· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 9 min read
Top 7 Best Budget-Friendly Smart Plugs for Automation in 2025 Reviewed
Want to make your home smarter without spending a fortune? Check out these 7 affordable smart plugs that bring automation, energy savings, and convenience to your fingertips. Perfect for tech lovers on a budget!
Introduction
Let’s be real—automating your home shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Smart plugs are like the unsung heroes of home automation. They’re small, affordable, and can turn your regular ol’ appliances into smart gadgets. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s worth your hard-earned cash? Don’t sweat it—I’ve done the legwork for you.
I tested seven of the most popular budget-friendly smart plugs, and let me tell you, some of these little guys are absolute game-changers. Whether you want to control your lights from bed, schedule your coffee maker to brew at 7 a.m., or just keep an eye on your energy usage, there’s a smart plug out there for you. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get started.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and standout features of each plug. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one fits your needs—and your wallet. Ready to make your home a little smarter? Let’s get into it!
Linkind Matter Smart Plug (2 Pack)
The Linkind Matter Smart Plug is a solid pick if you’re already knee-deep in the smart home game. It plays nice with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, so you’re covered no matter which ecosystem you’re rocking. Setting it up was a breeze—just plug it in, follow the app instructions, and you’re good to go. I loved being able to control my lamps and coffee maker from my phone, and the scheduling feature is a lifesaver for routines.
That said, it’s not perfect. I ran into a few hiccups with Alexa connectivity, and the bright green light on the plug can be a bit distracting if you’re using it in a bedroom. But overall, it’s a reliable little gadget that won’t break the bank. Plus, the compact design means it won’t hog the entire outlet—big win!
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup and integration | Occasional connectivity issues |
| Compact design | Bright indicator light |
| Affordable price for 2-pack | Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only |
EIGHTREE Smart Plug, Smart Home WiFi Outlet
If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option, the EIGHTREE Smart Plug is a solid choice. It works with Alexa and Google Home, so you can boss it around with your voice, and setting it up is a piece of cake with the Smart Life app. The compact design is a nice touch—it doesn’t hog the outlet, which is a big deal if you’re working with limited space.
The timer and scheduling features are reliable, and the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection keeps things stable. That said, the app could use a little polish—it’s not the most intuitive thing out there. And if you’re rocking a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, you’re out of luck here. But for the price, especially for a 4-pack, it’s a steal for basic automation needs.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable 4-pack | No 5GHz Wi-Fi support |
| Compact design | App interface could be better |
| Reliable timer and scheduling | Limited advanced features |
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini
This little guy is a standout in the budget category. The TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug not only lets you control your devices remotely but also tracks energy usage—something you don’t often see at this price point. Setting it up was a cinch, and the Tapo app is surprisingly user-friendly. I loved being able to see how much energy my devices were guzzling and adjust accordingly.
Compared to the Linkind and EIGHTREE plugs, the Tapo offers more advanced features, like energy monitoring, which is a huge plus if you’re trying to cut down on your electricity bill. The only downside? It’s limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so if you’re on a 5GHz network, you’ll need to switch bands. But for most folks, this won’t be a dealbreaker.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy monitoring feature | Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Compact design | Requires Tapo app for setup |
| Works with Alexa, Google, SmartThings | No Matter support |
EIGHTREE Smart Plug, Smart Plugs That Work with Alexa & Google Home
Another solid option from EIGHTREE, this smart plug is a breeze to set up. I had it connected to Alexa in under five minutes, and the Smart Life app is straightforward enough for even the most tech-challenged among us. The compact design is nice, but it does block adjacent outlets, which can be a bummer if you’re short on space.
Compared to the TP-Link Tapo, this plug doesn’t have energy monitoring, but it makes up for it with reliable performance and a wallet-friendly price tag. The timer and scheduling features worked like a charm, making it perfect for controlling lights or small appliances. Just be prepared for the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup—nothing a quick reset can’t fix.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup with Alexa & Google | Blocks adjacent outlets |
| Affordable price point | Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues |
| Reliable timer and scheduling | No energy monitoring feature |
GHome Smart Plug
The GHome Smart Plug is a no-brainer if you’re on a tight budget. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home, and the setup process is as easy as pie. The app is user-friendly, though I did run into a few connectivity issues with certain Wi-Fi networks. The timer and scheduling features work well, making it a great option for automating lights or small appliances.
