The humble Smart Plug is the unsung hero of home automation. It is cheap, simple, and has the power to turn almost any "dumb" appliance in your house into an intelligent device. Yet, most people only use them to turn a lamp on and off.
In this guide, we will move beyond the basics. We’ll explore 5 creative ways to automate your life using smart plugs and review the best models to buy in 2025.
What is a Smart Plug?
Ideally, a smart plug is an adapter that fits between your wall outlet and your appliance. Once connected to your Wi-Fi, it acts as a "gatekeeper" for electricity. You can open or close the gate (turn power on/off) via an app on your phone, a voice command, or a pre-set schedule.
5 Genius Ways to Use Them
1. The "Morning Coffee" Automation
This is a classic for a reason. If you have a basic coffee maker with a physical switch, fill it with water and grounds the night before. Leave the machine's switch "On," but cut the power via the smart plug. Set a schedule for 6:55 AM. You will wake up to the smell of fresh coffee every day.
2. "Ghost Mode" for Security
Burglars look for dark houses. Connect a living room floor lamp to a smart plug. Most apps (like Kasa or Wyze) have an "Away Mode" which randomly turns the light on and off between 7 PM and 11 PM to mimic human presence, making it look like someone is home watching TV.
3. The Energy Vampire Hunter
Some appliances use power even when they are off (like older TVs, heaters, or gaming consoles). Use a smart plug with Energy Monitoring to see exactly how much electricity these devices consume. You can then set a timer to cut their power completely at night to save on your utility bill.
4. Reboot Your Router Remotely
We’ve all been there: The internet is slow, and you need to unplug the router and plug it back in. If your router is in a hard-to-reach place (or if you are not home), plug it into a smart plug. You can turn it off and on from your phone to reset the connection instantly.
5. Hair Straightener Safety Net
Have you ever left the house and panicked, wondering "Did I turn off the iron?" or "Is the hair straightener still on?"? If you plug these dangerous devices into a smart plug, you can check their status from your phone and turn them off remotely, preventing potential fires.
Top 3 Smart Plugs to Buy in 2025
Not all plugs are created equal. Here is how they stack up:
| Model | Best Feature | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa (EP25) | Reliability & Energy Monitoring | Alexa, Google, HomeKit |
| Wyze Plug | Best Budget Option | Alexa, Google |
| Eve Energy | Best for Apple Users (Thread support) | Apple HomeKit Only |
FAQ: Common Questions
Do smart plugs block the other outlet?
Older models were bulky, but modern ones (like the Kasa EP25) have a "Slim Design" that allows you to stack two plugs in one wall outlet.
Do they work when Wi-Fi is down?
The automation and app control will stop working, but there is always a small physical button on the side of the plug to turn it on/off manually.