ConsFirst / Smart plugs
Smart plugs: the downsides, first
Check your smart-home system first: plugs that work only with Alexa, skip Apple Home or are awkward outside one ecosystem come up for six of the eight we compared — and so do dropped connections. Several plugs track run time or no energy use at all. Here are the most popular smart plugs in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared15 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 smart plugs, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Tapo (TP-Link)
$$Matter over Wi-FiScore 4.2/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (2,951 ratings). The listing pools 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-packs.Tom's Guide's best overall plug and PCMag's best compact pick: a small Matter plug that works with Alexa, Google, Apple Home and SmartThings, and you can fit two on one outlet. It has no energy reporting, and Wirecutter found the non-Matter EP25 easier to add to all three big platforms. Amazon owners are mixed on connections.
Top complaints
- No energy reportingVery common
PCMag lists 'doesn't generate power usage reports' as its con and calls that disappointing because it costs more than the EP25 and Emporia plugs, which do track usage.
- Mixed connections for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability and connectivity are mixed, with some owners reporting it stops working overnight and has connection issues with Google Home and Home Assistant. Owners disagree on how well it works with Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
- Pricier than the non-Matter EP25Occasional
Wirecutter says it worked decently but costs more than its top pick, and it found the non-Matter Kasa EP25 easier to set up with all three major platforms. Tom's Guide notes the status light can be bright.
What owners love
- Works with nearly every platform via Matter
PCMag says it supports Matter plus Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT. Tom's Guide connected it to all of them without issue.
- Compact: two fit on one outlet
At 1.5 by 2.4 by 1.3 inches it won't block the second outlet (PCMag). Tom's Guide says you can fit two per outlet, and Amazon owners like that it doesn't block the second outlet.
- Flawless in testing
PCMag says it responded instantly to Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, followed schedules perfectly and ran cross-platform automations seamlessly.
Skip it if…- You want energy-use tracking
- You have no Matter controller and only want Apple Home
- You're on Google Home or Home Assistant and need rock-solid connections
Good for- Apple Home users who also use Alexa or Google
- Fitting two plugs on one outlet
- People building a Matter smart home
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.5
Why 3.5?
Flawless in PCMag's tests, but Amazon owners are mixed, with some reporting overnight dropouts and issues with Google Home and Home Assistant. 7% of ratings are 1-2 stars. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
Simple in the Tapo app, with Apple Home added by scanning the Matter code (PCMag), and Amazon owners find it easy. Wirecutter found the EP25 easier across platforms. - Smart-home compatibility5.0
Why 5.0?
Matter plus Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT. Matter needs a certified controller (PCMag). - Energy monitoring & schedules3.0
Why 3.0?
Schedules, Away mode, a timer and auto-off, but no power usage reports (PCMag). - Size (doesn't block outlets)5.0
Why 5.0?
1.5 by 2.4 by 1.3 inches. It won't block the second outlet, and two fit on one outlet (PCMag, Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated 2025-12-12): inexpensive, easy to use, and works with Matter, Alexa, Google and Apple. Its only con is a bright status light.
- PCMag: 4.0 Excellent, Best Compact Design in its picks. It integrates with just about every platform but can't generate power usage reports.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: it worked decently, but it's pricier than the EP25, which was easier to set up with all three major platforms.
#2
Kasa (TP-Link)
$Wi-FiScore 4.2/5
15%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (5,095 ratings) pools 1-, 2- and 4-packs and an 'Energy Monitoring' vs 'Smart Plug' style option, so not every rating is for the EP25.Wirecutter's top pick: real-time energy monitoring, Away Mode and sunrise/sunset schedules, and it works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and SmartThings for about $10 a plug in a four-pack. But it's sold only in multi-packs, sticks out about 1.5 inches, and Amazon's review summary says frequent disconnections are common, with 15% of ratings at 1-2 stars.
Top complaints
- Frequent disconnections for some ownersVery common
Amazon's review summary says connectivity issues are common, with frequent disconnections, and that reliability, compatibility and setup are mixed. Some units fail to connect to HomeKit.
- Sold only in packsMentioned often
Wirecutter says it is sold only in two- or four-packs, so you may pay for plugs you don't need.
