7 Smart Plugs That Instantly Upgrade Any Appliance

In the world of smart home gadgets, smart plugs are arguably the unsung heroes. They're affordable, easy to install, and bring outdated appliances into the 21st century with a tap or a voice command.

Whether it’s your trusty kettle, bedside lamp or even a slow cooker, these clever little devices can turn any standard appliance into a smart one, without needing a tech degree to get started.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up seven of the best smart plugs available in the UK right now that offer excellent value, reliable connectivity, and features that make day to day living just that bit smoother.

Why Use a Smart Plug?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly explore what a smart plug can actually do:

• Remote control: Turn appliances on/off via smartphone.

• Voice activation: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.

• Scheduling & timers: Automate morning brews or turn off fairy lights at bedtime.

• Energy monitoring: Track usage and reduce electricity bills.

• Safety: Prevent overheating and fire hazards with auto off features.

Now, let’s dive into the smart plugs that can help you build a smarter, more efficient home, one socket at a time.

1. TP Link Tapo P110: Best Overall Smart Plug

Price: ~£14

Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant

Energy Monitoring: Yes

TP Link’s Tapo P110 is a brilliant all rounder. Setup is quick, the app is user friendly, and it offers energy monitoring so you can see how much juice your appliances really use.

You can create schedules, set timers and even track daily and monthly energy use, all from your phone.

It's small enough to fit behind furniture and has been praised for its reliable connection, even on busy WiFi networks.

Why we love it:

Perfect balance of affordability, functionality and performance.

2. Amazon Smart Plug: Best for Alexa Users

Price: ~£25

Works with: Alexa only

Energy Monitoring: No

If your home runs on Alexa, the Amazon Smart Plug is a seamless match. While it’s a little pricier than others and only supports Alexa (no Google Assistant), it’s ridiculously easy to set up. Just plug it in, and your Echo device will detect it automatically.

You can control it via voice, the Alexa app or routines.

Why we love it:

Foolproof integration with Alexa, no extra hub required.

3. Meross Smart Plug MSS310: Best for Energy Monitoring

Price: ~£18

Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings

Energy Monitoring: Yes

Meross is a rising star in the smart home space, and this plug is particularly great if you want detailed energy monitoring without paying top dollar.

The app shows real time energy consumption and historical data. It’s also one of the few budget friendly plugs that works with SmartThings.

Why we love it:

Robust energy stats for budget conscious households.

4. Kasa Smart Plug KP115: Best for Tech Tinkerers

Price: ~£18

Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant

Energy Monitoring: Yes

Another hit from TP Link, the Kasa KP115 adds slightly more advanced features compared to the Tapo line. This includes “Away Mode” (which randomly turns lights on/off to make it look like someone’s home) and more complex scheduling.

It’s ideal for those who want more automation without splashing out on smart bulbs and sensors.

Why we love it:

Powerful app features and energy tracking in a compact design.

5. Eve Energy: Best for Apple HomeKit Users

Price: ~£39

Works with: Apple HomeKit, Siri

Energy Monitoring: Yes

If you're all in with Apple, the Eve Energy smart plug is well worth a look. It’s designed specifically for HomeKit and works flawlessly with Siri voice control and Apple automations.

No account setup is needed, and it supports Thread connectivity, which improves responsiveness in smart homes using Matter or HomeKit.

Why we love it:

Privacy first design, seamless with iPhone and Siri, future proof with Thread support.

6. Hey! Smart Plug Twin Pack: Best Budget Option

Price: ~£15 for 2

Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant

Energy Monitoring: No

The Hey! Smart Plug twin pack is a fantastic choice for anyone dipping their toes into the smart home world without spending a fortune. The plugs support voice commands and app control via the Hey! app or Smart Life.

While they don’t have energy monitoring or advanced features, they’re excellent for simple automations like lamps or coffee machines.

Why we love it:

Extremely affordable way to smarten up multiple devices.

7. Eufy Smart Plug Mini: Best for Compact Spaces

Price: ~£18

Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant

Energy Monitoring: No

The Eufy Smart Plug Mini stands out thanks to its ultra slim profile, perfect for fitting behind furniture or into tight wall sockets. The app is intuitive, and setup takes only a few minutes.

It’s ideal for people who want something subtle and easy to use, especially in bedrooms, kitchens or rented flats.

Why we love it:

Compact size makes it perfect for smaller homes and shared sockets.

Choosing the Right Smart Plug for Your Home

While all smart plugs do roughly the same thing, turn appliances on or off, the best one for your home will depend on your setup and priorities.

• Want voice control? 

  Most support Alexa and Google Assistant, but only a few support Siri/HomeKit.

  
  

• Need energy tracking? 

  Look for models with energy monitoring like the Tapo P110 or Meross MSS310.

  
  

• Short on space? 

  Go for compact models like Eufy or Tapo.

  
  

• Already using a smart home platform? 

  Stick to plugs that integrate natively with it.

Don’t forget to think about app usability, hub requirements (most don’t need one, but some older models might), and WiFi range, especially if your plug will live in the garage or conservatory.

Smart Plug Ideas: What Can You Automate?

If you’re unsure how smart plugs will actually help in your home, here are some great real life uses:

• Morning routine: Set your kettle or coffee machine to switch on when your alarm goes off.

• Safety timer: Turn off hair straighteners or curling wands automatically after 30 minutes.

• Lighting automation: Schedule lamps to turn on at sunset for cosy evenings.

• Pet feeding: Use a timed plug to activate an automatic pet feeder.

• Holiday mode: Turn on/off lights to deter burglars while you’re away.

These tiny gadgets can make a surprisingly big difference to comfort, safety and energy bills, especially once you start layering in routines or voice control.

Final Thoughts

Smart plugs may not be the flashiest smart home gadgets, but they’re undeniably some of the most useful. For under £40 (and often much less), you can make ordinary appliances smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Whether you want to cut down on your electricity bill, improve your morning routine, or just stop worrying if you left the iron on, there’s a smart plug that’ll fit the job beautifully.

As always, the key is finding the one that integrates smoothly with the systems you already use, be it Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. And once you’ve tried one, don’t be surprised if you find yourself picking up a few more.

— Elizabeth Mooreland, Smart Home & Appliances | The Tech Advisor