3 Best Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring in 2026

Looking to cut energy costs without sacrificing convenience? Smart plugs like the Kasa HS300, with six outlets and energy monitoring, let you track multiple devices’ power use through intuitive apps, perfect for pinpointing energy hogs. The Tapo Mini offers affordable, compact solutions, while devices supporting the Matter protocol are designed for future compatibility. Choosing the right smart plug involves understanding safety certifications, data accuracy, and integration options—so, what features truly matter for smarter energy management?

Kasa Smart Power Strip HS300 with 6 Smart Outlets & 3 USB Ports

If you like to keep track of energy use and keep your devices neat, the Kasa Smart Power Strip HS300 could be a great pick. It has six smart outlets you can control one by one. There are also three USB ports for quick charging your phones or tablets. The design is sleek and looks a little sci-fi. You can stand it upright to keep your cables tidy. It’s made from strong materials and has a sturdy 3-prong plug for 100-125V power. You don’t need a hub to make it work. You can control everything with the Kasa app. You can turn outlets on or off, set schedules, and see how much energy each device uses.

Best For: people who want to control their devices at home or in a small office. It helps you stay organized and save energy.

Pros:

• Control six outlets and three USB chargers at the same time.
• See how much power each device uses.
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and MS Cortana. You can use your voice or phone to control it.

Cons:

• The USB ports don’t have switches, so they turn on or off only with the outlets.
• It’s a bit big, so it might not fit in tight spaces.
• The app is simple and doesn’t have many advanced options.

This power strip is a simple, smart way to control multiple devices, save energy, and keep your space neat.

Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack)

The Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack) is a smart choice if you want to see how much energy your devices use. It works with the Matter protocol, which means it connects smoothly with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, and SmartThings. You can control everything from one app, making your smart home setup easy.

This plug works on your local Wi-Fi. That means even if your internet goes out, your devices will still turn on or off as scheduled. The energy monitoring feature shows you real-time data. It’s like having a tiny energy helper to see how much power your appliances use. This can help you save money and use energy better.

Who is it for? People who want reliable energy tracking and easy compatibility with many smart home systems.

Good things about it:

• Works with major smart home apps using the Matter protocol
• Keeps working even if the internet stops
• Shows real-time and past energy data

Things to know:

• You might need some help setting it up at first
• It costs more than basic plugs without energy monitors
• If you want to use it outside, make sure it’s protected from weather

This smart plug makes it simple to watch your energy use and control your devices. It works behind the scenes to keep your home smart and efficient.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini (4-Pack)

The TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini (4-Pack) is a good choice if you want to keep an eye on your home’s energy use and keep things simple. This set has four small, easy-to-use smart plugs. You can control them with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings. The plugs show you energy information with clear charts and data. This helps you see how much electricity your devices use and can help you save money.

You can set schedules on the plugs. For example, turn things off or on during certain times or at night. This keeps your energy use low and saves money. The plugs also have safety features like auto-shutoff and overcharge protection. Their small size means they won’t block other outlets, which is good for tight spaces.

Who is it for?

It’s good for people who want to watch their energy bill, save money, and control devices easily with a small, simple smart plug set.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use with simple apps. Works with Alexa, Google, and Samsung.
• Shows energy use with charts and data. You can make smart schedules.
• Small size keeps other outlets free and handles high power loads up to 1800W.

Cons:

• Sometimes users see small delays when turning devices on or off.
• The plugs are a bit big for tight spaces or behind furniture.
• They only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. They do not work with newer Wi-Fi protocols.

This smart plug set makes controlling and saving energy easy. It helps you see how much power your devices use and set rules to save money. Its size and features make it a practical choice for many homes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring

When choosing a smart plug for energy monitoring, you’ll want to consider how well it fits into your existing ecosystem—whether it works with your smart home system or requires a separate app. Keep an eye on the accuracy of its energy data, because you don’t want vague numbers when you’re trying to cut back on power usage. Finally, think about the size and design; a bulky plug might block your other outlets, and a sleek one can blend seamlessly into your space while still handling your device’s power load.

Compatibility With Ecosystems

Make sure your smart plug works well with your smart home system. Check if it supports big platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. If it does, controlling your devices becomes easy. You can set routines or automations. For example, turn off your TV when you leave the house or match your lights with how much energy they use.

Some smart plugs support a protocol called Matter. This helps them work with different systems easily, without needing extra hubs. Also, check if the smart plug works with your phone app. This makes it simple to control your plug remotely and check energy data.

Keep your device updated with the latest software. Updates help your smart plug work well as the systems around it change. Choosing a compatible smart plug makes your smart home smoother and more fun to use.

Energy Data Accuracy

When choosing a smart plug, think about more than just how it looks or if it fits your devices. You also want to see accurate energy data. Good energy data helps you understand how much power your devices use. For this, the smart plug needs a high-quality internal meter. The meter should give real-time readings that are precise and reliable. If the measurements are not accurate, you might make wrong guesses about your energy use.

How often the data updates also matters. A smart plug that refreshes information every few seconds gives you a better view. With better updates, you can see patterns and spot problems easier.

A weak Wi-Fi connection or network issues can cause delays or errors. This can make your data confusing or wrong. A smart plug with a strong, stable connection is best.

To check if the energy readings are accurate, compare them with a known measuring device that is calibrated. Also, external things like electrical noise or voltage changes can affect the readings. These factors can make your measurements less trustworthy.

