Best smart plugs for 2025 — Quick guide & top picks
Smart plugs aren’t complicated, but they make life more convenient — and a bit more fun. Say “Goodnight” to your voice assistant and watch lamps and holiday lights click off. After testing many smart plugs, our top pick for most people is the TP‑Link Kasa EP25. Below is a short guide to picks, uses, setup tips and compatibility.
Top pick
- TP‑Link Kasa EP25 — great balance of reliability, features and price. Find options: Amazon search: TP-Link Kasa EP25
Outdoor & specialty picks
- Outdoor (patio, holiday lights): TP‑Link Kasa Outdoor EP40A — weatherproof and long-range. Amazon search: TP-Link Kasa Outdoor EP40A
- Energy-monitoring: Emporia Smart Outlet — monitor usage (note: older units were recalled; current models updated). Amazon search: Emporia Smart Outlet
- Thread-enabled / HomeKit-friendly: Belkin Wemo (Thread) — good if you want Thread/HomeKit compatibility. Amazon search: Belkin Wemo smart plug Thread
Best uses
- Lamps and string lights
- Fans and basic coffee makers (with manual on/off)
- Air purifiers on a schedule
What not to plug in
Avoid devices needing more than simple on/off control (smart TVs, microwaves, devices requiring programming). Also don’t auto-start appliances that require supervision (space heaters, curling irons).
Buying tips
- Check compatibility (Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter)
- Decide if you need outdoor/weatherproof rating (IP64+), dual outlets, or energy monitoring
- Consider whether you want hub-free Wi‑Fi plugs or a hub-based Zigbee/Thread ecosystem
Setup notes
Most plugs use Bluetooth to initialize and then connect to Wi‑Fi. HomeKit users need a HomePod/Apple TV/iPad for remote access. If you change your Wi‑Fi, some plugs can update credentials via app; others require a factory reset.
Want a deeper dive? Reply to the tweet and I’ll share specific picks for outdoor use, cheap budget plugs, or HomeKit-only setups.