10 Best Smart Plugs of 2025: Complete Buying Guide & Reviews
Last updated: October 19, 2025
Quick Recommendations: Looking for the most compatible, future-proof smart plug? The Kasa KP125M offers Matter support with energy monitoring. Building a Thread/Matter home? Choose Eve Energy (Matter over Thread). Need outdoor control for holiday lights? The Kasa EP40A works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google. Power users wanting Zigbee with energy stats should check the THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug.
Editor's Picks at a Glance
- Best overall (Matter + energy) — Kasa KP125M. Matter compatibility across all major ecosystems plus built-in energy monitoring in a compact 15A plug. View on Amazon
- Best budget Matter — TP-Link Tapo P125M. 15A/1800W, UL-certified, works with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home. View on Amazon
- Best for Thread homes — Eve Energy (Matter). Fast, local control with Thread support for Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. View on Amazon
- Best Thread value — Onvis Matter over Thread Smart Plug. 15A/1800W Matter-over-Thread at an affordable price. View on Amazon
- Best outdoor plug — Kasa EP40A HomeKit Outdoor. Two independently controlled sockets, IP64 rated, works with Siri, Alexa, and Google. View on Amazon
- Best for Alexa-only homes — Amazon Smart Plug. Simple setup and reliable voice control exclusively for Echo devices. View on Amazon
- Best Zigbee with power monitoring — THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug. Real-time energy monitoring and serves as a Zigbee repeater. View Product
- Best dual-radio experience — SwitchBot Plug Mini (2025). Wi-Fi + Bluetooth with energy monitoring for Alexa and Google. View on Amazon
- Best value energy monitoring — Govee Smart Plug. Budget-friendly 15A plug with energy tracking, ETL and FCC certified. View on Amazon
- Best pro ecosystem integration — Leviton Decora Smart Plug D215P (2nd gen). Works with Matter and integrates with the My Leviton app. View on Amazon
Understanding Matter and Thread: Matter is the cross-platform smart home standard backed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, allowing devices to work seamlessly across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Thread is a low-power mesh network protocol that many Matter devices use for fast, reliable local control without cloud dependency.
Smart Plug Comparison Table 2025
Specifications are based on manufacturer listings. Always verify current product details before purchase.
| Smart Plug Model | Protocol | Matter | Thread | Energy Monitor | Voice Ecosystems | Max Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa KP125M | Wi-Fi | ✅ | — | ✅ | Apple Home, Alexa, Google | 15A / 1800W |
| TP-Link Tapo P125M | Wi-Fi | ✅ | — | — | Apple Home, Alexa, Google | 15A / 1800W |
| Eve Energy (Matter) | Thread | ✅ | ✅ | — | Apple Home, Alexa, Google, SmartThings | 15A |
| Onvis Matter over Thread | Thread | ✅ | ✅ | — | Apple Home, Alexa, Google | 15A / 1800W |
| Leviton Decora D215P | Wi-Fi | ✅ | — | — | Apple Home/Siri, Alexa, Google | — |
| Kasa EP40A (Outdoor) | Wi-Fi | — | — | — | Siri (HomeKit), Alexa, Google | IP64 rated |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Wi-Fi | — | — | — | Alexa only | — |
| THIRDREALITY Zigbee | Zigbee | — | — | ✅ | Echo hubs, SmartThings | 15A |
| SwitchBot Mini (2025) | Wi-Fi + BT | — | — | ✅ | Alexa, Google (HomeKit variant available) | 15A |
| Govee Energy Monitor | Wi-Fi + BT | — | — | ✅ | Alexa, Google | 15A |
Detailed Smart Plug Reviews
1. Kasa KP125M — Best Overall (Matter + Energy Monitoring)
Why it's our top pick: The Kasa KP125M delivers everything you need in a 2025 smart plug: Matter compatibility across all major ecosystems and built-in energy monitoring, all in Kasa's most compact 15A design. If you're looking for a future-proof plug that works with any smart home platform, this is it.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Matter over Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
- Power Rating: 15A / 1800W
- Energy Monitoring: Yes (built-in)
- Compatibility: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
- Certification: UL certified
- Design: Compact form factor
Best for: Anyone who wants universal platform compatibility with the added benefit of tracking energy consumption. Perfect for standardizing across multiple smart home ecosystems.
