Smart plugs and power strips can turn ordinary lamps, electronics and appliances into controllable parts of a smart-home system. For most households, the strongest options combine reliable automation with broad ecosystem compatibility, useful scheduling and appropriate electrical ratings.
Our shortlist includes Matter-enabled plugs, Thread-based models, energy-monitoring options and multi-outlet power strips. We assessed manufacturer specifications, current compatibility information, connectivity, energy monitoring, individual outlet control and regional availability. Because socket standards differ between countries, readers should confirm that the exact regional model is suitable for their electrical system before purchasing.
6 Best Smart Plugs & Power Strips at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Smart-Home Support | Energy Monitoring | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapo P110M | All-round Matter automation | Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings | Yes | Broad compatibility |
| Eve Energy | Matter-over-Thread homes | Matter, Thread, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant | Yes | Thread networking |
| Shelly Plug S Gen3 | Advanced local automation | Matter, Wi-Fi, Shelly ecosystem | Yes | Local control and flexibility |
| Tapo P304M | UK multi-device automation | Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings | Yes | Four individually controlled outlets |
| Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 | Advanced EU power-strip automation | Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee | Yes, per outlet | Multi-protocol control |
| Kasa HS300 | North American entertainment and office setups | Alexa, Google Assistant, Kasa | Yes | Six individually controlled outlets |
Compatibility and electrical specifications vary by regional model, so the table should be treated as a shortlist rather than proof that one version works worldwide.
How We Selected These Smart Plugs & Power Strips
This list is based on editorial research rather than hands-on laboratory testing. We compared official manufacturer documentation for smart-home compatibility, Matter and Thread support, energy monitoring, outlet-level control, hub requirements, electrical ratings, connectivity and regional availability.
We gave particular weight to products that provide a meaningful advantage for whole-home automation rather than simply offering remote on/off control. The numbered order is an editorial arrangement based on different use cases; it is not generated from a mathematical scoring system. Manufacturer documentation was prioritised, with special attention paid to differences between regional versions and current firmware capabilities.
1. Tapo P110M — Best All-Round Matter Smart Plug
The Tapo P110M is a particularly practical choice for users who want energy monitoring without giving up broad smart-home compatibility. The UK model is Matter-certified and works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings. It connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi rather than Thread and includes energy-monitoring tools through Tapo.
TP-Link rates the UK version at up to 2,990W and 13A and lists UKCA and CE certification. Its relatively compact housing is also designed to avoid unnecessarily blocking adjacent sockets.
Best suited to: households wanting a straightforward Matter-over-Wi-Fi plug with power monitoring.
Consider: regional models and electrical ratings differ, and some advanced energy information may depend on the Tapo app rather than the user’s chosen Matter platform.
2. Eve Energy — Best for Matter Over Thread
The Eve Energy stands out because current Matter models communicate over Thread rather than conventional Wi-Fi. Eve states that the plug supports Matter and works with Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. It also functions as a Thread router node, helping relay traffic from other compatible Thread devices.
Energy-consumption information is available through the Eve app, while automation, scenes and remote access depend on the connected Matter platform and compatible hub. Regional versions exist for North America, the UK, Europe and other markets.
Best suited to: homes already building a Matter-over-Thread network.
Consider: a compatible Matter/Thread hub is required, so it is not the simplest choice for someone without existing Thread infrastructure.
3. Shelly Plug S Gen3 — Best for Advanced Local Automation
The Shelly Plug S Gen3 is worth considering when local automation and detailed control matter as much as voice-assistant compatibility. Shelly describes it as a Matter-certified Wi-Fi smart plug with built-in power monitoring, schedules and no mandatory hub for basic Wi-Fi operation. The European model supports loads up to 12A.
Shelly’s ecosystem is particularly attractive to users who want more configurable automation than a basic consumer smart plug normally provides. Matter support also makes integration with compatible third-party ecosystems easier.
Best suited to: enthusiasts, automation-heavy homes and users who value power data and local control options.
Consider: the commonly sold Plug S format is designed for European sockets, so buyers elsewhere need a regionally appropriate model rather than an adapter-based workaround.
