Best Smart Power Strips: Top Picks & Buying Guide

The best smart power strip overall is the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300), because it combines six individually controlled outlets, three USB ports, and reliable energy monitoring in a compact design that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and the Kasa app. It offers the best balance of features, app stability, and value for most households. If you need Matter support or a more affordable basic model, there are strong alternatives below.

What to Look For

Before buying, focus on these criteria that actually affect daily use:

• Number of outlets and individual control: Some strips control all outlets as one group, while others let you toggle each socket separately. Individual control is essential for turning off a lamp without killing your router.
• Energy monitoring: Per-outlet power monitoring helps you see which devices eat the most electricity. This is a must if you want to track usage or set automation based on power draw.
• Surge protection: A built-in surge protector (with a joule rating) protects your gear from voltage spikes. If you’re plugging in expensive electronics, don’t skip this.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi strips are the most common and work without a hub. Zigbee or Matter strips may require a hub or a specific ecosystem (like Amazon Echo or Apple HomeKit).
• App and voice assistant support: Make sure the strip works with the assistants you already use (Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings). Check the product page for compatibility.
• USB ports: Built-in USB charging ports are convenient for phones and tablets, but they usually don’t have individual smart control.
• Physical size and outlet spacing: If you have large power adapters, you need widely spaced outlets. Measure your space and check the strip’s dimensions.

Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)

Strengths: Six individually controlled outlets, three USB ports (not smart), energy monitoring per outlet, surge protection (rated 4000 joules), and a proven, stable app. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The Kasa app is intuitive and offers scheduling, timers, and away mode.

Trade-offs: It’s larger than some competitors, and the USB ports are always on (not individually controllable). No Matter support yet.

Who it suits: Best for most people who want a reliable, feature-rich strip without paying a premium for Matter or HomeKit.

Amazon Smart Plug (4-Pack) – Not a Strip, but a Budget Alternative

Strengths: If you don’t need a surge protector or multiple outlets in one location, four individual smart plugs give you the same voice control and app scheduling for less money. They’re tiny and work with Alexa (obviously) and Google Home.

Trade-offs: No energy monitoring, no surge protection, and each plug takes a wall socket. You can’t turn off a group of devices with one button unless you create a group in the app.

Who it suits: Budget buyers who have several separate outlets and don’t need surge protection.

TP-Link Kasa KP303 (3-Outlet) – Compact and Reliable

Strengths: Three individually controlled outlets, energy monitoring, and a slim design that fits behind furniture. It’s the same Kasa app and reliability as the HS300, but smaller and cheaper.

Trade-offs: No USB ports, and the surge protection is basic (no joule rating advertised). Only three outlets means you might need more.

Who it suits: Those with a small desk or entertainment center who need just a few smart outlets.

Meross Smart Power Strip (Matter, 4-Outlet)

Strengths: Supports Matter, which means it works natively with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings without needing separate integrations. It has four AC outlets and two USB ports, and the app is simple.

Trade-offs: No energy monitoring on the standard model (the Pro version adds it). The Matter setup can occasionally be finicky if your network isn’t robust.

Who it suits: Apple Home users or those who want a future-proof Matter device.

Anker PowerPort Strip (with USB-C) – Best for Charging

Strengths: Not a smart strip per se, but it’s the best choice if you primarily need USB-C fast charging for phones, tablets, and laptops. It has 3 AC outlets and 2 USB-C ports (up to 65W total). It’s compact and well-built.

Trade-offs: No smart features at all—no app, no voice control, no scheduling. It’s purely a power strip.

Who it suits: Travelers or minimalists who want a clean charging station and don’t need automation.

Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (with Energy Monitoring)

Strengths: Four individually controlled outlets, energy monitoring, and a slim, wall-hugging design. It works with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit (depending on the model). The Leviton app is solid.

Trade-offs: The HomeKit version is more expensive, and the outlet spacing is tight for large adapters.

Who it suits: HomeKit users who want a slim strip that doesn’t stick out too far from the wall.

How to Choose

Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, skip the strip and buy individual smart plugs (like the Amazon Smart Plug) or a basic 3-outlet Kasa. If you can spend $40–$60, the Kasa HS300 is the sweet spot.

Use case: For a home office with a computer, monitor, and desk lamp, you want individual control and energy monitoring. For a living room entertainment center, surge protection and group control matter more. For a bedside table, a simple strip with USB ports might be enough.

Common trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is between features (energy monitoring, USB, surge protection) and price/size. Also, Matter support is great for future-proofing, but it’s not essential if you’re committed to one assistant. Finally, remember that not all smart strips have surge protection—check the specs before plugging in expensive gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control each outlet separately?

Yes, on most smart strips (like the Kasa HS300 and Meross), each outlet is individually controllable in the app. Some budget strips only control all outlets as one group—check the product description.

Do smart power strips work without Wi-Fi?

No, they need Wi-Fi to connect to your network and to the app. If your Wi-Fi goes down, the strip still passes power through, but you can’t control it remotely or via voice.

Are smart power strips safe for surge protection?

Only if they explicitly list a surge protection rating (in joules). Many smart strips, especially budget ones, do NOT have surge protection. If you need it, look for a strip with a joule rating of at least 1000.

Can I use a smart power strip with a space heater or air conditioner?

No. High-wattage appliances like space heaters, air conditioners, and toasters should never be plugged into a smart strip. They can overload the strip and cause a fire. Use a dedicated wall outlet.

Will a smart power strip work with Apple HomeKit?

Only if it explicitly supports HomeKit or Matter. Many strips (like Kasa) don’t support HomeKit natively, but you can often bridge them through a Home Assistant setup. If you’re all-in on Apple, choose a Matter or HomeKit-certified strip.

Do smart power strips consume power when off?

Yes, the strip itself uses a small amount of standby power (usually 1–2 watts) to maintain Wi-Fi connectivity. This is negligible compared to the energy savings from turning off devices.

Bottom Line

For most people, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) is the best choice because it offers the right mix of individual outlet control, energy monitoring, surge protection, and a reliable app at a reasonable price. If you need Matter or HomeKit support, go with the Meross Smart Power Strip. If you’re on a tight budget, start with a pack of individual smart plugs. And if you don’t need smart features at all, a simple USB-C power strip like the Anker is the way to go.

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