Smart plugs have become an essential requirement for the modern, tech-savvy consumer. They, in conjunction with other smart devices, turn your home into a smart one. There is no need to replace your old appliances or gadgets as you can make them intelligent using a smart plug. Smart plugs are also convenient as they can be controlled from outside the confines of your home.
What are Smart Plugs?
Smart plugs are intelligent devices that enable you to control your standard appliances from anywhere and anytime. Even if your appliances are old, you can turn them on or off remotely. A smart plug goes in between the power socket or outlet and the appliance’s plug. It has intelligent circuitry for smart control and integrated Wi-Fi for enabling remote access. You connect the smart plug to your home’s wireless network. Some of them may also use Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols and require a hub to work.
The manufacturer provides a smartphone app for accessing and controlling the smart plug. It enables you to manually cut or restore power to the appliance for switching it off or on as desired. Smart plugs may also be compatible with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. They may support voice commands for hands-free operation.
Many smart plugs allow you to turn the power on or off as per a schedule or timer. You can automatically set the coffee machine to start brewing at 7:00 and turn it off at 7:10. It is not only convenient but can also save energy. You can turn off any lamps or lights automatically with sunrise and turn them on at sunset. If you forgot to turn off your TV or microwave but only realized it after reaching the office, you can do the same remotely through a smart plug. It is great for limiting the time that children have access to electronic devices like a console or computer. The best smart plugs of 2021 may also support energy monitoring. You can get an estimate of how much electricity is being consumed by a particular device and adjust your usage patterns accordingly.
The Best Smart Plugs of 2021
Quite a few brands manufacture smart plugs with different specifications. If you are looking for smart plug recommendations, here are the best smart plugs of 2021. They will suit the varying requirements of homeowners.
#1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a highly recommended option out of the best smart plugs of 2021. It enables you to turn electronic devices on or off from anywhere through your smartphone. Its small design makes it ideal for installing two smart plugs adjacent to each other. The Kasa app from TP-Link allows you to control the smart plug remotely and is available for iOS and Android platforms. It supports voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. You can even set schedules and create groups featuring multiple smart plugs or smart devices. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini connects to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network without the need for a hub. It has a low price tag of $22.99 and is one of the best smart plugs of 2021. You can often find it on sale for as low as $13.99.
#2. WYZE WLPP1CFH-1 Smart Plug, One-Pack, White
WYZE WLPP1CFH-1 Smart Plug is one of the most affordable options among the best smart plugs of 2021. It allows you to turn the plugged appliance on or off remotely. You connect the device to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network directly without requiring a hub. The manufacturer provides the WYZE app for controlling the plug. You can set a schedule to turn devices on or off automatically. More than one smart plug can be grouped for switching the power to multiple devices simultaneously. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the smart plug through voice commands. The app also has the Vacation mode that turns devices on or off randomly to mislead potential intruders into thinking that someone is present at home. WYZE WLPP1CFH-1 Smart Plug also supports IFTTT and can be programmed to work with other smart devices like motion sensors through the app. It costs only $11.98 and is one of the cheapest products out of the best smart plugs of 2021.
#3. Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon Smart Plug is a popular choice when it comes to the best smart plugs of 2021. It is a simple and easy-to-use smart plug for turning your appliances on or off from anywhere. You control the Amazon Smart Plug through the Alexa app available for smartphones. The app enables users to set schedules for switching electronic devices on and off automatically. They can even see the estimated energy consumption of their devices. Amazon Smart Plug connects to the Internet through a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network without any hub. As Amazon manufactures it, the device works with the company’s Alexa voice assistant. However, it won’t support Google Assistant or Siri and will only suit Alexa users. At $24.99, Amazon Smart Plug is a tad expensive for its feature set but still excellent for homes invested in Alexa users.
#4. TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini is another compact product out of the best smart plugs of 2021. It takes minimum space and won’t block adjacent outlets. The smart device enables remote control of electronic appliances plugged into it. There is no need for a hub as it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity. Users will have to download and install the Tapo app on their smartphone. It supports multi-user access, allowing you and your family members to control the smart plug through their respective smartphones. You can switch power to appliances manually or automatically by setting schedules. The Kasa app does not work with Tapo smart devices from TP-Link. TP-Link Tapo is among the best smart plugs of 2021 that work with Alexa Echo and Google Home. It is designed for a maximum load of 10A and 1200W. Its price tag of $11.99 makes it a lucrative offering.
#5. Meross Smart Plug Mini
When it comes to the best smart plugs of 2021, Meross Wi-Fi Smart Plug Mini is a suitable product for Apple HomeKit users. You can access, control, and monitor plugged electronic devices remotely. The Meross app will be required for the same and is available for iOS and Android platforms. It enables you to set schedules and timers for turning devices on or off. Sunrise and sunset settings are supported as well. Meross Smart Plug Mini has a compact design, and a pair of these can be stacked on a single socket, making it one of the best smart plugs of 2021. In addition to Apple HomeKit, Meross Smart Plug Mini works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings platforms. You can issue voice commands for controlling it conveniently. It is relatively affordable at $14.99 and suitable for home appliances that require a 15A outlet.
#6. Gosund Mini Smart Plug
Gosund Mini Smart Plug is a highly sought-after item among the best smart plugs of 2021. It enables users to operate their electronic appliances through their smartphone. You can control the plug remotely or by setting schedules and timers. Gosund Mini Smart Plug has integrated Wi-Fi and connects to a 2.4GHz network for facilitating remote control. You will also need to install the application provided by the company on a smartphone. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant but not other virtual assistants. The plug has a maximum rating of 10A and 1200W and won’t work with appliances that draw more current or power. Gosund Mini Smart Plug is super affordable at its $8.99 asking price and certainly one of the best smart plugs of 2021.
#7. Meross Outdoor Smart Plug
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug is a weatherproof option for the buyers of the best smart plugs of 2021. It features IP44-rated housing and is suitable for outdoor use. The device has two individuals outlets that can be controlled separately. You can plug two appliances simultaneously and operate them independently of each other. Meross Outdoor Smart Plug connects to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for enabling remote access through the Meross app. The app supports schedules and timers in addition to sunrise and sunset settings. It works with multiple voice assistants, including Apple HomeKit (iOS 13 or higher), Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Users can control it through voice commands. Its price tag of $19.99 is acceptable as well.
#8. APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip with USB Ports
APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip is a multi-socket option among the best smart plugs of 2021. It is a full-fledged power strip with six outlets and four USB ports, all of which feature surge protection. Out of these, three power outlets and two USB ports are smart and can be controlled remotely. The remaining sockets and ports are standard ones. APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip has integrated Wi-Fi and connect’s to your 2.4GHz wireless network. To control the smart outlets, users have to install the APCHome app but can also operate them through Alexa. They can control each of the smart outlets or ports individually and set schedules and timers for them. APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip is one of the best smart plugs of 2021 if you want to connect multiple peripherals. It supports a maximum current of 15A collectively for all outlets. Buyers will have to spend $34.99 for it, making the smart plug a decent purchase.
