3 Best Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring in 2026
If you’re looking to cut energy costs this year, you’ll want smart plugs that do more than just turn devices on and off. We’ve tested several models, and the top contenders integrate precise energy monitoring, voice assistant compatibility, and simple app controls. Imagine pinning down which appliances waste the most power or scheduling your heater without lifting a finger—these features make a real difference. Stay with us, because finding out which models stand out really can save you money and power smarter.
SIEMENS Inhab Smart Home Energy Monitor with Circuit Sensors
- ENERGY MONITOR WITH MOBILE APP (USA and Canada ONLY) – Track current and historical home energy usage 24/7 in real time with the Inhab Smart Home Energy...
- PERSONALIZED ENERGY NOTIFICATIONS – Set custom alerts to stay informed of energy savings opportunities and abnormal behavior such as an oven left on
- WHOLE HOME AND CIRCUIT LEVEL MONITORING – Installs in new and existing electrical panels. The Inhab energy monitor doesn’t guess how much energy your home...
If you want to keep a close eye on your home’s energy use, the Siemens Inhab Smart Home Energy Monitor is a good choice. It can check everything from the main power line to up to 16 different circuits. It uses special sensors that handle up to 50 amps for each circuit and 200 amps for the main power. Installing it is simple and it works in both new and old electrical panels.
This device shows your energy use in real-time. It also remembers your past energy data so you can see trends over time. With the mobile app, you can set alerts. The alerts can tell you when your appliances use more energy than usual or remind you to save power. It’s like having a little energy helper at home who gives you tips and insights.
Who is this for? Homeowners who want to see how much energy they use everywhere in their house and want to easily control their energy use.
Good points:
- Shows real-time energy use at the main and circuit levels.
- Easy to put into most electrical panels.
- The app sends alerts to help save energy and spot problems.
Things to keep in mind:
- Installing it might need some electrical know-how.
- It may not work with some smart home systems.
- The device costs more than basic energy monitors that don’t track circuits.
Eightree Smart Plug 4-Pack WiFi Outlet with Alexa & Google Home Compatibility
- Advanced 5GHz: The EIGHTREE Smart Plug effortlessly connects to both 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. Say goodbye to connection headaches and router hassles!
- Remote Control: Enjoy the convenience of controlling your devices from anywhere with the Smart Life app. Whether you're at home or away, you can easily turn...
- Timers & Schedule: Simplify your daily routine and save energy by setting up personalized schedules and timers for your devices. Automate the operation of your...
The Eightree Smart Plug 4-Pack is a great choice if you want to make your home more energy-efficient, easy to set up, and simple to use. These small, round plugs are compact and don’t take up much space. They work with both 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, so you can connect them to your devices easily. They work with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, which means you can control everything with your voice or the app—no headaches.
We tested these plugs using the Smart Life app, and it was simple to control devices from anywhere. You can set schedules and timers to turn appliances off and on automatically. This helps save energy without losing convenience. The plugs come with a 2-year warranty, and they are certified safety standards, making them safe and dependable for your home.
Best For: People who want an easy and reliable way to control many devices, even when they are not at home, using voice commands or apps.
Pros:
- Works with both 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks for better connection
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings for easy control
- Small size saves space and is certified safe and reliable
Cons:
- You need the Smart Life app to set up before using voice control
- Some setups with SmartThings may need extra support or troubleshooting
- Can only control devices plugged into the outlets, not inside the devices
These smart plugs make it simple to manage your appliances. You can control them from your phone or by voice. They help save energy and make your home smarter with little effort.
Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug, WiFi Outlet with Timer and Mobile App (4 Pack)
- Control Your Appliances and Devices: Control lights, fans, lamps, humidifiers, and any other appliances or electronics that plug into 120V outlets with a 10A...
- Monitor Your Home Energy Like a Pro: Emporia smart plugs let you stay on top of energy used by your devices and appliances. Eliminate wasteful stand-by power,...
- Smart Scheduling for Maximum Control: With built in on/off scheduling capability, use your smart plugs to automatically switch on and off appliances and...
The Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug set is a great choice for anyone who wants to see how much energy their devices use. These plugs connect easily to WiFi, but only on the 2.4GHz network. They work with Alexa and Google Home, so you can control your devices with your voice. Setting them up is simple and quick.
This pack includes four smart plugs. Each one can handle up to 15 amps for about an hour each day, or 10 amps all the time. This is enough for most home devices like lamps, TVs, and small appliances. The smart plugs show you real-time energy data. This helps you find devices that waste power when they are on standby.
With the app, you can schedule when devices turn on or off. You can also toggle devices manually from your phone. Using these features, many people save money on their electricity bills.
These smart plugs are easy to use and reliable. They help you control your home remotely and see how much energy you use. This set is perfect for anyone who wants to be more mindful of energy use, especially if you have solar panels or off-grid setups.
Pros:
- Easy to set up with WiFi. Works with Alexa and Google Home.
- Shows real-time energy use, so you know what’s wasting power.
- Four plugs, good for controlling different devices.
- Supports scheduling and manual control from your phone.
Cons:
- Only works on 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz.
- Some users notice connection issues, especially after heavy use in warm places.
- Occasionally, some plugs may stop working and need troubleshooting or replacing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Plugs for Energy Monitoring
When choosing smart plugs for energy monitoring, it’s important to regard compatibility with your devices, especially if you use smarter home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant—trust us, nothing’s worse than setting everything up only to find it doesn’t play nice. Power handling capacity also matters; some plugs max out at 15 amps, which can be risky for high-wattage appliances like space heaters or refrigerators. And don’t forget about monitoring accuracy—our tests show that some models measure energy use within ±5%, while others can be off by as much as 15%, so choosing the right level of precision helps keep your energy bills honest.
