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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The best smart plugs of 2025: Turn your house into a smart home from just £6
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more > Smart plugs are fantastic tools for switching on/off your household devices like lamps and kettles remotely, even when you aren't at home. As with all things smart home, there's more choice than ever for consumers. While that's great for innovation, it can also make it difficult to know which products are worth buying. I've tested a range of smart plugs from leading brands including Tapo, Philips and Amazon to find out which ones offer the best performance, value and features. I've also made sure to cater to a variety of budgets, so while most smart plugs cost between £10 to £15, you'll find some entries here undercut and exceed that amount. Looking to expand your smart home setup? Read our guides to the best smart bulbs and best smart speakers. If you're in a hurry, you can check out my top five picks below. The best smart plugs: At a glance: How to choose the best smart plug As a rough estimate of how much it's going to cost to run a smart plug over the long term, be sure to check the wattage listed in the specs. Compatibility across not just your existing ecosystem but any future products you want to buy is crucial. 'Matter' certification offers peace of mind, showing that a plug can communicate with several ecosystems, which makes things a lot easier when setting up automations. It's also worth factoring in additional costs like a bridge/hub. Most plugs can connect directly to your phone or Wi-Fi, but if a central device is required for an internet connection, then it'll cost you more. Similarly, while smart plugs are fairly cheap on their own, the price can add up if you're installing several at once. Smart plugs are larger than an average plug and can block access to any nearby sockets that are too close together. Check the size to avoid this. Similarly, button placement is important as you don't want this to be blocked by another device that's also plugged in. How we test smart plugs For this guide, six smart plugs were called in for review, but only five made the cut. I tested each smart plug to see how easy it was to set up, and connected each plug via its app or intended ecosystem. Then, where possible, I added it to Apple HomeKit or Google Home. This helped me see how it worked with other devices. Response times were recorded when using the plug via an app, smart speaker or simply by pressing the buttons on the plug itself. Once set up, I plugged in everyday appliances including hairdryers, lamps, fans and kettles to check for any issues during normal use. All plugs were used over the course of a week to see how they responded to automations and features such as remote access. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best smart plugs of 2025 1. Best Buy Smart Plug: Tapo P110M Score: 9/10 We like: Compact design, Matter compatible, tons of features If you've already started looking for smart home tech, then there's a good chance you've come across TP-Link, or its subsidiary Tapo. Both brands have a varied range of devices, but if there's one that works brilliantly, it's the Tapo P110M. The M stands for Mini, signifying the best thing about this model. Unlike a lot of the options, the P110M is one of the few that doesn't encroach on the flick switch and if you're adding the plug to a larger extension lead, then you won't have to worry about it blocking any of the other left-facing power button should be taken into account, however. The smaller frame doesn't come at the cost of functionality, as the P110M would respond almost instantly when toggled via the app or via an Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker. The setup process isn't time-consuming, either. It all takes place within the Tapo app and there's a helpful QR code included in the box that allows for easy pairing with Apple Home and Google Home. The Tapo app is one of the cleanest smart home apps I've come across. All accessible devices are clearly labelled on the homescreen, but there's a section dedicated to quickly setting up automations, not too dissimilar to what iPhone users are familiar with in Apple Shortcuts. Key specifications 2. Best Value Smart Plug: IKEA Tretakt with Remote Control There is a standalone version of the IKEA Tretakt smart plug, but this pre-packaged bundle includes a remote control for a little bit more money. For the functionality it brings to the table, the added expense is worth it. The remote is already wirelessly paired with the plug, so once you insert batteries, it works straight away without needing the app. This makes it a great option for visiting friends or family members. The smart plug itself is bulky but has the smooth, minimalist design you'd expect from IKEA. The button on top is satisfyingly clicky. The issues start when you move to the smartphone setup. The IKEA Home Smart app is well-designed, with clear icons and good colour use. However, unlike a lot of smart plugs, you do need a £60 dedicated hub (the Dirigera hub) to set it up. Once connected, the plug can be integrated into your Apple Home, but when you factor in the need for the hub, the Tretakt becomes one of the more expensive options on the list. If you're looking for easy integration without spending extra, there are better choices. Key specifications 3. Best Smart Plug for Multiple Devices: Tapo P304M Score: 9/10 We like: Four unique sockets, surge protection If there's one problem that can be levied against smart plugs, it's that they aren't great in areas of your home where you rely on an extension lead to power multiple devices. A single smart plug won't give you the flexibility to control multiple devices individually, but that's exactly where the Tapo P304M comes into play. This ingenious bit of smart home kit has four power sockets that can all be controlled independently, either via the physical buttons on the power strip itself or via your smartphone. You can name each of the four sockets, so you can specify which appliance you want to turn on or off when communicating with a smart speaker. There's surge protection built in, too. Just like the