App Control Features

Have you ever wondered if your smart plug’s app can do more than just turn things on and off? The good news is that many apps now have extra features that make managing electricity easier and smarter.

With these apps, you can name your devices clearly. You can set schedules so your devices turn on or off at specific times. Some apps also show you real-time energy use, so you see how much power each appliance uses right now. This helps you spot which devices waste the most energy.

Many apps let you control multiple devices at once or put them into groups. This makes it simple to check on several appliances together. You can even look at past data and see charts that show your energy habits. These charts help you understand patterns and find out what uses the most power.

Some apps let you control your smart plugs from anywhere. If you’re away or relaxing, you can monitor or change settings with your phone. Plus, many apps work with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can turn devices on or off just by talking.

Using these features, you can save energy and make your home smarter. It takes only a few extra steps to get more from your smart plug app.

Power Load Capacity

Have you ever wondered if your smart plug can handle everything you connect to it? It’s important to check its maximum power load. This tells you how much electricity it can safely handle at once. Usually, smart plugs support up to 15 amps, which is about 1800 watts. That’s enough for most small appliances like lamps or chargers. But it’s not enough for high-power devices like space heaters or large kitchen appliances. For those, you need special outlets that handle more power.

Also, look at your circuit type. Some homes have 1-way circuits, some have 2-way. Match your smart plug to the right circuit type. This helps keep your wiring safe and balanced.

Never overload your smart plug. Connecting too many devices or devices that use a lot of electricity can cause problems. It might lead to malfunctions or even damage during power surges.

When you use a smart plug for multiple devices, add up their total power. Make sure the total doesn’t go over the plug’s limit. Doing this keeps your devices safe and makes sure your energy use is accurate.

A little planning helps prevent problems later. Always check how much power your devices draw before plugging them in. This simple step keeps things safe and working smoothly.

Design and Size

When choosing a smart plug that tracks energy use, size and design matter. These things help the device fit well in your space. Check how big the plug is. A smaller, slim plug doesn’t block nearby outlets or cover switches. If you have many plugs on one strip or wall socket, a compact design is best. Look at the way the plug stands—vertical or horizontal. This can help save space and make it easier to reach. The quality of the materials is also important. Strong, durable parts last longer, whether you use the plug inside or outside. Heavier models may feel more stable, but can be harder to plug in or pull out. The goal is to pick a smart plug that fits nicely and does not create clutter. A good design makes your setup neat, simple, and easy to use.

Remote Accessibility Options

Choosing a smart plug with good remote control makes managing your energy easy. Look for a plug that works with an app or platform. This lets you see and control your devices from anywhere with internet. Check if the plug can still work through your local network. This way, you can turn devices on or off even if the internet is down. Make sure it works with your smart home system or voice helpers like Alexa or Google Assistant. Some smart plugs show how much energy you use and send alerts. This helps you stay on top of your energy use. Also, pick an app that is simple to use and reliable. This way, you won’t have to struggle just to turn a device on or off.

Safety Certifications

Want to make sure your smart plug is safe for energy monitoring? Look for labels like UL, ETL, or CSA on the box or the plug. These symbols show that the device has passed tests for safety, fire resistance, and how well it works. Certified smart plugs usually have safety features like surge protection. This stops sudden voltage spikes from damaging your appliances. They also use flame-retardant materials that help prevent fires. Having these safety marks means the plug has been checked and is less likely to cause problems. Always check the packaging or label before you buy. Safety is important because using a bad or untested plug can lead to electrical problems or fires. Choosing a certified smart plug keeps your devices safer and gives you peace of mind.

Automation and Scheduling

Wouldn’t it be nice if your appliances could turn on before you get home or switch off when you’re gone? That’s what automation and scheduling do. You can tell devices to start or stop at certain times. This helps save energy when devices are not in use. You can set the schedules to match your utility’s busy and slow times. This saves you money and makes your home run more efficiently.

Many smart plugs can do more than just turn things on and off. They can follow routines based on time, sensors, or device status. This makes controlling your devices easy and quick. You can create daily routines, like turning off lamps or appliances when you’re not there. These routines run automatically, so you don’t have to do anything.

Automating your devices helps them last longer. It stops overuse and saves power. All these features make managing energy simple and help you save money. Plus, setting schedules can make your daily life easier and less stressful.

FAQs

Can Smart Plugs Upgrade My Existing Home Wiring for Better Efficiency?

Smart plugs don’t upgrade your existing wiring; they simply control and monitor devices. To improve wiring efficiency, consider professional upgrades, but smart plugs can help optimize energy use without altering your home’s electrical infrastructure.

How Secure Are Smart Plugs From Hacking or Unauthorized Access?

Smart plugs are generally secure if you update their firmware regularly, use strong passwords, and connect them to a secure Wi-Fi network. Stay vigilant by monitoring device activity and avoiding suspicious links to protect against hacking.

Do Smart Plugs Work During Power Outages or Surges?

Smart plugs usually don’t work during power outages or surges because they rely on a stable power supply. During outages, they turn off, and surges can damage their internal components unless protected by surge protectors.

Can Smart Plugs Track Energy Usage History Over Time?

Yes, smart plugs can track your energy usage over time through their companion apps. You can monitor historical data, identify patterns, and make smarter decisions to save power and reduce costs based on the insights provided.

Are There Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Smart Plug Options Available?

Yes, you can find eco-friendly smart plugs made from sustainable materials and designed for energy efficiency. These options help you reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and promote environmentally conscious living while managing your devices smartly.

Last update on 2026-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.   Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!