Energy monitor reviews: Features explained
There are several things to look out for when choosing an energy monitor to make sure you get the most suitable model for your home.
As well as looking for an energy monitor that scored particularly well in our tests, you might also want to choose a model that offers additional specific features. You can use our compare features and prices tool to find energy monitors with any of the following specific features.
Some energy monitors can be used with individual socket monitors
Compatibility with socket monitors
Some energy monitors can be used with individual socket monitors – which help identify how much electricity single appliances use. These plugs usually have to be bought separately although some energy monitors come with a plug.
If you only want to measure the electricity usage of individual appliances (and don't need to know the usage of your whole home), you could use a plug-in energy monitor instead.
For a rough guide to how much your appliances cost you to run before you buy an energy monitor, head to our appliance energy cost calculators.
Compatibility with Economy 7 tariffs
Most but not all of the energy monitors we've tested are compatible with two-rate tariffs (such as Economy 7) which means you can set different electricity prices for set periods of the day. Check the 'full specification' tab in our reviews to see whether an energy monitor is compatible with Economy 7 tariffs.
Downloadable energy information
If you want to be able to download your energy use information and analyse it on your computer, choose an energy monitor that allows this.
Portable display unit
Many of the models we’ve tested are battery-powered so you can take them with you all over the house when investigating your energy-guzzling appliances. Others need to be kept plugged into the mains.
On-screen historical data
Being able to access and compare historical data at the touch of a button is a really useful feature, so you can track how your electricity use changes over time. Some models offer very limited or no historical data, and the way the data is displayed varies from model to model, so we’ve rated each on how easy the information is to understand.
Gas monitoring
Most energy monitors only show you how much electricity you are using but the Saveometer from Eco1 Limited promises to monitor your gas usage too (if you buy an additional gas transmitter). It's the first energy monitor we've seen that offers this function. We haven't tested the gas transmitter, but you can find out how well the main electricity monitor scored in our Saveometer review.
You can check the specifications of different energy monitors and find our which ones are Best Buys in our energy monitor reviews.
- Watch our energy monitor video guide
- Find out how we test energy monitors
- Switch to the cheapest gas and electricity deal
