The Best Smart Plugs in 2022
By Amirah Zakiyyah
Published June 2022
Want remote access to your light switches? Want to make sure you've always switched off your hair straighteners? Want to keep track of how much energy your plugged-in devices are using? You need a smart plug. Keen to take advantage of all these features but don't know where to start? We've rounded up the top five smart plugs the market has to offer.
On our list
#1 Best Overall: Wyze Plug
#2 Best for Alexa: Amazon Smart Plug
#3 Best for Smart Assistant Compatibility: WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug
#4 Best for Energy Monitoring: Eve Energy
#5 Best for Style: Hive Active Plug
#1 Best Overall: Wyze Plug
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Known for its affordable products, we're seeing the Wyze name again, this time topping our list of the best smart plugs. Available as a two-pack, you're getting more bang for your buck with the Wyze Plug.
Appearance-wise, there's nothing much to see. The single three-prong outlet supports 1800 watts and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. There's a tiny LED on the front of the device to indicate status.
One of the benefits of the Wyze Plug is the Vacation mode. When this setting is enabled, it randomly turns on and off your connected devices at random to make it seem like you're at home. Within the easy-to-navigate Wyze app, you can also toggle the plug to be switched on or off, set a timer or schedule and even keeps track of usage measured by the time spent using the plug on a daily and weekly basis.
Reviewers remarked that voice commands were excellent thanks to the size and design which prevents the Wyze Plug from interfering with other devices. If you own a Wyze Cam or Wyze Sense device, even better, because you can set those to allow the Wyze Plug to trigger on or off when doors open or close and motion is detected respectively.
Shop the Wyze Plug here.
#2 Best for Alexa: Amazon Smart Plug
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa
Amazon has a whole line-up of smart products. Did you know, that the brand also offers a smart plug? Made especially for Alexa-compatible devices, the Amazon Smart Plug is perfect for those looking for simplicity in their plugs.
Sporting a rectangular shape, the smart plug has a single socket and a tiny blue LED on the front which flashes when the plug's in set-up mode and illuminates when switched on. Keep in mind the Amazon Smart Plug only works with a 2.4GHZ band.
Once all set up and connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can then assign the smart plug to a group of devices or a particular room. This enables you to use your voice or smartphone to control the plug. Reviewers highlighted the ease with which the Amazon Smart Plug switched on or off seamlessly through the app and Alexa. The 'click' sound when the plug turns on or off is a reassuring bonus.
While the Amazon Smart Plug allows you to set schedules to switch on and off at specific times, it lacks an Away mode that gives the illusion of occupancy when you're not at home and an energy consumption tracking function. Yet, the Amazon Smart Plug is still a solid choice especially if you already have other devices integrated with Alexa. The ability to control all your compatible smart home gadgets from one platform is just handy.
Shop the Amazon Smart Plug here.
#3 Best for Smart Assistant Compatibility: WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
The WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug is one of the best smart plugs around because of its impressive smart assistant compatibility.
This smart plug features a single socket, a manual power button and an LED indicator which shows a white light when the plug is switched on and flashes white and orange during set-up mode. Take note that the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug won't work with 5Ghz Wi-Fi.
What reviewers love about the smart plug is the use of QR code that contributes to the simplicity of setting up. Other features to adore include an Away mode, a variety of scheduling and timing options within the WeMo app, and the ability to adjust settings even if you're not using your home's Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately, the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug is not the one for you if you're looking to keep an eye on energy consumption. Nevertheless, the smart plug is a great buy as it integrates with a variety of voice assistants.
Shop the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug here.
#4 Best for Energy Monitoring: Eve Energy
Compatibility: Apple Home Kit
Thanks to Thread smart home technology, the Eve Energy puts an end to smart home devices failing on you.
Unlike the other smart plugs on our list, the Eve Energy is slightly bulkier at 7.1cm deep. This smart plug is a single socket with a power button and an LED at the top which illuminates green when the plug's on. What's unique about the Eve Energy is to connect via Bluetooth. One compromise is that the plug can't be controlled if you're not at home.
The Eve Energy stands out because it thoroughly tracks energy consumption. Other than displaying hourly, daily, weekly and monthly power use, the smart plug also lets you see its current amperage and voltage. In addition, the app gives a breakdown of the estimated power spent and projects the cost you're paying for the plug's energy use based on your historical usage.
As with the WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug, the Eve Energy also facilitates easy set-up with the QR code found on its side. Apart from scheduling set times when you want the plug to be switched on and off, you can also add rules according to your preference. For example, you could set the plug to turn on when you arrive home or when the sensor detects the door opening.
Shop the Eve Energy here.
Eve Energy
Energy saving
Monitors electrical consumption and projects the expected cost.
#5 Best for Style: Hive Active Plug
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
One of the more well-designed smart plugs out there, the Hive Active Plug is also compatible with most voice assistants.
The Hive Active Plug is covered in textured white plastic material with a transparent front where the manual power button is located. To add a visual flair, the power button is surrounded by a ring of light which displays colour changes to indicate its ready to set up, facing connection issues and when it has successfully connected. The smart plug supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Just like the Amazon Smart Plug, the Hive Active Plug helps to confirm voice commands with a physical click. However, the plug takes this one step further by providing a visual update using the LED as an indicator.
The smart plug does a good job of letting you create schedules and having full control of when you want the lights to be switched on and off. That said, the Hive Active Plug is a costly option as it requires the Hive Hub to work. Regardless, it has received high praise with a wider ground for voice control integration and home automation with its Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant compatibility.
Shop the Hive Active Plug here.
Hive Active Plug
Hands free control
Reassures commands are received with an LED indicator.
Final Thoughts
The best smart plugs add a newfound convenience to your home. With a simple tap on your phone, you can do more than just power your appliances. Check out our guides on the best smart home cameras, doorbells, lights and locks to build a smarter home!
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