One feature I really appreciated was the overload protection—it shuts off power if the plug gets overloaded, which is a nice safety net. The only downside? It’s a bit bulky, so it might block nearby outlets. And like most budget plugs, it’s limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. But for under $10, it’s hard to complain.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Easy setup and app integration | Some connectivity issues |
| Overload protection feature | Bulky design |
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, 4-Pack
The Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a fan favorite for good reason. It’s compact, reliable, and works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Setting it up is a breeze, and the Kasa app is one of the best I’ve used—it’s intuitive and packed with features. I especially loved the adaptive schedules tied to sunrise and sunset, which are perfect for automating lights.
The only real downside is that it’s limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which might be a dealbreaker for some. And while I did run into a few connectivity issues during setup, once it was up and running, it worked like a charm. If you’re looking for a plug that plays well with major smart home ecosystems, this is a solid choice.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup and user-friendly app | Only works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Compact design | Occasional connectivity issues |
| Reliable performance | Limited to 3 active automations |
Eightree Smart Plug 5GHz & 2.4GHz
If you’ve got a dual-band router, this plug is a game-changer. Unlike most smart plugs, which are stuck on 2.4GHz, the Eightree Smart Plug supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Setting it up was a breeze, and it works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Home. The app-based scheduling is a nice touch, too.
That said, I did run into a few connectivity issues with the 5GHz band, so your mileage may vary. And while the plugs are affordable, they’re a bit bulky, which can be a pain if you’re working with tight outlets. Still, if you’re looking for a plug that supports modern Wi-Fi setups, this is a solid option.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) support | Occasional 5GHz connectivity issues |
| Easy setup and app integration | Bulky design blocks nearby outlets |
| Affordable for a 4-pack | Limited advanced features in the app |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable smart plug?
Hands down, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (HS103) takes the crown for reliability. It’s consistent, easy to use, and works with all the major smart home platforms. Plus, the energy monitoring feature is a nice bonus if you’re trying to cut down on your power bill.
What should you not plug into a smart plug?
Avoid plugging in high-power appliances like space heaters or air conditioners—they’ll fry your smart plug faster than you can say “oops.” Also, steer clear of anything that needs constant power, like medical equipment or your fridge. Trust me, you don’t want to risk it.
Are smart plugs worth the money?
Absolutely! They’re a cheap and easy way to dip your toes into home automation. Plus, they can save you money on your energy bill by letting you turn off devices remotely or set schedules. If you’re always forgetting to turn off the lights or want to automate your morning coffee, they’re totally worth it.
What are the disadvantages of smart plugs?
They’re not perfect. Some can be finicky with Wi-Fi, and if your internet goes down, so does your smart plug. There’s also the whole “connected device” thing, which means they could potentially be hacked. But as long as you stick with reputable brands and keep your firmware updated, you should be fine.
Do smart plugs slow down WiFi?
Nah, not really. They use such a tiny amount of bandwidth that you’ll barely notice them. That said, if you’ve got a ton of smart devices on your network, it might start to feel a little crowded. If that’s the case, consider upgrading to a dual-band router.
Are smart plugs safe from hackers?
For the most part, yes—as long as you take basic precautions. Stick with trusted brands, use strong passwords, and keep your firmware updated. And maybe don’t connect them to public Wi-Fi, unless you want to risk some stranger turning your lights on and off at 3 a.m.
Final Recommendations
Here’s the lowdown on the best smart plugs for different needs:
- Best for Matter Compatibility: Linkind Matter Smart Plug
- Best for Energy Monitoring: TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug
- Best for Multi-Pack Value: EIGHTREE Smart Plug (4-Pack)
- Best for 5GHz Wi-Fi Compatibility: EIGHTREE Smart Plug 5GHz & 2.4GHz
- Best for Compact Design: Kasa Smart Plug Mini
- Best for Budget-Friendly Single Plug: GHome Smart Plug
No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a smarter, more convenient home. Happy automating!
Affiliate Disclosure
Just a heads-up—I may earn a small commission if you buy something through the links in this article. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the lights on here. Thanks for your support!
