6 Best Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring
If you’re aiming to optimize your home’s energy consumption, selecting the right smart plug with accurate monitoring features is essential, especially those capable of measuring power usage down to the watt-hour, with some models providing real-time data update intervals of less than a second for precise monitoring. Not all devices are equally compatible across ecosystems like Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit, and factors such as load capacity, safety certifications, and scheduling flexibility also influence performance. Exploring these options will guide you toward reliable, cost-effective solutions.
Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug (4 Pack)
- Control Your Appliances and Devices: Control lights, fans, lamps, humidifiers, and any...
- Monitor Your Home Energy Like a Pro: Emporia smart plugs let you stay on top of energy...
If you want an affordable and simple way to keep track of and control multiple devices in your home, the Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug (4 Pack) is a good choice. It works with WiFi, Alexa, and Google Home in North America. This smart plug fits into standard 120V outlets and can handle up to 15A for one hour or 10A all the time. You should avoid plugging in very high-power devices that need more than 10A. It’s perfect for items like lamps, fans, or humidifiers.
You can control it from anywhere using the Emporia App or your voice. It only connects to 2.4GHz WiFi, so make sure your network uses that. The plug has energy monitoring features. These show how much power each device uses in real-time. This helps you see what costs more and save energy.
Best for: Homeowners and renters who want an easy and affordable way to monitor energy use and control devices remotely.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control
- Shows real-time power use
- Lets you control and schedule devices remotely using the app
Cons:
- Only works with 2.4GHz WiFi networks
- Should not be used with appliances that need more than 10A continuous power
- Sometimes, units can overheat or turn off if used with high power for a long time
This smart plug helps you save energy and stay in control of your devices at home or your apartment.
SONOFF S31 WiFi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack)
- Note: The SONOFF S31 only works with 2.4GHZ WiFi, not 5GHZ WiFi at all, and not...
- Monitor Energy Consumption: Keep track of real-time power, current and voltage of your...
The SONOFF S31 WiFi Smart Plug comes in a package of four. It helps you keep track of energy use and is easy to add to your smart home. The plug supports up to 15 amps and works with 120 volts AC power. It has safety approval from ETL and works well with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. You can control it with the eWeLink app. Its small size of 3 x 2 x 1.02 inches lets it fit into most outlets. But it might block nearby sockets because of its shape. The plug can show real-time voltage, current, and power readings. It records energy data for up to 100 days. This makes it easy to see how much energy your devices use and save money.
Best For: People who want an affordable smart plug with energy monitoring. It’s good for home automation and saving energy.
Pros:
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT for voice and app control.
- Monitors energy use in real-time and keeps track of data for 100 days.
- Small size fits most outlets and lets you control devices remotely.
Cons:
- Only works on 2.4 GHz WiFi, so your network needs to support this.
- It may block other sockets next to it.
- Some users report issues with hardware, like broken parts.
This smart plug is a simple choice for anyone who wants to manage their energy and control devices easily at home.
SONOFF S31 Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (2-Pack)
- APP Remote Control: SONOFF Smart Plug can help you easily control your home appliances...
- Energy Consumption Monitoring: You can see the power and power consumption of electrical...
The SONOFF S31 Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (2-Pack) is a simple and helpful device for your home. It turns any regular outlet into a smart one. You can control it with your phone or with your voice if you connect it to Alexa or Google Home. The best part is it shows you how much electricity your devices use. You can see real-time data and check past usage for up to 100 days. This helps you save energy and money.
The S31 plugs connect to your Wi-Fi network, but only to the 2.4GHz band. You don’t need a hub or extra gadgets to get started. Just plug it in, download the app, and set up your smart plugs. You can turn devices on or off from anywhere. The app also lets you create schedules, put multiple plugs in groups, and share control with family members.
These smart plugs handle up to 15 amps, so they work well for most everyday appliances. But they are not good for very high-power devices. They don’t have physical buttons on the plug itself, so you will always need your phone or voice control to operate them.
This 2-pack is perfect for households that want an easy way to control their devices and keep an eye on energy use. It’s simple to install and works well with many smart home setups.
Advantages:
- Easy to set up without extra hubs
- Works with your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
- Shows real-time power use and history
- Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control
Drawbacks:
- Only works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz
- Max current is 15 amps, not for very high-power appliances
- No physical buttons on the plug itself
This smart plug makes controlling your devices simple and smart. It helps you save energy and stay connected without hassle.
