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Best smart plugs
A smart plug is essentially a plug, but with smart technology that opens up a range of features and functions. Just plug in a device and you can switch it off and on with an app on your phone or tablet, online via a web portal or just using your voice.
Smart plugs also let you set schedules, partially automate devices and even monitor the energy use of plugged-in appliances, which could help to save money.
Unlike many other review sites, we test every smart plug for potential security flaws and flag them in our reviews – so you can rest assured that if you buy one of our recommended products, your personal data will stay private.
How we test to find you the best
We've tested 28 smart plugs
To help you choose what to go for we assess the most popular smart plugs from big brands and at different price points to ensure you get the best value and performance.
Performance
Nobody wants the ignominy of repeatedly shouting at a lamp to turn off. We test with a range of devices, virtual assistants and voices to see whether voice commands work first time.
Security testing
Is it safe from a cyber attack? All smart plugs go through a barrage of tests to check how well they protect you from hacking attacks, and keep your data secure.
We also test…
How simple it is to use and whether it’s well designed. We also assess the range of features, and if it has energy monitoring we check how accurate that is.
The best smart plugs from our tests
Only logged-in Which? members can view the smart plug test results below.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations, below.
| Smart plug | Price | Test score | Key features | Energy monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital Access for £8.99 a month, cancel at any time. Already a member? Log in | 93% | |||
| 91% | ||||
| 88% | ||||
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| 72% | ||||
| 62% |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableDigital Access for £8.99 a month, cancel at any time.
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Dates tested: May 2024, September 2023, July 2023, October 2022, September 2021. Page last checked: May 2025. We're not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available. We've tested more than 30 smart plugs in total, but the table displays our top picks and Don't Buys only.
The smart plugs we tested
All the smart plugs we tested are listed in alphabetical order, below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best smart plugs from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
BG Electrical Smart Home 13A Smart Socket
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Most recently tested October 2022
Size 99.9 x 55.7 x 41.1mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
Calex 13A Smart Plug-Through Adaptor White
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Most recently tested July 2023
Size 58.3 x 58.3 x 64.1mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
Energenie Mi Home Adapter Smart Plug - Pack of 3
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Most recently tested September 2023
Size 99.5 x 51.5 x 69mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
Energenie Mi Home Wi-Fi Smart Plug - MIHO109
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Most recently tested May 2024
Size 56.6 x 56.8 x 64.4mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Scheduling function, no timer or energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
Ener-J SHA5325 Smart Wi-Fi Socket
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Most recently tested July 2023
Size 58 x 58.1 x 61.7mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
Eve Energy Smart Plug (10EBT8651)
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Most recently tested May 2024
Size 72 x 72 x 70.8mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer, scheduling, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and some Android devices, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
Hive Active Plug
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 100 x 55 x 60mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer, scheduling, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
Ledvance Smart+ Bluetooth Plug
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Most recently tested August 2023
Size 60 x 60 x 68mm (HxWxD)
Need to know No timer, scheduling or energy monitoring functions, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Siri, software update period unknown
Ledvance SMART+ LV566996
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Most recently tested October 2022
Size 55.1 x 55.1 x 61.9mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
Meross Smart Plug Mini (MSS110HK)
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Most recently tested May 2024
Size 61.7 x 49.8 x 55.4mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer, scheduling, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
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Philips Hue Smart Plug
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 58 x 58 x 67mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period until end of 2024
TCP Smart Wi-Fi Plug (WISSINWUK)
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 53 x 53 x 67mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period unknown
TCP SMAWISSINWMONITOR Smart Compact Plug
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Most recently tested May 2024
Size 53.7 x 54.1 x 58.5mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
TP Link Tapo P100
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 72 x 50 x 61mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period three years from discontinuation of the product
TP Link Tapo P105 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug
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Most recently tested October 2022
Size 71 x 50 x 60mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer, scheduling, no energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period three years from discontinuation of the product
TP Link Tapo P110
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Most recently tested October 2022
Size 71 x 50 x 60mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period three years from discontinuation of the product
TP Link Tapo P110M
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Most recently tested May 2024
Size 71.2 x 50.3 x 60.1mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Timer and scheduling functions, energy monitoring, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period three years from discontinuation of the product
Wiz Smart Plug
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 53 x 53 x 59mm (HxWxD)
Need to know Energy monitoring, scheduling function, no timer, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, software update period unknown
Yale AC-PS Smart Plug
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Most recently tested September 2021
Size 81 x 50 x 60mm (HxWxD)
Need to know No timer or energy monitoring, scheduling function, compatible with iOS and Android, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, software update period three years from discontinuation of the product
How we test smart plugs
Only the best smart plugs excel in all of these areas:
- Key features Timers and schedules are among the biggest selling points, but you might be surprised to see some models with only one of these functions – or neither. Energy monitoring is another key feature that can help set a smart plug apart from its rivals. The best can tell you straight away in real time exactly how power-hungry your devices are, while others struggle to give any useful information.
