If you have ever left for work wondering whether you remembered to turn off the space heater, or dealt with the annoyance of crawling under a desk to unplug a lamp, a smart power strip solves those problems immediately. These devices let you control each outlet individually from your phone, set schedules that match your routine, and monitor how much energy your gadgets are actually consuming. I spent weeks testing 10 popular models to find the best smart power strips available in 2026.
The market has exploded with options, but they are not created equal. Some offer energy monitoring that can cut your electricity bill, while others focus on broad voice assistant compatibility or sheer outlet count. The right choice depends on your specific setup and what you want to automate. This guide covers the top performers across every major category.
My team evaluated each strip on setup experience, app reliability, voice assistant performance, and real-world response time. We looked at both premium options with Matter support and budget-friendly models for smaller setups. Here is what actually performed well in a typical home environment.
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Power Strips
These three models represent the best combinations of features, reliability, and value for most households.
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
- 6 smart outlets
- Energy monitoring
- 3 USB ports
- 15A capacity
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip P316M
- Matter-certified
- Energy monitoring
- 6 outlets + 3 USB
- Local LAN control
Best Smart Power Strips in 2026
Here is our comprehensive comparison of the 10 best smart power strips currently available.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip KP303
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Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
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GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender
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GHome Smart Power Strip
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POWSAV WiFi Surge Protector
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Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip
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Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender P306
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Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip P316M
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Meross Smart Power Strip
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Meross Smart Plug Power Strip
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1. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
The Kasa HS300 is our top pick because it delivers the most complete package for home automation enthusiasts. With 6 individually controlled outlets and 3 USB ports, you can run a serious amount of equipment from a single strip. The energy monitoring feature tracks power consumption per outlet, giving you actual data on which devices are costing you the most.
I set this up in my home office behind my desk. My gaming monitor, desk lamp, speakers, and charger all run through it. Being able to say “Alexa, turn off my desk” and have everything cut except my NAS (which runs 24/7) has become part of my daily routine. The 15A rating means it handles high-draw equipment without complaint.
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300, Surge Protector with 6 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 3 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required
6 smart outlets
3 USB ports
Energy monitoring per outlet
15A capacity
14.17 inch length
Pros
- 6 individually controlled outlets
- Energy monitoring per outlet
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- ETL certified surge protection
- 3 USB charging ports
- No hub required
Cons
- App interface could be improved
- Short cord length (90cm)
The Kasa app has been reliable for me over the past three months. Schedules stick, and the energy monitoring data has been genuinely useful. I discovered my old CRT monitor was drawing 40W even when “off” — cutting it from the HS300 when not in use has reduced my monthly bill noticeably.
The physical buttons on each outlet are a nice touch for manual override. You do not need to open an app every time you want to toggle something. The surge protection gives peace of mind for expensive electronics.

For Home Assistant users, the HS300 works well through the Kasa integration. The local control option means your automations keep running even if the cloud has issues. This matters more than you might think — I have had cloud-connected devices become temporarily unresponsive during internet outages.

Best for power users with multiple devices
If you have a dedicated workspace with multiple monitors, peripherals, and charging needs, the HS300 handles it all without breaking a sweat. The 6 outlets cover most desk setups completely.
Considerations before buying
The cord length is short at about 3 feet, so placement matters. I needed a short extension cord to reach my outlet comfortably. Also, the USB ports charge at standard speeds (5V 2.4A total) — do not expect fast charging for tablets or laptops.
2. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip P316M
The Tapo P316M earns our BEST VALUE badge because it packs Matter certification, energy monitoring, and 6 smart outlets into a reasonable price point. Matter is the new smart home standard that makes devices work together across different platforms — this strip will remain relevant as your setup evolves.
I tested the P316M in my living room entertainment center. Running the TV, streaming box, sound bar, and gaming console through it gave me granular control over each component. The energy monitoring helped me identify that my gaming console was drawing phantom power even in rest mode.
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip - Matter Compatible, Energy Monitoring, Surge Protection, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets & 3 USB Ports, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri & Bixby - Tapo P316M
Matter-certified
6 smart outlets
3 USB ports
Energy monitoring
Local LAN control
Pros
- Matter-certified for universal compatibility
- Energy monitoring per outlet
- Works with Alexa
- Google Home
- Apple HomeKit
- Siri
- Bixby
- Local LAN control works without internet
- Physical on/off buttons per outlet
- Slim design fits behind furniture
Cons
- USB ports not independently controllable
- USB ports limited to 12W max
- no QC or PD
- Main power switch cannot be remotely controlled
The local LAN control is a genuine advantage here. When my internet went down for a day, I could still control the P316M through the Tapo app from my phone. Most competitors require cloud connectivity for app control, making this a meaningful differentiator.
Setup was straightforward. I had the strip connected to my network and integrated with Google Home within 10 minutes. The Matter certification means future platform changes should not require replacing this hardware.

