I’ve been using smart power strips for years to manage our home’s energy use, and they’ve made a real difference. By automatically cutting power to devices in standby mode, they’ve helped lower our electricity bills and reduce wasted energy—without any extra effort. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that smart power strips can help eliminate what’s known as “phantom” or “vampire” power draw, which can account for up to 10% of household electricity use.
These strips have been especially useful for managing our entertainment center and home office, where multiple devices are always plugged in. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about smart power strips—their benefits, key features, and how to choose the right one. I’ll also cover how to connect them with smart speakers, displays, and other smart home gadgets for a seamless, energy-efficient setup.
Quick Summary
- Smart power strips allow you to remotely control multiple devices and monitor energy usage.
- They can significantly reduce electricity costs by eliminating standby power consumption.
- Smart power strips work with major smart home platforms for seamless automation and voice control.
- Choosing the best smart plugs is key to optimizing your smart home system. Look for features like simple setup, remote access, energy monitoring, and advanced functionality to find the options best suited to your needs.
What Are Smart Power Strips?
A smart power strip, also known as a smart power bar or smart surge protector, is an improved version of the traditional power strip. These strips combine the functionality of multiple outlets with smart features such as remote control, energy monitoring, and automation capabilities. Smart plugs, including power strips, offer features such as remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring.
Unlike traditional power strips, you can control smart power strips through smartphone apps and voice assistants, or connect them to broader smart home systems. This allows users to turn individual outlets on and off, schedule device usage, and see power consumption for connected devices. Smart plugs and their benefits in different settings, such as indoor and outdoor use, make them versatile for various needs.
Smart power strips are basically regular power strips that have been upgraded with internet connectivity and smart technology. Think of them as the bridge between your old-fashioned power strips and the modern smart home world. When you plug devices into a smart power strip, you gain the ability to control each outlet separately using your phone, tablet, or voice commands.
The main difference between regular power strips and smart ones is the level of control they give you. With a regular power strip, you plug things in and they stay on until you physically unplug them or flip a switch. Smart power strips let you turn things on and off from anywhere in the world, set schedules for when devices should turn on or off, and even track how much electricity each device uses.
By using smart power strips, you can slash your energy bills and boost your home’s overall energy efficiency while contributing to a greener planet. These devices are perfect for people who want to save money on electricity without having to think about it all the time.
How Do They Work?
Smart power strips go between your wall outlet and the devices you plug in. Here’s how they function:
Key Features
- Multiple Outlets: They usually have 3 to 12 plug-in spots.
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: Lets the strip connect to your phone or smart home system.
- Built-in Microprocessor: Controls all smart features and communication.
- Energy Sensors: Measure how much power your devices use.
- Mobile App: You can control and check everything using an app on your phone.
Once you plug in your devices, you can use the app to turn them on or off, set timers, and check how much electricity they’re using. This makes it easier to find out which devices waste the most power and take steps to lower your energy use.
Benefits of Using Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips come with many helpful benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:
Energy Savings
Many electronics still use power even when they seem off. This is known as standby or “vampire” power. Smart power strips can completely cut off power to those devices when they’re not being used. Over time, this can add up to noticeable savings on your power bill.
Remote Control
You can turn devices on or off from anywhere using your smartphone. Forget to turn off the heater? No problem—just open the app and switch it off from work or while out shopping.
Track Energy Use
Many smart strips show you exactly how much electricity each device is using. This helps you learn where you’re wasting power and how to make changes. Understanding your energy consumption patterns can help you analyze and reduce monthly expenses.
Set Schedules
You can create schedules to power devices on or off at certain times. Want your coffee maker on at 6 a.m.? Set it in the app. Want the TV off at 10 p.m.? You can do that too.
Smart Home Integration
Smart power strips often work with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. That means you can use your voice to control them or include them in routines and automations with other smart gadgets. They’re an excellent addition to any collection of smart home devices for apartments.
Better Safety
Most smart strips include surge protection. That means they can protect your electronics from power spikes or lightning. Some models even alert you if something unusual is going on with your power use.
What to Look for in Smart Power Strips
Before you buy a smart power strip, here are the most important features to consider:
Number of Outlets
Think about how many devices you need to plug in. Most smart strips come with 3 to 12 outlets.
USB Charging Ports
Many models include USB ports to charge phones, tablets, and other devices without needing an adapter.
Energy Tracking
Choose a strip that shows you real-time energy use and even historical data. Some apps will even estimate your energy costs.
Smart Home Compatibility
Make sure the strip works with the smart home system you already use. For example, the TP-Link Kasa Smart strip works well with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Surge Protection
Always choose a model with surge protection. This protects your devices during storms or power spikes.
Voice Control
Look for models that allow voice control through assistants like Alexa or Google.
Individual Outlet Control
Some smart power strips let you control each outlet by itself, while others only turn everything on or off together.
