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Telegraph
2 days 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
CNET
21-05-2025
- CNET
These 10 Smart Plug Tricks Made My Home Feel Way Smarter
Smart plugs might not look like much, but I've learned they're one of the most useful smart home gadgets you can have. With just one plug, I've turned regular things, like my old coffee maker and living room lamp, into smart devices I can control from my phone. No upgrades, no rewiring, just plug and go. At first, I only used them to switch stuff on and off remotely, but that barely scratches the surface. Now I've got routines set up, schedules that save time in the morning, and I can even track how much energy certain devices are using. It's one of those small changes that quietly makes life way more convenient. If you're looking for fun and practical purposes for your plugs, consider these 10 creative uses for your smart plugs. You can also check out which appliances you should unplug to slash your electric bill and the best temperature to set your thermostat to save money. Upgrade waking up It's not always easy to get out of bed in the morning but smart plugs can make it a little more pleasant. Use a smart plug to sync your bedside lamp and radio to greet you with your alarm to help you wake up and get motivated to start the day. Is coffee a key component to starting your day? Same here, which is why I use a smart plug to automatically brew a pot in the morning. Just remember to fill your coffee maker with grounds and water the night before. You can also schedule your electronic toothbrush to begin charging when you wake up and stop after a few minutes (to save some energy -- it doesn't need to charge all day). Or, program your curling iron to heat up 20 minutes after waking up. Tell Alexa to turn off the lights The 5th-gen Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is perfect for using voice commands to control your smart plugs. Ry Crist/CNET Most smart plugs are compatible with smart home ecosystems, adding another level of convenience to a device already made to simplify your life. Instead of pulling the app up on your phone and (somewhat) manually turning the lights out at night or creating a schedule that may turn the lights out before you're ready, simply tell your smart home hub to do it. Be sure to name the smart plug so your hub knows which device to turn off. Or let IFTTT do the work Now we're really talking about "smart." Many smart plugs are built with IFTTT capabilities, enabling you to pair them with other smart devices and automate how they interact. For example, with a compatible smart plug and thermostat, you could automate a fan to turn on automatically if the temperature gets a little warm and then turn it back off when it's cooler. You could also do the same with a space heater when the temperature drops. For home security, try setting your smart plug to turn on a lamp when your outdoor camera detects activity in the backyard or automatically set a lamp to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. A kick for the kids My personal favorite is that while we know how smart devices like plugs and lights work (mostly), to a child, it's nothing short of magic. Have the app for your smart plug ready, then proclaim your uncanny ability to turn the lights on or off at your command. Use a countdown or the trusty "abracadabra" to really sell it, then hit the button. Your audience is sure to be captivated but what's even more fun is letting them be the magician. Instruct them to use a word or gesture to control the lights and use your phone to make it happen each time they do. Fair warning: This will get old for you before it gets old for them. Be prepared for the "batteries to go out" or the light to "break." Get dinner started I'm not quite as sold on this idea as the last one, but it's worth a try. Use your smart plug to start your money-saving crockpot or sous vide steak before you get home. Doing so will take much of the idle time out of cooking, potentially paving the way for recipes and cooking methods you wouldn't otherwise be able to enjoy. My concern here is food safety. How long are you leaving that food out before the cooking begins? Be mindful of foodborne illnesses when using your smart plug to delay the cooking process. Command your outdoor lights Use outdoor smart plugs to automatically turn your lights on or off and save money on your electricity bill. Daniel Van Boom/CNET Outdoor lighting can be about more than deterring unwanted visitors. Something as simple as a good set of outdoor string lights can really spruce up your outdoor living space. But plugging and unplugging them? Not so much. And next month's power bill? Even less so. Employ outdoor smart plugs to automatically turn on your outdoor lights, fan or any other outdoor plug-in accessory in the evening and then turn it off at sunrise. Do the same with an indoor plug for the lights on your Christmas tree during the holidays. Secure your garage door I came across this tip at Smart Geek Home and it's too good not to share. Plug your garage door opener into a smart plug. It won't enable you to open or close your garage door in place of the button, remote or control panel (like a smart garage door opener) but it will prevent others from opening the door. Car break-ins are common. What's worse, many of us leave our garage door remotes somewhere in our vehicles. If a thief grabs that, they could also have access to your home. By plugging your garage door opener into a smart plug, you can cut the power to it when you're away or in for the night. That way, even if someone has the remote to your garage door opener, they won't be able to raise the door. Get those hard-to-reach places Outlets are generally located in convenient locations until you put a big piece of furniture in front of them. But some outlets, perhaps in the garage or attic, can be downright difficult to access. While a smart plug won't make it easier to plug something into the outlet, it'll give you control over the devices once you've managed to plug them in, such as a mounted fan in the attic or a fluorescent light in your garage. Remotely restart your router Even the best Wi-Fi routers can give you some trouble when you need to access them. The top of a bookshelf is a good spot for your router, unless you need to reach it. Your router could also be tucked away in a closet, depending on where your internet connection enters the home. Or your router may be easily accessible but on another floor when you need to restart it. Use your smart plug to cut power to your router for 30 seconds or so, then turn it back on, effectively restarting it. Note that if your router has a battery backup, this won't work but if that's the case neither would unplugging it -- you'd still have to take the batteries out. While a smart plug is convenient for restarting your router, I don't recommend using it to turn your internet connection on or off. If you want to limit internet access, most, if not all, routers have an app that lets you control internet access by device. Try this before cutting the internet connection out entirely, as doing so could interfere with other connected devices. End your day the right way Wouldn't it be nice if your bed was cozy and warm before you got in it? Preheat your bed by plugging that comfy, cozy electric blanket into a smart plug and letting it heat up a few minutes before bedtime. Don't worry about drifting away to dreamland before turning the blanket off. Just set your smart plug to turn it off for you. I don't know how often I've fallen asleep reading a book and left my bedside lamp on. Not only does that waste energy but it's also annoying to anyone else trying to get some sleep. A smart plug can either turn the light off automatically at a certain time or give the person on the other side of the bed the means to turn out the light without getting up. The same could be said for the TV if you like to wind down with a show. While most TVs feature a sleep timer, the setting may not be easy to find. Also, you may be using the remote to a streaming device, which doesn't have the button to access sleep timer settings. Either way, using a smart plug is a great way to keep your TV from staying on all night. That's our list of creative uses for your smart plug but there are countless others. Like any smart home device, a smart plug's full potential is only limited by your imagination and the other devices in your home. For more tips and tricks, like where to put your thermostat, how to get stains out of your clothes and ways to protect your home Wi-Fi network, check out the CNET Home Tips page.
