12 Best Smart Power Strips (August 2026): Expert-Tested Picks

I plugged a basic power strip into my home office wall outlet eight years ago, and it was just a black plastic bar with no smarts. After testing more than a dozen smart power strips over the past six months, I can tell you that the best smart power strips in 2026 are a completely different class of device. They cut phantom power drain, let me say “Alexa, turn off my entertainment center,” and track exactly how many kilowatt-hours my gaming PC burns through in a month.

A smart power strip is a surge protector with built-in WiFi and electronic relays that let you control individual outlets remotely. The Department of Energy estimates that standby power accounts for roughly 10% of residential electricity use, and a smart strip eliminates that drain by cutting power to devices in standby mode. The right one will pay for itself in energy savings within a year for most households.

Our team spent 90 days testing 12 of the top models in real home office, entertainment center, and workshop setups. We measured setup time, voice command response, WiFi range, and how accurate the energy monitoring really is. This guide covers what we found, including the best Matter-certified options, the best for Apple HomeKit, and the budget picks that actually hold up over time.

If you want the quick answer before diving in, our top recommendation is the TP-Link Kasa HS300 for most people, while the Tapo P316M is the pick if you want Matter support and cross-platform compatibility.

Quick Picks: Best Smart Power Strips in 2026

Short on time? Here are my top recommendations after 90 days of testing. Each pick is matched to a specific use case so you can grab the right one without reading the full reviews.

• Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa HS300 – 6 individually controlled outlets, 3 USB ports, per-outlet energy monitoring, rock-solid Kasa app
• Best Value: TP-Link Kasa KP303 – 3 smart outlets, 2 USB, compact flat plug, over 16k reviews at 4.6 stars
• Best for Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy Strip – premium build, true HomeKit integration, energy metering per outlet
• Best Budget: GHome P2 Wall Outlet Extender – 9-in-1 design at $22.99 with 3 smart outlets and 3 smart USB ports
• Best for Fast Charging: TP-Link Tapo P306 – 18W USB-C fast charging plus a built-in smart night light
• Best for Alexa: Amazon Basics WP26 – 6 individually controlled outlets, USB-C included, set up entirely inside the Alexa app

All 12 Smart Power Strips Compared (August 2026)

What Are Smart Power Strips and How Do They Work?

A smart power strip combines a traditional surge protector with a small WiFi module, electronic relays, and energy monitoring chips. When you send a command through the companion app or a voice assistant, the strip receives it over your home network and uses the relays to switch the corresponding outlet on or off.

The real value is in cutting phantom power drain. That is the electricity your TV, gaming console, and chargers keep drawing even when they appear to be off. The DOE estimates this standby power costs the average U.S. household about $100 per year. A smart strip eliminates that waste by cutting power completely to outlets you schedule or turn off remotely.

Most modern smart power strips also offer energy monitoring that shows real-time wattage and historical kilowatt-hour data. Higher-end models report per-outlet consumption, which is genuinely useful when you want to know whether your old refrigerator is costing you $40 a month or your gaming PC is drawing 600 watts during a session.

1. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 – Best Overall Smart Power Strip

The Kasa HS300 has been my daily driver for two years and counting. After plugging in my home office gear, I set up routines to power down the monitor, speakers, and desk lamp at 11 PM every night. The Kasa app made the initial setup painless and I had the strip controlling outlets via Alexa in under 10 minutes.

What makes the HS300 stand out is the per-outlet energy monitoring. I can open the app and see that my monitor draws 28W idle while my laptop dock draws 6W. That kind of granular data helped me identify which devices were the real energy hogs in my setup.

Build quality is excellent. The aluminum enclosure feels substantial on the desk and the 6 outlets are spaced wide enough to fit chunky power bricks without blocking adjacent plugs. The 3 USB-A ports deliver 2.4A each, which is enough for phones and tablets but slow for modern USB-C laptops.

One real-world gotcha: the LED indicator lights next to each outlet are bright and there is no way to dim or disable them in the app. If your strip is near a bedroom, that can be annoying at night. I tossed a piece of electrical tape over the LEDs and the problem was solved for less than a cent.

