The Best Smart Outlets for Energy Tracking in 2025: Smart outlets have become indispensable tools for homeowners seeking to optimize energy usage, reduce utility bills, and enhance smart home automation. These devices transform ordinary appliances into intelligent, remotely controllable systems, offering real-time energy monitoring, scheduling capabilities, and seamless integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri.
With energy costs continuing to rise, smart outlets with energy tracking features empower users to identify power-hungry devices, eliminate phantom energy draw, and make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency.
Why Smart Outlets Matter in 2025
Smart outlets, also known as smart plugs or in-wall smart outlets, are compact devices that plug into or replace standard electrical outlets, enabling remote control and energy monitoring via smartphone apps or voice commands. Unlike traditional outlets, smart outlets provide insights into energy consumption, allowing users to track wattage, voltage, and kilowatt-hours (kWh) in real time or over extended periods. This data is critical for identifying energy hogs, setting schedules to avoid peak utility rates, and reducing standby power waste, which can account for up to 10% of household energy bills.
Top Smart Outlets for Energy Tracking in 2025
Based on extensive research, testing, and user reviews, the following smart outlets stand out for their energy monitoring capabilities, reliability, and smart home integration in 2025.
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (KP125M)
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Slim (KP125M) is widely regarded as the best overall smart plug for energy tracking due to its robust feature set, affordability, and compatibility with major smart home platforms. This compact plug supports Matter, ensuring seamless integration with Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit. Its energy monitoring feature provides detailed reports on power consumption, including real-time wattage and historical kWh data, accessible through the intuitive Kasa app. Users can set schedules, enable Away Mode to deter intruders by randomly toggling devices, and monitor energy usage to identify inefficiencies.
Key Features:
- Real-time and historical energy monitoring with cost estimation.
- Matter support for broad platform compatibility.
- Compact design that doesn’t block adjacent outlets.
- Scheduling, timers, and voice control support.
- No hub required; connects directly to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Why It Stands Out: The KP125M offers a balance of advanced features and affordability, typically priced around $15-$20 per plug. Its reliable performance and detailed energy reports make it ideal for energy-conscious homeowners.
2. Emporia Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack)
The Emporia Smart Plug 4-Pack is a favorite among smart home enthusiasts for its high accuracy and user-friendly app. Designed for indoor use, these plugs provide precise energy monitoring, tracking real-time consumption and generating detailed usage reports over days, weeks, or months. The Emporia app allows users to monitor multiple plugs simultaneously, making it ideal for tracking several appliances. With ETL certification and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, these plugs are both safe and versatile.
Key Features:
- Highly accurate energy monitoring with real-time updates.
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant (no Apple HomeKit support).
- Compact design with a 15A max load capacity.
- ETL-certified for safety and reliability.
- Affordable 4-pack pricing, often around $6-$8 per plug.
Why It Stands Out: The Emporia Smart Plug excels in accuracy and affordability, making it a top choice for users managing multiple devices. Its robust app experience and high user ratings (4.5+ stars on Amazon) underscore its reliability.
3. Eve Energy Outlet
For those seeking a permanent, in-wall solution, the Eve Energy Outlet is a top pick. This dual-receptacle outlet replaces traditional wall outlets, offering energy monitoring for each receptacle independently. With Matter and Thread support, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit (via the Eve app or Home app). The Eve Energy Outlet tracks detailed energy consumption and provides projected cost estimates, making it ideal for advanced smart home users.
Key Features:
- Dual-receptacle in-wall outlet with independent control.
- Energy monitoring with detailed usage graphs and cost projections.
- Matter and Thread support for reliable connectivity.
- iOS-exclusive Eve app (Android app in development).
- 15A/1800W rating for indoor use only.
Why It Stands Out: The Eve Energy Outlet is perfect for users who prefer a sleek, permanent installation over plug-in devices. Its energy monitoring is highly detailed, though it requires professional installation for those uncomfortable with electrical wiring.
4. Geeni Current+Charge In-Wall Smart Outlet
The Geeni Current+Charge is an affordable in-wall smart outlet with two independently controllable receptacles and two USB ports (controlled as a group). While it lacks energy monitoring, its compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Matter makes it a versatile choice for users prioritizing automation over detailed energy tracking. Its app supports scheduling based on location, weather, or sunrise/sunset times, adding convenience for smart home routines.
Key Features:
- Two controllable receptacles and two USB ports.
- Matter support for broad compatibility.
- Scheduling options tied to location and weather.
- No energy monitoring, limiting its tracking capabilities.
- Affordable, typically under $30.
Why It Stands Out: The Geeni Current+Charge is a cost-effective option for users who want smart control without needing detailed energy data. Its USB ports are ideal for charging devices, making it a practical choice for desks or entertainment setups.
5. TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini (2-Pack)
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini is a compact, budget-friendly option with robust energy monitoring features. It tracks real-time and historical energy usage, providing detailed statistics and cost estimates via the Tapo app. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, it offers voice control and scheduling, with safety features like overload protection and a fireproof shell.
Key Features:
- Detailed energy monitoring with usage charts.
- Compact design that fits without blocking outlets.
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.
- Safety features include auto-shutoff and fireproof shell.
- Priced around $10-$12 per plug in a 2-pack.
Why It Stands Out: The Tapo Smart Plug offers excellent value for budget-conscious users who still want comprehensive energy tracking and smart home integration. Its safety features add peace of mind for high-power appliances.
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Benefits of Energy-Tracking Smart Outlets
Energy-tracking smart outlets offer several advantages:
- Cost Savings: By identifying high-energy devices and scheduling them to avoid peak rates, users can reduce utility bills by 12-15%.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing phantom power and optimizing usage contributes to lower carbon footprints.
- Convenience: Remote control and automation via apps or voice assistants simplify device management.
- Safety: Features like overload protection and fireproof materials enhance household safety.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Detailed energy reports help users upgrade inefficient appliances or adjust usage patterns.
FAQs
What is a smart outlet, and how does it track energy?
A smart outlet is a device that connects to or replaces a standard electrical outlet, allowing remote control and energy monitoring via a smartphone app or voice assistant. Energy tracking is achieved through built-in sensors that measure wattage, voltage, and kWh, displaying data in real-time or over time to help users identify consumption patterns.
Can smart outlets save money on energy bills?
Yes, smart outlets can save money by identifying power-hungry devices, scheduling appliances to run during off-peak hours, and eliminating standby power draw. Studies suggest savings of 12-15% on energy bills with consistent use.
Do all smart outlets work with Alexa and Google Home?
Most smart outlets in 2025 support Alexa and Google Home, but compatibility with Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings varies. Check product specifications for Matter or Thread support to ensure broad compatibility.
Are smart outlets safe to use?
Reputable smart outlets, such as those from TP-Link, Emporia, or Geeni, include safety features like overload protection, fireproof materials, and ETL/UL certifications. Always purchase from trusted brands to minimize risks.