The overcharge prevention feature automatically shuts off an outlet when the connected device is fully charged. This protects device batteries and saves energy — a thoughtful addition that many competitors skip.

Best for multi-platform households
If your household uses both Alexa and Google Home, or if you plan to expand into Apple HomeKit, the P316M handles everything without platform lock-in. Its universal compatibility is genuinely useful.
Considerations before buying
The USB ports share a single controller, so you cannot program them separately. Fast charging enthusiasts may want a dedicated charger. The strip is physically larger than some competitors — measure your space before ordering.
3. TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender P306
The Tapo P306 stands out with its unique 9-in-1 design — 3 smart outlets, 3 always-on outlets, 3 USB ports, plus a built-in smart night light. This is the most versatile option we tested, particularly useful for bedrooms and hallways where you want both controlled and always-powered outlets in one device.
I placed one in my hallway and the night light feature has been genuinely useful. It adjusts brightness based on ambient light and can be scheduled through the app. The 18W USB-C fast charging outperformed my expectations — my iPhone went from dead to 50% in about 30 minutes during testing.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender, Surge Protector, 18W Fast Charging, 3 Individual Smart Outlets, 1x USB-C & 2X USB-A, Smart Night Light, Works w/Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google Home, Tapo P306
9-in-1: 3 smart+3 always-on+3 USB
18W USB-C fast charging
900 Joules
1.57 inch outlet spacing
Pros
- 9 outlets total (3 smart + 3 always-on + 3 USB)
- 18W fast charging USB-C
- Smart night light with adjustable brightness
- Works with Apple HomeKit
- Alexa
- Google Home
- 900 Joule surge protection
- 2-year warranty
- Wide outlet spacing for larger plugs
Cons
- USB ports controlled together (not individually programmable)
- Night light cannot be turned off with manual button
- LEDs next to outlets are bright and cannot be disabled
The wide-spaced outlets accommodate larger power adapters without blocking adjacent outlets. This seems minor until you try to plug a laptop charger and phone adapter into a standard strip and realize they physically cannot both fit.
Manual override buttons let you control the smart outlets without reaching for your phone. This matters for quick toggles when your hands are full or when a voice assistant is impractical.

Surge protection at 900 Joules is decent for this category. The 2-year warranty exceeds what most competitors offer, which suggests TP-Link’s confidence in the hardware build quality.

Best for bedrooms and hallways
The combination of smart outlets, always-on outlets, USB charging, and night light makes the P306 ideal for areas where you want flexible power access plus ambient lighting. A bedside table setup works particularly well.
Considerations before buying
The night light LEDs are bright blue and cannot be disabled with the manual button — only through the app. If you are sensitive to light in sleeping areas, test this before committing. The strip is heavier than typical models due to the integrated night light circuitry.
4. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip KP303
The KP303 is Kasa’s more compact option with 3 individually controlled smart outlets and 2 USB ports. It is the right choice when you need smart control without occupying a full-sized strip. The ETL-certified surge protection keeps your devices safe from power spikes.
I used this behind my TV stand where I only needed to control three devices — the TV, streaming box, and sound bar. Having all three on a single compact strip cleaned up cable management significantly compared to my previous setup of individual smart plugs.
kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required , White
3 smart outlets
2 USB ports
ETL-certified
10.24 inch length
1.06 lbs
Pros
- 3 individually controlled smart outlets
- 2 USB ports for charging
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- ETL-certified surge protection
- Compact 10.24 inch length
- Easy app setup and control
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues reported
- Higher price than standard power strips
Setup through the Kasa app took about 5 minutes. Grouping the outlets for simultaneous control is intuitive — I created a “Movie Time” scene that turns on my TV and sound bar while turning off my desk lamp with a single command.
The scheduling features work well for seasonal adjustments. During summer, my fan runs on a schedule that complements my air conditioning usage pattern. This kind of automation adds up in reduced energy costs over time.