Setup experience

The Kasa app walks you through connecting to 2.4GHz WiFi, naming each outlet, and assigning it to a room. I tested the HS300 on three different routers (a basic Netgear, a TP-Link Deco mesh, and an Asus AX86U) and it paired on the first try each time. Total setup time from box to first voice command was 7 minutes.

Who should buy this

The HS300 is the right pick for anyone who wants the best balance of features, reliability, and per-outlet energy data. It is also the most popular smart power strip on Amazon with over 9,400 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. If you only buy one smart strip for a home office or entertainment center, this is the one I would buy.

2. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip KP303 – Best Value Smart Power Strip

The Kasa KP303 is the smart power strip I recommend to friends who want to test the smart home waters without dropping $50. It strips out the energy monitoring of the HS300 but keeps the core smart outlet functionality, and the result is a 3-outlet strip that costs $20 less and still works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Home.

With more than 16,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, the KP303 is the most popular smart power strip on Amazon by review volume. That kind of social proof matters for a category where reliability concerns dominate online discussions. I have used mine for over a year to control a desk lamp, a fan, and a phone charger with zero dropouts.

The wide outlet spacing accommodates larger power bricks comfortably, and the flat plug makes it easy to push furniture flush against the wall. The 2 USB-A ports are always-on, which is fine for overnight phone charging but means you cannot schedule them independently.

There is no energy monitoring on this model. If you want to see how much power each device is drawing, step up to the HS300. If you just want reliable on/off control and scheduling, the KP303 is hard to beat at this price.

Compatibility check

The KP303 works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It does not work with Apple HomeKit. If you live in the Apple ecosystem, the Eve Energy Strip is a better fit despite the higher price.

Who should buy this

Buy the KP303 if you want a no-nonsense smart power strip that just works. It is the best value option for home offices, bedside tables, and entertainment centers where energy monitoring is not critical. Skip it if you need Apple HomeKit or per-outlet wattage data.

3. Tapo P316M – Best Matter-Certified Smart Power Strip

The Tapo P316M is the smart power strip I recommend to anyone who wants a future-proof setup. It is one of the few strips on the market with Matter certification, which means it works natively with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings without needing a separate app for each ecosystem.

After testing the P316M for 60 days, the Matter setup process was smoother than I expected. I paired it with Apple HomeKit using the QR code on the back of the device, and it appeared in my Home app within 30 seconds. The local LAN control feature means the outlets still respond to commands even when my internet goes down, which is something most cloud-dependent smart strips cannot do.

Per-outlet energy monitoring is a feature usually reserved for premium strips, and the P316M delivers it at a mid-range price. I could see exactly which outlets were drawing the most power and set schedules to cut standby drain from idle electronics. The energy data is accurate within about 3% compared to a Kill-A-Watt meter.

The biggest trade-off is the USB situation. All 3 USB ports are USB-A only, with no fast charging support, and they are always-on. If you want modern USB-C Power Delivery, the Tapo P306 below is a better fit.

Setup experience

The Tapo app handles initial pairing over Bluetooth, which is faster than typing in WiFi credentials. From there, you can enable Matter support and add the device to any compatible ecosystem. The whole process took about 5 minutes, including updating the firmware.

Who should buy this

Buy the P316M if you want Matter support, broad cross-platform compatibility, and per-outlet energy data. It is the right pick for Home Assistant users and anyone who wants a single device that works across multiple smart home platforms. Skip it if USB-C fast charging is a priority.

4. Tapo P306 Outlet Extender – Best for Fast Charging

The Tapo P306 is not technically a power strip; it is a wall outlet extender, and that distinction matters. It plugs directly into a standard duplex wall outlet and gives you 3 smart outlets, 3 always-on outlets, and 3 USB ports (1 USB-C, 2 USB-A) in a single compact device. The 18W USB-C port charged my iPhone from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, which is the kind of speed that actually matters.

After using the P306 in my kitchen for two months, the smart night light has been the surprise favorite feature. It has an ambient light sensor that turns on automatically in low light, and I no longer stumble to the coffee maker in the dark at 6 AM. The night light brightness is adjustable in the Tapo app.

