Smart Plugs for Lighting: Best Options and Guide
Smart plugs are the easiest way to make any lamp “smart.” Just plug in and control with voice or app.
For smart bulbs, see our guide to Best Smart Light Bulbs.
Best Smart Plugs
| Smart Plug | Hub | Energy Monitor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa Mini | No (WiFi) | No | $15 |
| Amazon Smart Plug | No (WiFi) | No | $25 |
| Wyze Plug | No (WiFi) | No | $12 |
| TP-Link Kasa Energy | No (WiFi) | Yes | $20 |
| Eve Energy | Thread | Yes | $40 |
Smart Plugs vs Smart Bulbs
| Feature | Smart Plug | Smart Bulb |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10-20 | $12-50 |
| Installation | Plug in | Screw in |
| Color control | No | Yes (most) |
| Dimming | No | Yes |
| Multi-bulb fixtures | Controls all at once | Need bulb per socket |
Use smart plugs when: You just need on/off control and don’t need colors or dimming.
Use smart bulbs when: You want color, dimming, or individual bulb control.
Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa Mini
The most reliable and affordable option.
- Size: Compact (doesn’t block second outlet)
- Setup: Easy via Kasa app
- Voice: Alexa, Google
- Price: $15
Pros
- Reliable
- Compact size
- Good app
- No hub needed
Cons
- No HomeKit
- No energy monitoring on basic model
Best for HomeKit: Eve Energy
Thread/Matter plug with full HomeKit support.
- Protocol: Thread (with Matter)
- Energy: Built-in power monitoring
- Voice: Siri, Alexa, Google
- Price: $40
Best Budget: Wyze Plug
Just $12 for a functional smart plug.
- Size: Compact
- Voice: Alexa, Google
- Price: $12
Outdoor Smart Plugs
For outdoor lights (string lights, holiday lights):
| Plug | Outlets | Weather Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa Outdoor | 2 | IP64 | $20 |
| Wyze Outdoor | 2 | IP64 | $12 |
| Lutron Caseta Outdoor | 2 | IP65 | $50 |
Use Cases
Table/Floor Lamps
Plug lamp into smart plug. Control with voice or schedule.
Holiday Lights
Outdoor smart plug controls Christmas lights. Schedule on at sunset, off at 10 PM.
Hard-to-Reach Lamps
Lamp behind couch? Control with voice instead of reaching.
Multi-Bulb Fixtures
Floor lamp with 3 bulbs? One smart plug controls all three. Cheaper than 3 smart bulbs.
Tips for Smart Plug Lighting
- Leave lamp switch ON: Smart plug controls power
- Schedule sunset on: Automate outdoor lights
- Group plugs: “Alexa, turn on living room” controls multiple
- Use compact plugs: Avoid blocking second outlets
Verdict
Smart plugs are the easiest, cheapest smart home entry. At $12-20, they make any lamp
voice-controlled.
Best overall: TP-Link Kasa Mini ($15)—reliable, compact, good app.
Best for HomeKit: Eve Energy ($40)—Thread support, energy monitoring.
For smart bulbs, see: Best Smart Light Bulbs.