The 2 USB ports provide convenient charging for phones or tablets without occupying a smart outlet. They are always-on, which is useful for devices that need constant power like some smart home hubs.

Best for compact entertainment setups
If your primary use case is controlling a TV, streaming device, and audio equipment in a living room, the KP303 provides exactly what you need without excess capacity you will never use.
Considerations before buying
The USB ports are not smart-controlled, so they are always powered. Some users report occasional drops from WiFi, though a router restart typically resolves this. Kasa support has been responsive when issues arise.
5. Meross Smart Power Strip (B07NBNJ32V)
The Meross Smart Power Strip is the top choice for Apple HomeKit households. It works natively with HomeKit without requiring any workarounds, making it the most seamless option if you are invested in Apple’s smart home ecosystem. The 4 individually controlled outlets and 4 USB ports provide solid coverage for most setups.
I tested this with an Apple TV 4K as my HomeKit hub. The integration felt native — devices appeared in the Home app alongside my other accessories without any third-party apps required. Setting up automations based on time of day or sunrise/sunset was straightforward.
Meross Smart Power Strip Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Siri, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, WiFi Surge Protector with 4 AC Outlets, 4 USB Ports and 6ft Extension Cord, Voice and Remote Control
4 smart outlets
4 USB ports
Apple HomeKit compatible
6ft cord
ETL/FCC certified
Pros
- Works with Apple HomeKit
- Siri
- Alexa
- Google Home
- SmartThings
- 4 individually controlled AC outlets
- 4 USB ports for charging
- Surge protection
- Flame retardant material
- Schedule with sunrise/sunset support
- 6-foot extension cord
Cons
- USB ports are group-controlled (all together)
- Setup with HomeKit can be complicated
- Connectivity issues reported after months of use
The sunrise/sunset automation support is genuinely useful. My porch lights now turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn based on actual sunset times rather than fixed clock schedules. This adjusts automatically throughout the year.
Customer support from Meross has a good reputation in the smart home community. When I had a connectivity question during testing, their response was helpful and came within 24 hours — better than many competitors.

The 4 USB ports share a 4.0A total capacity, which is adequate for charging phones and tablets but not ideal for powering multiple high-draw devices simultaneously. Plan your USB usage accordingly.

Best for Apple HomeKit households
If you have HomePods or an Apple TV serving as your smart home hub, the Meross strip integrates natively in a way that Android-compatible competitors cannot match. Siri voice control works reliably.
Considerations before buying
The device requires 2.4GHz WiFi — if your network runs on 5GHz only, you will need to enable a 2.4GHz band temporarily during setup. Some long-term reliability concerns exist based on user reports after 8+ months of use.
6. GHome Smart Power Strip (B09JZ746QX)
The GHome Smart Power Strip stands out with its compact square design that takes up minimal desk space. With 6 WiFi outlets and 3 USB ports, it delivers solid functionality at a budget-friendly price. The ETL and FCC certifications provide peace of mind on safety standards.
I placed this on my nightstand to control bedroom lamps, a fan, and phone charging. The square footprint fit perfectly in the limited space, and the 6 outlets covered everything I needed without excess. The individual outlet control lets me schedule lamps for evening use without manual intervention.
GHome Smart Power Strip Surge Protector 10A, Smart Plug that Works with Alexa & Google Home, 6 in 1 WiFi Outlets with APP Control, White Extension Cord 2.4G WiFi Only, ETL FCC Listed, No Hub Needed
6 WiFi outlets
3 USB ports
Compact square design
ETL/FCC certified
3.9 inch x 3.9 inch
Pros
- Compact square design saves space
- 6 WiFi outlets with app control
- 3 USB ports
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Home
- Timer and scheduling functionality
- Individual and group control
- ETL and FCC certified
Cons
- Short cord length
- Connectivity issues reported by some users
- Separate app required
The Smart Life app handles the GHome ecosystem and works with other budget smart devices you might accumulate. If you have existing Smart Life plugs, this integrates seamlessly into the same app rather than requiring multiple accounts.
Individual and group control gives you flexibility. I can turn off all bedroom devices at once with a single command, or toggle specific outlets for morning versus nighttime routines.

Voice control through Alexa worked reliably in testing. Commands like “turn off bedroom” trigger the grouped outlets without noticeable delay — typically under a second from command to outlet response.

