers: compressor loads and the consequences of an unwanted shutdown make them poor candidates for casual automation.
- Sump pumps and other safety systems: a smart plug should not be the only control protecting a property from flooding or another hazard.
- Hold-to-run equipment: do not use a smart plug to bypass a manual safety control on tools or appliances.
- Outdoor or wet locations: use equipment with the correct outdoor and weather-resistance rating, not an indoor plug inside a loosely covered box.
Surge protection is not battery backup. Neither the HS300 nor another surge-protected strip provides UPS runtime during a power failure. Do not daisy-chain power strips, and do not use a smart strip as a substitute for a properly sized circuit.
How the recommendations were evaluated
The testing claims behind this guide are attributed to the publications that supplied them. PCMag says it has reviewed smart plugs for more than a decade, installs smart-home devices in real homes, and evaluates features, interoperability, performance, and price. Its current 2026 guide selects the Tapo P110M as the overall pick.
Best Value
- Voice control: Kasa smart plugs that work with Alexa and Google Home Assistant. Enjoy the hands free convenience of controlling any home electronic appliances with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Easy set up and use: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection required. Plug in, open the case app, follow the simple instructions and enjoy. Kasa app reqiured
- Scheduling: Use timer or countdown schedules set your smart plug to automatically turn on and off any home electronic appliances such as lamps, fan, humidifier, Christmas lights etc.
- Smart Outlet Control from Anywhere: Turn electronics on and off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app, whether you are at home, in the office or on vacation.
- Trusted and Reliable: Kasa is trusted by over 6 Million users and being the Reader’s Choice of PCMag 2020. UL certified for safety use. 2-year warranty.
Engadget says it tested about a dozen plugs across four major smart-home ecosystems using lamps, lights, heaters, fans, schedules, routines, and voice control. WIRED describes testing many smart plugs over the years and recommends the Kasa Mini line and Tapo P125M among its current favorites. T3’s P304M review is useful for understanding that model’s feature set, but it is explicitly based on a U.K. 230-volt product and should not be used as a U.S. electrical specification.
Buying and setup checklist
- Confirm the exact model: similar-looking Tapo, Kasa, and Eve products can have different radios, outlet counts, ratings, and regional certifications.
- Confirm the electrical rating: compare the plug or strip’s maximum load with the appliance’s running and startup requirements.
- Confirm the platform: check Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or Home Assistant compatibility for the exact model.
- Check Matter infrastructure: prepare a compatible Matter controller; for Thread devices, also confirm a Thread Border Router.
- Use a 2.4GHz-capable setup where required: the EP10, HS300, and KP303 are 2.4GHz Wi-Fi products.
- Test the appliance manually: ensure it resumes safely after power is cut and restored before creating an unattended schedule.
- Place it correctly: keep indoor products dry, ventilated, and accessible; do not hide a power strip under carpets or overload a receptacle.
- Check lifecycle status: especially for HS300 and KP303, verify stock, warranty, hardware revision, and replacement support at the time of purchase.
- Test the automation: run the schedule while you are present, then confirm the device’s physical behavior after a router, controller, or power interruption.
Prices and availability are volatile. Before purchasing, check the current retailer listing, pack size, hardware version, regional voltage, return policy, and manufacturer support page rather than relying on an old launch price or an overseas review.
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Are Matter smart plugs hub-free?
No. Matter is an interoperability standard, not a replacement for a controller. A Matter plug generally needs a compatible Matter controller such as a smart speaker, hub, or router. Thread models such as Eve Energy also need a Thread Border Router. Basic Wi-Fi products may not require a dedicated hub, but they still depend on a network and their supported app or ecosystem.
Can I use a smart plug with a space heater?
Do not do so casually. Space heaters are high-power heating appliances, and their load, startup behavior, safety controls, and unattended-use risks require special care. Follow both the heater and smart-plug manufacturers’ instructions; a smart plug should never bypass a heater’s safety controls.
Can a smart plug reduce my electricity bill?
It can help you identify standby consumption and automate schedules, but savings are not guaranteed. Energy monitoring shows usage; it does not itself lower consumption. Actual savings depend on the appliance, schedule, electricity rate, and whether the automation changes your behavior.
Are smart power strips the same as UPS battery backups?
No. Surge protection can help handle certain voltage events, but a smart power strip does not provide battery runtime during an outage. Use a properly sized UPS when uninterrupted power is required, and do not daisy-chain strips.
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Can I use these smart plugs outdoors or on a construction site?
Only if the exact product is specifically rated for that environment. The indoor plugs and strips in this guide should not be exposed to rain, condensation, construction dust, or wet conditions. They are not substitutes for outdoor-rated equipment, GFCI protection, proper grounding, or electrical work performed to local code.
The Bottom Line
Choose the Tapo P110M if you want the most capable all-around plug and value Matter plus energy reporting. Choose the Kasa EP10 for simple lamp, fan, or seasonal-light scheduling, the Kasa KP125M for Kasa-branded energy monitoring, and the Tapo P125M for a compact broad-ecosystem Matter option. For multiple separately controlled devices, the Kasa HS300 is feature-rich, but its age and model-specific lifecycle notices make a current stock and hardware check essential. For Thread, Apple Home, and privacy-oriented local operation, consider Eve Energy—provided you already have, or plan to install, the required Matter and Thread infrastructure.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
