Best Smart Plugs (2026)
What are the best smart plugs in 2026?
TL;DR
Top pick: Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug) — Matter + energy monitoring in a slim non-blocking design, the cross-site consensus winner.
Best value: Kasa EP25 4-pack (~$10/plug) — accurate energy monitoring at the lowest per-plug price.
Best budget: Tapo P125M (~$12) — cheapest single Matter plug. [src1, src2, src4]
Summary
The smart plug market in 2026 has matured significantly, with Matter protocol support now standard across most top picks, enabling cross-platform compatibility between Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Prices range from ~$10 to ~$35 per plug, with the best options falling in the $10-$25 range. The TP-Link Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug in 2-packs) is the best overall smart plug — the consensus pick across Engadget, Wirecutter, Reviewed, and CNN Underscored — combining Matter certification, energy monitoring, and a compact form factor that does not block adjacent outlets. The Leviton Decora D215P 2nd Gen, which added Matter via firmware update, has dropped to ~$23 (from ~$36) and is now an affordable choice for HomeKit-first households that also want cross-platform flexibility. [src1, src2, src3, src4, src5]
For budget buyers, the TP-Link Tapo P125M (~$12) delivers Matter compatibility in one of the smallest form factors available, though it lacks energy monitoring. The Eve Energy (~$34) stands out as the best option for Apple HomeKit users, offering Matter over Thread connectivity for faster response times and detailed energy tracking without any cloud dependency. Energy monitoring has moved from a premium feature to an expected one, with the Emporia Smart Plug (~$12) offering the most detailed per-device power analytics at the lowest price point, while the Kasa EP25 4-pack (~$10/plug) is Wirecutter's value pick for accurate energy tracking. For outdoor use, Tom's Guide's March 2026 update confirms the TP-Link Tapo P400M (~$25) remains the best overall outdoor pick, with IP65, dual-outlet independent control, and 300-foot Wi-Fi range; the Kasa EP40A outdoor plug has fallen to ~$22, closing the gap on price. [src2, src3, src4, src8]
Top 11 Models Compared
| Model | Price | Protocol | Energy Monitoring | Voice Assistants | Outdoor Rated | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa KP125M | ~$11/plug | Wi-Fi, Matter | Yes | Alexa, Google, Siri, SmartThings | No | Best overall | Check price |
| TP-Link Tapo P125M | ~$12 | Wi-Fi, Matter | No | Alexa, Google, Siri, SmartThings | No | Best budget | Check price |
| Eve Energy (Matter) | ~$34 | Thread, Matter | Yes | Alexa, Google, Siri, SmartThings | No | Best for Apple HomeKit | Check price |
| TP-Link Kasa EP25 | ~$10/plug | Wi-Fi | Yes | Alexa, Google, Siri | No | Best multi-pack value | Check price |
| Wyze Smart Plug | ~$15/plug | Wi-Fi | No | Alexa, Google | No | Best basic Alexa+Google | Check price |
| Amazon Smart Plug | ~$25 | Wi-Fi | No | Alexa only | No | Best for Alexa homes | Check price |
| Emporia Smart Plug | ~$12 | Wi-Fi | Yes (detailed) | Alexa, Google | No | Best for energy monitoring | Check price |
| Leviton D215P (2nd Gen) | ~$23 | Wi-Fi, Matter | No | Alexa, Google, Siri | No | Best for Matter + HomeKit | Check price |
| Meross MSS120B | ~$19 | Wi-Fi | No | Alexa, Google, Siri | No | Best dual-outlet | Check price |
| TP-Link Tapo P400M | ~$25 | Wi-Fi, Matter | No | Alexa, Google, Siri, SmartThings | Yes (IP65) | Best outdoor | Check price |
| TP-Link Kasa EP40A | ~$22 | Wi-Fi | No | Alexa, Google, Siri | Yes (IP64) | Best outdoor + HomeKit | Check price |
Best for Each Use Case
Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug) — Check price
The Kasa KP125M is the first "no compromise" smart plug, combining Matter certification with energy monitoring in a slim design that does not block adjacent outlets. It works instantly with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. The Kasa app provides real-time and historical power consumption data, including estimated electricity costs based on your utility rate. Sold in 2-packs (~$22) and 4-packs (~$44), it offers excellent per-unit value. Note that energy monitoring data is only available through the Kasa app, not through Matter-connected platforms. [src1, src2, src4]