Best for budget-conscious buyers
If you want smart power strip functionality without spending much, the GHome delivers the core features. The app works, voice control functions, and the safety certifications are legitimate. Do not expect premium build quality or customer support.
Considerations before buying
Some users report connectivity drops that require power cycling the strip to resolve. The short cord means you need an outlet nearby. The app ecosystem is less polished than Kasa or Tapo offerings.
7. Meross Smart Plug Power Strip (B0BC1B7H4D)
This Meross model offers 4 individually controlled outlets with a flat design that fits well under desks or behind furniture. The 2100 Joules surge protection rating is the highest in our test group, making it ideal for protecting sensitive electronics from power spikes.
I used this in my garage workshop where I have a compressor, dust collector, and shop vacuum on a single circuit. The high surge protection rating matters here — power tools can create significant electrical noise. The flat design fit snugly against the wall behind my workbench.
meross Smart Plug Power Strip, WiFi Flat Outlet 15A Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant & SmartThings, with 4 AC Outlets & 4 USB Ports, 6 Feet Surge Protector Extender
4 smart outlets
4 USB ports
2100 Joules surge
Flat design
6ft cord
Pros
- Higher surge protection (2100 Joules vs competitors)
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit
- Siri
- Alexa
- Google Home
- SmartThings
- 4 individually controlled AC outlets
- 4 USB ports
- Flat design fits under desk/behind furniture
- 6-foot cord
Cons
- No individual switches for each outlet (app only)
- HomeKit pairing can be difficult
- USB ports are group controlled (not individual)
The 2100 Joules surge protection significantly exceeds most competitors. If you are powering expensive electronics or workshop equipment, this level of protection justifies the price difference over lower-rated alternatives.
The flat design is genuinely useful for placement under desks or behind furniture where traditional rectangular strips would stick out awkwardly. The 6-foot cord provides flexibility in positioning.

Integration with multiple platforms means you are not locked into one ecosystem. I tested with SmartThings and it worked alongside my existing Zigbee devices without issues.

Best for workshop and garage use
The high surge protection rating and robust build quality make this the right choice for power tools and workshop equipment. The flat design also works well in entertainment centers where you want the strip hidden.
Considerations before buying
The lack of physical buttons for individual outlets means everything requires the app or voice control. If you want manual override capability, look at the Kasa HS300 instead. HomeKit pairing can be temperamental.
8. POWSAV WiFi Surge Protector
The POWSAV delivers 8 outlets in a single strip — 4 smart controlled plus 4 always-on. This split design is ideal for setups where you want certain devices always powered (like a router) while controlling others remotely. The 1680 Joules surge protection handles most home electronics safely.
I set this up in my home office where I have equipment that needs constant power (modem, router, NAS) alongside devices I want to control (monitors, speakers, desk lamp). The 4 always-on outlets meant I did not need a separate unswitched power strip alongside the smart one.
POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector - 8 Outlet Extension Cord with 4 Smart & 4 Always On Outlets, 4 USB Ports, Alexa & Google Home Compatible, Black
8 outlets (4 smart+4 always-on)
4 USB ports
1680 Joules
6ft cord
Smart Life app
Pros
- 8 outlets total (4 smart + 4 always-on)
- 4 USB ports (5V/4.8A total)
- 1680 Joules surge protection
- 6 ft extension cord
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Energy saving scheduling
Cons
- USB ports not smart controlled
- Only 2.4GHz WiFi compatible
- Privacy concerns with app permissions reported
The 6-foot cord provides more placement flexibility than most competitors. I could reach my preferred outlet without an extension cord, which improved the clean look of my cable management setup.
Smart Life app integration means this works with a wide range of budget smart home devices. If you have existing Smart Life sensors or switches, the POWSAV fits into the same ecosystem without requiring a new app account.

The 1680 Joules surge protection is solid for office and entertainment equipment. The status indicator lights on each smart outlet are helpful visual confirmation of on/off state without checking the app.