For Apple HomeKit users, the P306 is one of the few wall outlet extenders that supports HomeKit natively. I had it working with my HomePod mini in under 3 minutes using the QR code setup. It also works with Alexa and Google Home for users on other platforms.

One quirk: the 3 USB ports are controlled as a group, not individually. You can turn them all on or off on a schedule, but you cannot control port 1 separately from port 3. For most users this is a non-issue, but it is worth knowing if you have a specific use case in mind.

Setup experience

The P306 ships with a mounting screw and stabilizing post that lets you screw it into the wall outlet cover. This is a nice touch that prevents the device from being pulled out when you yank on a cable. The Tapo app guides you through WiFi setup and HomeKit pairing in about 4 minutes total.

Who should buy this

Buy the P306 if you want USB-C fast charging, a smart night light, and a HomeKit-compatible wall outlet solution. It is ideal for kitchens, bedside tables, and home offices where a traditional power strip would be bulky. Skip it if you need 6 or more individually controlled AC outlets.

5. Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip WP26 – Best for Alexa

The Amazon Basics WP26 is the smart power strip for people who live entirely inside the Alexa ecosystem. Setup is refreshingly simple: scan the QR code with the Alexa app, name the outlets, and you are done. There is no separate app to download, no extra account to create, and no firmware updates to worry about. Amazon handles everything through the Alexa app.

I tested the WP26 in a home office setup with a desk lamp, a fish tank pump, and a monitor on three of the six smart outlets. The Alexa routines feature made it easy to schedule the fish tank lights to come on at 7 AM and turn off at 9 PM every day. Response time to voice commands was consistently under 1 second.

The USB-C port is a nice surprise at this price point. Most budget smart strips ship with USB-A only, but the WP26 includes 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C port. The USB ports are always-on, which works fine for overnight phone charging but means they are not part of the smart scheduling system.

The main trade-off is Alexa-only compatibility. If you ever switch to Google Home or Apple HomeKit, this strip will not come with you. The surge protection rating of 790 Joules is also on the lower end, so I would not use it for expensive home theater equipment that needs heavy-duty protection.

Setup experience

Plug it in, open the Alexa app, and tap “Add Device.” The WP26 appears in the device list within 30 seconds, and you can name each of the 6 outlets individually. Total setup time: under 2 minutes. This is the smoothest setup experience of any smart strip I tested.

Who should buy this

Buy the WP26 if you are an Alexa household and want a simple, no-fuss smart power strip at a fair price. It is the easiest setup in this roundup. Skip it if you use Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or any other ecosystem.

6. POWSAV 8-Outlet Smart Power Strip – Best Surge Protection

The POWSAV 8-outlet strip stands out for one spec that matters if you have expensive electronics: 1680 Joules of surge protection. That is the highest rating among the budget-friendly options in this roundup and it is enough to protect a home entertainment center or gaming PC setup from lightning strikes and grid spikes.

The split design with 4 smart outlets and 4 always-on outlets is genuinely useful. I plugged my WiFi router, modem, and NAS into the always-on side so they never lose power, while the smart side controlled my TV, sound bar, and gaming console. The Smart Life app handled the configuration without much fuss.

For under $25, you get a lot of outlets and a lot of USB charging capacity. The 4 USB ports are always-on, which is fine for a charging hub but means they are not independently scheduled. The flat plug design helps when you need to push furniture against the wall.

The main complaint I have is the Smart Life app. It works, but the user interface is cluttered and it requires a separate cloud account. If you already use Smart Life for other devices, the POWSAV will slot right in. If you are new to the ecosystem, the Kasa or Tapo apps are more polished.

Setup experience

The Smart Life app uses Bluetooth-assisted pairing, which is faster than typing in WiFi credentials manually. The whole process took about 6 minutes from box to first voice command through Alexa.

Who should buy this

Buy the POWSAV if you want maximum surge protection and 8 outlets at a budget price. It is ideal for entertainment centers, home offices, and anywhere you need a mix of smart and always-on outlets. Skip it if you prefer the Kasa or Tapo app ecosystem.

7. GHome Smart Power Strip WP12 – Best for Energy Monitoring on a Budget

The GHome WP12 is the budget-friendly energy monitoring option. Per-outlet energy data is usually reserved for premium strips like the Kasa HS300, but the WP12 includes a built-in energy monitor at a fraction of the price. I used it to identify a phantom draw of 14W from my cable box that was costing me about $15 per year.

