Last updated: October 22, 2026. Picks are based on reviews from Wirecutter (updated June 16, 2026), CNET (May 19 and July 25, 2026), Engadget (February 11, 2026), PCMag (February and July 2026), Matter Alpha (June 2026) and Matterhome.io (October 9, 2026), all read October 22, 2026.
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Quick answer- Best overall for mixed homes: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim EP25 (Wirecutter, Engadget).
- Best Matter and energy picks: TP-Link Tapo P110M and Emporia Smart Plug; best for Apple Home: Leviton Decora D215P-2RW.
- Skip smart plugs for space heaters, refrigerators and sump pumps, and look for a UL or Intertek-program listing.
Smart plugs are an easy way to add voice and app control to lamps, fans and chargers. Choosing one gets tricky when you use Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home, or want Matter and energy monitoring. This guide summarizes what Wirecutter, CNET, Engadget, PCMag and others found, with notes on size, app reliability, safety listings and what not to plug in.
1. How to choose a smart plug that fits your ecosystem
Start with the voice assistant or app you already use. CNET noted in its May 19, 2026 update that Alexa and Google support is common, while Apple Home support is harder to find.
Matter support. Matter is a standard meant to help plugs work with Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home. Wirecutter (updated June 16, 2026) said Matter plugs need a Matter controller, such as a recent smart speaker. Engadget (updated February 11, 2026) added that the controller has to stay at home to manage things when you are away.
Energy monitoring. Wirecutter said monitoring can help track down power-hungry devices, though not everyone needs it. PCMag's guide (dated July 2026) cautioned that the data is not uniform. Some plugs show watts and estimated costs, while others only show hours of use.
Size and outlet blocking. Wirecutter said it declined to test single-outlet plugs that block the second outlet or stick out too far. CNET agreed that a plug should not extend far past the outlet edges, and it liked a physical on/off button.
App reliability. Wirecutter listed schedules, platform integration, an easy app and physical buttons as essentials. Engadget pointed out that a plug stops working if your Wi-Fi goes out, so a stable connection matters more than extra features.
Ratings. Wirecutter and CNET both said most indoor plugs are rated for 15 amps. We cover load limits and listing marks in the safety section below.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Reviewed by |
|---|
| TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim EP25 | Mixed-platform homes | Energy monitoring, no Matter | Wirecutter, Engadget |
| TP-Link Tapo P110M | Matter plus energy reports | Matter, 15A, 1,800W | PCMag, Matter Alpha |
| Emporia Smart Plug | Energy tracking | Alexa and Google, no Apple | CNET, Engadget |
| Leviton Decora D215P-2RW | Apple Home and Matter | On/off only, no energy data | CNET, Matterhome.io |
| TP-Link Tapo P316M Smart Power Strip | Six outlets | Matter, per-outlet monitoring | Wirecutter, Engadget |
| TP-Link Tapo Mini P125M | Tight spaces, budget | Compact, no energy data | CNET, PCMag, Matterhome.io |
| IKEA Grillplats | Low-cost Matter | Needs a Matter hub | CNET, chrissmart.de |
2. Top picks, part 1: all-rounders for Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim EP25: Best overall for most homes
Best for: Households that mix Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home and want energy monitoring without Matter.
What reviewers say: Wirecutter (updated June 16, 2026) named it its top indoor pick, citing reliable tests, real-time energy monitoring, an Away Mode and wide platform support. Engadget (February 11, 2026) also made it best overall, calling the connection stable and the setup easy, though it noted the model is about four years old and lacks Matter. Wirecutter listed about $36 for a four-pack on June 16, 2026, and Engadget listed about $13 per plug on February 11, 2026. Prices change.
- Pros: Works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and SmartThings. Wirecutter said it does not block the second outlet.
- Cons: Sold only in two- or four-packs. Wirecutter said it sticks out about 1.5 inches from the wall.
See TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim EP25 on Amazon →
TP-Link Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug: Best Matter plug with energy data
Best for: People who want Matter and energy reports in a small plug.
What reviewers say: PCMag (review dated February 10, 2026) gave it 4.5 and an Editors' Choice award for Matter support, energy reports and wide integration, and said it does not block the second outlet. Matter Alpha (June 13, 2026) praised the value and a week of responsive use. It also found that Apple Home does not show Matter energy data, so Apple users still need the Tapo app. PCMag listed $29.99 for a two-pack in its February review. Prices change.
- Pros: Matter, a 15A and 1,800W rating per PCMag, and daily, weekly and monthly energy reports.
- Cons: Needs a Matter controller. Matter Alpha said its Power Protection cutoff was not an immediate safety feature.
See TP-Link Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug on Amazon →
Emporia Smart Plug: Best for energy management
Best for: Alexa and Google users who want detailed electricity tracking.
What reviewers say: CNET (May 19, 2026) named it best overall for easy setup and excellent energy management, and CNET listed $12 per plug. Engadget (February 11, 2026) picked it as its best energy-monitoring plug, with reliable Alexa and Gemini connections. Engadget also said Emporia issued a preemptive recall the year before over a potential fire risk, and that the updated plugs connect faster. CNET said it lacks Apple Home support, and Engadget's spec list shows only Alexa and Gemini. Prices change.
- Pros: Detailed app, compact for most outlets, and automatic peak-hour scheduling per CNET.
- Cons: No Apple Home support, and CNET said the best features work through Emporia's own app.