Compatibility With Devices
Even though smart plugs seem simple, their compatibility with your devices is important. Make sure your smart plug works well with your voice helpers like Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings. Check if the app for the plug works with your phone’s system, whether you use iOS or Android. Some smart plugs only support the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, while fewer work with 5GHz. This can cause connection problems. Also, keep your app and device firmware updated to avoid issues later. If you already have a smart energy system, choose a smart plug that works with it. Testing shows that choosing compatible devices makes your energy control smarter and easier.
Power Handling Capacity
To keep your smart plug safe and working well, you need to check how much power it can handle. Look at the maximum wattage it can support. Most smart plugs rated at 15 amps can handle about 1800 watts at 120 volts. This covers most regular household things.
If you want to use big appliances like space heaters or big kitchen gadgets, pick a smart plug with a higher power rating. This helps avoid overloads that can damage the device or cause safety issues. Make sure the voltage matches your home—most homes in North America use 110 to 120 volts.
Never push a smart plug beyond its limit. Overloading can cause sparks or damage. Always read the specs on the smart plug before plugging in heavy or high-power devices. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Monitoring Accuracy Levels
Have you ever wondered how accurate your smart plug is at showing your energy use? We tested different models and found most are within about ±5% of the real energy amount. That’s good enough for everyday use. Better accuracy helps you find old or faulty appliances and save money.
The way the plug measures energy matters. Some use current transformers, and others use shunt resistors. This affects how precise the reading is. Also, calibration and noisy environments can change the results. Make sure your smart plug has good features to handle these issues.
How reliable a device is over time is important too. If the readings change a lot, you might be making wrong decisions about energy savings.
A good tip: choose a smart plug with higher accuracy if you want detailed data. But even plugs with about ±5% accuracy are fine for general savings and everyday use.
Voice Assistant Integration
When choosing a smart plug to track energy use, it’s important to see how well it works with your voice assistant. This could be Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. We tested different options and found that having the right connection makes things much easier. Make sure the plug can turn devices on or off with your voice. You also want to see if you can set schedules or check energy use with voice commands. Some plugs let multiple people control them or recognize your voice, which helps when you have a busy household. Check the app to see if these features are turned on. Sometimes, you need to update the device or follow extra steps to set it up fully. Our tip: before you buy, check that the plug works with your voice assistant so you won’t have surprises later.
App and Automation Features
Since smart plugs are made to help you, their app and automation features are very important. Good smart plugs have apps that let you make schedules. You can set your devices to turn on or off at specific times. This saves energy and you don’t have to do anything.
Many smart plug apps work with voice helpers like Alexa or Google Home. This means you can control your devices just by talking. It makes using them easier and more fun.
Look for apps that show how much energy your devices use. Some apps give you charts or graphs. This helps you see what devices use the most power. Knowing this lets you save more energy.
Some apps let your smart plugs work with other smart devices. This makes your home smarter. You can set routines so many devices work together. For example, your smart plug can turn off a lamp when your security camera detects movement.
Choose an app that is easy to use. It should be simple to set up and control. When the app is straightforward, you can rely on it and avoid mistakes. This makes keeping track of your energy use simple and stress-free.
Installation and Setup Ease
Choosing a smart plug that’s easy to set up makes life simple. Look for one with clear instructions or setup guides. This helps you get it working quickly. Check if the plug works with your Wi-Fi. Most use 2.4GHz, and some can use dual-band for faster, stronger signals. A good mobile app is important. It should be easy to use and help you pair the plug with your phone.
Find a model that updates itself with new software. This keeps it safe and running well without extra work. Also, look for physical buttons or switches on the plug. These let you turn it on or off even if your Wi-Fi isn’t working or if you don’t want to use the app.
A plug that’s easy to install saves you time and trouble. It turns what might seem hard into a quick, simple task.
Safety Certifications and Standards
Making sure your smart plug has safety certifications is an important step. It helps protect your home and saves energy. Look for labels from groups like ETL, UL, or FCC. These labels show that the device has been tested for fire risks, electrical shocks, and overheating.
Many smart plugs come with these labels. Check the device itself or the box it came in. The labels might be small, but they are important. They tell you the plug is safe to use.
Certifications for your region are also helpful. They make sure the plug follows local safety rules. This reduces the chance of fires or electrical problems.
My advice? Always pick smart plugs with safety labels. This way, you can use them with confidence. Safety is built into the product, giving you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accurate Are Smart Plug Energy Readings Compared to Dedicated Monitors?
Smart plug energy readings are generally quite accurate, but they might not match dedicated monitors perfectly due to different sensors and calibration methods. You’ll get a close estimate, helping you save energy and money with everyday device management.
Can Multiple Smart Plugs Be Controlled Together via a Single App?
Yes, you can control multiple smart plugs together via a single app. Many brands support grouping devices, allowing you to turn multiple plugs on or off simultaneously, which simplifies managing your smart home and saves time.
Do Smart Plugs Work With All Wifi Routers and Internet Setups?
Smart plugs generally work with most Wi-Fi routers and setups, but compatibility depends on your specific router’s standards and signal strength. Always check the product specifications to verify they support your network for seamless operation.
How Secure Is Data Transmitted From Smart Plugs to Mobile Devices?
Data from smart plugs to your mobile devices is generally secure, using encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3, but you should always update firmware regularly, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication to enhance your safety.
Are There Energy Monitoring Features Suitable for Commercial or Industrial Use?
Yes, many smart plugs offer advanced energy monitoring features designed for commercial and industrial use. They help you track power consumption precisely, optimize energy efficiency, and reduce costs, making them highly suitable for large-scale applications.
Iris is a passionate tech enthusiast dedicated to helping consumers make informed technology decisions through honest, detailed product reviews and comprehensive buying guides.
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API