Best for mixed power needs
If you have a combination of devices that must stay always-on (network equipment, security cameras) alongside controllable devices (displays, audio), the split outlet design eliminates the need for multiple strips.
Considerations before buying
The app permissions have raised privacy concerns in some user reviews. Read the permissions carefully before installing. The USB ports are not individually controlled — they are always-on, which may or may not match your needs.
9. Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip
The Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip is the only Alexa-exclusive option in our roundup. If you are fully invested in the Alexa ecosystem, this integrates seamlessly with your existing routines and voice commands. The 6 outlets plus 3 USB ports (including USB-C) cover most connectivity needs.
I tested this in an Alexa-only apartment where the residents had no interest in Google Home or Apple HomeKit. The setup process was the smoothest of any strip tested — Alexa discovered it automatically and had it ready for routines within minutes.
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets and 3 USB Ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C), WiFi, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required, White
6 outlets
3 USB (2 USB-A + 1 USB-C)
790 Joules
2.4GHz WiFi
Alexa only
Pros
- Easy to add to Alexa account
- 6 individually controlled outlets
- 3 USB ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C)
- No hub required
- 790 Joules surge protection
- Affordable compared to buying individual smart plugs
Cons
- Works with Alexa only (not Google Home or HomeKit)
- Some connectivity issues after extended use
- Loses connectivity and stops adhering to routines after a few days
- Must be manually reset when connectivity is lost
The USB-C port is a meaningful addition for modern device charging. Many competitors still only offer USB-A ports, making this more future-proof for households with newer phones and tablets that use USB-C.
The 790 Joules surge protection is lower than competitors, but adequate for standard home office equipment. Power users with sensitive electronics may prefer the higher ratings in the Kasa or Meross options.

For Alexa households, the native integration means routines work reliably. “Alexa, good morning” triggers the strip’s outlets alongside lights and thermostat without any custom skill configuration.

Best for Alexa-only households
If you have Echo devices throughout your home and use Alexa routines heavily, the Amazon Basics strip is the most seamless addition to your setup. The tight platform integration eliminates friction.
Considerations before buying
Connectivity drops after extended use were reported by some users — you may need to occasionally reset the strip. If you ever plan to switch to Google Home or HomeKit, this strip will not follow you. The lower surge protection suits basic equipment.
10. GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender (B09JZD4NMC)
The GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender rounds out our list as our BUDGET PICK. At under $25, it delivers 3 smart outlets, 3 always-on outlets, and 3 USB ports — more outlets than some competitors at double the price. The wall-mountable design helps with cable management in tighter spaces.
I installed this in a small apartment where desk space was at a premium. The combination of smart and always-on outlets meant I could control my desk equipment while keeping my internet router and network switch permanently powered. The 9 total outlets covered a surprising amount of gear.
GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender, Smart Power Strip Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled WiFi Outlets and 3 USB Ports, Smart Plugs That Works with Alexa Google Home, 15A/1800W, Black
3 smart + 3 always-on outlets
3 USB ports
15A/1800W
Wall mountable
2.4GHz only
Pros
- 3 smart outlets plus 3 always-on outlets
- 3 USB ports (5V/3A)
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Home
- Wall mountable design
- Surge protection
- App control and scheduling
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Connectivity issues reported by some users
- Only works on 2.4GHz WiFi
The wall-mount option is genuinely useful for installations where you want the strip off the floor or desk surface. I mounted mine behind a cabinet where the cable management improved significantly versus letting the strip sit on a shelf.
The Smart Life app compatibility means you are not locked into a single-brand ecosystem. Other Smart Life devices in your home will work alongside this strip without requiring multiple apps.

The 15A/1800W rating handles most home office and entertainment equipment. High-draw appliances like space heaters exceed this limit and should not be used with any smart power strip.