4. Tapo P304M — Best Matter Power Strip for UK Homes
For several devices in one location, the Tapo P304M offers four independently controlled smart outlets alongside Matter support, energy monitoring and surge protection. The UK version works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings and communicates over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
TP-Link specifies a maximum total load of 3,250W/13A for the UK model and includes a 1.5-metre cord. Each of the four smart outlets can be controlled independently through supported controls.
Best suited to: entertainment centres, offices and other UK setups where several devices need separate automations.
Consider: this recommendation refers specifically to the UK version; availability, socket layout and ratings vary by region.
5. Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 — Best for Multi-Protocol Automation
The Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4 is one of the more flexible choices for advanced European smart homes. It provides four individually controllable sockets with separate power metering and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee alongside Matter certification. Shelly also provides schedules, local actions and scripting capabilities.
The manufacturer rates it at up to 12A per socket and 16A total. It uses Type F/Schuko sockets, making its regional suitability particularly important.
Best suited to: users building more complex automations across several devices.
Consider: it is primarily a European-format product and offers considerably more configuration than some beginners actually need.
6. Kasa HS300 — Best Six-Outlet Smart Power Strip for North America
The Kasa HS300 remains useful when outlet count and individual energy tracking matter more than Matter compatibility. It provides six independently controlled AC outlets, three USB charging ports, surge protection and energy monitoring through the Kasa app. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant and does not require a separate hub.
TP-Link lists a maximum load of 15A for the North American version and ETL-certified surge protection. Individual schedules can be created for the six smart outlets.
Best suited to: North American offices, computer areas and entertainment systems with many separately controlled devices.
Consider: it does not offer Matter or native Apple Home support, making it less attractive for households standardising around Matter.
How to Choose the Right Smart Plug or Power Strip
Start with your smart-home ecosystem. Matter products can make cross-platform integration easier, but Matter does not automatically mean Thread: products such as the Tapo P110M use Wi-Fi, while Eve Energy uses Thread. Thread-based Matter devices require suitable Thread infrastructure, whereas Matter-over-Wi-Fi products connect through the home’s Wi-Fi network.
Next, decide whether you need energy monitoring, individual outlet control or simply scheduling and remote switching. A smart power strip is usually more practical than several separate plugs for an entertainment centre or workstation.
Most importantly, check the electrical rating and plug format. Never assume that a smart plug can safely control any appliance simply because it physically fits. Compare the appliance’s requirements with the manufacturer’s stated voltage, amperage and maximum load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Matter smart plugs better than normal Wi-Fi smart plugs?
Not automatically. Matter improves interoperability between compatible ecosystems, while Wi-Fi describes a networking method. Some Matter plugs operate over Wi-Fi, while others use Thread. The better choice depends on your existing controllers, networking setup and automation requirements.
Is Matter the same as Thread?
No. Matter is an interoperability standard, while Thread is a networking protocol that Matter devices can use. Eve Energy uses Matter over Thread, whereas products such as the Tapo P110M use Matter with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Can a smart plug be used with heaters or other high-power appliances?
Only when the manufacturer explicitly permits the intended load. Check the appliance’s wattage and current requirements against the exact smart plug’s rated maximum. Motors, heaters and other demanding loads may have additional restrictions, so manufacturer guidance should take priority over general recommendations.
Final Thoughts
There is no single best smart plug for every automated home. The Tapo P110M offers a strong balance of Matter compatibility and energy monitoring, while Eve Energy is better suited to households investing in Thread. Shelly’s products provide additional flexibility for advanced automation, while the Tapo P304M and Kasa HS300 are practical when several devices need independent control.
The right choice ultimately depends on your region, socket standard, smart-home ecosystem, electrical load, energy-monitoring needs and preference for Wi-Fi, Thread or other connectivity options.
Editorial Disclosure
No information about affiliate, advertising, client or sponsorship relationships was supplied for this article. Before publication, the publisher should disclose any relevant commercial relationship with a manufacturer, retailer or listed product. Such relationships should not be hidden or presented as independent editorial judgement.
