In our quest for the ideal smart plug, we focus on a few key aspects that make or break these little gadgets. Smart plugs are more than on/off switches you can use from your phone.
- User Experience: A good smart plug should be a breeze to set up and even easier to use. We’re looking for intuitive design, both in the physical plug and its app interface.
- Performance: We’re all about efficiency and reliability. Does the plug do its job well? Does it respond quickly to commands? A top-tier smart plug performs consistently without dropping connections or lagging in response.
- Integration: Compatibility is key. We favor plugs that play well with various smart home ecosystems, because let’s face it, no one likes being locked into a single system.
- Company: Behind every smart plug is a company, and we care about who they are. We look for companies with solid reputations for quality and customer support. Trustworthy brands are more likely to keep their software updated and their products secure.
- Squid Score: Finally, our unique Squid Score assesses how well a plug functions during internet or power outages. A great smart plug should have a good memory – keeping schedules and settings intact even when disconnected from Wi-Fi or during power blips.
We’re not just looking at what a smart plug can do, but how well it does it, how it integrates into our lives, who’s behind it, and how it copes in less-than-ideal situations. Let’s find out which plugs check all these boxes!
The Best Smart Plug - Kasa Smart
Taking the top spot in our roundup is the Kasa Smart Plug Mini. This little powerhouse from TP-Link wins for its impressive mix of functionality, reliability, and affordability. The setup is straightforward, and the app wins with its user-friendly interface and handy features like scheduling and away mode. It integrates smoothly across various smart platforms, though Apple Home users need to opt for a specific version. Backed by reliable TP-Link, and scoring high on our Squid Score, this plug is a testament to what smart living should be: simple, efficient, and accessible.
Runner Up - GHome Smart Plug Mini
Our runner-up spot goes to the GHome Smart Plug Mini, a product by Gosund (not Google). It carries a ton of features uncommon for its price point. Onboard device memory, a circulation / cycle feature, and customizations through and through. Caution: it’s form factor doesn’t allow two plugs in the same outlet.
The GHome stands out for budget buyers who value capability over company reputation, delivering robust features for the tech-savvy user.
Prettiest Plug - Amazon Alexa Smart Plug
In aesthetics, the Amazon Alexa Smart Plug takes the crown. It’s beautifully designed with its sleek, unassuming profile and almost invisible logo. It isn’t just a pretty face; the setup process is remarkably straightforward too. However, don’t expect a plethora of features; it’s a basic on/off switch, reliant on Alexa routines for any complex scheduling. Perfect for those deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem, this plug is a fashion item: beautiful, exclusive, but not as versatile as its more affordable counterparts.
Best Setup - Wemo Smart Plug
The Wemo Smart Plug, now exclusive to Apple HomeKit, earns a place with its ultra-easy setup and sleek design. With a tap of your iPhone, you’re connected. While its features might be basic, just on and off, it’s an okay choice for those fully invested in the Apple ecosystem. It’s pricier than our favorites, and doesn’t have as many features, but for Apple aficionados seeking a straightforward, well-designed smart plug, Wemo is a solid choice.
Plug to AVOID - Woods WiOn Indoor WiFi Outlet
The Woods WiOn Indoor WiFi Outlet – a blast from the past in a not-so-great way. Its behemoth size is a clear misfit in today’s compact world, unable to accommodate two plugs in a single outlet. The app is a relic of the early 2000s, more nostalgic than functional. While it performs basic tasks and surprisingly retains schedules without internet, it’s a technological dinosaur compared to its sleek, modern counterparts. Bottom line: In a market brimming with better options, the Woods WiOn is best left in the annals of smart plug history.
Read the Face-Offs
See how these devices compare when placed head-to-head in VS style comparisons.