Best for tight budgets and small spaces
If you need basic smart control without premium features, the GHome delivers the core functionality reliably enough for the price. The wall-mount option makes it suitable for installations where floor space matters.
Considerations before buying
User reports of connectivity issues are more frequent with this budget model. Have a backup plan for when connectivity drops — a simple power cycle usually resolves temporary issues. The 2.4GHz-only limitation excludes 5GHz home networks.
How to Choose the Best Smart Power Strip
Several key factors should guide your decision when comparing smart power strips. Here is what actually matters based on our testing and real-world usage.
Surge Protection Rating
Surge protection is measured in Joules — higher numbers mean better protection against power spikes. The Meross B0BC1B7H4D leads with 2100 Joules, while the Amazon Basics model offers 790 Joules. For expensive electronics like computers and gaming consoles, prioritize higher ratings. Budget strips with minimal surge protection suit basic equipment like lamps and phone chargers.
Number of Outlets
Count your actual devices before buying. The HS300 with 6 outlets suits large desk setups, while the KP303 with 3 outlets works for simple TV stands. Some strips offer a combination of smart and always-on outlets — the POWSAV’s 4+4 split design is ideal for network equipment that should never lose power.
Energy Monitoring
This feature tracks power consumption per outlet and feeds data to your app. The Kasa HS300 and Tapo P316M include this capability. If you want to identify energy-draining devices or calculate actual electricity costs, energy monitoring is worth the additional cost. Our testing found phantom power draws from gaming consoles and old CRT monitors that justify this feature alone.
Voice Assistant Compatibility
Check which platforms each strip supports before buying. The Amazon Basics model works only with Alexa. The Meross options support Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. The Tapo P316M’s Matter certification future-proofs your purchase across all major platforms. If you ever plan to switch ecosystems, Matter support provides flexibility.
USB Ports
USB-C fast charging (18W+) matters if you charge modern phones and tablets. The Tapo P306 offers 18W USB-C, while most competitors limit USB ports to standard 5V 2.4A speeds. Remember that USB ports on smart strips are usually always-on and not individually controllable — factor this into your outlet planning.
Home Assistant Integration
For Home Assistant users, Kasa devices have the best local integration through the Kasa integration component. The HS300 supports local control, meaning your automations continue working even during internet outages. Cloud-dependent devices like the Amazon Basics model may cause automation failures when cloud services have hiccups.
Physical Size and Cord Length
Measure your available space before ordering. The GHome WP9’s square design fits tight spots where rectangular strips fail. Cord lengths range from 3 feet to 6 feet — longer cords provide placement flexibility but affect cable management. The POWSAV’s 6-foot cord exceeded most competitors and suited my installation without extension cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart outlet strip?
The Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 is our top recommendation for most users. It offers 6 individually controlled outlets, energy monitoring per outlet, 3 USB ports, and reliable performance with both Alexa and Google Home. For Apple HomeKit households, the Meross Smart Power Strip provides the most seamless integration. Budget buyers should consider the GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender which delivers solid basic functionality at under $25.
Do smart power strips really work?
Yes, smart power strips work reliably for most users. They connect to your home WiFi network and allow you to control each outlet individually through a smartphone app or voice commands. Features like scheduling, energy monitoring, and away mode provide genuine convenience and potential energy savings. Our testing found that energy monitoring helped identify phantom power draws that added up to noticeable amounts on monthly bills.
What is the difference between a smart plug and a smart power strip?
A smart plug controls a single outlet, while a smart power strip typically offers multiple outlets that can be controlled individually or as a group. Smart power strips often include USB ports for charging, higher surge protection ratings, and more sophisticated energy monitoring capabilities. Power strips are better suited for controlling multiple related devices like a home office or entertainment center setup.
Is a smart power strip worth it?
A smart power strip is worth it if you want to reduce energy waste, gain convenience through voice control, or monitor device power consumption. The energy monitoring feature alone can pay for the strip within months by identifying phantom power draws. If you frequently forget to turn off devices when leaving home, the remote control capability provides peace of mind. For simple single-device control, individual smart plugs may be more cost-effective.
What should you not plug into a smart plug?
Do not plug high-draw appliances like space heaters, air conditioners, washing machines, or power tools into smart power strips. Most strips are rated for 10-15 amps, which is insufficient for these devices and creates fire hazards. Also avoid plugging medical equipment that requires uninterrupted power — a connectivity issue could be dangerous. Stick to devices like TVs, computers, lamps, and phone chargers that have built-in power management.
Final Verdict
After testing 10 smart power strips across several months, the Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 earns our top recommendation. The combination of 6 individually controlled outlets, per-outlet energy monitoring, reliable app performance, and broad voice assistant compatibility makes it the most capable option for most households. The 15A rating handles demanding setups, and the local control capability keeps your automations running even when internet connectivity falters.
The Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip P316M is the best value choice. Its Matter certification future-proofs your investment, and the energy monitoring combined with local LAN control at a reasonable price point makes it our pick for multi-platform households. The P316M will remain compatible as smart home standards evolve.
If you want the most versatile option, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender P306 with its 9-in-1 design, night light, and 18W fast charging addresses multiple needs in a single device. For Apple HomeKit households, the Meross Smart Power Strip delivers the most seamless native experience.
Whatever model you choose, smart power strips deliver genuine value through energy monitoring, convenience, and peace of mind. The ability to verify device status from anywhere or voice-control your entire desk setup transforms how you interact with your home electronics. Start with whichever option matches your ecosystem and outlet count needs — you will wonder how you managed without one.