See Emporia Smart Plug on Amazon →
3. Top picks, part 2: HomeKit-friendly and multi-outlet options
Leviton Decora D215P-2RW: Best for Apple Home and Matter
Best for: Apple households that want a slim plug with a built-in button and indicator.
What reviewers say: CNET (May 19, 2026) named it best for HomeKit and Matter, praising the simple app, slim shape and the combined button and light. It noted an extra step to add the Leviton skill for Alexa. Matterhome.io (October 9, 2026) said it fits a duplex outlet and stores schedules on the plug, but it only switches on and off, with no dimming. CNET listed $23, and Matterhome.io listed $24.99 for a single plug, so both call it pricey next to basic plugs. Prices change.
- Pros: Works with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa. Matterhome.io said no Leviton hub is needed.
- Cons: Costs more, has no energy monitoring, and Matterhome.io said the Matter update removes an older unit's HomeKit pairing.
See Leviton Decora D215P-2RW on Amazon →
TP-Link Tapo P316M Smart Power Strip: Best for multiple outlets
Best for: A desk or media center where you want six separately controlled outlets.
What reviewers say: Wirecutter (June 16, 2026) picked it as its multi-plug winner, noting six independent outlets, per-outlet energy monitoring and Matter support for Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home. Engadget (February 11, 2026) praised the matching Tapo power strip, which it calls the Tapo 360, while warning that it is large at about 14 inches long. Wirecutter listed about $50 on June 16, 2026. Prices change.
- Pros: Six smart outlets, a surge protector per Engadget, and a three-foot cord.
- Cons: Wirecutter said the three USB-A ports are not smart, and it needs a Matter controller.
See TP-Link Tapo P316M Smart Power Strip on Amazon →
4. Budget picks, alternatives and who should skip
TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug P125M: Best for tight spaces
Best for: A cheap, small plug for lamps and fans.
What reviewers say: CNET (May 19, 2026) called it its best budget plug and liked its compact size, but said it has no energy data or HomeKit and a 10A limit. PCMag (guide dated July 2026) said it supports Matter and HomeKit, so the two outlets disagree on Apple support. Check the exact box before buying. Matterhome.io (October 9, 2026) listed a sale price from $11.99. Prices change.
- Pros: Very compact, with customizable scheduling per CNET.
- Cons: No energy reports per CNET and PCMag.
See TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug P125M on Amazon →
IKEA Grillplats: Best low-cost Matter option
Best for: Anyone who already owns a Matter hub or controller.
What reviewers say: CNET (April 30, 2026) scored it 8.0, praised the seconds-long setup, and listed $8 at IKEA. It said you need a Matter hub to benefit, and it found no energy features. A Home Assistant test on chrissmart.de (March 23, 2026) described an integrated energy meter, so the two sources disagree. Confirm this before relying on it.
- Pros: Included remote for app-free use, per CNET.
- Cons: Needs a hub. CNET said IKEA's own costs over $100.
What to skip
CNET (May 19, 2026) said there is no reason to choose the Amazon Smart Plug since better Alexa plugs cost less. Engadget and PCMag still liked it for Alexa-only homes, with PCMag rating it 3.5. Skip it unless you want zero setup and only use Alexa.
Who should skip buying a smart plug: Anyone planning to automate a space heater, refrigerator, sump pump or washer. Also skip it if you want to control built-in ceiling lights, since Engadget said those need a smart light switch.
5. Setup, safety and privacy tips
Check your Wi-Fi band. Wirecutter said all of its picks use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so confirm your router supports it. Engadget advised a hub for HomeKit remote access, such as a HomePod, Apple TV or iPad that stays home.
Expect a HomeKit snag. Engadget said a plug that will not appear in HomeKit may connect after being powered off for about 20 seconds. It also said a Kasa plug's HomeKit link was spotty until it added a HomePod mini.
Know the load limit. CNET (July 25, 2026) quoted an electrician saying the 15 amp UL rating is only safe for steady loads. CNET suggested staying under about 1,200 watts continuous for margin. It also said to look for a UL Solutions or Intertek-program listing mark.
What not to plug in. CNET's electrician warned against space heaters, hair dryers, toasters, refrigerators, sump pumps, washers, dryers, portable air conditioners and power tools. An r/homeautomation owner said a 15A Kasa plug ran a 600W heater for two years without trouble, but that is one anecdote and not a recommendation.
Use outdoor ratings outdoors. Wirecutter said to use a plug outdoors only if it is labeled for it. Its outdoor pick has an IP65 rating, and it said to use a weatherproof receptacle box.
Review privacy. Wirecutter noted that Tapo offers two-factor authentication and encrypts cloud data. It also reported TP-Link's statement that its US company is separate from its China-based entity, after a 2024 report about router scrutiny. If that still worries you, Engadget and CNET covered Emerson's SmartVoice plug as an offline option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart plugs need Matter?
Not always. Wirecutter said you can skip Matter setup if you rely on one platform, and Engadget noted its Wi-Fi picks worked without a hub except for HomeKit remote access.
Can I plug a space heater into a smart plug?
CNET's electrician advised against it, citing heavy continuous draw and power spikes. Manufacturers typically advise plugging heaters straight into the wall.
Do smart plugs save energy?
CNET said a smart plug itself does not lower consumption, but schedules and away modes can help keep use in check. Energy-monitoring models show where power goes.
Can I use an indoor plug outside?
No. Wirecutter and CNET both said to use a plug outdoors only if it is specifically rated for it, such as an IP65-rated model.
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