We participate in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Smart Plugs & Energy
Best Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring (Smart Guide)
Smart plugs with energy monitoring are one of the easiest ways to see where electricity is being wasted and control everyday devices from your phone.
Updated May 2026 • Reviewed by Smart Home Guide Editors
Reviewed By Smart Home Guide Editors
Smart Plug & Energy Monitoring Review Team
Products compared for energy tracking, app quality, setup simplicity, smart assistant support, and long-term value.
Smart plugs with energy monitoring are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to start saving energy in a smart home. They let you track how much electricity your devices use, automate schedules, and cut down on wasted standby power without rewiring your home.
If you are new to smart home technology or looking for an easy upgrade, this guide explains everything in simple terms. You will learn what energy-monitoring smart plugs do, why they are useful, which models stand out, and what to look for before buying.
If you mainly want Alexa-friendly plugs, you can also compare this guide with our post on best smart plugs for Alexa .
How We Selected These Smart Plugs
We compared these smart plugs based on energy tracking quality, app reliability, voice assistant support, compact design, safety ratings, and everyday usability.
The goal was to include options for beginners, budget buyers, Apple users, Alexa households, and people who want more detailed energy data.
Quick Product Summary
Best Overall
TP-Link Kasa KP115
Reliable, beginner-friendly, and one of the best all-around choices for tracking everyday energy use.
Check Price on AmazonBest for Detailed Data
Emporia Smart Plug
Best for users who want deeper insights, cost tracking, and more advanced energy reporting.
Check Price on AmazonBest Budget Pick
Meross MSS310
A solid low-cost option for basic energy monitoring and simple smart home control.
Check Price on AmazonBest for Apple Users
Eve Energy
Ideal for Apple HomeKit users who want premium integration and a privacy-focused smart plug.
Check Price on AmazonWhat Is a Smart Plug With Energy Monitoring?
A smart plug is a small device that plugs into a standard wall outlet and allows you to control whatever is connected to it using an app, voice assistant, or automation routine.
A smart plug with energy monitoring goes a step further by tracking real-time power usage, energy consumption over time, and in some cases estimated electricity cost.
These plugs are useful for:
- Identifying power-hungry appliances
- Reducing energy bills
- Monitoring devices like heaters, TVs, office equipment, and kitchen appliances
- Improving home automation accuracy
Why Use Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring?
Energy-monitoring smart plugs are popular because they are easy to install, beginner-friendly, and practical for renters, apartment dwellers, and homeowners alike.
Key Benefits
- Helps lower electricity bills by showing where energy is being wasted
- Plug-and-play setup with no tools required
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant on many models
- Great for renters and small spaces
- Makes scheduling and automation more useful
In many cases, even a beginner can set one up in just a few minutes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Energy Monitoring | Voice Assistants | App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa KP115 | Yes | Alexa, Google | Kasa | Best overall |
| Emporia Smart Plug | Advanced | Alexa, Google | Emporia | Detailed energy tracking |
| Meross MSS310 | Yes | Alexa, Google | Meross | Budget option |
| Eve Energy | Yes | Apple HomeKit | Eve | Apple users |
| Amazon Smart Plug + Energy Dashboard | Limited | Alexa only | Alexa app | Amazon ecosystem |
Best Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP115
Quick Take: The Kasa KP115 is the easiest recommendation for most people because it balances reliable energy tracking, simple setup, and a clean app experience.
The Kasa KP115 stands out because it combines accurate energy tracking, a reliable app, and strong compatibility with popular voice assistants at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Real-time and historical energy tracking
- 2.4GHz WiFi with no hub required
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Schedules and timers
- Compact design that usually does not block nearby outlets
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Accurate energy data
- Stable app with a clean interface
- Great value for the money
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit support
- Indoor use only
Best for: Beginners who want reliable energy monitoring without complexity.
2. Emporia Smart Plug
Quick Take: Emporia is best if you want more than basic on/off control and actually want to understand what your devices are costing you.
The Emporia Smart Plug is a strong choice for people who want deeper energy analytics and more detailed insights into electricity usage.
Key Features
- Second-by-second energy tracking
- Cost estimation based on utility rates
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Works with other Emporia energy products
Pros
- Very detailed energy data
- Useful for whole-home energy insights
- Accurate cost tracking
Cons
- App may feel overwhelming for beginners
- Slightly larger design
Best for: Users focused on cutting energy costs and analyzing usage trends.
3. Meross MSS310
Quick Take: The Meross MSS310 is a good budget option if you want basic energy monitoring without paying premium prices.
The Meross MSS310 is one of the more affordable smart plugs with energy monitoring that still covers the basics well.
