The Best Smart Plugs for Energy Efficiency: Smart homes aren’t just about convenience they’re also about smarter energy use. Among the simplest yet most effective tools for improving energy efficiency is the smart plug. These compact, affordable devices give you remote control over your appliances, automate routines, and help you monitor power consumption.
With just a few strategically placed smart plugs, you can reduce your carbon footprint and trim your electricity bill all without sacrificing comfort.
This guide explores how smart plugs help you save energy, what features to look for, and a curated list of the best smart plugs for energy efficiency in 2025. We’ll also cover installation tips, power-saving scenarios, and answer frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your devices.
Why Smart Plugs Matter for Energy Efficiency
Traditional appliances, especially older models, continue drawing power even when turned off—a phenomenon known as phantom load or vampire energy. While each device might only draw a few watts, it adds up over time. Smart plugs can eliminate this waste by turning off devices completely when not in use, and provide schedules or automation to ensure you only use energy when needed.
Smart plugs help you:
- Track energy usage in real time or historically
- Turn off idle devices remotely or on a schedule
- Automate routines (like turning off heaters or lamps at night)
- Integrate with voice assistants for hands-free control
Whether it’s cutting standby power or controlling devices during peak energy rates, smart plugs offer a simple path to a more sustainable home.
What to Look for in an Energy-Efficient Smart Plug
Before diving into the best options, here are some key features to prioritize:
1. Energy Monitoring
Look for plugs that show real-time and cumulative energy use (in kWh). Some even translate this into cost estimates.
2. Scheduling and Automation
Smart plugs should offer daily or weekly timers, sunrise/sunset settings, or routines tied to your habits.
3. App and Voice Control
Ensure compatibility with your preferred smart assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) and a reliable app.
4. Compact Design
Especially important if you plan to use multiple plugs on a power strip or wall outlet.
5. Power Rating
Make sure the plug supports the wattage of the device you’re connecting. Some are made for small lamps, while others handle large appliances like AC units.
6. Integration Capabilities
Advanced plugs integrate with smart home ecosystems (SmartThings, IFTTT, Apple Home) to act on triggers like temperature, motion, or occupancy.
The Best Smart Plugs for Energy Efficiency in 2025
1. Kasa Smart Plug KP125M
- Best Overall
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Price: ~$25
Kasa’s KP125M supports Apple HomeKit and offers precise energy tracking, robust scheduling, and detailed usage reports via the Kasa app. It works with almost every ecosystem and maintains a compact profile.
Why it’s great: The KP125M balances performance, price, and compatibility, making it an ideal first smart plug or an upgrade for those optimizing their home for energy use.
2. Emporia Smart Plug
- Best for Energy Analytics
- Energy Monitoring: Advanced real-time usage and cost projections
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Price: ~$30 (pack of 2)
Emporia’s plug is designed for homeowners serious about monitoring their usage. It integrates with Emporia’s Energy Monitor system and provides granular data via app or browser dashboard.
Why it’s great: It helps track appliance-level usage and offers visual insights on energy cost trends over time—great for energy nerds or those on tight budgets.
3. TP-Link Kasa EP40A
- Best for Outdoor Energy Efficiency
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Price: ~$30
This outdoor-rated smart plug is weatherproof, rugged, and supports high-load appliances like patio heaters, water fountains, and holiday lights.
Why it’s great: Outdoor devices are easy to forget—this plug helps ensure you’re not wasting energy on unused equipment. It includes two individually controlled outlets in one rugged casing.
4. Wemo Smart Plug with Thread
- Best for Apple Ecosystem
- Energy Monitoring: No
- Voice Assistants: Siri via Apple HomeKit
- Price: ~$30
This ultra-compact plug works seamlessly with Apple devices and supports Thread—a fast, reliable smart home protocol. Though it lacks energy monitoring, it offers reliable automation and scheduling.
Why it’s great: Ideal for Apple users looking to automate appliances without bulky hubs or extra apps.
5. Wyze Plug Outdoor
- Best Budget-Friendly Smart Plug
- Energy Monitoring: Basic tracking
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Price: ~$18
Wyze makes it easy to get started with smart energy savings. The Wyze Plug Outdoor is waterproof, includes scheduling and timer settings, and shows basic energy metrics in the app.
Why it’s great: For the price, it delivers solid features and the added benefit of outdoor use with dual outlets.
READ ALSO: Top Features of Samsung Earbuds You Cant Miss
Energy Efficiency Use Cases for Smart Plugs
To maximize savings, consider using smart plugs in these scenarios:
1. Entertainment Centers
TVs, game consoles, streaming boxes, and soundbars often draw power in standby mode. Schedule or turn off these devices completely overnight.
2. Kitchen Appliances
Coffee makers, microwaves, and toasters often use idle power for clock displays. A smart plug can cut their power until needed.
3. Space Heaters and Fans
Avoid running these all day. Use schedules or set up geofencing rules to only turn on when you’re home.
4. Chargers and Adapters
Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers continue drawing energy when not charging. Use timers or auto-off settings with smart plugs.
5. Holiday and Outdoor Lighting
Seasonal lights can consume a lot of power. Smart plugs let you automate them and avoid leaving them on during the day.
Installation and Setup Tips
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: Place smart plugs within range of a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal for best performance.
- Name Devices Clearly: Use descriptive names in the app (“Living Room Lamp”) to make voice control and scheduling intuitive.
- Use Groups and Scenes: Combine multiple plugs into zones for easier automation.
- Review App Permissions: Ensure your smart home apps only request necessary data for privacy and efficiency.
FAQs
How much energy can smart plugs actually save?
Savings vary by usage, but smart plugs can cut 5–15% off your electricity bill by eliminating standby power and automating off-peak usage. For example, turning off a 100-watt device for 10 hours per day could save over $30 annually.
Do smart plugs use energy themselves?
Yes, but minimally. Most consume 0.5 to 1 watt of power. Their savings far outweigh their draw, especially when used to manage high-wattage devices.
Can I use smart plugs with power strips or surge protectors?
Yes, but only plug low to moderate-wattage devices into such setups. Avoid exceeding the smart plug’s rated load. Always check the wattage of your connected devices.
Are smart plugs safe to use with heaters or AC units?
Only if the smart plug supports high wattage (typically 1,800W or more). Use smart plugs like the TP-Link EP40A or check manufacturer recommendations for heavy appliances.
Can smart plugs work without Wi-Fi?
Most need Wi-Fi for remote control, scheduling, and updates. Some retain basic timer settings if disconnected, but full functionality requires internet access.
Is it better to use a smart plug or a smart power strip?
If you want individual control over multiple devices, a smart power strip is better. However, smart plugs are ideal for specific appliances and are more affordable to deploy room by room.
Are smart plugs worth it for renters or apartments?
Absolutely. Smart plugs require no hardwiring or installation and can move with you. They’re an excellent energy-saving tool for renters, especially in homes with older appliances.