Best Smart Plugs iMore 2020

Smart plugs are the easiest way to start building out the connected home of your dreams. Plug one of these tiny devices into an outlet to instantly make almost anything smart. The best smart plugs work with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and other HomeKit accessories through Apple's smart home platform. If you are ready to begin your smart home journey, these smart plugs can help you start things off right.

Best for most: Wemo WiFi Smart Plug

Staff Favorite

The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is one of the most versatile options around as it supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, all in one convenient package. This smart plug is also UL safety certified, and it comes with a three-year limited warranty, protecting both you and your investment for years to come.

Cost effective: Meross Smart Plug Mini

Despite its low price, the affordable Meross Smart Plug Mini doesn't skimp on features. This tiny plug gives you access to scheduling, timers, and voice control, all without the need for a separate hub. Plus, it works with Apple's HomeKit, Alexa, and the Google Assistant.

$14 at Amazon

Dim it down: Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer

The Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer works just like it sounds, giving you full dimming capabilities over a light that you plug into it. Even better is that this plug has two outlets, one on each side, giving you more bang for your buck.

Fast and reliable: Philips Hue Smart Plug

The Philips Hue Smart Plug offers dual connectivity options, Bluetooth and Zigbee, that allows it to operate with and without the Philips Hue Hub. With the Hue Hub, this plug is incredibly fast and responsive, plus, it enables HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant integration. Through Bluetooth, you can be up and running in minutes without a complicated setup process.

Local connection: Eve Energy Smart Plug

Eve's HomeKit-only Energy Smart Plug uses Bluetooth for local connectivity that doesn't require an internet connection to turn on and off your appliances. Eve Energy also provides energy monitoring, putting usage history into the Eve app, and it even calculates how much it costs to operate your devices.

Three-for-one: APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip

APC's power strip features three independently smart controllable outlets, three regular outlets, and four USB ports, perfect for a home office. APC's power strip also offers surge protection, a two-year warranty, and an equipment protection policy.

Discreet convenience: ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet

This creative solution from ConnectSense replaces your existing outlet, hiding the smarts inside of your wall while giving you two outlets that operate independently through an app or HomeKit, Alexa, and the Google Assistant. ConnectSense's outlet also features energy monitoring, so you can keep an eye on how much a device costs to operate.

$80 at Amazon

Outdoor power: Meross Smart Outdoor Plug

The Meross Smart Outdoor SmartPlug can power all of your outdoor lighting, decorations, and more, safely with IP44 weather-resistance. This rugged two-outlet plug has a seven-inch extension, which allows it to fit into tight spaces like standard outdoor outlets with covers, and it works with HomeKit, Alexa, and the Google Assistant.

Plugged-in

Installing a smart plug in the home is a great way to treat yourself to the modern conveniences that a smart home provides. Are you always forgetting to turn off that bathroom appliance before you leave? Take care of it with a simple tap. Have a lamp that you want to turn on every morning at sunrise? Just set up a schedule in an app or with HomeKit. You can do all of this and more with the best smart plugs.

We love the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug for its combination of low price, compact design, and flexible features, making it the best option for most. This plug plays along nicely with all of the smart home voice assistants and platforms, as well as with powerful automation services such as IFTTT, which enable true smart home magic.

Need a smart plug to power that fantastic outdoor holiday display? Then check out the Meross Smart Outdoor Plug. This plug features a rugged design with IP 44 weather-resistance that can withstand the outdoor elements, and its Wi-Fi connection provides you with access to convenient scheduling and timer features.

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