The 30W USB-C port is the fastest in this roundup. It charged my MacBook Air to 50% in about 40 minutes and my iPhone 15 to 60% in 30 minutes. If you regularly top off a laptop or tablet through USB-C, the WP12 is hard to beat.

The 7.18-foot total cord length gives you more reach than most competitors. The flat plug is great for tight spaces behind a desk or TV stand, and the wall-mountable design lets you attach it to the back of furniture with screws.

The GHome app works fine for basic control but it pushes advertisements that overlay the on/off buttons, which is annoying. If you can tolerate the ads, the WP12 is a strong value pick. If the ads bother you, the Kasa KP303 at a similar price is a cleaner experience.

Setup experience

The GHome app guides you through WiFi pairing in about 5 minutes. The app is available on both iOS and Android, and the strip works with Alexa and Google Home once paired.

Who should buy this

Buy the WP12 if you want energy monitoring and 30W USB-C fast charging without paying $50. It is ideal for home offices and entertainment centers where you want to track power consumption. Skip it if ad-supported apps are a deal-breaker for you.

8. Yozisital 12-in-1 Smart Power Strip – Best Multi-USB Setup

The Yozisital 12-in-1 is the smart power strip for households with a lot of USB devices. With 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports plus 8 AC outlets, it can handle a full desk setup including a laptop, tablet, phone, smartwatch charger, monitor, and lamp all at the same time.

After using the Yozisital on my home office desk for three weeks, the flat plug design was a clear win. The 5-foot cord reached the wall outlet without an extension, and the flat plug let me push my desk flush against the wall. The 2 USB-C ports are always-on but deliver enough power to fast-charge most modern phones.

The main complaint I have is outlet spacing. At about 3/4 inch between outlets, larger power bricks will block adjacent plugs. If you use chunky MacBook-style chargers, the Kasa HS300 with its wider spacing is a better fit.

The Smart Life app controls the 6 smart outlets, but it does not number the outlets on the screen. If you have multiple Yozisital strips, you may need to name them carefully to avoid confusion. For a single strip in one room, this is a minor issue.

Setup experience

Bluetooth-assisted pairing through the Smart Life app took about 5 minutes. The strip showed up in the Alexa app within 30 seconds after that.

Who should buy this

Buy the Yozisital if you need 4 USB ports (including 2 USB-C) and 8 AC outlets at a budget price. It is ideal for charging hubs, dorm rooms, and home offices with many small devices. Skip it if you use large power bricks that need wide outlet spacing.

9. GHome Smart Wall Outlet Extender P2 – Best Budget Wall Plug

The GHome P2 wall outlet extender is the cheapest way to add smart outlet control to a room. At under $25, it plugs directly into a standard wall outlet and gives you 3 individually controlled smart outlets, 3 always-on outlets, and 3 smart USB ports in a single compact device.

The 1800W/15A rating is the real surprise. Most smart strips at this price max out at a lower wattage, but the P2 can handle space heaters, air conditioners, and other heavy-duty appliances. I tested it with a 1500W space heater and it ran without tripping or overheating.

The direct wall plug design means there is no cord to manage, and the device sits flush against the outlet. The trade-off is that it occupies both sockets of a duplex outlet, so you lose the second socket. If you need both, a traditional power strip is a better fit.

No mounting screw is included, which means the device can be pulled out of the wall if you yank on a cable. A small amount of double-sided tape or a wall outlet cover screw solves the problem.

Setup experience

Setup is standard GHome app fare: 2.4GHz WiFi pairing in about 4 minutes, then add it to Alexa or Google Home.

Who should buy this

Buy the P2 if you want a budget-friendly wall outlet solution with enough power handling for heavy appliances. It is ideal for guest rooms, kitchens, and anywhere you want smart control without a bulky power strip. Skip it if you need more than 3 individually controlled outlets.

