Amazon Echo and Google Home/Nest smart speakers have crossed over from the early adopter phase to finding a place within mainstream culture, and you can build out your smart home with the help of these devices along with the best smart Wi-Fi plugs for Alexa and Google Assistant, which works with Google Home. If you’re like me, you still might not be convinced which company’s voice assistant is right for you, which is why I’ve got both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers set up in my home. If you find yourself in the same boat, it may be essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, so we’ve rounded up the best smart plugs for both Alexa and Google Home.
AI-powered energy monitoring
WiFi Smart Outlet
Staff Pick
Currant’s WiFi Smart Outlet comes with two individually controllable outlets, but the most crucial part is the ability to build a Bluetooth mesh network of smart plugs. Currant’s two-outlet smart plug offers the ability to see detailed breakdowns of your energy usage by the hour, day, month, or year. Additionally, Currant uses artificial intelligence to identify energy usage patterns to help suggest changes to help you save on your energy bill.
$60 at Currant
No hub required
Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link
The Kasa Smart WiFi Plug offers an outlet on each end, allowing you to control two separate devices while leaving the second plug on your wall outlet free. This plug works with Alexa outlets and Google Assistant, and thanks to the built-in WiFi technology, no hub is required to get things connected.
$65 at Amazon
Exclusively Alexa
Amazon Smart Plug, works with Alexa
The easiest way to invest in the Amazon smart ecosystem is to invest in products from Amazon itself. The Amazon Smart Plug works exclusively with Alexa and is easy to set up out of the box. Just plug it in, open the Alexa app, and go.
$25 at Amazon $25 at Best Buy $25 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Traditional design
Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link
The Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link can be controlled from anywhere with the Kasa app or Alexa and Google Assistant. This best-selling plug doesn’t require a hub, and it lets you set individual schedules and timers for your connected devices to help you save energy and never leave anything accidentally running. It even has a convenient away mode when you’re out of town.
$14 at Amazon $19 at Walmart
Best value
WYZE WLPP1 Smart Home Plug, Two-Pack, White
Wyze is known for making affordable and reliable accessories, and you won’t find a better deal for smart plugs than this two-pack. These compact smart plugs are easy to set up in your home and work with Alexa or Google Home without needing a hub or subscription service.
$20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $20 at Home Depot
Control more things
TP-Link KASA Smart Power Strip
Instead of one smart plug, why not get a smart power strip? One that lets you plug in and independently control up to six different devices using Alexa outlets or Google Assistant! You get proper surge protection built-in along with three USB ports for charging even more devices. You can also opt for a KASA power strip with just three outlets.
$65 at Amazon $80 at Best Buy $71 at Walmart
Watch that energy usage
eufy by Anker Smart Plug
If you live in a place like the five boroughs of New York City, saving money is a necessary survival skill. Tracking energy usage is the best way to do that, and Anker’s Eufy Smart Plug can help with the EufyHome app. You can even set schedules for all your devices that are plugged in to eliminate unneeded power consumption.
$23 at Amazon
A full home kit
Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Samsung’s SmartThings is a very capable and customizable smart home platform. It supports various sensors and smart home products, including this cute and compact smart plug. You can control your connected lamp or appliance with the free SmartThings app. Each smart outlet also doubles as a ZigBee repeater that extends the range of your other ZigBee-enabled smart devices.
$33 at Amazon
More space for more smarts
Gosund Wall Outlet Extender
This smart wall outlet expander allows you to plug in up to six different outlets at a time. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, features a fireproof shell, overload protection, and works with timers and countdowns.
$17 at Amazon
Smart patio party time
Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug
The Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug is made for taking your smart home experience outside of the four walls of your home. With an IP44 waterproofing rating, the Outdoor Smart Plug is ideal for those outdoor events that may result in some water being splashed or sprayed around a bit.
$22 at Amazon $29 at Walmrt
Almost candlelit
Treatlife WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug
The Treatlife Outdoor smart plug lets you create the perfect backyard ambiance with a dimmer that you and your family can use to adjust the brightness or take advantage of sunrise and sunset mode. The plug is waterproof, so it’ll endure any storm and works with Alexa and Google Assistant or through an app, with no hub required.
$33 at Amazon $40 at Walmart
Package deal
Gosund Smart Plug
If you want to get your home connected with smart plugs, Gosund sells a pack of four plugs that will all work through an app or voice commands to Alexa and Google Assistant, and they won’t break the bank. You can set a customized timer and create a schedule for when it’s time for lights out.
$25 at Amazon $31 at Walmart
The quickest and easiest smart home upgrade
There are literally thousands of smart devices that work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you’re just getting started building your smart home, Google offers a new smart home directory to help you pick the best devices.
But of all the ways to upgrade your smart home, smart plugs offer the best multipurpose uses and are easy to set up. Being able to control your favorite reading lamp or other small appliance using just your voice and your preferred smart assistant legitimately feels like magic. Currant’s Smart Outlet offers two plugs and works with Alexa and Google Home to make sure your home is comfortable and smart at all times. Plus, it’s beautiful!
In my experience, the Wyze Plug Two-Pack is your best bet if you’re looking for reliable products at a great price. They’ve worked out great around my home and are extremely affordable.
For a more hardcore solution to upgrading a bunch of your favorite tech all at once, you’ll want to consider the TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip. It offers surge protection and voice control for six outlets, which can be independently scheduled and controlled using Alexa or Google Home. Also, it includes three USB ports for powering or charging your other devices.