Scheduling Options
Choose one that lets you easily set custom schedules for each outlet or device.
Popular Brands and Models
Here is a comparison of some popular smart power strip models:
Here’s a comparison of some popular smart power strip models that offer different features and price points:
| Brand | Model | Outlets | USB Ports | Smart Home Compatibility | Energy Monitoring |
| TP-Link | Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 | 6 | 3 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
| Eve | Energy Strip | 3 | 0 | Apple HomeKit | Yes |
| APC | Smart Surge Protector P11U2 | 11 | 2 | Alexa, Google Assistant | No |
| Gosund | Smart Power Strip | 3 | 3 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
| Teckin | Smart Power Strip | 4 | 4 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
Most smart plugs offer features such as time scheduling, energy monitoring, and app design. They also allow you to program scenes and interactions between devices, further improving the overall smart home experience.
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 stands out as one of the most feature-complete options, offering individual outlet control, comprehensive energy monitoring, and broad smart home compatibility. It’s particularly popular among users who want detailed energy usage data and reliable performance.
For Apple HomeKit users, the Eve Energy Strip provides excellent integration with Apple’s ecosystem, though it has fewer outlets than some competitors. The energy monitoring features work seamlessly with Apple’s Home app and provide detailed usage statistics.
Budget-conscious buyers often choose models from Gosund or Teckin, which offer good basic functionality at lower price points. While they may not have all the advanced features of premium models, they provide solid performance for users who primarily want remote control and basic scheduling.
Smart Power Strip Use Cases with Voice Control
Smart power strips work well in various rooms and situations throughout your home. Understanding common use cases helps you identify where these devices would be most beneficial.
Home Office
You can control your computer, printer, modem, and other office devices. Set them to turn off at night to save energy.
Entertainment Area
Plug in your TV, gaming system, speakers, and streaming box. Turn everything off with one tap or voice command when it’s time for bed.
Kitchen
Use them to power small appliances like coffee makers, toasters, or microwaves. Set them to turn on right before you get up in the morning. When upgrading kitchen appliances, consider energy efficient appliances to maximize your savings.
Holiday Decor
Smart strips make it easy to control holiday lights. You can set them on a timer or control them from your phone. Whether you’re using outdoor Christmas lights or indoor decorations, smart power strips provide convenient control.
How to Set Up a Smart Power Strip
Setting up a smart power strip is usually easy. Follow these steps:
- Plug It In: Connect the power strip to an outlet.
- Install the App: Download the strip’s app to your phone.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Use the app to link the strip to your home Wi-Fi.
- Plug in Your Devices: Add your TV, computer, or other devices.
- Customize Settings: Use the app to name each outlet, set timers, and track usage.
- Link to Smart Assistant: Connect the strip to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit if you want voice control.
Once it’s set up, you can use your phone or voice to control your devices. For example, say “Alexa, turn off the heater” or check your app to see how much power your game console used today.
Energy Saving Tips
Want to get the most energy savings from your smart power strip? Try these tips:
- Spot energy hogs: Use the app to find devices that use lots of energy.
- Make schedules: Set automatic shut-off times for things you don’t use overnight.
- Group devices: Plug devices used together into one strip—like TV and soundbar.
- Try motion sensors: Some advanced models turn devices off when no one’s in the room.
- Review data often: Look at your power use weekly and make changes to save more.
These strategies work best when combined with other energy saving strategies for different seasons and a comprehensive approach to home energy efficiency.
Wrapping Up
Smart power strips are an excellent addition to any smart home, providing convenience, energy savings, and improved safety. These devices offer a simple way to reduce electricity costs while making your home more efficient and easier to manage.
As with any smart home device, be sure to choose a model that fits your specific needs and is compatible with your home’s existing smart home ecosystem. Consider factors like the number of outlets you need, energy monitoring capabilities, and integration with your preferred voice assistant or smart home platform.
Whether you want to manage your home office, entertainment center, or kitchen appliances, a smart power strip can help you achieve greater control and efficiency. The energy savings alone often pay for the device within the first year, making smart power strips a financially smart investment for most households.
Start with one smart power strip in the area where you have the most devices plugged in, such as your entertainment center or home office. Once you experience the convenience and savings, you’ll likely want to add more smart power strips throughout your home to maximize the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Power Strips
What is a smart power strip and how is it different from a regular one?
A smart power strip lets you control plugged-in devices using an app or voice commands. Unlike regular strips, it can cut power to stop energy waste, track usage, and be scheduled remotely.
Can smart power strips really save energy and money?
Yes. They help eliminate “phantom” energy use from devices in standby mode, which can make up about 10% of your home’s electricity use. That can lower your bills over time.
Do smart power strips work with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Most smart power strips are compatible with major platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, so you can control them using voice commands.
Where in the home are smart power strips most useful?
They work best in places with lots of devices, like home offices, entertainment centers, and kitchens. You can group and manage several devices from one spot.