View Kasa KP125M on Amazon2. TP-Link Tapo P125M — Best Budget Matter Plug
Why it's great: The Tapo P125M brings Matter support to the budget category without sacrificing quality. This UL-certified mini plug handles 15A/1800W loads and is compact enough to leave the second outlet free.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Matter over Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
- Power Rating: 15A / 1800W
- Energy Monitoring: No
- Compatibility: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
- Certification: UL certified
- Design: Ultra-compact
Trade-off: No energy monitoring on this model, but the price point makes it ideal for outfitting multiple rooms.
View TP-Link Tapo P125M on Amazon3. Eve Energy (Matter) — Best for Thread/Matter Homes
Why it's great: If you have a Thread border router (HomePod mini, Nest Hub Max, or Echo 4th gen), the Eve Energy delivers fast, local control without cloud dependency. This Matter-over-Thread plug provides rock-solid reliability with broad ecosystem support.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Matter over Thread
- Power Rating: 15A
- Energy Monitoring: No
- Compatibility: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
- Certification: UL certified
- Requirements: Thread border router required
Best for: Apple-centric homes and anyone building a Thread mesh network for faster response times and reduced Wi-Fi congestion.
View Eve Energy on Amazon4. Onvis Matter over Thread Smart Plug — Best Thread Value
Why it's great: The Onvis plug brings Matter-over-Thread technology at a competitive price point. Rated for 15A/1800W, it works seamlessly with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home while strengthening your Thread mesh network.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Matter over Thread
- Power Rating: 15A / 1800W
- Energy Monitoring: Not advertised
- Compatibility: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
- Design: Compact
Trade-off: Energy monitoring isn't included, but you're buying for Thread's stability and speed advantages.
View Onvis Matter Plug on Amazon5. Leviton Decora Smart Plug D215P (2nd Gen) — Best Pro Ecosystem Integration
Why it's great: Leviton's second-generation Wi-Fi plug is listed as "Works with Matter," making it ideal for homes with other Leviton switches and dimmers. The My Leviton app provides professional-grade control alongside native support for major voice assistants.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Wi-Fi (Works with Matter)
- Compatibility: Apple Home/Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- App: My Leviton
- Design: Professional-grade construction
Note: Check the listing for the latest Matter support confirmation and firmware details.
View Leviton D215P on Amazon6. Kasa EP40A (HomeKit) Outdoor Smart Plug — Best Outdoor Plug
Why it's great: The EP40A provides two independently controlled outdoor outlets with IP64 weather resistance. Perfect for holiday lighting, outdoor fans, and seasonal decorations with full support for HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
- Outlets: 2 independently controlled sockets
- Weather Rating: IP64
- Compatibility: Siri/HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Certification: ETL certified
Best for: Outdoor string lights, holiday displays, and weather-exposed applications requiring reliable smart control.
View Kasa EP40A on Amazon7. Amazon Smart Plug — Best for Alexa-Only Homes
Why it's great: For dedicated Echo households, the Amazon Smart Plug offers the simplest setup experience possible. One-tap pairing in the Alexa app and reliable voice control make this the no-hassle choice for Alexa users.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Wi-Fi
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa only
- Setup: Direct Alexa app pairing
Trade-off: No Matter support and doesn't integrate with Apple Home or Google Home. Only recommended if you're committed to the Alexa ecosystem.
View Amazon Smart Plug on Amazon8. THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug — Best Zigbee with Real-Time Power Data
Why it's great: This Zigbee 3.0 plug combines real-time energy monitoring with Zigbee repeater functionality, strengthening your mesh network while tracking power consumption. Ideal for Echo devices with built-in Zigbee or SmartThings hubs.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Zigbee 3.0
- Power Rating: 15A
- Energy Monitoring: Yes (real-time)
- Compatibility: Echo devices with Zigbee, SmartThings
- Certification: ETL certified
- Additional Feature: Zigbee repeater
Best for: Hub-centric smart homes using Zigbee for low-latency control and mesh network expansion.
View THIRDREALITY Zigbee Plug9. SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini (2025) — Best Dual-Radio Experience
Why it's great: The 2025 SwitchBot Plug Mini uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for responsive local control. With energy monitoring, ETL listing, and support for Alexa and Google Assistant, it's a solid all-around performer. A separate HomeKit version is also available.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) + Bluetooth
- Power Rating: 15A
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (HomeKit version separate)
- Certification: ETL listed
- Setup: No hub required
10. Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring — Best Value Energy Monitoring
Why it's great: Govee delivers energy monitoring at a budget-friendly price. This 15A plug uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smooth app connectivity and is both ETL and FCC certified. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Key Specifications:
- Protocol: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
- Power Rating: 15A
- Energy Monitoring: Yes
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Certification: ETL and FCC
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want energy tracking without paying premium prices.