Best Budget: TP-Link Tapo P125M (~$12) — Check price
One of the smallest Matter-certified smart plugs on the market, the Tapo P125M is compact enough to stack two in a single duplex outlet without blocking either socket. At ~$12 per plug (or roughly $6.50/plug in the 3-pack), it is one of the most affordable ways into the Matter ecosystem. Setup is hub-free via Bluetooth and a Matter QR code. It handles up to 15A/1800W loads, suitable for lamps, coffee makers, fans, and other household appliances. It lacks energy monitoring, which is its main trade-off at this price. [src2, src3, src6]
Best for Energy Monitoring: Emporia Smart Plug (~$12) — Check price
The Emporia Smart Plug offers the most detailed per-device energy monitoring at the lowest price point. It tracks real-time power draw, daily/weekly/monthly consumption, and estimated costs through the Emporia app. Ideal for identifying energy-hungry appliances like space heaters, dehumidifiers, and old refrigerators. It integrates with the Emporia Vue whole-home energy monitor for comprehensive tracking. The 10A continuous load limit (15A peak) is lower than most competitors, making it unsuitable for high-draw appliances above 1,200W. [src3, src4]
Best for Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy (Matter) (~$34) — Check price
The Eve Energy was the first smart plug to adopt Thread technology, providing lightning-fast response times and reliable operation without relying on Wi-Fi or cloud services. With Matter certification, it now works across all major platforms, though it remains the best choice for Apple-centric homes where Thread border routers (HomePod, Apple TV 4K) are already present. Its energy tracking provides detailed cost projections, and Eve's 100% privacy commitment means no cloud registration, no tracking, and all communication stays local. Requires a Thread border router (HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or equivalent). [src2, src4, src5]
Best Outdoor: TP-Link Tapo P400M (~$25) — Check price
Tom's Guide's March 2026 refresh confirms the Tapo P400M as the best overall outdoor smart plug. It offers Matter support, two independently controllable 15A outlets, and IP65 weather resistance rated for -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Its dual-antenna Wi-Fi delivers a 300-foot range, ensuring reliable connectivity for garden lights, holiday displays, and patio equipment placed far from the router. Comprehensive scheduling (including sunset/sunrise automations) is handled natively in the Tapo app. It undercuts most outdoor smart plugs while offering Matter compatibility that most competitors lack. [src3, src7, src8]
Best Multi-Pack Value: TP-Link Kasa EP25 (~$10/plug in 4-packs) — Check price
The Kasa EP25 delivers fuss-free, reliable performance at ~$10 per plug in 4-packs (~$38). It supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT, with energy monitoring through the Kasa app. Its compact design does not block adjacent outlets. While it lacks Matter certification (unlike the newer KP125M), it remains one of the most reliable and widely recommended smart plugs, with Wirecutter naming it its overall top pick (99.8% schedule accuracy across a 14-month test) and the best sub-$20 energy-monitoring plug for bulk deployments. [src1, src4]
Best for Matter/Thread: Eve Energy (Matter) (~$34) — Check price
For homes already invested in Thread mesh networking, the Eve Energy operates over Matter via Thread rather than Wi-Fi, reducing network congestion and improving responsiveness. Each Eve Energy plug also extends your Thread mesh network's range. Combined with its energy monitoring, local-only processing, and TUV/UL certification, it represents the most future-proof smart plug available, though at a premium price. [src2, src4, src5]
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kasa KP125M vs Tapo P125M
Both are TP-Link Matter plugs, but the KP125M (~$11/plug) adds energy monitoring and a slightly larger footprint, while the Tapo P125M (~$12 single, ~$6.50/plug in 3-packs) is smaller and cheaper per plug in bulk but drops energy tracking. The KP125M is the better all-rounder; the P125M wins purely on size and bulk price. [src1, src2]
Pick KP125M if: you want energy monitoring and the consensus best-overall pick.
Pick Tapo P125M if: you are buying several plugs and do not need power tracking.
