Best Smart Plug With Energy Monitoring (2026)
Last updated: November 9, 2026
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Your electric bill tells you how much you used, but not what used it. A smart plug with energy monitoring shows the real-time watts and monthly cost of anything you plug into it, from the space heater and gaming PC to the old fridge in the garage. Once you know where the power goes, you can switch off energy hogs automatically with schedules.
We compared the most popular energy-monitoring smart plugs on app data, smart home support and load limits. Here are the best picks for 2026.
Our top picks
| Smart plug | Works with | Score | Buy link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa Smart Plug KP125MBest overall | Matter: Alexa, Apple Home, Google | 9 | Check price |
| Tapo P110M Mini Smart PlugBest value | Matter: Alexa, Apple, Google, SmartThings | 8.9 | Check price |
| Eve Energy (Matter)Best for Apple Home | Matter over Thread; Apple, Google, Alexa | 8.7 | Check price |
| Emporia Smart PlugBest detailed data | Emporia app, Alexa, Google | 8.5 | Check price |
| Shelly Plug US Gen4Best for power users | Matter, Zigbee, Home Assistant, local control | 8.3 | Check price |
The best smart plugs with energy monitoring, reviewed
Kasa Smart Plug KP125M
- Energy dataReal-time watts, daily and monthly kWh (in the Kasa app)
- ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4 GHz only) with Matter; Bluetooth setup
- Works withAlexa, Siri / Apple Home, Google Home
- Max load15 A / 1,800 W
The Kasa KP125M is the smart plug we would buy for most homes. The Kasa app shows real-time power draw plus daily and monthly energy use.
Thanks to Matter, you can switch it on and off with Alexa, Siri or Google Home, by voice or on a schedule. Note that the energy data stays in the Kasa app. It is not shared through Matter, so it does not show up in Apple Home.
It handles up to 1,800 watts and is small enough to leave the second outlet free. Setup uses Bluetooth, and it needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
What we like
- Works with Alexa, Apple Home and Google
- Clear energy history in the Kasa app
- Compact, leaves the second outlet free
- Affordable in multi-packs
Watch out for
- Energy data only in the Kasa app, not in Apple Home
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Basic automations
Best for: Most homes that want easy energy tracking and control in any smart home system.
Skip it if: You want energy data inside Apple Home or another Matter app.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Tapo P110M Mini Smart Plug
- Energy dataReal-time watts, usage history, cost estimates
- ConnectivityWi-Fi with Matter
- Works withAlexa, Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings
- Max load15 A / 1,800 W
- ExtrasSmart Charge Guard; energy data over Matter since firmware 1.3.2
Tapo is TP-Link's value brand, and the P110M does almost everything the Kasa does for less money. The app shows real-time power use and history, and it can estimate costs from your electricity rate.
It works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home and SmartThings through Matter. Since firmware 1.3.2, it also shares energy data over Matter, so you can see it in apps like SmartThings and Home Assistant.
If you want to monitor several devices at once, a multi-pack is one of the cheapest ways to do it.
What we like
- Very low cost per plug
- Matter support for all major platforms
- Energy data over Matter (firmware 1.3.2)
- Cost estimates in the app
Watch out for
- Full energy details are best in the Tapo app
- Bulkier than the Kasa on some outlets
- Basic automations
Best for: Budget buyers who want to monitor many devices at once.
Skip it if: You need advanced local automation.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Eve Energy (Matter)
- Energy dataConsumption and projected yearly cost
- ConnectivityMatter over Thread (needs a Thread border router)
- PrivacyWorks locally, no cloud account required
- Max load15 A / 1,800 W (US)
- Works withApple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings via Matter; Eve app on iPhone and Android
Eve Energy is the privacy-first choice. It runs over Thread and works locally without a cloud account, so your energy data and switching stay inside your home.
It shows how much power a device uses and projects the yearly cost. Since an April 2025 firmware update, it also reports energy over Matter, and the Eve app now works on Android too.
You need a Thread border router, such as a HomePod mini, an Apple TV or a newer Google Nest hub.
What we like
- Works locally with no cloud account
- Very fast response over Thread
- Energy reporting over Matter
- Eve app on iPhone and Android
Watch out for
- Most expensive plug per unit
- Needs a Thread border router
- Thread setup can be confusing at first
Best for: Privacy-minded users and Apple Home or Google Home users with a Thread hub.
Skip it if: You have no Thread border router and do not want to buy one.
Check price on Amazon Price range: See retailers
Emporia Smart Plug
- Energy dataReal-time power and usage graphs
- ViewsCost and carbon footprint
- ConnectivityWi-Fi; works with Alexa and Google (no Matter)
- Max load10 A continuous, 15 A peak (up to 1 hour a day), 1,800 W
- CertificationETL; 1-year warranty
If you love data, Emporia's app gives you plenty of it: real-time power graphs, cost tracking and the carbon footprint of each device. It also pairs with Emporia's whole-home energy monitor if you want to see your entire house later.
It works with Alexa and Google, but not with Matter.
Its continuous rating is 10 amps, lower than rivals. It can handle 15 amps for up to an hour a day, so do not use it for space heaters or other heavy loads.
What we like
- Detailed real-time energy graphs
- Cost and carbon tracking
- Pairs with Emporia whole-home monitor
- Inexpensive
Watch out for
- 10 A continuous rating
- Data only in the Emporia app
- No Matter support
Best for: Energy nerds who want detailed graphs for electronics and small appliances.
