Smart Plug Guide (2026): When You Should and Shouldn’t Use One
A smart plug is a pretty handy gadget, but for a while they were presented as a device you could add to anything to make it smart. This is true to a certain extent; You can use a smart plug to add instant power control to any outlet, allowing you to turn the outlet on and off as you please from anywhere in your home (or even if you’re not there). The TV can now turn off on command, the lights will turn on automatically at 5 p.m., and a simple coffee maker or appliance can run on its own if all it needs is electricity.
If you’re looking to control something simple that really only requires power for the full experience, we’ve found some of the best smart plugs to do it for you. TP-Link’s smart plugs have been my favorite for years, and the TP-Link Tapo Matter Mini Certified Smart Plug (P125M) ($19, 3-pack) lets you skip getting an app and use Matter to connect directly to the home hub of your choice. Smart plugs are also great for outdoor use, and the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug ($19) is designed for outdoors and has two built-in outlets.
Not sure if a smart plug can solve your dumb appliance problems? Read on for all our tips on what smart plugs actually do, how to best use them, and how to tell if they’re right for your device. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out our other smart home buying guides, including the best smart bulbs, best security cameras, best smart speakers, and best smart displays.
What is a smart plug? What can they do?
Smart plugs plug into a power outlet, then you plug your device of choice (a lamp, coffee maker, etc.) into the plug to let you control the flow of energy. The smart plug can connect to Wi-Fi and an app, as well as your smart speaker if you have one, to let you control it with automated programs, the dedicated app, or your voice.
Controlling the flow of energy to a device can allow you to turn the lights in your home on at a certain time or turn them off without leaving your bed. It can also allow you to turn on simple coffee machines or turn off the television for you. But for many devices, returning power to the device does not necessarily turn it back on.
Which devices work best with smart plugs?
A smart plug is best suited for a device that has a simple on/off switch that you can leave on and let the smart plug take care of the on/off part. The best example is a lamp with a manual switch, and this is my most frequent use of a smart plug in my home. I also really like outdoor-specific smart plugs for “stupid” outdoor lights and decorations (like my inflatable Santa hanging from my balcony), although I’ve now moved on to permanent outdoor lights that have controls similar to a smart bulb.
Smart plugs also have scheduling capabilities in the app, so you can set the smart plug to turn your lights on and off at certain times to appear at home, or have all lights and TV turn off automatically at 11 p.m. to force you to bed. (I do this, but I just tell Alexa to turn it back on. Maybe one day I’ll go to bed on time.)
I’ve used my smart plugs with a TV to turn it off, but sending power back to it doesn’t actually turn it back on, so it wasn’t as useful to me at the time. Now with a 3 year old this might be a handy way to pretend the TV is broken so I don’t have to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for the umpteenth time.
What devices don’t work well with smart plugs?
Smart plugs aren’t ideal for devices that require you to press buttons or select a mode for them to operate after power has already been sent to them. My electric kettle doesn’t heat until I choose its temperature, for example, so I can’t use a smart plug to start my morning routine, as some people recommend. Many coffee machines work the same way. As mentioned above, the TV is another example that won’t turn on when power is restored; I would still have to find the remote to turn it on and choose what I want to watch.
Our favorite smart plugs
We’ve tested many smart plugs over the years. These are our favorites.
Honorable mentions
There are many smart plugs with similar features and designs, so choosing one may depend on price and brand preference. Here are some others we love.
Alexa Smart Plug for $25: Look, any Matter-compatible plug (like the one we recommend above) is just as easy to add to your Alexa as Amazon’s own smart plug. But if you’re not interested in mixing ecosystems and want to guarantee that you’ll never need another app (which Matter plugs also guarantee!), this smart plug is a perfect fit.