- Not as slim as the name suggests; Apple Home setup quirksMentioned often
Wirecutter found it about the size of non-slim plugs, sticking out about 1.5 inches. On an iPhone it may push you to set up Apple Home first, and if you control it only through Apple Home you lose energy monitoring and Away Mode. Some Amazon owners dislike needing another app.
What owners love
- Real energy monitoring
Wirecutter says it shows watts and kWh plus 7- and 30-day averages in the Tapo and Kasa apps. PCMag cites its power-usage tracking as the reason it stays an Editors' Choice.
- Works with every major platform
Wirecutter calls integration with Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home effortless, and Alexa and Google found it without prompting.
- Fast setup and a full feature set
It connected to the Tapo app in under 30 seconds and ran schedules, timers, sunrise/sunset triggers and Away Mode without a hitch (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You need only one plug
- Your Wi-Fi is spotty
- The plug must fit behind tight furniture
Good for- Tracking the power use of individual devices
- Homes that mix Alexa, Google and Apple Home
- Buying several plugs at once
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.0
Why 3.0?
It worked reliably in Wirecutter's tests, but Amazon's review summary says frequent disconnections are common, and 15% of ratings are 1-2 stars. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
It connected in under 30 seconds (Wirecutter), but on iPhones it may push Apple Home setup first, and Amazon owners report mixed setup experiences. - Smart-home compatibility5.0
Why 5.0?
Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and SmartThings (Wirecutter). No Matter is needed. - Energy monitoring & schedules5.0
Why 5.0?
Real-time watts and kWh, run time, schedules, timers, sunrise/sunset and Away Mode (Wirecutter). - Size (doesn't block outlets)3.5
Why 3.5?
It doesn't block the second outlet but sticks out about 1.5 inches (Wirecutter). PCMag lists it at 1.5 by 2.6 by 1.6 inches.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-06-16): the most features for the price, and reliable in tests. The flaws are multi-pack-only sales and a bulkier-than-'slim' body.
- PCMag: Editors' Choice for anyone who doesn't need Matter: it costs less ($12.50 a plug) than the P125M and tracks power usage.
#3
Kasa (TP-Link)
$$Wi-FiScore 4.0/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (40,743 ratings) pools 1-, 2- and 4-packs and an 'Energy Monitoring' style option (a different model), so not every rating is for the EP10.Wirecutter's runner-up and a huge Amazon seller (about 40,700 ratings): tiny enough for tight spots, with schedules, sunrise/sunset triggers and Away Mode. It doesn't work with Apple Home, though, and it tracks only run time, not kWh. Some owners say it drops off Wi-Fi or Alexa.
Top complaints
- No Apple Home supportVery common
Wirecutter says it isn't compatible with Apple Home.
- Drops off Wi-Fi or Alexa for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says connectivity and Alexa compatibility are mixed: some owners report it stops connecting to Wi-Fi or won't work with Alexa, and some say it quits working. Wirecutter needed some troubleshooting in an area with spotty Wi-Fi.
- Tracks run time, not energyMentioned often
Wirecutter says it records hours and minutes of use but can't show power consumption in kWh.
What owners love
- Truly mini
At 2.36 by 1.5 by 1.21 inches it fits easily behind furniture, and it is the smallest of Wirecutter's picks.
- Feature-packed for the price
Wirecutter says it has nearly all the EP25's features, including sunrise/sunset scheduling, a timer and Away Mode. Amazon owners praise the value and easy setup.
- Reconnected easily after a move
Wirecutter says it was the first plug in its long-term roster to reconnect to a new Wi-Fi network and smart-home systems without trouble.
Skip it if…- You use Apple Home
- You want to measure energy use in kWh
- Your Wi-Fi is weak where the plug will go
Good for- Tight spaces and behind furniture
- Alexa and Google Home users
- Lamps and holiday lights on schedules
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter praises how easily it reconnected after a move, but Amazon owners are mixed, with some reporting Wi-Fi or Alexa dropouts. 7% of ratings are 1-2 stars. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
Setup in the Kasa and Tapo apps was straightforward (Wirecutter), and Amazon owners find it easy. Spotty Wi-Fi needed troubleshooting. - Smart-home compatibility3.5
Why 3.5?
Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, but no Apple Home (Wirecutter). - Energy monitoring & schedules3.5
Why 3.5?
Run-time tracking (no kWh), plus schedules, sunrise/sunset, a timer and Away Mode (Wirecutter). - Size (doesn't block outlets)5.0
Why 5.0?
