· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 8 min read
Top 6 Best Smart Plugs for Monitoring Energy Usage Remotely in 2025
Take control of your energy consumption with the 6 best smart plugs for monitoring energy usage remotely. These top picks help you save money and manage devices effortlessly from anywhere.
Introduction
Ever found yourself staring at your energy bill, wondering where all that power is going? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, scratching my head and wishing I had a better handle on my energy use. That’s when I discovered the magic of smart plugs with energy monitoring. These little gadgets are more than just convenient—they’re a game-changer for anyone looking to save money and take control of their home’s energy consumption.
In this article, I’ll walk you through six of the best smart plugs I’ve tested that let you monitor energy usage remotely. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home pro, there’s something here for everyone. By the end, you’ll know exactly which plug fits your needs and how it can make your life a little easier (and cheaper). Let’s dive in!
Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
First up is the Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring. This little guy is a solid choice if you’re looking for something affordable and reliable. Setting it up was a breeze—thanks to the Bluetooth pairing feature, I had it connected to my Wi-Fi in no time. The energy monitoring feature is where it really shines, giving you detailed insights into power usage, voltage, and runtime. Perfect for keeping tabs on energy-hungry devices like space heaters or lamps.
The app is pretty straightforward, letting you schedule devices, group them together, and control them remotely using Alexa or Google Assistant. That said, I did notice the plug gets a bit warm when handling high-power devices, which might be a concern for some. Also, while the app gets the job done, it’s not exactly packed with advanced features like environmental triggers.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup with Bluetooth pairing | Gets warm with high-power devices |
| Accurate energy monitoring | Limited automation capabilities |
| Affordable and reliable | Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only |
meross Matter Smart Plug Mini with Energy Monitoring
Next on the list is the meross Matter Smart Plug Mini. If you’re into smart home ecosystems, this one’s a winner. It supports Matter, which means it plays nice with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home right out of the box. Setup was a cinch—just scan the QR code, and you’re good to go.
The energy monitoring feature is top-notch. I plugged in my laptop charger and could see real-time power usage instantly. The app also logs your usage over time, which is super handy for tracking energy costs. Plus, the “standby killer” feature is a neat addition—it automatically cuts power to devices in standby mode to save energy.
The only downsides? It only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and the design is a tad bulkier than some other mini plugs. But if you’re all about compatibility and energy savings, this one’s worth a look.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy Matter integration | Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Accurate energy monitoring | Slightly bulky design |
| Standby killer feature | Requires Meross app for updates |
SONOFF S31 WiFi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
If you’re a tinkerer or just love customizing your tech, the SONOFF S31 might be your new best friend. This budget-friendly plug offers solid energy monitoring and works with Alexa and Google Home. Its compact design means it won’t hog the outlet space next to it, which is always a plus.
Setting it up can be a bit tricky if you’re not tech-savvy—it requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and the eWeLink app, which some users find a bit clunky. But for advanced users, the real magic is in its ability to be re-flashed with custom firmware like ESPHome or Tasmota. This unlocks local control and enhanced privacy, which is a big win for DIY enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable with energy monitoring | Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only |
| Compact, non-blocking design | Stock app can be unreliable |
| Custom firmware support | Setup can be challenging |
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A with Energy Monitoring
The Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A is a reliable little workhorse. It’s compact, so it won’t block other outlets, and it works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home. The energy monitoring feature gives you real-time usage data, though it doesn’t go into much detail about historical costs, which might be a bummer for some.
Setting it up is pretty straightforward, but HomeKit integration can be a bit finicky if your Wi-Fi isn’t optimized. Once it’s up and running, though, it’s smooth sailing with voice commands and scheduling. Just be aware that some users have reported connectivity issues after network changes or power outages.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact design, doesn’t block outlets | HomeKit setup can be tricky |
| Accurate energy monitoring | Lacks detailed energy cost tracking |
| Works with Alexa, Google, and Siri | Occasional connectivity issues |
Govee Dual Smart Plug 4 Pack
If you’re looking to expand your smart home setup without breaking the bank, the Govee Dual Smart Plug 4 Pack is a solid pick. Its 2-in-1 design lets you control two devices independently from a single outlet, which is perfect for tight spaces. Setup is a breeze, and the Govee Home App is reliable for remote control and scheduling.
The only downside? No energy monitoring here. And while it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, the app interface could be a bit more intuitive. Still, for the price, it’s a great option if you’re just starting out with smart plugs.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact 2-in-1 design | No energy monitoring feature |
| Easy setup with Govee Home App | Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Works with Alexa & Google Assistant | App interface could be more intuitive |
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, 4-Pack (EP10P4)
Last but not least, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, 4-Pack is a fantastic value for anyone looking to automate multiple devices. Setup is a snap—no hub required—and it works with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. The compact design means it won’t hog outlet space, and the energy monitoring feature is a nice bonus.
That said, it only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and some users have reported occasional connectivity issues. But for the price, it’s a great way to dip your toes into smart home automation.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup, no hub required | Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Compact design | Occasional connectivity issues |
| Energy monitoring feature | Setup can be buggy for some |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart plug to monitor electricity usage?
If you’re after precise energy monitoring, the Emporia Vue Smart Plug is a standout. It gives you real-time and historical energy data through a user-friendly app, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It’s compact, affordable, and packed with features to help you save on your energy bill.
Do smart plugs monitor energy usage?
Yes, many smart plugs come with energy monitoring features. They track power consumption in real-time, giving you data like wattage, voltage, and kilowatt-hours (kWh) through an app. This helps you understand your energy use and make smarter decisions about cutting costs.
Can smart plugs work remotely?
Absolutely! As long as your smart plug is connected to Wi-Fi and paired with an app, you can control it from anywhere. Turn devices on or off, set schedules, or check energy usage—all from your phone.
Is there a plug to check power usage?
Yes, smart plugs with energy monitoring can do just that. They plug into your outlet, and your device plugs into them. Through an app, you can see real-time power usage, voltage, and more. Brands like TP-Link and Wemo are popular choices.
How can I monitor my electricity usage at home?
You can use a smart energy monitor, a smart meter, or even plug-in energy monitors for individual devices. Some utility companies also offer apps or online portals to track your usage. Regularly checking your bills can also give you a good idea of your energy habits.
Do smart plugs increase electricity bill?
Not necessarily. In fact, they can help you save by letting you turn off devices remotely or set schedules. Just be mindful of how you use them—if you’re constantly turning things on and off, it might add up.
Final Recommendations
- For Detailed Energy Insights: Go with the Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring for its comprehensive energy tracking and user-friendly app.
- For Matter Ecosystem Users: The meross Matter Smart Plug Mini is the best choice for seamless integration and reliable performance.
- For DIY Enthusiasts: The SONOFF S31 WiFi Smart Plug is ideal for those who want to customize their smart home setup with advanced firmware options.
- For Apple HomeKit Users: The Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A (Apple HomeKit Supported) is the top pick for seamless iOS integration.
- For Dual Outlet Needs: The Govee Dual Smart Plug 4 Pack is perfect for managing multiple devices in a single outlet.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A (EP10P4) offers great value for basic energy monitoring and automation.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work. Thanks for your support!