SwitchBot HomeKit Smart Plug Mini 15A (2 Pack)
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹...
- 𝗔 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀...
Looking for a smart plug that keeps an eye on your energy use? The SwitchBot HomeKit Smart Plug Mini 15A (2 Pack) is a small, easy-to-use device that works with many smart home systems. It connects smoothly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
This plug supports up to 15A, so it can power most household devices. Its small size means it won’t block other outlets. It has safety shutters for added security. The setup is simple—just use the SwitchBot app to connect to your WiFi. The app also makes it easy to update the device’s software.
One of its best features is real-time energy monitoring. You can see how much power your devices are using. This helps you save electricity and lower your bills.
This smart plug is great for people who want reliable automation and a clear view of their energy use. It doesn’t need a hub, making it a quick and simple choice for smart homes.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and works with Apple, Alexa, Google, and IFTTT.
- Compact size prevents blocking other outlets.
- Safety shutters keep your children safe.
- Tracks energy use in real-time.
Cons:
- Slightly bigger than some tiny plugs.
- Only works with 2.4GHz WiFi. No 5GHz support.
- Manual control and size may not suit everyone.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug 4-Pack
- 【Insightful Energy Tracking】Track your plug's energy use with clear and...
- 【Estimate Your Energy Bill】 Enhance energy management by integrating with billing...
If you want a cheap and simple way to control and watch over your home devices, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug 4-Pack can be a good choice. It works well with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can also use the Tapo app on your phone. The plugs are easy to set up and connect to your Wi-Fi. Each plug can handle up to 15A or 1800W, and they only use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. That means you don’t need a special hub to use them. The small size helps avoid blocking other outlets, so you can connect multiple plugs easily.
These plugs let you see how much energy your devices use through energy monitoring. You can set schedules to turn devices on or off automatically. They also have auto-shutoff and give real-time power updates. These features help you save energy and keep track of your power use in a simple way.
Best For: People who want a low-cost, easy-to-use smart plug that shows energy info and works with voice commands.
Pros:
- Easy to set up using the Tapo app
- Control your devices remotely with your phone or voice
- Check energy use and set schedules to save power
- Small size keeps outlets open for other plugs
Cons:
- Sometimes Wi-Fi setup can be tricky at first
- Only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, not 5GHz
- Some users find the advanced automation features a little hard to learn at first
This smart plug is good for anyone who wants a simple way to make their home smarter and save energy, without extra complicated gadgets.
Kasa Smart Plug, Matter Compatible, 2-Pack
- 【Matter: All-Round Compatibility】With Matter, users are no longer tied to specific...
- 【Matter: Smooth LAN Control】All Matter-certified devices in your local area network...
If you want a smart plug that is reliable and future-ready, the Kasa Smart Plug KP125M is a good choice. This set comes with two plugs that work with many smart home systems. It uses Matter technology, which means it connects easily with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Your devices talk directly over your Wi-Fi, so they keep working even if your internet goes out.
This smart plug can show you how much energy your appliances use over time. That helps you save money and cut down on energy waste. The design is small so it won’t block other outlets. Setting it up is simple and fast — usually, it takes less than five minutes. It’s safe to use and easy to control with your phone or voice.
This plug is perfect for people who want a reliable smart device that saves energy and works with many smart home systems. It’s easy to install and use every day.
Pros:
- Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, and SmartThings.
- Lets you check energy use over time.
- Small size prevents blocking other outlets.
- Easy and quick setup.
- Safe to use with UL certification.
Cons:
- Needs Wi-Fi to work fully.
- Can only control compatible smart devices—not regular appliances.
- Some users see a slight delay with commands during busy network times.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring
When selecting a smart plug for energy monitoring, you need to guarantee it seamlessly integrates with your existing ecosystem, whether that’s Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, since compatibility determines ease of use and future expandability. Pay close attention to the device’s power capacity—most standard outlets support up to 15 amps, but high-power appliances like space heaters may require models rated for 20 amps or more, and exceeding these limits can pose safety risks. Finally, evaluating the accuracy of energy data, user-friendliness of setup and connectivity, along with automation and scheduling capabilities, is essential for reliable, efficient management of your energy consumption.
Compatibility With Ecosystems
Compatibility with your smart home ecosystem is important for your energy monitoring smart plug to work smoothly. Check if the plug works with your favorite system, like Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. This helps ensure voice commands, app controls, and routines work well. Some smart plugs can connect to multiple systems, which is handy if you want to add more devices later. Also, see if the plug supports the Matter protocol. This makes it easier to connect different smart home systems now and later. Finally, make sure energy monitoring features work with your chosen platform. This helps you see energy use in one place and set automations based on power consumption. Easy compatibility helps your smart home run smoothly and keeps things simple.