Kasa KP125M vs Leviton D215P (2nd Gen)
The Leviton D215P dropped to ~$23 in 2026 (from ~$36), narrowing its gap with the KP125M (~$11/plug). Both are Matter plugs that work with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google; the KP125M adds energy monitoring, while the Leviton offers Wire-Free Anywhere Switch companions and a beginner-friendly My Leviton app. [src1, src3]
Pick KP125M if: energy monitoring and lowest cost matter most.
Pick Leviton D215P if: you want companion switch accessories or prefer Leviton's ecosystem.
Eve Energy vs Kasa KP125M (for Apple HomeKit)
The Eve Energy (~$34) runs Matter over Thread for sub-second, local-only response and extends your Thread mesh, but costs roughly 3x the KP125M (~$11/plug), which reaches HomeKit over Wi-Fi via Matter. [src2, src4, src5]
Pick Eve Energy if: you have a Thread border router and want the fastest, fully-local Apple experience.
Pick KP125M if: you want HomeKit compatibility at a fraction of the price and do not need Thread.
Tapo P400M vs Kasa EP40A (outdoor)
Both are dual-outlet outdoor plugs around the same price now (~$25 vs ~$22). The Tapo P400M adds Matter certification and IP65; the Kasa EP40A is IP64 and lacks Matter but supports Apple HomeKit/Siri natively. [src3, src7, src8]
Pick Tapo P400M if: you want Matter cross-platform and higher IP65 weather sealing.
Pick Kasa EP40A if: you are HomeKit-first and want to save a few dollars.
Emporia Smart Plug vs Kasa KP125M (for energy monitoring)
Both are sub-$15 with energy tracking. The Emporia (~$12) gives the most granular per-device analytics and AI energy insights but is limited to 10A continuous (1,200W) and lacks Matter. The KP125M (~$11/plug) handles 15A/1800W and adds Matter cross-platform support. [src3, src4]
Pick Emporia if: you want the deepest energy analytics for low-draw devices.
Pick KP125M if: you need higher wattage headroom plus Matter.
Decision Logic
If budget is the priority (cheapest per plug)
→ Go with the TP-Link Kasa EP25 4-pack (~$10/plug) for energy monitoring, or the Tapo P125M (~$12 single, ~$6.50/plug in 3-packs) for the cheapest Matter plug. Both provide cross-platform voice control; the Tapo's ultra-compact form factor fits two in a single duplex outlet. The Wyze Plug white 2-pack now runs ~$15/plug — no longer the budget leader, and it lacks Matter. [src1, src2, src3, src6]
If user needs energy monitoring
→ The Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug) is the best balance of price and energy tracking with Matter support; the Kasa EP25 4-pack (~$10/plug) is the cheapest accurate energy-monitoring option. For the most granular power analytics (real-time draw, historical trends, cost projections), the Emporia Smart Plug (~$12) is unmatched, but its 10A continuous limit excludes high-draw appliances above 1,200W. The Eve Energy (~$34) offers energy monitoring with full local processing and zero cloud dependency, ideal for privacy-conscious users. [src1, src3, src4]
If user is in an Apple HomeKit / Thread household
→ Recommend the Eve Energy (~$34). It runs on Thread rather than Wi-Fi, providing sub-second response times and extending the home's Thread mesh network. All data stays local with no cloud account required. Requires a Thread border router (HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or equivalent). For a budget Apple-compatible option, the Kasa KP125M also supports HomeKit via Matter at roughly one-third the price. [src2, src4, src5]
If plug is for outdoor use
→ The TP-Link Tapo P400M (~$25) is the clear choice: IP65 weather resistance, two independently controllable outlets, Matter certification, and a 300-foot Wi-Fi range. Tom's Guide's March 2026 refresh confirms it as their best overall outdoor pick. For HomeKit-specific outdoor control, the Kasa EP40A (~$22) provides IP64 protection with Siri support but lacks Matter — and at ~$22 it now undercuts the P400M. No outdoor smart plug currently offers energy monitoring. [src3, src7, src8]
If user wants maximum ecosystem compatibility
→ Any Matter-certified plug delivers Alexa + Google + Siri + SmartThings out of the box. The Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug) is the best overall value with full four-platform support plus energy monitoring. The Tapo P125M (~$12) is the cheapest single Matter option. Avoid the Amazon Smart Plug (~$25, Alexa-only) and Wyze Plug (~$15/plug, Alexa + Google only) if cross-platform is required. [src1, src2, src4]