Tapo P110M, the P304M is simple to set up via the Tapo app, as well as other smart home dashboards. Responsiveness is also top-notch, with no discernible delay when interacting with the device. Despite all of the extra tech that the P304M has over a standard extension lead, it isn't much heavier, so it won't be more of a slog to move it from one room to another. Key specifications 4. Best Smart Plug for Smart Lights: Philips Hue Smart Plug Philips Hue is the standout brand when it comes to smart lighting. Although its products tend to be on the pricier side, the Hue range has excelled in showing off what's possible with Wi-Fi-connected lighting. If you've invested a decent amount of money into this ecosystem, then you'll want to bring the Philips Hue Smart Plug into the mix. In the same way that the Amazon Basics Smart Plug is made with Alexa compatibility in mind, so too has the Hue Smart Plug been designed to seamlessly integrate with the Hue app and devices around your home. This is another smart plug that includes a QR code for quick pairing. As the Philips Hue app was already linked with my Apple Home account for lighting control, the Smart Plug was added automatically to the Home dashboard. This saves you from having to go through two setup processes. Response times for the plug were impeccable, responding right away to requests from both Alexa and the Hue app. The app itself has a great aesthetic and much like Tapo, it guides you with ideas for automations. The physical power button is on the left-hand side of the device, meaning it could be obstructed if there's another wall plug placed too close to it. This does feel like an oversight, but it can be remedied by having the plug installed on the left-hand side of an outlet. Key specifications 5. Best Alexa Smart Plug: Amazon Basics Smart Plug If you're already using Alexa-powered devices at home, the Amazon Basics Smart Plug is the easiest option to recommend. At £9.99 for one, or £27.99 for a four-pack, it's one of the most affordable smart plugs available. Set up is quick; it took me under two minutes using the Alexa app. There's a QR scanning code included in the box, so I just scanned it with my phone, switched the plug on and let the Alexa app handle everything else. The Alexa app isn't as clearly laid out as Tapo's and IKEA's, but everything is kept within the Alexa ecosystem. That makes it simple to set up automations and routines that link your devices together. The only downside is that response times can be a little bit slower than every other device I've tested. Most plugs react instantly, but Amazon's plug sometimes took up to two seconds to respond. It's not a major issue, but it is noticeable. Key specifications
Geeky Gadgets
16 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge Is Tipped to Have the Fastest Snapdragon Yet
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge is set to make a significant impact in the premium smartphone market. With the integration of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, this device establishes a new benchmark for speed, efficiency, and overall performance. Its sleek design, enhanced battery life, and innovative technology position it as a strong competitor to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max. This article explores the standout features and technological advancements of the Galaxy S26 Edge, shedding light on its potential to reshape the smartphone landscape. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Battery: Slim, Stylish, and Enduring Samsung has carefully refined the design of the Galaxy S26 Edge, achieving a thinner and more ergonomic form factor compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite its slimmer profile, the device incorporates a larger battery, addressing the growing demand for extended usage without frequent recharging. This balance between aesthetics and functionality ensures that the S26 Edge not only looks premium but also delivers dependable, all-day performance. Key design and battery highlights include: A thinner, more ergonomic design that enhances portability and comfort. A larger battery capacity allows extended usage for power users. A premium finish that reflects Samsung's flagship craftsmanship. The combination of a sleek design and improved battery life makes the S26 Edge a practical choice for users who value both style and endurance. Processor and Performance: The Power of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 At the heart of the Galaxy S26 Edge lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, code-named 'Canoe.' This state-of-the-art chip, paired with 12GB of RAM, delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, ensuring seamless multitasking and responsiveness. Running on Android 16 with Samsung's One UI 8.0, the device provides a smooth and intuitive user experience that caters to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. Performance benchmarks underscore the processor's capabilities: Geekbench 6 single-core score: 3,393. Geekbench 6 multi-core score: 11,515. Performance surpasses the Galaxy S25 Edge and rivals competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max. These results highlight the S26 Edge's ability to handle demanding tasks effortlessly. Notably, the benchmarks were achieved without fully using the processor's potential, suggesting that further optimization could unlock even greater performance. Graphics and Gaming: A New Standard with Adreno 840 GPU For gaming enthusiasts and users who rely on graphics-intensive applications, the Galaxy S26 Edge offers an unparalleled experience. The Adreno 840 GPU, integrated with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, ensures smooth gameplay, vibrant visuals, and superior rendering capabilities. This makes the device an excellent choice for those who prioritize gaming and multimedia performance. Gaming and graphics highlights include: Enhanced performance for graphically demanding games and augmented reality applications. Consistent frame rates and reduced latency for an immersive gaming experience. Optimized power efficiency to balance high performance with extended battery life. With these features, the S26 Edge sets a new standard for mobile gaming and graphics, appealing to users who demand top-tier performance in their devices. Exynos Challenges and Regional Variations While the Snapdragon processor takes center stage, Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 processor has faced production delays, limiting its availability in the Galaxy S26 lineup. As a result, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 has become the primary processor for most regions, ensuring consistent performance for global users. However, the delay in Exynos production highlights the challenges Samsung faces in competing with Qualcomm's dominance in high-performance processors. Key points regarding Exynos and regional variations: Exynos 2600 production delays have restricted its inclusion in the S26 Edge lineup. