The best smart plugs are super simple devices that make everything in your house smarter, connecting them up to HomeKit for control. That means that old devices and everyday items can be turned on and off remotely, using the Apple Home App.
Let's say you have an old lamp without any smart features, for instance. You'd like it to be controllable with your iPhone 15, so that you can turn it on and off with Siri. You might have an older heating system or a coffee machine you want turning on and off at certain times of day — plug them into a smart plug, and you'll have more control over when they turn on and off.
If you want to make your home smarter, then the best smart plugs are one of the best places to get started. They're not too expensive, and they're much cheaper than buying whole new HomeKit-enabled devices.
Quick List
Monitoring and Thread
The Eve Energy is a Thread-connected smart plug that we tested hands-on and adored. With in-depth energy monitoring stats and automation, it can help you lower your utility bills. Thanks to the device's Thread connection, you won't need to struggle with a Wi-Fi setup process or crowd your network with another device — Eve Energy communicates directly with HomeKit and the Home app.
Thready to go
Like the Eve Energy, Belkin's latest generation Wemo Smart Plug features Thread technology which offers speedy connections and rock-solid reliability. This HomeKit-exclusive version of the Wemo Smart Plug also sports an incredibly slim profile that won't block the other plug on the wall, allowing two of them to be used in a single outlet.
Budget-friendly
The meross Smart Plug Mini is a favorite of ours at iMore. When we tested the product, we noted how it provides all HomeKit smart plug essentials in a compact package at a compact price. This plug is ready to go with a scan of the HomeKit pairing code without downloading another app or registering for an account. With its fast response times and reliability, it's one of the best HomeKit values.
Clean convenience
The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet offers all of the features of typical smart plugs, but you install it in place of your current outlet. In our review, we described how it comes with some great features, such as fast response times, reliable connectivity, independent controls, and energy monitoring. While it's not cheap, it does offer a more seamless look than traditional smart plugs.
Hues of power
If you already have a Philips Hue Bridge, this smart plug will integrate directly with it and HomeKit. The Hue Bridge allows it to work using ZigBee wireless connectivity, keeping it off your Wi-Fi network and without a slower direct-to-your-phone Bluetooth connection. This plug is also compact, allowing you to fit two into a single outlet or keep one free for other items.
For outdoor use
The meross Outdoor Smart Plug provides three convenient weather-resistant outlets, perfect for holiday lighting, fairy lights, and more. This plug uses Wi-Fi for connectivity, which allows you to connect it to your network without using a separate hub.
Q&A
Do you need a smart plug?
Not everyone needs a smart plug. The best smart plugs for HomeKit bring you a cheap and simple way to create smart home devices from “dumb” ones.
A smart plug is a good idea if you want to dip your toe into the smart home space but don’t want to spend a small fortune on new devices just yet. It’s also a good idea to buy a smart plug if you have a lot of regular, “unsmart” appliances that you use often, like say a coffee machine or a lamp. That way you can use the smart plug to set up HomeKit automations or control them with your voice thanks to Siri.
However, some people might want to skip this step and revamp their homes with new smart tech, in which case we’d recommend you look at our best HomeKit devices guide for tips. Or read our Apple HomePod 2 review if it’s a smart speaker you’re looking for.
What should you look for in a smart plug?
If you're looking for the best smart plug, the first thing you need to consider is compatibility. All of the suggestions in this guide work well with HomeKit, but it's worth making sure all of your favorite apps are supported.
We also recommend that you consider where your new smart plug is going to go. Will you need to choose a sleek, nice-looking device or can it hide behind a table or settee?
Our top pick for the best smart plug for HomeKit goes to the Eve Energy, which you'll find in the top spot in the guide above.
We love this smart plug for its slim form factor, energy monitoring capabilities, and the fact that it doesn't need a hub since it utilizes Thread and Bluetooth connectivity. These features make it one of the best for those new to home automation.
If you're looking for a smart plug for the great outdoors, another favorite of ours is the meross Outdoor Smart Plug. This weather-resistant smart plug features three independent outlets so you can control all of your outdoor decorations and lights. Plus, with support for other platforms like Alexa and Google, you are not locked into just HomeKit.
What does a smart plug do?
It's very simple — it plugs into an outlet, and then you plug the device you want to make smarter into the socket on the other side. It will then power on and off, deciding when the device that's plugged in gets power according to how you control it with the Home App.
The idea is to make older devices smart, giving old lights, coffee machines, or even radios a new lease on life. It is way cheaper than investing in something brand new, and while perhaps less flexible than something built from the ground up with HomeKit compatability, it is a great way of making your every day items easier to use.