Key Features
- Energy usage tracking
- 2.4GHz WiFi
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Schedules and remote control
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple app
- No hub required
Cons
- App interface is basic
- Energy data is not as detailed as higher-end options
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or multi-room setups.
4. Eve Energy
Quick Take: Eve Energy makes the most sense for Apple users who care about HomeKit integration and privacy-focused smart home control.
Eve Energy is one of the best choices for Apple users who want energy monitoring with strong HomeKit integration and a privacy-focused design.
Key Features
- Energy usage shown in the Apple Home app
- Bluetooth and Thread support
- Strong privacy focus
- Automation with Apple devices
Pros
- Excellent HomeKit integration
- High-quality build
- Strong privacy controls
Cons
- More expensive than many alternatives
- No Alexa or Google support
Best for: Apple HomeKit-only smart homes.
5. Amazon Smart Plug + Energy Dashboard
Quick Take: This is best for Alexa households that want simple routines and basic plug control more than advanced energy reporting.
If you already use Alexa throughout your home, Amazon’s smart plug can be a convenient option. Its energy dashboard features are more limited than dedicated monitoring plugs, but it can still fit well in an Amazon-centered setup.
Key Features
- Simple Alexa setup
- Easy voice control
- Useful for everyday routines and automation
- Works smoothly in the Amazon ecosystem
Pros
- Easy to use for Alexa households
- Quick setup
- Good for simple automation
Cons
- Limited energy monitoring compared with competitors
- Alexa-only ecosystem focus
Best for: Users already invested in Alexa smart home devices.
What to Look for When Buying a Smart Plug With Energy Monitoring
1. Energy Tracking Accuracy
Look for plugs that track real-time watts, kWh over time, and estimated cost if available.
2. Smart Assistant Compatibility
Make sure the plug works with the assistant you actually use, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
3. App Quality
A good app should make it easy to view energy charts, create schedules, automate routines, and review usage history.
4. Size and Design
Some smart plugs are bulky enough to block nearby outlets. Compact models are usually better if you plan to use them in tight spaces or power strips.
5. Safety and Load Rating
Always check the maximum supported wattage and amperage before plugging in higher-draw devices.
Common Use Cases for Energy-Monitoring Smart Plugs
- Monitoring heaters and air conditioners
- Tracking TVs and entertainment systems
- Finding vampire power draw
- Automating lights and coffee makers
- Managing home office equipment
Smart Plug vs Smart Power Strip
If you want to monitor multiple devices at the same time, a smart power strip may be a better fit. If you want device-by-device control and more precise energy data, a smart plug is usually the better choice.
For a deeper comparison, read our guide on smart plug vs smart power strip .
Are Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring Worth It?
In many cases, yes. They are especially useful if you want to lower electricity costs, start a smart home setup, avoid rewiring, or add simple automation at a relatively low cost.
For many users, they offer one of the best returns on investment among entry-level smart home devices.
Why Trust Smart Home Guide
Smart Home Guide focuses on practical smart home recommendations for homeowners, renters, apartment users, and beginners building connected home setups.
Our recommendations prioritize setup simplicity, compatibility, reliability, and real-world usability instead of just technical specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart plugs with energy monitoring save money?
They can help you save money by showing which devices use the most electricity and making it easier to schedule or turn off wasteful devices.
Do energy-monitoring smart plugs need a hub?
Most WiFi smart plugs do not need a hub, but some HomeKit, Thread, or Zigbee models may work better with compatible hubs.
Can smart plugs track electricity cost?
Some smart plugs can estimate electricity cost if the app lets you enter your local utility rate.
Final Verdict: Best Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring
| Category | Top Pick | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | TP-Link Kasa KP115 | Reliable, accurate, beginner-friendly, and affordable |
| Best for Data Lovers | Emporia Smart Plug | Great for deeper energy insights and trend analysis |
| Best Budget Pick | Meross MSS310 | Solid performance at a lower price point |
| Best for Apple Users | Eve Energy | Best choice for a premium HomeKit-focused experience |
Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa KP115
Reliable, accurate, beginner-friendly, and affordable.
Best for Data Lovers: Emporia Smart Plug
Ideal for deeper energy insights and trend analysis.
Best Budget Pick: Meross MSS310
Solid performance at a lower price point.
Best for Apple Users: Eve Energy
Best choice for a premium HomeKit-focused experience.
Ready to Start Saving Energy?
Smart plugs with energy monitoring are one of the easiest smart home upgrades you can make. They are quick to set up, beginner-friendly, and useful for cutting energy waste without tools or wiring.
If you want a simpler smart plug setup focused mainly on Alexa, our best smart plugs for Alexa guide may also help.
Check Best Overall Pick on Amazon
3 thoughts on “Best Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring (2026 Buyer’s Guide)”