Best Smart Plugs UK
Smart plugs are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start building a smart home. They allow you to control compatible appliances remotely, create schedules, automate routines and, in some cases, monitor electricity consumption.
Unlike smart lighting or heating systems, smart plugs don't require complicated installation. Simply plug one into a standard UK socket, connect it to an app and you're ready to start automating your home.
Whether you want to schedule a lamp, monitor energy usage or integrate appliances into an Alexa or Google Home ecosystem, we've compared the best smart plugs currently available in the UK.
If you're completely new to home automation, start with our How to Start a Smart Home guide.
Best Smart Plugs at a Glance
| Smart Plug | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Tapo P110 | Best Overall | Energy monitoring |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Alexa users | Simple setup |
| Eve Energy | Apple Home users | Matter and Thread support |
| Meross Smart Plug | Best value | Broad compatibility |
| TP-Link Tapo P100 | Budget buyers | Affordable automation |
What Can a Smart Plug Do?
A smart plug sits between a standard electrical socket and a compatible appliance.
Once connected, it can allow you to:
- Turn appliances on and off remotely.
- Create automatic schedules.
- Control devices with your voice.
- Create smart-home routines.
- Monitor electricity consumption on compatible models.
- Automate lamps and decorative lighting.
They're particularly useful because they can add smart functionality to many ordinary appliances without replacing them.
Our Recommended Smart Plugs
TP-Link Tapo P110 – Best Overall
The TP-Link Tapo P110 offers an excellent balance between features, performance and price.
One of its biggest advantages is built-in energy monitoring, which allows you to track electricity consumption through the companion app.
Buy on Amazon: TP-Link Tapo P110 Smart Plug
Key features include:
- Energy monitoring.
- Scheduling.
- Timer functions.
- Voice control.
- Compact design.
Best for: Most UK households.
Amazon Smart Plug – Best for Alexa
If your home already revolves around Alexa and Amazon Echo devices, the Amazon Smart Plug is one of the simplest options available.
Setup is straightforward, and the integration with the Alexa ecosystem feels seamless.
Buy on Amazon: Amazon Smart Plug
Key features include:
- Simple Alexa integration.
- Quick installation.
- Reliable scheduling.
- Compact design.
Best for: Alexa households.
Eve Energy – Best for Apple Home
Eve Energy is particularly attractive for Apple users because it supports both Matter and Thread.
The plug also provides energy-monitoring capabilities and doesn't depend entirely on cloud-based services.
Buy on Amazon: Eve Energy Smart Plug
Key features include:
- Matter compatibility.
- Thread support.
- Energy monitoring.
- Apple Home integration.
Best for: Apple Home users.
Meross Smart Plug – Best Value
Meross has become a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers because its smart plugs often support multiple ecosystems while remaining competitively priced.
Buy on Amazon: Meross Smart Plug
Key features include:
- Broad ecosystem support.
- Compact design.
- Simple automation.
- Affordable pricing.
Best for: Buyers looking for good value.
TP-Link Tapo P100 – Best Budget Smart Plug
The Tapo P100 removes some of the advanced features found in the P110 but remains one of the most affordable ways to add basic smart-home functionality.
Buy on Amazon: TP-Link Tapo P100 Smart Plug
Key features include:
- Scheduling.
- Remote control.
- Voice assistant compatibility.
- Simple setup.
Best for: First-time smart-home users.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Smart Plug?
Energy Monitoring
Not every smart plug can measure electricity usage.
If you want to understand how much power an appliance uses, choose a model that includes energy monitoring.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Check whether the plug supports:
- Amazon Alexa.
- Google Home.
- Apple Home.
- Samsung SmartThings.
- Matter.
Compatibility is much more important than choosing the cheapest model.
Physical Size
Large plugs can block neighbouring sockets on extension leads and double wall outlets.
Compact designs are often easier to accommodate.
Matter Support
Matter can make it easier to integrate devices across multiple ecosystems.
Learn more in our Matter Smart Home Explained guide.
What Appliances Can You Use with a Smart Plug?
Smart plugs work particularly well with:
- Lamps.
- Fans.
- Decorative lighting.
- Coffee machines that automatically resume operation after power is restored.
- Humidifiers.
- Suitable seasonal lighting.
Always check the appliance manufacturer's guidance before connecting equipment to a smart plug.
What Shouldn't You Connect?
Some appliances are unsuitable for smart plugs.
Examples may include:
- Certain portable heaters.
- Appliances exceeding the smart plug's rated electrical load.
- Equipment requiring continuous supervision.
- Appliances that don't automatically restart after power is restored.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the appliance and the smart plug.
Are Smart Plugs Good for Saving Energy?
Smart plugs can help identify unnecessary electricity consumption, particularly if they include energy-monitoring features.
They can also prevent devices from being left switched on unnecessarily.
However, they don't automatically reduce energy bills.
The biggest benefit comes from changing habits and using automation intelligently.
Our Best Smart Home Gadgets for Saving Energy guide explains this in more detail.
Do You Need a Smart Home Hub?
Many smart plugs connect directly to Wi-Fi and don't require additional hardware.
However, some Matter-over-Thread products may require Thread Border Router functionality.
Before purchasing, check whether your existing smart-home setup already includes the necessary equipment.
Read our What Is a Smart Home Hub? guide for more information.
How to Choose the Right Smart Plug
| If you want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Energy monitoring | TP-Link Tapo P110 |
| Alexa integration | Amazon Smart Plug |
| Apple Home support | Eve Energy |
| The lowest price | TP-Link Tapo P100 |
| Matter compatibility | Eve Energy |
Our Verdict
For most UK households, the TP-Link Tapo P110 offers the best combination of features and value.
If you're already invested in the Alexa ecosystem, the Amazon Smart Plug remains one of the easiest options to configure.
Meanwhile, Eve Energy is an excellent choice for Apple users who want Matter and Thread compatibility.
The good news is that smart plugs remain one of the most affordable entry points into home automation, making them an excellent first purchase for anyone curious about smart-home technology.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows us to continue creating helpful smart home guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart plugs work without Wi-Fi?
Most require either Wi-Fi or another compatible smart-home connection method to enable remote control and automation.
Can smart plugs save electricity?
They can help you identify unnecessary energy consumption, particularly if they include energy-monitoring features.
Do smart plugs work with Alexa?
Many do, but always check compatibility before buying.
Are smart plugs safe?
When used according to the manufacturer's instructions and within their electrical limits, smart plugs are generally considered safe.
Can I control multiple smart plugs at once?
Yes. Most smart-home apps allow you to group compatible devices and create routines that control several plugs simultaneously.