The Best Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring in 2025: Smart plugs with energy monitoring are transforming home energy management by providing real-time insights into power consumption, helping users reduce bills and environmental impact.
These devices allow remote control, scheduling, and integration with smart home ecosystems, making them ideal for eco-conscious households.
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (KP125M) – Best Overall
Price: ~$29.99 (single), $55.99 (2-pack)
Key Features: 4K LED, HDR10+, Matter support, Alexa/Google/Siri/SmartThings, 15A, energy reports
The TP-Link Kasa KP125M excels with Matter support, ensuring compatibility across major smart home platforms. Its app generates detailed energy reports, estimating costs based on local rates. With a compact design, it doesn’t block adjacent outlets and supports voice control for seamless integration.
Why It’s Great: Comprehensive energy tracking and wide compatibility.
Drawback: Slightly pricey for a single plug.
2. Emporia Smart Plug (4-Pack) – Best Value
Price: ~$35 (4-pack)
Key Features: Energy monitoring, Alexa/Google, 15A, Wi-Fi, app-based analytics
The Emporia Smart Plug offers affordable energy monitoring in a 4-pack, ideal for monitoring multiple devices. Its app provides real-time usage stats and historical data, helping identify energy hogs. It’s reliable for basic automation but lacks Matter or HomeKit support.
Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly with robust analytics.
Drawback: No Siri or SmartThings integration.
3. Eve Energy Smart Plug (Matter) – Best for Apple Users
Price: ~$39.99
Key Features: Matter/Thread, HomeKit/Alexa/Google/SmartThings, energy tracking, 15A, iOS app
The Eve Energy Smart Plug integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, offering detailed energy reports via the Eve app. Thread technology ensures a stable network, and Matter support broadens compatibility. It’s ideal for iOS users but requires a hub for remote access.
Why It’s Great: Precise energy tracking for Apple ecosystems.
Drawback: Higher cost and iOS-only app.
4. Kasa Matter Smart Plug (KP125M, 2-Pack) – Best for Matter Ecosystems
Price: ~$30 (2-pack)
Key Features: Matter, Alexa/Google/Siri/SmartThings, energy monitoring, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, 15A
This Kasa model supports Matter for cross-platform compatibility and provides detailed energy stats, including cost estimates. Its hybrid Wi-Fi/Bluetooth setup ensures reliable connections. It’s a versatile choice for mixed smart home setups.
Why It’s Great: Seamless Matter integration with robust analytics.
Drawback: HomeKit requires a hub for full functionality.
5. Govee Smart Plug (4-Pack) – Best for Budget Automation
Price: ~$28.79 (4-pack)
Key Features: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Alexa/Google, energy monitoring, 15A, scheduling
The Govee Smart Plug offers energy monitoring at a low price, with app-based scheduling and real-time usage tracking. It’s ideal for automating small appliances but lacks Matter or HomeKit support. Its compact design fits standard outlets.
Why It’s Great: Affordable with reliable automation.
Drawback: Limited platform support.
6. Meross WiFi Dual Smart Plug – Best for Dual Outlets
Price: ~$26 (2-pack)
Key Features: Dual outlets, Alexa/Google/Siri/SmartThings, Wi-Fi, 15A, no energy monitoring
While lacking dedicated energy monitoring, the Meross Dual Smart Plug allows independent control of two devices, making it ideal for managing multiple appliances. Its app supports scheduling and voice control, but energy tracking is minimal compared to others.
Why It’s Great: Dual-outlet convenience for automation.
Drawback: Limited energy insights.
7. Wyze Plug – Best Budget Single Plug
Price: ~$10 (single)
Key Features: Alexa/Google, Wi-Fi, 15A, runtime tracking, vacation mode
The Wyze Plug is a low-cost option with basic energy monitoring, tracking runtime rather than detailed wattage. Its app supports scheduling and vacation mode for random on/off cycles. It’s ideal for small budgets but lacks advanced analytics or Matter support.
Why It’s Great: Affordable entry to energy monitoring.