- Performance Some smart plugs work with various devices, apps and virtual assistants, while others require additional hardware to use smart features, or are locked to their own specific apps. We test with a wide range of products and virtual assistants to see how well they interact, and with different voices to see whether voice commands work first time.
- Ease of use Setting up a smart plug can be as easy as creating an account and entering your wi-fi details. That’s not always the case, though, and we’ve encountered smart plugs with confusing and long-winded setup processes, made worse by out-of-date instructions and diagrams.
- Design The biggest design flaw with smart plugs is size. Some are so wide that they block the socket next to them. We test every smart plug in a standard UK socket, as well as in a tightly packed extension cable, to see whether they can fit comfortably with other bulky plugs.
- Security and privacy All plugs go through a barrage of tests to check how well they protect you from hacking attacks and keep your data secure and private. We've previously found issues, including plugs leaking out data and potentially posing a risk to your safety. If our tests flag up any causes for concern – whether it's a weakness to being hacked or problems resetting the plug if you want to pass it on – we will contact the manufacturer and work with the brand to fix it.
We regularly revisit the smart plugs on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing – and when we find them, we do.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
What are the advantages of using a smart plug?
- Turn devices on and off with your voice (or an app) If you’ve ever had to crawl under a Christmas tree to turn the lights on or off, you’ll appreciate this function. It’s also useful for switching off other devices with fiddly controls, or where the plug socket is hidden by furniture. Some apps let you group sockets together to turn multiple devices on or off with a single action.
- Set schedules and timers to turn devices on and off when you’re not around The most commonly touted reason to use this feature is to make your lamps or radio come on occasionally while you’re away from home, to give the impression somebody is in. There are other uses, though – you could, for example, program it to turn your slow cooker on at a certain time.
- Get peace of mind with hazardous appliances Ever been at work and suddenly gotten the sinking feeling that you’ve left your iron, hair straighteners or curlers plugged in? With a smart plug app, you can remotely double-check for instant peace of mind.
Can smart plugs save you money?
Smart plugs can help you save money by letting you switch off appliances that may be consuming electricity while on standby. Although modern appliances are generally quite efficient in standby, you can still make a saving across the year by making sure they're all off when not in use.
Some smart plugs have built-in energy-monitoring features, too, which let you see how much power your devices are using. Want to know how much more efficient your dishwasher’s eco setting is? Or what the energy difference is between 3 and 5 on your fridge’s thermostat? Just plug it in, fire up the app and you’re good to go.
Are smart plugs all secure?
We test every smart plug for potential security flaws and flag them in our reviews – so you can rest assured that your personal data will stay private.
Software and security support are important considerations when buying a smart plug, dictating how long the brand continues updating the device with new features and security patches, to guard against emerging threats.
This isn't just us being overly cautious. We've previously unearthed flaws that could allow hackers to control your smart plug, steal your wi-fi password and work out when you’re likely to be away from home.
We reached out to the biggest brands to find out more about support policies, and only two were clear on updates.
- TP Link said it'll support smart plugs for three years after the product was last for sale.
- Philips will support products for five years, or three years for the Hue Bridge, based on the product's launch date.
- Wiz says it supports its devices for a minimum of one year from date of purchase.
We were unable to find information for other brands, including TCP and Ledvance.
For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.