2.36 by 1.5 by 1.21 inches, the smallest of Wirecutter's picks.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up, best for tight spaces. It would dethrone the EP25 if it had kWh energy monitoring and Apple Home support.
#4
Tapo (TP-Link)
$$OutdoorScore 3.9/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,091 ratings). The listing also offers a 1-socket outdoor dimmer variant.Wirecutter's and Tom's Guide's outdoor pick: two independently controlled outlets, an IP65 rating, and Matter support for Alexa, Apple Home, Google and SmartThings. It survived a polar vortex in Wirecutter's testing. It tracks only run time, not kWh, it's large, and some Amazon owners report units breaking within weeks.
Top complaints
- Some units fail earlyMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says durability is mixed: some owners say it holds up well, while others report it breaking within six weeks. Value is also mixed.
- Run time only; Matter can be finickyMentioned often
Wirecutter says it tracks only run time, not kWh. It adds that Matter has a reputation for being finicky and needs a compatible hub, though it worked in Wirecutter's tests.
- BulkyOccasional
Tom's Guide lists 'on the large side' as its con (5.43 by 5.35 by 2.52 inches).
What owners love
- Tough in real weather
It's IP65-rated for -4 to 122°F and survived a polar vortex in upstate New York while running string lights (Wirecutter). Amazon owners praise its resistance to heavy rain.
- Two outlets, easy Matter setup
Wirecutter found Apple Home setup through Matter much easier than usual, and each outlet can be named and controlled separately. Tom's Guide likes the right-angle prongs that let the outlet cover close.
- Long Wi-Fi range and sharing
Tom's Guide cites a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet (not tested in full). Wirecutter liked the sharing feature, which lets others control it remotely.
Skip it if…- You need kWh energy data
- Your outdoor outlet box is cramped
- You have no Matter hub and want Apple Home (consider the Kasa EP40A)
Good for- Holiday and string lights outdoors
- Cold or wet climates
- Controlling two outdoor devices separately
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected4.0
Why 4.0?
It survived a polar vortex in Wirecutter's testing, and Amazon owners praise its connectivity, but some report units breaking within six weeks. 8% of ratings are 1-2 stars. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
Quick to set up, with Matter pairing to Apple Home much easier than usual (Wirecutter). Amazon owners find setup easy. - Smart-home compatibility5.0
Why 5.0?
Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and SmartThings via Matter (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide). - Energy monitoring & schedules3.5
Why 3.5?
Run-time tracking only (no kWh), plus schedules, a timer, sunrise/sunset and Away Mode (Wirecutter). - Size (doesn't block outlets)2.5
Why 2.5?
Tom's Guide calls it on the large side (5.43 by 5.35 by 2.52 inches), but the 6.5-inch cord lets the outlet cover close.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best outdoor smart plug: rugged, with dual outlets, and flawless setup and execution in tests. It tracks only run time.
- Tom's Guide: Best outdoor: tough enough for the elements, with long Wi-Fi range and Matter, but it's on the large side.
#5
Emporia
$Wi-FiScore 3.9/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (709 ratings). The listing pools 1-, 2- and 4-packs.CNET's best overall plug, at about $12, for its easy setup and the best energy tracking in its test, including automatic peak-hour scheduling. It doesn't work with Apple Home, and Wirecutter dismissed it for missing other features. It's a small seller on Amazon (709 ratings), with 18% of ratings at 1-2 stars and a mixed app.
Top complaints
- No Apple HomeVery common
CNET lists no Apple support as a con, and Emporia's own app works best for detailed management.
- Mixed app and valueMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says the app gets mixed reviews, with some finding it disappointing, and some owners call it an overpriced basic smart plug. CNET notes not everyone wants so many energy options.
- Missing non-energy featuresMentioned often
Wirecutter says its energy monitoring worked well, but it was missing too many other features (such as Away Mode) to justify the price.
What owners love
- Excellent energy management
CNET says the app shows each device's energy use and graphs over time, with automatic peak-hour scheduling. Amazon owners praise the real-time power measurement.
- Very easy setup
CNET lists very easy account setup and calls the app intuitive and easy to master.
- Compact with a side switch
CNET says it is compact enough for most outlets and praises the rounded design and on/off side switch.