Drawback: No Siri or detailed energy reports.
8. Amazon Smart Plug – Best for Alexa Users
Price: ~$24.99
Key Features: Alexa, Wi-Fi, 15A, basic runtime tracking
Designed for Amazon ecosystems, this plug offers seamless Alexa integration and basic runtime monitoring. It’s easy to set up but lacks detailed energy analytics and support for other platforms like Google or HomeKit.
Why It’s Great: Simple setup for Alexa households.
Drawback: Limited to Alexa, no advanced energy tracking.
9. THIRDREALITY Smart Plug M1 – Best for Home Assistant
Price: ~$20 (estimated)
Key Features: Matter, Home Assistant/SmartThings, energy monitoring, Wi-Fi
The THIRDREALITY Smart Plug M1 supports Matter and integrates with Home Assistant, offering real-time power tracking. Its compact design and no-hub requirement make it versatile for DIY smart homes.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for advanced users with Home Assistant setups.
Drawback: Limited mainstream platform support.
10. TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Plug (P125M) – Best Compact Design
Price: ~$14.99
Key Features: Matter, Alexa/Google/Siri/SmartThings, Wi-Fi, 15A, usage statistics
The Tapo Mini is compact and Matter-compatible, offering usage statistics but less detailed energy tracking than the Kasa KP125M. It’s perfect for tight spaces and multi-platform homes.
Why It’s Great: Small footprint with broad compatibility.
Drawback: Basic energy monitoring.
Choosing the Right Smart Plug
Consider these factors:
- Energy Monitoring Needs: For detailed analytics, choose Kasa KP125M or Emporia; for basic tracking, Wyze or Tapo suffice.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Matter-enabled plugs (e.g., Kasa, Eve) work across platforms; Amazon’s plug is best for Alexa-only setups.
- Budget: Single plugs range from $10–$40; multi-packs (e.g., Govee, Emporia) offer better value.
- Outlet Space: Compact designs (e.g., Tapo, Wyze) prevent blocking adjacent outlets.
- Installation: Ensure dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) for stable connections; Ethernet is unnecessary.
Setting Up Your Smart Plug
- Plug In: Insert the plug into a standard outlet (15A/1800W max).
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Use the app (e.g., Kasa, Emporia) to connect to dual-band Wi-Fi with WPA3 encryption.
- Configure Energy Tracking: Set local electricity rates in the app for accurate cost estimates.
- Integrate with Smart Home: Pair with Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit via the app.
- Secure Device: Enable 2FA, update firmware regularly, and use a guest network for IoT devices.
Benefits of Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring
These plugs reduce energy bills by 10–20% by identifying high-consumption devices, per industry estimates. They enable remote control, scheduling, and automation, enhancing convenience and sustainability. Affordable options make energy monitoring accessible to all households.
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Challenges and Considerations
Challenges include setup complexity for non-Matter plugs and potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Ensure a strong signal and avoid overloading outlets (check 15A/1800W limits). Privacy concerns require secure networks and reputable brands.
FAQs
Why use smart plugs for energy monitoring?
They track real-time power usage, identify energy hogs, and enable remote control, reducing bills and environmental impact.
Are budget smart plugs reliable?
Yes, brands like Wyze ($10) and Govee ($28.79/4-pack) offer reliable monitoring, though premium models like Kasa provide deeper analytics.
Do smart plugs require subscriptions?
Most (e.g., Kasa, Emporia) offer free energy tracking via apps; no subscriptions are needed for core features.
How secure are smart plugs?
Reputable brands use encryption. Secure with WPA3 Wi-Fi, 2FA, and regular firmware updates to prevent hacking.
Can smart plugs work with any smart home system?
Matter-enabled plugs (e.g., Kasa KP125M, Eve) work with Alexa, Google, Siri, and SmartThings; others may be limited (e.g., Amazon’s Alexa-only plug).
Do smart plugs support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Some (e.g., EIGHTREE) support 5GHz; most use 2.4GHz for broader compatibility. Check specs before buying.