When people think of smart homes, they usually picture fancy thermostats, robot vacuums, or color-changing lights. But there’s one smart device that often flies under the radar—and it might just be the most underrated of them all: Smart plugs and power strips.
These compact gadgets give you instant control over everyday electronics—from coffee makers to Christmas lights—all from your phone or with a simple voice command. And best of all, they’re affordable, easy to use, and perfect for first-time smart home users in the U.S.
Let’s break down what makes them so smart and how they fit into your bigger smart home gadgets setup.
What Are Smart Plugs and Smart Power Strips?
At their core, smart plugs are small devices that plug into your existing outlets and connect to Wi-Fi. You then plug other devices (like lamps, fans, or chargers) into the smart plug to control them remotely.
Smart power strips take it a step further—offering multiple smart-controlled outlets in one unit, often with USB ports and surge protection.
Basically, they turn “dumb” devices into smart ones with zero effort.
Why Smart Plugs Are Booming in the U.S.
From dorm rooms to suburban homes, Americans are turning to smart plugs and strips to gain better control over their energy use and daily routines. Here’s why:
- 🔌 Remote Control – Turn appliances on/off from your smartphone, even when you’re away.
- 🧠 Scheduling & Automation – Set routines for lights, fans, or even your coffee maker.
- 🔋 Energy Monitoring – Some models show real-time power usage to help cut down on electricity bills.
- 🗣️ Voice Integration – Use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to control devices hands-free.
- 💡 Budget-Friendly – Start building your smart home without breaking the bank.
Top Smart Plug & Power Strip Brands in the USA (2025)
⚡ TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug
- Best for: General use and easy app control
- Why we love it: Affordable, reliable, and integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google
🛏️ Amazon Smart Plug
- Best for: Alexa households
- Why we love it: Simple, no-fuss setup with full Alexa compatibility
🌍 Wemo Mini Smart Plug
- Best for: Compact spaces
- Why we love it: Slim design fits side-by-side in outlets; works with Apple HomeKit
🔋 Amazon Smart Power Strip
- Best for: Home offices or entertainment centers
- Why we love it: Multiple individually controlled outlets + surge protection
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip
- 6 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets
- Voice Control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy Monitoring
- Remote Control from Anywhere
GHome Smart Plug Power Strip
- Voice Assistant Integration
- App Control from Anywhere
- 3 Always-On USB Charging Ports
- 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets
- ETL Certified & Flame-Retardant
Real-Life Use Cases That Just Make Sense
Smart plugs and strips might seem small, but their impact is huge:
- Morning Routines: Auto-start the coffee maker at 7 AM.
- Holiday Decor: Control your Christmas lights from anywhere.
- Safety First: Turn off a forgotten curling iron or space heater remotely.
- Energy Savings: Cut phantom power draw from devices you rarely use.
They’re especially useful in older homes, where rewiring for smart switches isn’t always an option.
Connecting to the Bigger Smart Home Picture
Smart plugs are the gateway gadget for a reason—they’re often the first step toward a more connected, efficient home. Pair them with other smart home gadgets like voice assistants, motion sensors, and smart lighting, and you’ll unlock next-level automation.
Example:
- Walk into a room → motion sensor triggers plug → lamp turns on.
- Say “Goodnight” → your smart assistant powers down multiple devices via smart strip.
It’s these small conveniences that add up to a smarter, smoother lifestyle.
Smart Plugs & Power Strips – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓What can you control with smart plugs?
Smart plugs can control almost any plug-in device, including:
- Lamps and lighting
- Coffee makers
- Air purifiers
- Fans and heaters
- TVs or routers
They’re a great way to make dumb devices smart and integrate them into your broader smart home setup.
❓What’s the difference between a smart plug and a smart power strip?
A smart plug controls one device, while a smart power strip lets you control multiple devices individually or together. Smart power strips often include features like:
- Surge protection
- Energy monitoring
- Voice and app control for each outlet
❓Do smart plugs and power strips save energy?
Yes! Smart plugs can cut phantom power (standby power) by turning off devices when not in use. Many smart power strips offer energy monitoring, so you can track which devices are consuming the most power.
❓Do smart plugs work with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Most do! Top brands like TP-Link Kasa, Wyze, and Wemo work seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Apple HomeKit, allowing for hands-free control and voice-activated routines.
❓Can I set schedules with smart plugs?
Absolutely. Smart plugs and power strips let you:
- Set on/off schedules
- Create automations based on time, sunrise/sunset, or presence
- Integrate with motion sensors or routines from other smart devices
Perfect for things like turning off lights automatically at bedtime.
❓Are smart plugs easy to install?
Yes! Simply plug them into an outlet, connect them to your Wi-Fi via the companion app, and you’re ready to go. No tools, no wiring—just plug and play.
❓Do smart plugs work without Wi-Fi?
Most smart plugs need a Wi-Fi connection to function fully. However, some offer local control via Bluetooth or Zigbee, but remote access and automation features require internet access.
Final Thoughts: Small Gadgets, Big Impact
Don’t underestimate the power of the plug. Whether you’re easing into smart home life or adding more automation to your space, smart plugs and power strips are an easy, affordable, and practical place to start.
They give you control, save you energy, and play perfectly with the rest of your smart home gadgets setup.
So go ahead—plug in, power up, and get smarter. ⚡🏠