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to dominate across most regions, making sure uniform performance. Samsung continues to invest in strengthening its processor development capabilities to reduce reliance on third-party chips. This situation underscores the importance of processor innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the premium smartphone market. Market Competition and Strategic Positioning The Galaxy S26 Edge is strategically designed to challenge Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max, particularly in areas such as speed, graphics, and battery life. By using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor and Adreno 840 GPU, Samsung aims to attract users who demand high-performance devices for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. Competitive advantages include: A slimmer, more ergonomic design that enhances portability without sacrificing functionality. Improved battery life to meet the needs of power users and frequent travelers. Exceptional processing and graphics performance, appealing to gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. These features position the Galaxy S26 Edge as a formidable contender in the premium smartphone segment, offering a compelling alternative to Apple's flagship devices. Technological Advancements and User Appeal The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge represents a significant leap forward in smartphone technology. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, Adreno 840 GPU, and larger battery are tailored to meet the demands of users who prioritize speed, graphics, and endurance. While challenges with Exynos chip production persist, the reliance on Snapdragon ensures consistent performance across regions. For users seeking a high-performance smartphone that excels in gaming, multitasking, and battery life, the Galaxy S26 Edge stands out as a top-tier choice. As Samsung continues to innovate and refine its technology, the S26 Edge solidifies its position as a key player in the competitive premium smartphone market. Master the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Auto Blog
High-Performance Silverado, Tahoe, and Escalade Packages to Hit Dealers Soon
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Stellantis has finally shown what a midsize Ram Dakota might look like—but this one's not for the U.S. For the first time in North America, BMW will display Andy Warhol's 1979 M1 Art Car and Julie Mehretu's M Hybrid V8 Art Car side-by-side at Monterey Car Week. The announcement from Honda's luxury brand is a shift from its prior commitment to EVs made in 2021. Partnership Will Focus On Full-Size Trucks Holley, a prominent manufacturer of speed parts like its ubiquitous carburetors, and Callaway Cars, best known for its modified Corvettes, are teaming up to 'develop and launch a line of performance packages for GM trucks and SUVs,' the companies said in a press release. Holley and Callaway didn't say when the first of these performance packages would be available, though. The partnership will combine Callaway's engineering expertise with Holley's sales and marketing infrastructure to 'reach even more enthusiasts with turnkey, dealer-approved solutions,' the release said. The 'dealer-approved' part is key, as being able to buy these performance packages through dealerships—perhaps already installed on a new vehicle—will streamline things significantly for car buyers. Plans Cover Multiple GM Brands Source: GMC By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. Performance packages will be offered for full-size pickups and SUVs such as the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban, the GMC Sierra and Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade, as well as the Corvette. That's pretty similar to the range of models Callaway already covers with its performance upgrades. Multiple versions will be available at different prices, 'up to premium-level Pinnacle versions,' the release said, but without any details on what content would be included. In addition to tie-ins with dealerships, the two companies plan to offer direct-to-consumer sales, with Callaway handling the former and Holley handling the latter. Building Up The Callaway Brand Source: Cadillac By leveraging Holley's corporate footprint, the partnership could put the Callaway name in front of more eyeballs. Founded in 1977, Callaway Cars was founded by Reeves Callaway, the son of the founder of the Callaway Golf brand. The Connecticut-based company initially focused on BMW and a handful of other brands, but has become most famous as a prolific modifier of Corvettes, with standouts like the 254-mph SledgeHammer and the AeroWagon shooting brake. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Even with the expanded focus on trucks and SUVs, Callaway will remain committed to the Corvette. A new Callaway Performance Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will expand the company's operations in the 'Vette's hometown, allowing it to 'increase production capacity and enable broader availability of dealer-backed solutions for customers.' While it's a venerable name in the automotive aftermarket, Callaway faces plenty of competition from the likes Shelby and Hennessey when it comes to turnkey performance upgrades for modern Detroit Three machinery. This partnership with Holley could give Callaway a boost—and give customers more options for vehicle modifications. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