Skip it if: You want to monitor a space heater or other heavy load.
Check price on Amazon Price range: $11.99
Shelly Plug US Gen4
- Energy dataReal-time watts, voltage and current, plus history
- ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee; Matter by default
- Local controlBuilt-in web page and scripting
- Works withApple Home via Matter, Home Assistant, SmartThings
- Max load15 A / 1,800 W
- ProtectionOverheating, overvoltage, overcurrent and overpower
Shelly plugs are favorites of smart home tinkerers. The Gen4 plug supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee, and Matter is on by default, so it works with Apple Home and other Matter apps.
It has its own local web page, supports scripts that run on the plug itself, and measures voltage and current as well as power. Your automations can keep working even if the internet goes down.
It also protects against overheating, overvoltage, overcurrent and overpower. For most people it is more than they need, but if you run a home automation hub, it is the most flexible plug here.
What we like
- Works fully locally
- Matter, Zigbee and Wi-Fi
- Scripting and web interface
- Great Home Assistant support
Watch out for
- More complex than most people need
- Pricier than Kasa or Tapo
- App is less polished
Best for: Home Assistant users and smart home tinkerers.
Skip it if: You want the simplest possible setup.
Check price on Amazon Price range: $24.99 (sold out at Shelly when we checked)
Side-by-side comparison
| Kasa Smart Plug KP125M | Tapo P110M Mini Smart Plug | Eve Energy (Matter) | Emporia Smart Plug | Shelly Plug US Gen4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Best value | Best for Apple Home | Best detailed data | Best for power users |
| Protocol | Wi-Fi + Matter | Wi-Fi + Matter | Thread + Matter | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter |
| Energy data in Matter apps | No (Kasa app only) | Yes (firmware 1.3.2) | Yes | No | Check app |
| Energy detail | Daily and monthly kWh | History + cost estimates | Yearly cost projection | Real-time graphs | Watts, volts, amps + history |
| Max load | 15 A | 15 A | 15 A | 10 A continuous | 15 A |
| Works without cloud | Partly | Partly | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | See retailers | See retailers | See retailers | $11.99 | $24.99 (sold out at Shelly when we checked) |
| Our score | 9 | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 8.3 |
What to monitor first
- Space heaters and window AC units: often the biggest energy users in a room.
- Old refrigerators and chest freezers: especially second fridges in the garage.
- Entertainment centers and gaming PCs: standby power adds up around the clock.
- Dehumidifiers, fans and aquarium heaters: they run for many hours a day.
- Coffee makers and printers: easy to schedule off when you do not need them.
Check the plug’s rating before monitoring heavy appliances. Most plugs handle up to 15 amps, but a space heater near that limit should be plugged directly into the wall unless the plug is rated for it.
How to choose a smart plug with energy monitoring
1. Pick your smart home platform
Matter plugs, like the Kasa KP125M and Tapo P110M, work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings. Keep in mind that detailed energy history usually stays in the maker’s own app.
2. Check the load rating
A 15-amp, 1,800-watt rating covers most household devices. Lower-rated plugs are fine for electronics but not for heaters or other high-draw appliances.
3. Decide how much data you want
Most plugs show current watts and total kWh. If you want detailed real-time graphs or carbon tracking, Emporia goes deeper.
4. Think about privacy and reliability
Thread and local-control plugs like Eve Energy and Shelly keep working without the internet and keep your data at home.
5. Buy multi-packs
You will learn the most by monitoring several devices at once. Multi-packs cut the price per plug significantly.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are smart plugs with energy monitoring?
Makers rarely publish exact accuracy figures, but readings are generally good enough to spot energy hogs and estimate costs, but not a replacement for your utility meter.
Can a smart plug really lower my electric bill?
It can help. The plug itself does not save energy, but it shows you which devices use the most power and lets you schedule them off, cut standby power and stop leaving things on by accident.
Can I use a smart plug with a space heater?
Only if the plug is rated for the heater’s full load, usually 15 amps and 1,800 watts, and the manufacturers of both the plug and the heater allow it. Many heater makers recommend plugging directly into the wall. When in doubt, do not do it.
Do smart plugs use electricity themselves?
Yes, but very little, typically around 1 watt or less when idle. That is far less than the standby power they can help you eliminate.
Does Alexa or Google Home show energy use from smart plugs?
Sometimes, but the most detailed data usually stays in the plug maker’s app. Check whether your plug’s energy data appears in your preferred app before buying.
What is Matter and why does it matter for smart plugs?
Matter is a universal smart home standard. A Matter plug works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings, so you are not locked into one ecosystem.
The bottom line
For most homes, the Kasa KP125M is the best smart plug with energy monitoring, thanks to clear energy data and Matter support for every major platform. Choose the Tapo P110M for the best value, Eve Energy for Apple Home and privacy, the Emporia Smart Plug for detailed graphs, or the Shelly Plug US Gen4 for advanced local control.
Want to save more energy at home? Browse all Energy Savings guides, see the best portable power station for a refrigerator, or ask us a question.
Sources
- Kasa (official site)
- TP-Link Tapo (official site)
- Eve (official site)
- Emporia Energy (official site)
- Shelly (official site)
- Tapo: P110M
- Eve: Eve Energy
- Emporia: Smart Plug
- Shelly: Plug US Gen4
Featured photo: ‘smart plugs’ by code of the new, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
