· Maggie · Reviews/Home  Â· 9 min read

Top 7 Best Top-Rated Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring for 2025

Upgrade your home with the 7 best top-rated smart plugs with energy monitoring. Save on bills and control devices effortlessly while tracking energy usage in real-time.

Upgrade your home with the 7 best top-rated smart plugs with energy monitoring. Save on bills and control devices effortlessly while tracking energy usage in real-time.

Introduction

Ever found yourself staring at your energy bill, wondering where all that power is going? Or maybe you’ve wished you could turn off the coffee maker you accidentally left on while you’re already at work. Smart plugs with energy monitoring are here to save the day—and your wallet. These little gadgets not only let you control your devices from anywhere but also give you real-time insights into how much energy they’re guzzling. Pretty neat, right?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven of the best smart plugs out there, each with its own unique perks. 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, so you can start saving energy (and maybe even impress your friends with your tech-savvy home).

Let’s get started!


Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring

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First up, the Govee Smart Plug. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason. Setting it up is a breeze—just pair it via Bluetooth, and you’re good to go. The app is super intuitive, and I love how it breaks down your energy usage into real-time data, voltage, and even historical trends. It’s like having a personal energy coach in your pocket.

One of my favorite features? It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your devices with just your voice. Plus, the timer and scheduling options are a lifesaver for automating your home. But fair warning: if you’re running something power-hungry, the plug can get a bit warm. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

For the price, especially if you snag the 4-pack, this plug is a steal. It’s perfect for anyone dipping their toes into the smart home world, though it might not have all the bells and whistles for advanced users.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Easy setup with Bluetooth pairingGets warm with high-power devices
Accurate energy monitoringLimited advanced automation
Affordable 4-pack optionRequires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

Check Price on Amazon


TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini with Energy Monitoring

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If you’re all about the details, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug is your go-to. It’s packed with features, especially when it comes to energy monitoring. Unlike some plugs that just give you the basics, the Tapo breaks it all down—real-time usage, historical data, you name it. Setting it up is a cinch too; just scan the QR code, and the app walks you through the rest.

What really sets this one apart is its scheduling flexibility. You can set timers, create sunrise/sunset offsets, and even set up “Smart Actions” like geofencing. It’s compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, so it plays nice with pretty much any smart home setup. The only downside? It’s limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which might be a bummer if your network is all about that 5GHz life.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Detailed energy monitoring2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
Easy setup with QR codeMay block adjacent outlets
Flexible scheduling optionsLimited to Tapo app ecosystem

Check Price on Amazon


Kasa Smart Plug Mini with Energy Monitoring

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The Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a little powerhouse. It’s compact, so it won’t hog your outlet space, and it’s packed with features. The real-time energy tracking is a standout—it’s perfect for spotting those energy vampires in your home. The Kasa app is super user-friendly, with scheduling, grouping, and remote control options that make managing your devices a breeze.

One thing I love about this plug is that it doesn’t need a hub. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi, and it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The only downside? The energy monitoring doesn’t give you a ton of historical data, so if you’re a data nerd, you might feel a bit shortchanged. Also, some users have reported hiccups during setup, but once it’s up and running, it’s smooth sailing.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Real-time energy monitoringLimited historical energy data
Compact, non-blocking designOccasional Wi-Fi setup issues
No hub required, works with Alexa/GoogleApp interface could be more detailed

Check Price on Amazon


THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Plug 4 Pack with Energy Monitoring

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If you’re deep into the smart home game, the THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Plug is worth a look. These plugs are a dream for anyone using platforms like Home Assistant. They not only monitor energy but also act as ZigBee repeaters, boosting your network’s range and reliability.

Setting them up is straightforward, especially if you’re using ZigBee2MQTT or ZHA. They give you detailed metrics like voltage, current, and power consumption, though the energy reporting can be a bit laggy at times. The physical button also takes a firm press, which can be a bit annoying, but it’s a small trade-off for the features you get.