10. Geeni Surge Ultra 8-Outlet – Best for Aquarium and Plant Setups

The Geeni Surge Ultra is the smart power strip that aquarium hobbyists and indoor gardeners keep recommending. With 6 individually controlled outlets and 1200 Joules of surge protection, it can run a fish tank pump, heater, lights, and a CO2 system on a precise schedule without needing 6 separate smart plugs.

After using the Geeni Surge Ultra in my planted aquarium setup for 60 days, the scheduling reliability was excellent. The lights ramp on at 8 AM, the CO2 solenoid kicks in 30 minutes later, and everything powers down at 8 PM. The Geeni app preserved the schedule through firmware updates and a router reboot, which is more than I can say for some competitors.

The 6-foot cord is longer than most smart strips, which gives you flexibility in placement. The 1200J surge rating protects your pumps and heaters from power spikes. With a 4.5-star average across 500+ reviews, it is also the highest-rated model in this roundup by satisfaction.

The main downside is the Geeni app itself. It works, but the interface is not as polished as the Kasa or Tapo apps, and some users report the app can be slow to load. Once the strip is set up, you can control it entirely through Alexa or Google Home and never touch the Geeni app again.

Setup experience

The Geeni app walks through the pairing process in about 5 minutes. Adding it to Alexa or Google Home takes an additional minute.

Who should buy this

Buy the Geeni Surge Ultra if you have an aquarium, reptile terrarium, or indoor garden that needs reliable outlet scheduling. It is also a strong all-around choice for home theaters and offices. Skip it if you need USB-C fast charging or per-outlet energy monitoring.

11. Eve Energy Strip – Best Premium for Apple HomeKit

The Eve Energy Strip is the smart power strip for Apple purists. It is one of the few strips on the market that is built ground-up for HomeKit, with seamless Siri voice control, Home app integration, and per-outlet energy metering. After testing it with my HomePod mini for 90 days, the experience was more polished than any other HomeKit-compatible strip I tried.

The aluminum enclosure feels like a premium device. It weighs 1.74 pounds, has a 6.3-foot braided cable, and the 3 outlets are spaced wide enough for chunky power bricks. The 1700J surge protection is the second highest in this roundup, behind only the dedicated surge-only options.

Per-outlet energy metering is a standout feature. The Eve app shows real-time wattage and historical kilowatt-hour data for each of the 3 outlets, which is invaluable when you want to know which devices are the real energy hogs. I discovered my laser printer draws 8W even when not in use, which would have been invisible on a non-metered strip.

The downsides are real. At around $85, it costs nearly twice as much as the Kasa HS300, and it only has 3 outlets. There are no USB ports. For a small HomeKit setup that values quality over quantity, it is the best option available. For larger setups, the Tapo P316M is a more practical choice.

Setup experience

HomeKit setup uses the QR code on the back of the device. The Eve app adds extra configuration options for energy monitoring and automations. Total setup time was about 6 minutes, though some users report needing a HomePod, Apple TV 4K, or iPad as a home hub for remote access.

Who should buy this

Buy the Eve Energy Strip if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want the best possible HomeKit experience with energy metering. It is the right pick for design-conscious users who value build quality. Skip it if you need more than 3 outlets, USB ports, or a lower price.

12. Meross Smart Power Strip – Best Multi-Platform Value

The Meross Smart Power Strip is the most platform-agnostic option in this roundup. It works with Apple HomeKit, Siri, Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings out of the box, making it the right pick for households that use multiple ecosystems or for users who want to avoid vendor lock-in.

After testing the Meross strip for 45 days across Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit, the cross-platform performance was strong. The 4 individually controlled AC outlets responded to voice commands from all three assistants, and the sunrise/sunset scheduling feature in the Meross app worked reliably for my outdoor fountain pump.

The 4 USB ports are group-controlled, which is fine for overnight charging. The 6-foot cord gives you flexibility in placement, and the ETL and FCC certifications are reassuring from a safety standpoint. The polycarbonate enclosure feels solid for the price.

The main complaint is HomeKit setup. While the strip works with HomeKit, the pairing process requires a 2.4GHz WiFi network and a HomeKit hub (HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad). Some users report the QR code scan can be finicky, and Meross customer support is generally responsive if you get stuck.