Skip it if…- You use Apple Home
- You don't care about energy data
- You want extras like Away Mode
Good for- Finding power-hungry devices
- Saving money with peak-hour scheduling
- Alexa and Google Home users
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon's summary doesn't flag connection problems, but 18% of a small pool of ratings are 1-2 stars, and the app is mixed. There is no long-term expert data. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
Very easy account setup and an intuitive app (CNET), though Amazon owners are mixed on the app. - Smart-home compatibility3.0
Why 3.0?
Google Home/Gemini and Alexa, but no Apple Home (CNET). - Energy monitoring & schedules5.0
Why 5.0?
CNET's best energy management, with per-device usage graphs, custom schedules and automatic peak-hour scheduling. Wirecutter also found it worked well. - Size (doesn't block outlets)4.0
Why 4.0?
Compact enough for most outlets (CNET).
What experts say
- CNET: Best overall smart plug (updated 2026-05-19): affordable, with excellent energy management and very easy setup, but no Apple support.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: the energy monitoring worked well, but it was missing too many other features to justify the price.
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Two-pack listing (9,113 ratings).Tom's Guide's budget pick: under $10 a plug in a two-pack, easy to set up, with vacation mode and location triggers, and it works with Alexa, Google and other Wyze gear. There's no Apple Home support, and Amazon owners report plugs that keep going offline.
Top complaints
- Goes offline for some ownersVery common
Amazon's review summary says connectivity and reliability are mixed, with some owners reporting frequent disconnections and several noting the plugs go offline every two weeks.
- No HomeKitMentioned often
Tom's Guide says it works only with Alexa and Google Assistant (plus IFTTT), so HomeKit users should look elsewhere.
- Mixed build quality and valueMentioned often
Amazon's summary says plug quality and value draw mixed reactions. CNET notes it's sold as a two-pack, so there are cheaper options if you need only one.
What owners love
- Very cheap per plug
Tom's Guide says a two-pack can cost as little as $15. CNET likes it mainly for its low price.
- Easy setup
Tom's Guide lists easy setup as a pro. Amazon owners report installation taking about 45 seconds and a user-friendly app.
- Vacation mode and location triggers
Tom's Guide highlights the random on/off vacation mode and app triggers based on arriving or leaving home.
Skip it if…- You use Apple Home
- You need a plug that never drops offline
- You need just one plug
Good for- Outfitting many lamps cheaply
- Homes with Wyze cameras, bulbs or locks
- Alexa and Google Assistant users
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report frequent disconnections, with some saying the plugs go offline every two weeks. 8% of ratings are 1-2 stars. There is no expert long-term data. - Setup4.5
Why 4.5?
Easy setup (Tom's Guide). Amazon owners cite about 45 seconds and a user-friendly app. - Smart-home compatibility3.0
Why 3.0?
Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT and other Wyze devices, but no HomeKit (Tom's Guide). - Energy monitoring & schedules3.0
Why 3.0?
Schedules, custom timers, vacation mode and location triggers (Tom's Guide, Amazon owners). The sources we read don't mention energy monitoring.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best budget (updated 2025-12-12): one of the least expensive but still very good plugs it tested. Its con is no HomeKit.
- CNET: Also tested: it does all the basic functions at a bargain price ($29 for a two-pack), but there are cheaper options if you need only one.
#7
Amazon
$$Wi-FiScore 3.2/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (571,233 ratings) pools the 1-pack and 2-pack.This is Amazon's best-selling plug, with over 570,000 ratings and only 3% at 1-2 stars. Setup takes seconds in the Alexa app, and it is PCMag's and Tom's Guide's pick for Alexa homes. But it works only with Alexa (no Google, Apple Home or IFTTT) and has no energy reporting. Wirecutter and CNET say cheaper plugs now do more.
Top complaints
- Works only with AlexaVery common
PCMag says it lacks Apple HomeKit support, doesn't work with Google Assistant or Siri, and has no IFTTT support. Tom's Guide lists 'only works with Alexa' as its con. Wirecutter says it limits you to people already committed to Amazon.
- Few features for the priceVery common
PCMag notes it has no energy reporting. CNET says the price has stayed above $20 while better plugs that also support Alexa cost about $12, and it sees no reason to choose it anymore. Some Amazon owners find it overpriced.
- Connection drops or early failure for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says connectivity and reliability are mixed: some owners report connection issues, and some say it stopped working after a week.
