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 appliances use, automate schedules, and even cut phantom power waste — all without rewiring your house.
If you’re new to smart home tech or looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide breaks everything down in plain English.
We’ll cover:
What energy-monitoring smart plugs are
The best smart plugs with energy monitoring available today
Pros and cons of each option
What to look for before buying
Which one is best for your home
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.
A smart plug with energy monitoring goes one step further by tracking:
Real-time power usage (watts)
Daily, weekly, or monthly energy consumption (kWh)
Estimated electricity cost (on some models)
This makes them ideal for:
Identifying power-hungry appliances
Reducing energy bills
Monitoring devices like heaters, air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators
Why Use Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring?
Key Benefits
Lower electricity bills by identifying waste
Easy setup (plug-and-play, no tools)
Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
Great for renters and apartments
Improves automation accuracy
Even beginners can install one in under 5 minutes.
| Smart Plug | 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 |
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP115 (Best Overall)
Why It Stands Out
The Kasa KP115 offers accurate energy monitoring, a reliable app, and excellent smart assistant support — all at a reasonable price.
Key Features
Real-time and historical energy tracking
2.4GHz WiFi (no hub required)
Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
Schedules and timers
Compact design (won’t block outlets)
Pros
Easy setup Accurate energy data Stable app with clean interface Great value for money
Cons
No Apple HomeKit support Indoor use only
Best for: Beginners who want reliable energy monitoring without complexity.
2. Emporia Smart Plug (Best for Detailed Energy Data)
Why It Stands Out
Emporia’s smart plug provides advanced energy analytics, making it perfect for users serious about tracking electricity usage.
Key Features
Second-by-second energy tracking
Cost estimation based on utility rates
Alexa & Google Assistant support
Works with other Emporia energy products
Pros
Extremely detailed data Excellent 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 (Best Budget Option)
Why It Stands Out
Meross offers one of the cheapest smart plugs with energy monitoring that still works reliably.
Key Features
Energy usage tracking
2.4GHz WiFi
Alexa & Google Assistant support
Schedules and remote control
Pros
Affordable Simple app No hub required
Cons
App UI is basic Energy data not as detailed
Best for: Budget-conscious users or multi-room setups.
4. Eve Energy (Best for Apple HomeKit)
Why It Stands Out
Eve Energy is one of the best smart plugs with energy monitoring for Apple users, offering deep HomeKit integration.
Key Features
Energy usage displayed in Home app
Bluetooth & Thread support
Strong privacy focus
Automation with Apple devices
Pros
✔ Excellent HomeKit integration
✔ High-quality build
✔ Strong privacy controls
Cons
✖ Expensive
✖ No Alexa or Google support
Best for: Apple HomeKit-only smart homes.
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
Cost estimation (optional but useful)
2. Smart Assistant Compatibility
Make sure it works with:
Alexa
Google Assistant
Apple HomeKit (if needed)
3. App Quality
A good app should offer:
Clear energy charts
Automation options
Exportable data (optional)
4. Size & Design
Some smart plugs block nearby outlets. Compact designs are better for power strips.
5. Safety & Load Rating
Check the maximum supported wattage (usually 15A / 1800W).
Common Use Cases for Energy-Monitoring Smart Plugs
Monitoring heaters and air conditioners
Tracking TV and entertainment systems
Identifying vampire power draw
Automating lights and coffee makers
Managing home office equipment
Smart Plug vs Smart Power Strip (Quick Note)
If you want to monitor multiple devices at once, consider a smart power strip.
If you want precise control and data per device, smart plugs are better.
Are Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring Worth It?
Yes — especially if:
You want to reduce electricity bills
You’re starting a smart home
You rent and can’t rewire switches
You want fast, affordable automation
They’re one of the highest ROI smart home devices available.
Final Verdict: Best Smart Plugs With Energy Monitoring
Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa KP115
Reliable, accurate, beginner-friendly, and affordable.
Best for Data Lovers: Emporia Smart Plug
Perfect for users who want deep energy insights.
Best Budget Pick: Meross MSS310
Solid performance at a lower price.
Best for Apple Users: Eve Energy
Premium HomeKit experience.
Ready to Start Saving Energy?
Smart plugs with energy monitoring are an easy win for any smart home — no tools, no wiring, and no technical skills required.
👉 Check today’s prices and availability on the smart plugs above and start cutting energy waste immediately.
If you want help choosing the best smart plug for Alexa, Google Home, or apartments, explore our other guides on Simple Smart Home Guide.