Power Capacity and Limits
Making sure your smart plug can handle the power of your appliances is very important. Most smart plugs are rated for around 15 amps, which is about 1800 watts. Check that the plug can handle the number of watts your device uses. If your appliance uses too much power, the smart plug can overload or break.
Some smart plugs are only rated for 10 amps, especially for devices used all the time. Avoid plugging in high-power devices like space heaters or large kitchen gadgets that need more power. Always look at the label on your appliance to see how many watts it needs. Then, compare that to what the smart plug can handle.
Make sure your smart plug matches your area’s voltage, like 120V in North America. This helps it give correct power readings. Also, check if the plug has the feature to monitor energy.
Keeping within the power limits makes your smart plug safer, longer-lasting, and more reliable. It also helps you see accurate data about how much energy your devices use.
Energy Data Accuracy
Have you ever wondered how accurate the energy readings from your smart plug really are? The answer depends on the sensors inside the plug. Different models have different sensors to measure current and voltage, so some readings can be more precise than others.
The way the plug tracks energy also matters. If it checks energy very often, it can see small changes better. This makes the data more accurate. If it checks less often, it might miss tiny fluctuations and give a more general idea.
Calibration is important too. Good smart plugs are calibrated properly, so their measurements stay consistent over time. Poor calibration can cause the readings to drift or be wrong. Firmware quality is another factor. Better firmware means the device measures more reliably and reduces errors.
Some smart plugs let you see and save detailed data. You can check this data to spot errors and see how close the readings are to real energy use. This helps you correct mistakes if needed.
Setup and Connectivity Ease
Choosing a smart plug that is easy to set up and stays connected is important for getting the most out of your energy monitor. Devices that only work on 2.4 GHz WiFi generally work better and stay connected more reliably. Most energy features work best on this frequency, and it avoids issues that can happen with 5 GHz networks. Look for a smart plug with step-by-step instructions in the app. This makes setup simple and quick. It’s also helpful if the plug works with voice commands like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, so you can control it easily. Choose a model that updates its software automatically. This keeps it secure and connected well over time. An easy-to-use app helps you check your energy use, set timers, and make schedules without hassle. A smart plug with a simple design lets you focus on saving energy instead of fixing connection problems. This makes your smart home work smoothly and helps you save money on electricity.
Automation and Scheduling Features
Automation and scheduling are important features to look for in smart plugs. These features let you set devices to turn on or off at certain times. This helps save energy and makes your appliances last longer. For example, you can have your lights turn off at bedtime automatically.
Many smart plugs support routines based on sunset, sunrise, or your location. This means your devices can change their behavior according to the time of day or where you are. You can also group multiple devices and set schedules for all of them at once. That makes managing several appliances easier.
Using schedules can also help you avoid running devices during peak energy hours, which are usually between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. This can save you money on your electricity bill. To make sure your schedules work well, your smart plug should have compatible firmware. It should also connect easily with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. This way, you can control your devices hands-free and keep things simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accurate Are the Energy Consumption Readings From These Smart Plugs?
You might wonder how precise those smart plug readings are. Usually, they provide reasonably accurate data, but accuracy can vary depending on the device’s quality and calibration, so use them as helpful estimates rather than exact measurements.
Are These Smart Plugs Compatible With All Major Smart Home Ecosystems?
You’ll find that most smart plugs are compatible with major ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. However, always check each plug’s specifications to guarantee seamless integration with your preferred smart home setup.
Can Smart Plugs Automatically Turn off Devices When Energy Usage Is High?
Yes, smart plugs can automatically turn off devices when energy usage spikes if they come with energy monitoring and automation features. You set thresholds, and the plug takes action, helping you save energy and reduce costs efficiently.
How Secure Is the Data Shared Between the Smart Plugs and Apps?
You might worry about data security with smart plugs, but reputable brands use encryption and regular updates to protect your info. Always choose trusted manufacturers, enable security features, and keep firmware updated for safer smart device management.
Do Smart Plugs Support Scheduling and Remote Control Features?
Smart plugs definitely support scheduling and remote control features. You can set timers or turn devices on and off from anywhere using your smartphone, making it easy to manage energy use and enhance convenience in your home.
Last update on 2025-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API