Smart plugs are the easiest, cheapest way to add intelligence to your home. Plug one in, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and you can schedule, monitor, and remotely control almost any device. The best smart plugs for energy savings do even more — they track exactly how much power each device uses so you can cut your electricity bill. Here are our top picks for 2026.
Top 5 Smart Plugs for Energy Savings
| Smart Plug | Price | Energy Monitoring | Voice Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa EP25 | ~$17 | Yes | Alexa, Google |
| Amazon Smart Plug | ~$25 | No | Alexa only |
| Wemo Mini | ~$29 | No | Alexa, Google, Siri |
| Meross Smart Plug | ~$15 | Yes | Alexa, Google, Siri |
| Emporia Vue Smart Plug | ~$20 | Yes | Alexa, Google |
1. Kasa Smart Plug EP25 — Best Overall
The Kasa EP25 is the complete package. It tracks energy consumption in real time, showing you daily and monthly usage. You can set schedules, create automations, and control it via Alexa or Google Assistant. The app is polished and responsive — one of the best in the smart plug category.
Price: ~$17 | Max Load: 15A/1800W
- ✅ Real-time energy monitoring with usage history
- ✅ Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- ✅ Compact design doesn’t block second outlet
- ✅ Away mode randomly toggles lights to deter burglars
- ❌ No Apple HomeKit support
2. Amazon Smart Plug — Best for Alexa Homes
If your home is all-in on Alexa, the Amazon Smart Plug is the simplest option. No app setup required if you have an Alexa device — just say “Alexa, discover devices” and you’re done. It’s reliable and works seamlessly with Alexa routines.
Price: ~$25
- ✅ Simplest Alexa setup of any smart plug
- ✅ Reliable, Amazon-backed hardware
- ✅ Works with Alexa routines
- ❌ No energy monitoring
- ❌ Alexa only — no Google or HomeKit
3. Wemo Mini Smart Plug — Best for Apple HomeKit
The Wemo Mini is notable for supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, AND Apple HomeKit — making it the most cross-platform smart plug available. Wemo’s reliability record is excellent. The compact design fits neatly without blocking adjacent outlets.
Price: ~$29
- ✅ Works with all three major voice platforms
- ✅ Compact size
- ✅ Rock-solid reliability
- ❌ No energy monitoring
- ❌ Slightly pricier than competition
4. Meross Smart Plug — Best Budget Pick with Monitoring
The Meross Smart Plug delivers energy monitoring and HomeKit support at the lowest price in its class. If you want to track which appliances are costing you the most — and control them from your iPhone — this is outstanding value for money.
Price: ~$15
- ✅ Energy monitoring + Apple HomeKit at the lowest price
- ✅ Works with Alexa, Google, and Siri
- ✅ Detailed power consumption reports
- ❌ App interface not as polished as Kasa
5. Emporia Vue Smart Plug — Best for Energy Nerds
If you’re serious about reducing your energy bill, the Emporia Vue Smart Plug provides the most detailed energy reporting of any plug in its price range. It shows real-time wattage, cost estimates, and historical trends. Pair multiple plugs with the Emporia app for a whole-home energy dashboard.
Price: ~$20
- ✅ Best-in-class energy monitoring detail
- ✅ Real-time wattage and cost estimates
- ✅ Works with Alexa and Google
- ❌ Emporia ecosystem is less mainstream
Buying Guide: Smart Plugs for Energy Savings
Do You Need Energy Monitoring?
If your goal is purely convenience (schedule your lamp, automate coffee), skip energy monitoring. If you want to reduce your electricity bill, pay the extra $5–10 for a plug with monitoring. Seeing that your old space heater costs $45/month is motivating.
Check Outlet Clearance
Some smart plugs block both outlets on a duplex receptacle. Look for “compact” or “slim” designs if outlet space is limited.
Hub-Free vs. Zigbee
All the plugs above connect directly to Wi-Fi — no hub required. Zigbee-based plugs need a hub but use less power and are more reliable in large mesh networks.
How Much Can You Save?
A single smart plug on your TV entertainment system, set to cut power during overnight hours, can save $8–15/month. A smart plug on a space heater with a proper schedule can save $20–40/month depending on your electricity rate.
FAQ
Can smart plugs be used outdoors?
Standard smart plugs are indoor-only. Look for outdoor-rated smart plugs (IP44 or IP65 rated) for outdoor use.
Do smart plugs work with 240V appliances?
Standard US smart plugs are 120V. For 240V appliances (dryers, EV chargers), you need specialized smart switches — not plugs.
How much does a smart plug cost to run?
A smart plug draws 0.5–2W in standby — roughly $0.50–2/year. The energy savings from scheduling devices far exceed this cost.
Conclusion
The best smart plug for energy savings in 2026 is the Kasa EP25 — it monitors energy, works with Alexa and Google, and costs just $17. For Apple HomeKit users, the Meross Smart Plug offers similar features at an even lower price.