If the appliance is a high-draw device (space heater, portable AC, coffee maker > 1500W)
→ Verify the plug's continuous-load rating, not just its peak rating. The Kasa KP125M, Tapo P125M, Leviton D215P, and Amazon Smart Plug all carry 15A/1800W continuous ratings and are safe for resistive heaters up to ~1500W. Avoid the Emporia Smart Plug (10A continuous / 1,200W) for heaters and dehumidifiers. Never use any of these plugs on motor-driven compressors (window ACs, refrigerators) — startup surges exceed rated amperage. [src2, src3]
Default recommendation
→ If requirements are unknown or general-purpose, recommend the TP-Link Kasa KP125M (~$11/plug in 2-packs). It covers every major voice platform via Matter, includes energy monitoring, has a compact non-blocking design, and is the consensus top pick across Wirecutter, Reviewed, Engadget, and CNN Underscored. [src1, src2, src4, src5]
Key Market Trends (2026)
- Matter protocol adoption: Matter has become the dominant smart home interoperability standard. Most new smart plugs now ship with Matter certification, enabling seamless cross-platform control between Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings without brand-specific apps. [src2, src3, src4]
- Matter via firmware retrofits: The Leviton Decora D215P 2nd-Gen added Matter through a firmware update, showing that established premium plugs are now gaining Matter without hardware revision — a signal that Matter is becoming a baseline feature rather than a differentiator. [src3]
- Energy monitoring as baseline: Energy monitoring, once a premium feature found only in $30+ plugs, is now available in sub-$15 models like the Emporia and Kasa KP125M. Rising electricity costs have made per-device energy tracking a key purchasing factor. [src3, src4]
- Thread mesh networking: Thread-enabled plugs like the Eve Energy are gaining traction, particularly in Apple HomeKit households. Thread offers lower latency, lower power consumption, and self-healing mesh networking compared to Wi-Fi smart plugs. [src2, src5]
- Outdoor Matter plugs consolidating: The Tapo P400M has become the default outdoor Matter smart plug in every major 2026 roundup (PCWorld, Tom's Guide March refresh, CNN Underscored), selling around $24.99 — and the competing Kasa EP40A has fallen to ~$22, so outdoor dual-outlet plugs are now clustered near $22-$25 regardless of brand. [src3, src7, src8]
- Premium plugs falling to mid-range: The Leviton Decora D215P 2nd-Gen dropped from ~$36 to ~$23 in 2026, and the Kasa EP40A outdoor plug from ~$30 to ~$22. As Matter became table stakes, the price premium for established premium brands has largely evaporated. [src3, src9]
- Price compression: Average smart plug prices have dropped 30-40% since 2023, with basic Matter-certified models now available around $10. The Tapo P125M at ~$6.50/plug in 3-packs and the Kasa EP25 4-pack at ~$10/plug represent the current price floor for reliable plugs. [src2, src6]
Important Caveats
- Prices are approximate US street prices as of May 2026, verified against live Amazon listings. Multi-pack pricing often reduces per-unit costs significantly (e.g., Kasa KP125M at ~$44 for 4-pack vs ~$22 for 2-pack; Kasa EP25 at ~$38 for 4-pack).
- Smart plugs are rated for resistive loads (lamps, heaters, coffee makers). Motor-driven appliances (air conditioners, large fans) may draw startup surges exceeding the plug's rated amperage. Check the appliance's power draw before connecting.
- Matter energy monitoring data is not yet standardized across platforms. Most plugs with energy monitoring expose that data only through their proprietary app, not through HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home.
- Thread-based plugs (Eve Energy) require a Thread border router (Apple HomePod, Apple TV 4K, Google Nest Hub Max, or Samsung SmartThings Station) to function. Without one, they will not connect.
- All smart plugs listed require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks (except Thread-only models). They will not connect to 5 GHz bands.