Skip to main content

    Smart Plug Basics

    $10 to make any lamp smart.

    What a smart plug does

    A smart plug goes between the wall and your device. Turns the device on or off from your phone, on a schedule, by voice (Alexa, Google), or based on time (sunset, away from home).

    • Lamps — turn on at sunset, off at bedtime, automatically.
    • Coffee maker — voice-on from bed.
    • Christmas tree — schedule lights.
    • Space heater — never left on by accident again.
    • Cable box / TV / consoles — auto-off overnight (saves $50-100/year).

    Best buys (2025)

    • Kasa Smart Plug Mini (TP-Link) — $10 each. The standard. Works with Alexa, Google.
    • Amazon Smart Plug — $13. Works with Alexa only. Easiest setup if you have an Echo.
    • Wemo — $20. Works with Apple HomeKit (good if you only use iPhone/iPad).
    • Avoid off-brand $5 plugs from random Amazon sellers — security and reliability are bad.

    Setup in 5 minutes

    1. Plug into wall.
    2. Download the app (Kasa app, Amazon Alexa, etc.).
    3. App finds the plug. Connects to your wifi.
    4. Name it ("Living Room Lamp").
    5. Set schedule OR add to Alexa/Google Home for voice control.

    What NOT to plug in

    • Refrigerator — needs constant power.
    • Medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen).
    • Anything over 1,800 watts (most space heaters are 1,500W and OK).
    • Aquarium pumps — fish need 24/7.

    Best first use

    Put one on your living room lamp. Set it to come on at sunset. After two weeks, you'll wonder how you lived without it. Then add 3-4 more for the rest of the house.

    Smart Plug Basics — What They Do, Which to Buy | TekSure