View Govee Smart Plug on AmazonSmart Plug Buying Guide: How to Choose in 2025
1. Choose Your Ecosystem and Protocol
Matter: The cross-platform standard (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings) offers the widest compatibility. If you want plugs that work across multiple ecosystems or might switch platforms in the future, Matter is your safest choice.
Thread vs. Wi-Fi: Thread plugs (like Eve and Onvis) use a dedicated low-power mesh network for local, fast control. They require a Thread Border Router such as HomePod mini, Nest Hub Max, or Echo 4th gen. Wi-Fi plugs are simpler to set up and typically more affordable but rely on your existing wireless network.
Zigbee: Remains excellent for hub-centric homes (Echo or SmartThings), offering low latency and solid mesh behavior without cloud dependency.
2. Verify Power Ratings and Safety
Look for a 15A/1800W rating (standard for US 120V circuits) if you plan to control heavier loads like space heaters or dehumidifiers. Always confirm the rating on the product page and manual. Prioritize plugs with UL or ETL certification for safety assurance.
3. Energy Monitoring Features
Plugs with built-in energy monitoring help identify vampire power draw and optimize usage during off-peak hours. Models like the Kasa KP125M, THIRDREALITY, and Govee explicitly include this feature. Energy tracking can lead to measurable savings on your utility bill.
4. Outdoor Applications
For outdoor use, choose a plug with a published Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The Kasa EP40A's IP64 rating provides protection against dust and water splashing, making it suitable for covered outdoor areas.
5. Local Control and App Experience
Thread-based and some Wi-Fi plugs emphasize local operation for improved reliability and faster response times. If you prioritize local control and don't want to depend on cloud servers, Thread-based Matter plugs offer the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Matter-over-Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Thread?
Both use the Matter protocol for cross-platform compatibility, but they differ in network technology. Matter-over-Thread uses a dedicated low-power mesh network that's resilient, fast, and ideal for large homes with many devices. Matter-over-Wi-Fi is simpler to set up and doesn't require a border router but relies on your Wi-Fi network.
Do I need a hub for smart plugs?
- Matter over Wi-Fi: No proprietary hub required, but you pair through your ecosystem's app (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home).
- Matter over Thread: Requires a Thread Border Router such as HomePod mini, Nest Hub Max, or Echo 4th gen.
- Zigbee: Requires a Zigbee hub like Echo with built-in Zigbee or SmartThings.
Are smart plugs safe for heaters or air conditioners?
Only if the plug's listing and manual confirm it can handle both the continuous load and inrush current of motor-driven appliances. Use the published amp/watt rating as your guide and err on the side of caution. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or don't use it for high-draw appliances.
Can I use smart plugs to save on my electricity bill?
Yes, plugs with energy monitoring help identify devices drawing standby power and allow you to schedule high-consumption devices to run during off-peak hours. The actual savings depend on your usage patterns and local electricity rates.
How We Chose These Smart Plugs
Our selection process focused on current 2025 product listings with clearly documented features including Matter/Thread support, energy monitoring capabilities, power ratings, IP ratings, and ecosystem compatibility. We prioritized plugs with proper safety certifications (UL/ETL) and cross-referenced technical specifications with manufacturer documentation and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (Matter) and Thread Group standards.
Final Recommendations Before You Buy
Match the plug to the application. For lamps and low-power electronics, any 10-15A indoor plug will work fine. For motors, heaters, or outdoor use, confirm the appropriate power rating and IP rating on the product listing.
Plan your network infrastructure. If you're invested in iPhone and HomePods, Thread/Matter plugs (Eve, Onvis) offer superior performance. Running mixed ecosystems? Matter-over-Wi-Fi options (Kasa, Tapo, Leviton) provide maximum flexibility with simpler setup.
Outdoor applications need proper ratings. Look for IP64 or better protection and covers for unused outlets when using plugs outdoors.
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This website may receive compensation from companies whose products we review through affiliate links. We are independently owned and maintain editorial independence in our recommendations. All products are evaluated according to consistent standards regardless of affiliate relationships. Our goal is to provide accurate, helpful information to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions.
We examine all products according to strict evaluation criteria and stand behind our recommendations. The opinions expressed are our own based on research and testing.