Welcome to the world of home automation and smart living! In 2023, smart technology continues to revolutionize our homes, making daily tasks more convenient and energy-efficient. At the heart of this transformation lies the humble yet powerful smart plug—an unassuming device that can turn any ordinary electrical appliance into a connected and intelligent one. If you’re looking to take your home to the next level, we have you covered with our handpicked selection of the top five smart plugs to buy in 2023. From seamless integration with popular voice assistants to energy monitoring and scheduling features, these smart plugs offer a range of functionalities to suit every need.
Number 1. TP-Link Kasa EP25
Among the selection of smart plugs, all promised to deliver on their functionalities, yet each came with its quirks that gave me pause—except for TP-Link’s Kasa EP25. From the installation process to its everyday implementation, the EP25 proved to be fuss-free and reliable. Not only is it one of the more affordable options on our list, priced at just $13 each (often found in a four-pack), but it also seamlessly works with iOS and Android platforms, as well as all four major smart home ecosystems. The Kasa app, boasting a clean and intuitive design, provides all the essential features like timers, schedules, vacation mode, and smart actions, making it easy to manage your smart devices.
What sets the EP25 apart is its updated version, now offering HomeKit compatibility, enabling effortless control from both iPhone and Android devices in a blended OS home. Onboarding with the iPhone is recommended, as the Kasa iOS app streamlines the process by prompting you to add the plug using the QR code from the box, which ensures a smooth setup.
Once integrated with HomeKit, adding the plug to other smart home apps, such as Google Home and SmartThings, only requires your TP-Link log-in details, while Alexa relies on the Kasa “skill.” Furthermore, as you expand your smart home with additional TP-Link devices, they will automatically appear in each app, simplifying management across platforms. If you are an Android-only user, the Kasa app will guide you through using a temporary Wi-Fi network to connect the plug online.
After setup, personalization was a breeze as I assigned a name and room to the plug, ensuring consistency across all apps to avoid confusion. Programming routines and schedules proved seamless, and the plug responded flawlessly to voice commands from Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
Throughout weeks of testing, the EP25 maintained a strong and consistent connection, even after I relocated it to the basement—the farthest point from my router. My only gripe with the Kasa app is the lack of support for sharing access with another user. However, you can still share log-in details to grant access from multiple devices using one account, and Google Home remains the preferred method for convenient smart home device control sharing, regardless of users operating on iOS or Android.
Number 2. Amazon Smart Plug
For those deeply entrenched in Amazon’s ecosystem, where multiple Echo devices and Alexa reign supreme for answering questions, controlling music, and managing timers, the Amazon Smart Plug is a logical choice. With your details already stored in your Echos and Alexa app, setup becomes a mindlessly simple process, eliminating the need to create an account, enter your WiFi password, or switch to a different app. Assigning a name to the plug and designating it as a light in the settings menu ensures seamless integration into your smart home setup. Thus, a simple voice command like “Alexa, turn all the lights off” will be met with the desired action.
Impressively, the onboarding process is swift, and the plug seamlessly blends into the Amazon ecosystem, becoming an indispensable extension of your daily life. The satisfaction of commanding “Alexa, goodnight” and witnessing the room plunge into darkness is a small yet thrilling pleasure. However, it’s important to note that the Alexa smart plug is exclusive to Amazon’s app and cannot be used with other smart home apps. As a result, it’s most suitable for those who have fully embraced the Amazon home environment.
One significant drawback to consider is the Alexa app’s limited sharing capabilities. While you can create households to grant access to other household members for Echo speakers, they won’t be able to see your smart home devices. Nevertheless, if you’re the sole user needing app access and everyone else in your home is content with voice commands alone, this plug offers unmatched simplicity. While priced at $25, like most Amazon products, it frequently goes on sale, providing potential savings for those eyeing a deal.
Number 3. GE Cync Indoor
The GE Cync Indoor is a smart plug that allows you to control your appliances and electronics with your voice or through the Cync app. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit.
The Cync Indoor is easy to set up. Simply plug it into an outlet, download the Cync app, and follow the instructions. Once it is set up, you can use the app to control the plug with your voice or by creating schedules and automations.
The Cync Indoor has a number of features, including:
- Voice control: You can control the Cync Indoor with your voice using Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit.
- Scheduling: You can create schedules to turn on and off your appliances and electronics at specific times.
- Automations: You can create automations that trigger the Cync Indoor based on certain events, such as when you arrive home or leave for work.
- Energy monitoring: The Cync Indoor can track the energy usage of your appliances and electronics.
The GE Cync Indoor is a great way to add smart home functionality to your appliances and electronics. It is easy to use and has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful smart plug.
Number 4. TP-Link Kasa KP125M
The TP-Link Kasa KP125M is a smart plug that allows you to control your appliances and electronics with your voice or through the Kasa app. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit.
The Kasa KP125M is easy to set up. Simply plug it into an outlet, download the Kasa app, and follow the instructions. Once it is set up, you can use the app to control the plug with your voice or by creating schedules and automations.
The Kasa KP125M has a number of features, including:
- Voice control: You can control the Kasa KP125M with your voice using Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit.
- Scheduling: You can create schedules to turn on and off your appliances and electronics at specific times.
- Automations: You can create automations that trigger the Kasa KP125M based on certain events, such as when you arrive home or leave for work.
- Energy monitoring: The Kasa KP125M can track the energy usage of your appliances and electronics.
The TP-Link Kasa KP125M is a great way to add smart home functionality to your appliances and electronics. It is easy to use and has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful smart plug.
Number 5. Eve Energy Smart Plug
The Eve Energy Smart Plug is a small, white smart plug that allows you to control your appliances and electronics with your voice or through the Eve app. It is designed for Apple users and works with HomeKit.
The Eve Energy Smart Plug is easy to set up. Simply plug it into an outlet, download the Eve app, and follow the instructions. Once it is set up, you can use the app to control the plug with your voice or by creating schedules and automations.
The Eve Energy Smart Plug has a number of features, including:
- Voice control: You can control the Eve Energy Smart Plug with your voice using Siri.
- Scheduling: You can create schedules to turn on and off your appliances and electronics at specific times.
- Automations: You can create automations that trigger the Eve Energy Smart Plug based on certain events, such as when you arrive home or leave for work.
- Energy monitoring: The Eve Energy Smart Plug can track the energy usage of your appliances and electronics.
The Eve Energy Smart Plug is a great way to add smart home functionality to your appliances and electronics. It is easy to use and has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful smart plug.
