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This guide is for anyone who wants to switch lamps, heaters, fans, kettles and Christmas lights on and off from their phone or by voice. It also helps you cut standby waste and see what your appliances use. When you choose, first check which voice assistant you already use. Then decide if you want energy monitoring, and whether the plug lives indoors, outdoors or behind a desk full of gadgets. Smart plugs are also a brilliant stocking filler.
Tapo P110 smart plug with energy monitoring
Best for most homes
A 13A smart plug that turns any ordinary appliance into a smart one. You switch it from your phone, by voice or on a schedule, and you see how much power it uses.
Who it's for: Perfect for most homes, and an easy gift for anyone who wants their first smart plug.
The facts that matter
- Energy monitoring in the free Tapo app shows how much power the plugged-in device uses.
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, and the Tapo app controls it from anywhere.
- Schedules and timers switch devices on and off for you, and you can share control with family members.
Why it made the list: You get energy monitoring and voice control with Alexa or Google in one small plug. Schedules and timers do the switching for you, so lights and fans run on your routine. You can share control with family, so everyone in the house can use it.
Worth knowing: It is for indoor use only, with a maximum output of 13A, 2990W.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Tapo P100 smart plug (2-pack)
Best for simple on and off, two rooms
A pack of two smart plugs for straightforward switching. Your heater, fan or TV turns on and off by voice or on a timer.
Who it's for: Ideal for anyone who wants plain, simple control in two rooms at once.
The facts that matter
- Two plugs in the pack, each controlled by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
- Schedules and timers switch appliances such as a heater, fan or TV on and off automatically.
- Away Mode turns devices on and off at different times so it looks like someone is home.
Why it made the list: Two plugs in one box means two rooms sorted in one go. Schedules and timers switch appliances automatically, so you never forget. Away Mode turns devices on and off at different times, so it looks like someone is home.
Worth knowing: It does not support EV charging, which needs more current than the plug is rated for.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Tapo P110MA Matter smart plug with energy monitoring
Best for Matter and Apple Home
A mini smart plug that works with the smart-home system you prefer, thanks to Matter (a shared standard so devices from different brands work together). Add your electricity rate and it estimates your bills.
Who it's for: Buy it for Apple Home fans, or for anyone running a mix of smart-home brands.
The facts that matter
- Matter certified, so it joins the smart-home system you prefer alongside other Matter products.
- Set your electricity rate in the Tapo app to estimate your energy bills, with clear charts of each appliance's power use.
- A mini design that avoids blocking the socket next to it, plus schedules and an auto-off timer.
Why it made the list: Matter certification lets it sit alongside your other Matter products in your favourite app. Clear charts in the Tapo app show each appliance's power use, so you know where your money goes. The mini design leaves the socket next to it free.
Worth knowing: Tapo says no third-party hub shows its Matter energy monitoring yet, so the energy figures live in the Tapo app.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Tapo P304M smart power strip (4 outlets, Matter)
Best for desks and TV corners
A Matter-certified extension lead with four smart outlets. You control each gadget on it from Apple Home, Alexa or Google.
Who it's for: Great for desk workers, gamers and anyone with a TV corner full of kit.
The facts that matter
- Four smart outlets in one Matter-certified extension lead, set up with Apple Home, Alexa or Google.
- Energy monitoring with bill estimates once you set your electricity rate, and voice control with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.
- Anti-overcharging switches the power off when your phone is fully charged, and Away Mode makes it look like someone is home.
Why it made the list: One lead gives you four smart sockets, plus energy monitoring with bill estimates once you set your rate. Voice control works with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. Anti-overcharging switches the power off when your phone is fully charged.
Worth knowing: It is an extension lead rather than a plug-in adapter, so it needs a spot on the floor or desk.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Amazon Basics smart plug (works with Alexa)
Best for Echo homes
A compact smart plug you set up and run in the Alexa app. It switches on and off by voice, at set times, or at sunrise and sunset.
Who it's for: The one to buy for Echo owners who want everything in the Alexa app.
The facts that matter
- Set up and manage it in the Alexa app, with no third-party app or hub needed.
- Switches on and off at set times, by voice, or at sunrise and sunset, and works remotely through the Alexa app.
- A compact design that fits one socket and leaves the others free.
Why it made the list: There is no third-party app or hub to worry about, just the Alexa app you already have. Sunrise and sunset switching makes lamps feel truly automatic. The compact design fits one socket and leaves the others free.
Worth knowing: It works only with the Alexa app and Alexa devices such as Echo, on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Philips Hue smart plug (UK, white)
Best for lamps and Christmas lights
A smart plug that makes any plug-in light smart, from a bedside lamp to your Christmas tree. It works straight from the box with the free Philips Hue Bluetooth app.
Who it's for: Perfect for lamp lovers and anyone who wants festive lights on a voice command.
The facts that matter
- Works out of the box with the free Philips Hue Bluetooth app, with no complex installation.
- Turns any plug-in light smart, including your Christmas tree lights.
- Voice control with Echo smart speakers and displays and Google Nest devices.
Why it made the list: There is no complex installation: plug it in, open the app and go. Voice control works with Echo speakers and displays and Google Nest devices. It is a lovely Christmas gift for anyone who already enjoys Philips Hue.
Worth knowing: Control while you are away from home needs a Philips Hue Bridge, sold separately.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Meross outdoor smart plug (IP44)
Best for gardens and outdoor lights
An outdoor smart plug with an IP44 weatherproof housing and a socket cover. It powers garden lights and outdoor Christmas displays on your terms.
Who it's for: Buy it for keen gardeners and anyone who goes big on outdoor festive lights.
The facts that matter
- IP44 weatherproof housing with a socket cover, for the garden, backyard and outdoor Christmas lights.
- Works with Apple HomeKit and Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Schedules, timers and scenes control several accessories with a single command.
Why it made the list: It works with Apple HomeKit and Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so it suits almost any home. Schedules and timers light up the garden without you lifting a finger. Scenes control several accessories with a single command.
Worth knowing: Keep the socket covered with its waterproof cover when not in use, and it connects on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Amazon Basics smart plug (Matter)
Best for mixed smart homes
A compact Matter-certified smart plug that works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. It switches at set times, by voice, or at sunrise and sunset.
Who it's for: Ideal for mixed smart homes where not everyone uses the same assistant.
The facts that matter
- Matter certified, so it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings.
- Choose to link it to your Amazon account at checkout for zero-touch set-up with Alexa.
- Switches at set times, by voice or at sunrise and sunset, in a compact design that leaves the other sockets free.
Why it made the list: Four big smart-home systems in one small plug gives you real freedom. Link it to your Amazon account at checkout for zero-touch set-up with Alexa. The compact design leaves the other sockets free.
Worth knowing: It needs a Matter hub, and it connects on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)