The Best Smart Power Strips
If you want a simple way to make your home more energy-efficient and even save a little money, a smart power strip is the way to go. You may not have known this, but even when your electronics are turned off, your devices might still be using energy. Traditional power strips typically deliver power to several devices at once, and they continue to use energy as long as the power strip is turned on — even if the connected devices are turned off. Smart power strips, on the other hand, detect when connected devices are in standby mode and respond by reducing or cutting the flow of electricity. Read on for our favorite smart power strips, all of which are versatile enough for nearly any living space.
TanTan Smart Power Strip
All bases covered
One of the main reasons to invest in a smart power strip is the control you’ll have over your devices, and this strip from TanTan offers you that in spades. This voice-controlled strip works with Alexa and Google Home Assistant, so you can simply tell Alexa what to turn on and off. You can control each individual outlet, too, and the app allows you to control the power strip from anywhere, anytime — as long as the power strip is connected to WiFi. We like the compact, square design, especially with the rounded edges, which is a plus if you’re worried about kids stepping on sharp corners. The power strip also comes with a schedule function, making this power strip even more convenient and valuable to have at home.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and
- The app is intuitive to use
- Has overload protection; circuit breaker automatically breaks off when the current exceeds the thresholds, which helps protect devices from damage
Cons:
- Cord is only one foot long
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip
Simple is as simple does
Kasa’s power strip may look very similar to the power strips you had in the past — or currently have — but don’t let looks deceive you. This smart power strip features a typical slim design, but its outlets are all individually controllable from Alexa, Google Assistant, or the proprietary app. You can schedule when you want your devices turned on and off from your phone, but the power strip also has manual control for each of the outlets, which is the best of both worlds for those who don’t want to be bothered with opening the app on their phone.
Pros:
- Has manual controls on the power bar
- Indicator lights can be turned on and off
- Outlets are spaced well apart, ideal for larger plugs
Cons:
- Only has two USB ports
Lumary Smart Outlet
Blending in
For those who don’t need or want a bulky power strip or multiple outlets, Lumary’s smart outlet is our pick for you. It features an in-wall design that looks exactly like your current outlets, with a high-tech twist and the addition of two USB ports. The design is seamless and looks great for most living spaces. The outlet has a manual on/off key, or you can use voice control through Alexa or Google Home. The Lumary app is also easy to set up and allows you to manage your devices remotely any time. It comes with a schedule and timer function so you can control the outlets individually. We recommend purchasing a few of these to make all the rooms in your home “smarter.”
Pros:
- USB ports can be individually controlled as one
- Space-saving design
- Tamper-resistant receptacles are great for homes with kids
Cons:
- Requires installation; you’ll need to remove the old outlet and replace it with this one
ANHAORUI Smart Power Strip
Going the distance
More is more with this power strip, which has a total of twelve AC outlets and four USB ports. Half the outlets are individually controlled through Alexa, Google Home, or the proprietary app, and the rest are always on. We like that one of the AC outlets on each side is spaced farther out from the rest in case you have appliances with bulkier plugs. If you’re worried about having so many devices plugged into one place, the power strip comes with a surge protector with an indicator light to show when the function is working, as well as an overload protection switch.
Pros:
- Six-foot heavy-duty extension cord so all your devices can reach the power strip
- Time and schedule up to six of your home appliances
- Great value for the number of outlets
Cons:
- Might be too bulky for some, especially with the long power cord
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a surge protector and how does it work?
A power surge or spike is when there is an increase in voltage above the designated level of electricity. Power surges can damage appliances and electronics, so a surge protector guards your devices by diverting extra electricity into an outlet’s grounding wire. Power strips often have surge protectors, and we recommend choosing power strips that have this built-in feature.
How do I dispose of my old power strips?
If you’ve invested in smart power strips, we recommend keeping at least one or two of your old power strips around just in case. Otherwise, there is a proper way to “get rid” of them by recycling. Find an e-waste facility in your community. Certain stores have drop-off points for recyclable electronics.
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