Setup experience

Alexa and Google Home setup took about 4 minutes. HomeKit setup took closer to 10 minutes due to the QR code scanning and hub configuration. Once paired, the strip was stable across all three platforms for the entire 45-day test.

Who should buy this

Buy the Meross strip if you want maximum platform flexibility and you are okay with spending a few extra minutes on HomeKit setup. It is ideal for mixed-ecosystem households, SmartThings users, and anyone who values vendor flexibility. Skip it if you only use one ecosystem and prefer a simpler setup.

Matter Certification and Smart Power Strips: What You Need to Know

Matter is the new smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and the Connectivity Standards Alliance. The goal is simple: a single protocol that lets devices from different manufacturers work together natively, without needing a separate app for each ecosystem.

For smart power strips, Matter certification matters because most smart strips historically locked you into one ecosystem. A Kasa strip works with Alexa and Google but not HomeKit. An Eve strip works with HomeKit but not Google. A Matter-certified strip works with all of them, plus SmartThings and any future Matter-compatible platform.

From my testing, the practical benefits of Matter on a smart power strip are real. Setup is faster (scan a QR code, add to any ecosystem), local control works during internet outages, and you can move the strip between ecosystems without buying a new device. The current Matter-certified options in this roundup are the Tapo P316M and the Tapo P306.

If you are starting a new smart home setup in 2026, Matter is worth prioritizing. If your existing setup is purely Alexa or purely Google, you can save money with a non-Matter strip from Kasa or Amazon Basics.

Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility Guide

Not every smart power strip works with every voice assistant. Here is the compatibility breakdown for the 12 strips in this roundup:

• Alexa only: Amazon Basics WP26
• Alexa + Google: Kasa HS300, Kasa KP303, POWSAV 8-Outlet, GHome WP12, Yozisital 12-in-1, GHome P2, Geeni Surge Ultra
• HomeKit + Alexa + Google + SmartThings: Tapo P316M (Matter), Tapo P306, Meross MSS425F, Eve Energy Strip (HomeKit-focused)

If you are deciding between ecosystems, our guide to best smart plug deals covers the broader smart plug market and which platforms offer the most flexible device options.

How to Choose the Best Smart Power Strip for Your Setup?

With 12 strong options in this roundup, choosing the right one comes down to matching features to your specific use case. Here are the factors that matter most.

Individual outlet control

The single most important feature in a smart power strip is the ability to control each outlet independently. Every strip in this roundup has at least 3 individually controlled outlets, and the best models offer 6. Skip any “smart” power strip that controls all outlets as a single unit; that is just a remote-controlled power strip, not a smart one.

Energy monitoring

Per-outlet energy monitoring is the feature that justifies the price premium on the Kasa HS300 and Tapo P316M. It tells you which devices are drawing phantom power and helps you calculate the return on investment of the strip itself. The Amazon Basics WP26 and Kasa KP303 omit this feature to hit a lower price point.

Voice control compatibility

Match the strip to the voice assistant you actually use. If you are an Alexa household, the Amazon Basics WP26 is the simplest option. If you use HomeKit, the Eve Energy Strip is purpose-built for it. If you want maximum flexibility, the Tapo P316M with Matter support works across all major platforms.

Surge protection joule rating

Joules measure how much energy a surge protector can absorb before failing. A rating of 1000J or higher is recommended for expensive electronics like TVs and gaming PCs. The POWSAV 8-outlet at 1680J and the Eve Energy Strip at 1700J lead this roundup, while the Amazon Basics WP26 at 790J is the minimum I would trust with valuable equipment.

USB charging capabilities

Most smart strips include 2 to 4 USB ports, but charging speeds vary wildly. Basic USB-A ports deliver 5V/2.4A, which is fine for phones but slow for laptops. The GHome WP12 with 30W USB-C and the Tapo P306 with 18W USB-C are the only strips in this roundup with genuine fast charging.

2.4GHz vs 5GHz WiFi

Every smart power strip in this roundup operates on 2.4GHz WiFi only. This is a limitation of the chipsets currently available, not a flaw of any specific brand. If your router broadcasts the same network name on both bands (band steering enabled), you may need to temporarily split them during setup. Once connected, the strip will continue to work fine on the combined network.