What owners love
- Setup in seconds
PCMag says it was identified and connected to Wi-Fi within seconds, after you scan a QR code in the Alexa app. Tom's Guide calls it simple to set up, and Amazon owners agree.
- Works smoothly with Alexa routines
In PCMag's tests it responded instantly to voice commands, followed schedules and ran location- and motion-based routines flawlessly.
- Physical button and status light
Tom's Guide likes that people without the Alexa app can still switch it on and off with the button.
Skip it if…- You use Google Home or Apple Home
- You want energy-use tracking
- You want the best value per plug
Good for- Homes that already run on Alexa and Echo speakers
- People who want the simplest possible setup
- Alexa routines such as motion-triggered lights
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected4.0
Why 4.0?
It worked flawlessly in PCMag's tests, and only 3% of a huge pool of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars. Amazon owners are still mixed on connectivity, and some report early failures. - Setup5.0
Why 5.0?
It connects within seconds in the Alexa app (PCMag), and Tom's Guide and Amazon owners agree setup is easy. You do need an Amazon account and the Alexa app. - Smart-home compatibility1.5
Why 1.5?
Alexa only: no Google Assistant, Apple Home, Siri or IFTTT (PCMag, Tom's Guide). - Energy monitoring & schedules2.0
Why 2.0?
No energy reporting. Schedules and timers run through Alexa routines. - Size (doesn't block outlets)3.5
Why 3.5?
At 1.5 by 3.2 by 2.2 inches it won't block the second outlet (PCMag), but it is bigger than mini plugs like the Kasa EP10.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best for Alexa (3.5, Good; list updated 2026-07-10). It's affordable and easy to install, but there's no HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT or energy reporting.
- Tom's Guide: Best for Alexa (updated 2025-12-12): the simplest to use if you have an Alexa setup, but it only works with Alexa.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: it worked fine in testing, but less pricey plugs are more widely compatible.
#8
Eve
$$$Matter over ThreadScore 3.4/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (437 ratings). The listing also offers 2-pack and 12-pack options.This Thread plug runs locally, with no Eve cloud and no account (per Eve). It works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through Matter, and Amazon owners like how it extends a Thread network. But Wirecutter found it hard to set up with third-party apps, and it costs about as much as a four-pack of Kasa plugs. You need a Thread border router, and 18% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
Top complaints
- Hard to set up outside Apple's worldVery common
Wirecutter says it wasn't easy to set up with third-party apps. Amazon owners are mixed on compatibility, with some reporting connection issues.
- ExpensiveVery common
Wirecutter says a single plug costs as much as a four-pack of its top pick. Amazon owners are mixed on value.
- Energy monitoring depends on the appMentioned often
Wirecutter says energy monitoring isn't supported when it's set up as a Matter device. Eve says schedules and some advanced features require the Eve app.
What owners love
- Private, local control
Eve says there is no subscription, no registration and no Eve cloud.
- Thread routing and quick response
Amazon owners praise its responsiveness, five-minute setup and how it extends Thread coverage through the home.
- Detailed power reports in the Eve app
Eve says you can track consumption and enter your electricity rate for cost estimates. Amazon owners mention detailed power usage reporting.
Skip it if…- You don't own a Thread/Matter hub
- You're on a budget
- You want energy data inside Alexa or Google
Good for- Apple Home users who want local, cloud-free control
- Homes that already have a Thread border router
- Building out a Thread network
Scores (tap for why)
- Stays connected3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners like its Thread routing, but reliability is mixed, with some connection issues. 18% of ratings are 1-2 stars. - Setup3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter found it hard to set up with third-party apps, and it needs a Thread border router or Matter controller (Eve). Some Amazon owners had it running in five minutes. - Smart-home compatibility4.0
Why 4.0?
Through Matter it works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant (Eve), but only with a Thread-capable hub. - Energy monitoring & schedules3.5
Why 3.5?
Consumption tracking and cost estimates in the Eve app (Eve), but Wirecutter says energy monitoring isn't supported when it's used as a Matter device.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: it has Thread and Matter, but it wasn't easy to set up with third-party apps, it lacks energy monitoring as a Matter device, and it costs as much as a four-pack of the EP25.
- CNET: Noted in CNET's update log as an Eve Energy plug that works with Matter out of the box. It isn't one of CNET's picks.