Overall, these plugs are a great value, especially if you’re looking to beef up your ZigBee network. Just keep an eye on high-power devices—some users have reported issues with heavy loads.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Real-time energy monitoringInconsistent energy reporting
Acts as a ZigBee repeaterPhysical button requires force
Works offline with local controlLimited high-power reliability

Check Price on Amazon


EMPORIA Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring

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The Emporia Smart Plug is a solid pick if you’re serious about energy monitoring. It integrates seamlessly with the Emporia app, giving you detailed insights into your power consumption. The app is super intuitive, with easy scheduling and remote control options.

One standout feature is its ability to nest under existing circuits in the Emporia app, which is great if you’re already using the Emporia Vue energy monitoring system. The setup can be a bit finicky, especially if you’ve got a complex Wi-Fi network, but once it’s connected, it’s rock-solid. The build quality is top-notch, and the side-mounted power button is a nice touch.

Just be careful with high-wattage devices—this plug can struggle with them, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Detailed energy monitoringStruggles with high-wattage devices
Seamless app integrationSetup can be tricky with complex Wi-Fi
Robust build qualityLimited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

Check Price on Amazon


Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A with Apple HomeKit Support

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For Apple fans, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A is a no-brainer. It’s one of the few plugs that natively supports Apple HomeKit, and it works with Alexa and Google Home too. The energy monitoring is spot-on, with real-time data and historical trends that make it easy to track your usage.

The setup is straightforward, though some users have found the HomeKit integration a bit finicky. The compact design is a big plus—it won’t block adjacent outlets, and the 15A rating means it can handle a variety of devices. Just make sure you’ve got a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google HomeHomeKit setup can be tricky for some users
Accurate energy monitoringRequires a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
Compact design, doesn’t block adjacent outletsLimited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only

Check Price on Amazon


Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring, 15A Max WiFi Outlet Socket

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Last but not least, this budget-friendly smart plug is a great option if you’re just looking for the basics. It’s easy to set up, works with Alexa and Google Home, and gives you accurate energy monitoring. The app is simple and straightforward, though it’s not as polished as some of the others.

At just $9.99, it’s one of the most affordable options out there. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a solid pick.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
Affordable priceNo Apple HomeKit support
Accurate energy monitoringLacks group control feature
Compact designApp interface could be improved

Check Price on Amazon


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best smart energy monitoring plug?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something affordable and easy to use, the Govee Smart Plug is a great choice. For more detailed energy tracking, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug is hard to beat. And if you’re an Apple user, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini with HomeKit support is the way to go.

Do smart plugs monitor energy usage?

Yep! Most smart plugs with energy monitoring can track how much power your devices are using. You can usually see this info in real-time through the app, which is super handy for spotting energy hogs.

What are the disadvantages of smart plugs?

They’re not perfect. Some can be pricey, especially if you need a bunch of them. They also rely on Wi-Fi, so if your internet’s down, they’re not much help. And while they’re generally safe, there’s always a small risk of hacking if they’re not set up properly.

What should you not plug into a smart plug?

Avoid plugging in anything that draws a lot of power, like space heaters or air conditioners. They can overload the plug and cause safety issues. Also, steer clear of critical devices like medical equipment—smart plugs can lose connection, and you don’t want to risk it.

Do smart plugs increase electricity bill?

Not necessarily. In fact, they can help you save money by cutting off power to devices that are sucking energy when they’re not in use. But if you’re not careful, they can also lead to higher bills if you’re using them to control high-energy devices.

What is the difference between a smart meter and an energy monitor?

A smart meter is installed by your utility company and tracks your overall energy usage, sending the data straight to them. An energy monitor, on the other hand, is something you set up yourself to track the energy usage of specific devices or circuits in your home. Both are useful, but they serve different purposes.


Final Recommendations

  • For Energy Monitoring Enthusiasts: The Govee Smart Plug is the top pick due to its detailed energy tracking and user-friendly app.
  • For Smart Home Integration: The TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug is the best option for seamless integration with multiple platforms.
  • For High-Power Devices: The EMPORIA Smart Plug is the safest and most reliable choice for heavy-duty appliances.
  • For Apple Users: The Kasa Smart Plug Mini (HomeKit Supported) is the go-to option for iOS compatibility.

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