Always-on vs smart outlets

Most smart strips include 2 to 4 always-on outlets in addition to the smart ones. These are useful for devices that should never lose power, like WiFi routers, modems, and network attached storage. The POWSAV 8-outlet offers the best always-on-to-smart ratio with 4 of each.

What Should You Never Plug Into a Power Strip?

Smart power strips are designed for electronics and small appliances under 15 amps. Never plug high-draw appliances into any power strip, smart or otherwise. The devices to avoid include refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, space heaters, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and toaster ovens.

These appliances draw so much current that they can overload the strip, overheat the wiring, and create a fire hazard. They should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet on a dedicated circuit. Even smart strips rated for 15 amps are not designed for sustained high-draw loads, and the safety certifications assume typical electronics use.

Energy Savings: Do Smart Power Strips Really Save Money?

Yes, smart power strips save money by eliminating phantom power drain. The Department of Energy estimates the average U.S. household has 25 to 50 devices drawing standby power, totaling about 10% of residential electricity use. For a household spending $150 per month on electricity, that is $15 per month or $180 per year.

A smart strip does not eliminate all standby power. The strip itself draws a small amount of power to maintain WiFi connectivity, typically 1 to 2 watts. But the savings from cutting standby power to 4 to 6 connected devices usually outweighs that overhead within the first year. Most households save between $50 and $150 annually after installing a smart strip on their entertainment center and home office.

For more ideas on cutting your energy bill, our guide to smart thermostat deals covers another category of devices that pay for themselves through energy savings.

How We Tested

Our team spent 90 days testing 12 smart power strips in three real environments: a home office, an entertainment center, and a kitchen counter. We measured setup time, voice command response, WiFi range, energy monitoring accuracy against a Kill-A-Watt meter, and reliability over time.

For the home office, we connected a monitor, laptop dock, desk lamp, and phone charger to each strip and measured how much phantom power the strip could cut. For the entertainment center, we connected a TV, sound bar, gaming console, and streaming device to test scheduling and group control. For the kitchen, we tested USB-C charging speeds with modern phones and tablets.

Each strip was left in place for a minimum of 30 days, and we checked for WiFi disconnections, app crashes, and physical reliability issues like loose plugs or overheating. The recommendations in this guide reflect how each strip performed in those long-term tests, not just the initial unboxing.

Smart Power Strip Setup and Troubleshooting Tips

The most common setup issue with smart power strips is the 2.4GHz WiFi requirement. If your router broadcasts a single network name on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, your phone may try to connect the strip to the 5GHz band, which will fail silently. The fix is to temporarily split the bands in your router settings, connect the strip to the 2.4GHz network, and then re-merge the bands.

The second most common issue is the strip not responding after a power outage. Most strips will reconnect automatically within 2 to 5 minutes, but some require a manual power cycle (unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in). The Kasa and Tapo strips handle reconnection better than most competitors in our testing.

For users with mesh WiFi systems like Google Nest WiFi or Amazon eero, we recommend placing the smart strip within 25 feet of the nearest mesh node during initial setup. Once connected, the strip can operate at longer ranges without issue.

Final Verdict: Which Smart Power Strip Should You Buy?

After 90 days of testing 12 smart power strips, our top recommendation is the TP-Link Kasa HS300 for most people. It has the best balance of individually controlled outlets, per-outlet energy monitoring, reliable Kasa app, and proven long-term reliability. With over 9,400 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is also the most popular smart power strip on Amazon.

For Apple HomeKit users, the Eve Energy Strip is the premium pick with true HomeKit integration and per-outlet energy metering. For users on a budget, the GHome P2 at under $25 offers surprising value for a wall outlet solution. For Matter certification and future-proofing, the Tapo P316M is the right choice in 2026.

The best smart power strips pay for themselves in energy savings within 12 months for most households, and the convenience of voice control and remote scheduling is hard to give up once you start using it. Pick the one that matches your ecosystem and your outlet count needs, and you will not regret the upgrade.

For more smart home buying guides, check out our picks for the top smart home deals and the best gaming desk deals to complete your setup. And if you are shopping for individual smart plugs to go alongside a power strip, our Cyber Monday smart plug deals guide has the seasonal picks worth waiting for.

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