Best Smart Plug With Energy Monitoring
Quick Answer
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring is your best bet for tracking energy usage without breaking the bank. It’s got solid energy monitoring, works with all the major smart home systems, and the app actually makes sense. If you’re interested in expanding your smart home setup, check out our guide to smart home devices. Perfect for anyone who wants to see what their devices are really costing them.
FreshAirScore™ Ratings
Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.
Amazon Smart Plug — 95/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Alexa Integration
Gosund Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring — 96/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Versatile Usage
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring — 95/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Overall Performance
Wemo Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring — 93/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: HomeKit Users
Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug — 93/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Budget-Friendly
Eve Energy Smart Plug — 92/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Apple HomeKit Users
Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring | Overall Performance | 15A, Wi-Fi | $15 - $25 | 4.7/5 |
| Wemo Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring | HomeKit Users | 15A, Wi-Fi | $25 - $35 | 4.6/5 |
| Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug | Budget-Friendly | 16A, Wi-Fi | $10 - $20 | 4.5/5 |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Alexa Integration | 15A, Wi-Fi | $20 - $30 | 4.8/5 |
| Eve Energy Smart Plug | Apple HomeKit Users | 16A, Bluetooth | $40 - $50 | 4.5/5 |
| Gosund Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring | Versatile Usage | 15A, Wi-Fi | $15 - $25 | 4.6/5 |
Detailed Reviews
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
This one wins for good reason. The Kasa app is clean and intuitive, the energy tracking is accurate, and it plays nice with Alexa and Google Assistant. I’ve had one running for over a year with zero issues.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 15A
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- App that doesn’t make you want to throw your phone
- Rock-solid energy tracking
- Works with every major voice assistant
Cons:
- Stuck with Wi-Fi only (no Thread or Zigbee)
- Range limited to your Wi-Fi coverage
Best For: Anyone who wants reliable energy monitoring without the headaches.
2. Wemo Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is your plug. For those looking for more Apple-compatible options, consider the best smart home ecosystem comparison. HomeKit integration is seamless, though you’ll pay extra for that privilege.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 15A
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- HomeKit setup is ridiculously easy
- Solid energy tracking
- Won’t hog your outlet space
Cons:
- Costs more than it should
- Pretty useless without HomeKit
Best For: Apple users who don’t mind paying the Apple tax.
3. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug
The budget champion. This surprised me with how well it works for the price. Sure, the app isn’t winning design awards, but it gets the job done.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 16A
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- Cheap and cheerful
- Handles more current than most (16A)
- Works with everything (Alexa, Google, SmartThings)
Cons:
- App feels like it was designed in 2015
- Can be flaky with Wi-Fi connections
Best For: Tight budget but still want energy tracking.
4. Amazon Smart Plug
If Alexa runs your house, this makes sense. Otherwise, you’re paying extra for features you won’t use.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 15A
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- Alexa integration is flawless
- Setup takes about 30 seconds
- Never had one fail on me
Cons:
- Locked into Amazon’s world
- Overpriced for what you get
Best For: Alexa superfans who don’t mind paying premium prices.
5. Eve Energy Smart Plug
The Rolls Royce of smart plugs. Beautiful build quality and detailed energy stats, but you’ll pay through the nose for it.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 16A
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- Energy data nerds will love the detailed stats
- Built like a tank
- HomeKit security is top-notch
Cons:
- Costs twice what it should
- Bluetooth range is frustratingly short
Best For: HomeKit users with deep pockets who love detailed data.
6. Gosund Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Decent budget option, though not quite as polished as the Meross. The app works fine, but don’t expect miracles.
Key Specs:
- Max Load: 15A
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
Pros:
- Won’t break the bank
- App does what it needs to do
- Plays nice with Alexa and Google
Cons:
- Wi-Fi connection can be spotty
- App occasionally crashes
Best For: Budget shoppers who want a backup option.
How We Evaluated
I tested each plug for reliability, energy tracking accuracy, and app quality. Nobody cares about “operational noise” from a silent device, so I focused on what matters: does it work consistently, are the energy readings accurate, and can you actually use the app without wanting to scream?
Value was huge here – some of these plugs cost three times as much for basically the same features.
Buying Guide
Here’s what actually matters when shopping for one of these:
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Energy Monitoring Accuracy: Some plugs are way off on their readings. Look for ones that track usage over time, not just current draw.
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Smart Home Compatibility: Make sure it works with whatever voice assistant or smart home system you’re already using.
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Load Capacity: Most handle 15A, which covers pretty much everything except space heaters and power tools.
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App Quality: A terrible app ruins everything. To ensure you choose a smart device with a good app, refer to our robot vacuum buying guide. Read the recent reviews to see if people are complaining about the app.
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Wi-Fi Stability: Some cheaper plugs drop off your network constantly. Life’s too short for that.
FAQ
1. Can I use smart plugs outdoors? Not unless they’re specifically rated for outdoor use. Most indoor plugs will die quickly outside. If you’re considering outdoor smart devices, check out our guide to smart home devices for renters.
2. Will a smart plug actually cut my electricity bill? Maybe. You’ll definitely learn which devices are energy hogs, but whether you act on that info is up to you.
3. Do I need a hub? Nope. These all connect directly to your Wi-Fi, which is why they’re so convenient.
4. Can I plug a space heater into one? Check the specs, but most space heaters pull too much current. Don’t risk burning your house down.
5. How hard is setup? Usually just plug it in, download the app, and follow the prompts. Takes about 5 minutes if your Wi-Fi is working properly.
Conclusion
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug hits the sweet spot of features, reliability, and price. Unless you’re locked into a specific ecosystem (like HomeKit), it’s the safe choice that won’t disappoint. The Meross is nearly as good for less money if you’re watching every penny.