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Amazon

Amazon Smart Plug: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$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 Alexa

    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.

    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide, Wirecutter
  • Few features for the price

    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.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Connection drops or early failure for some owners

    Amazon's review summary says connectivity and reliability are mixed: some owners report connection issues, and some say it stopped working after a week.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

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.

    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • 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.

    Source: PCMag review
  • 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.

    Source: Tom's Guide
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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide
  • Smart-home compatibility1.5
    Why 1.5?Alexa only: no Google Assistant, Apple Home, Siri or IFTTT (PCMag, Tom's Guide).
    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide
  • Energy monitoring & schedules2.0
    Why 2.0?No energy reporting. Schedules and timers run through Alexa routines.
    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked smart plugs whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in smart plugsTapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug (P125M)

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.

Its catch: no energy reporting#2 in smart plugsKasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (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.

Its catch: frequent disconnections for some owners#3 in smart plugsKasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (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.

Its catch: no apple home support

See all 8 smart plugs ranked →