The Best Smart Power Strips
The convenience of smart technology has officially reached our power strips. These days, smart power strips include features such as USB ports, surge protection, Alexa compatibility, and more. When setting up your electronic devices, a smart power strip can help streamline the process and make cable management easier. To help you pick the right smart power strip, we've done some digging and found the best models on the market. Keep reading to learn about each one in detail and find the right smart power strip for you.
What to Look For
The vast variety of smart power strips on the market is staggering. That’s why we’ve boiled them down to these top contenders, using these criteria: the number of outlets and USB ports and their output capacity, wireless connectivity features, and safety. For example, Kasa’s HS300 smart strip stood out for its seamless Alexa integration and control. It also lets you turn your outlets on and off even while you’re away from home. If you need something more compact, GHome’s power strip is a better choice. Don’t let its small size fool you. Underneath the hood, GHome provides surge protection and smart home capabilities for three outlets. To help you get started on your journey toward an in-sync home, read on to see why we think these are the best smart power strips on the market.
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
Monitoring your daily power consumption has never been easier with the HS300 smart power strip. Using Kasa’s companion app on either Apple or Android devices, you can track how many watts your outlets use daily. You can also see each individual outlet’s consumption and even turn them off remotely if they’re using too many watts. It even averages your kilowatt-hours so you can track power usage long-term. This multi-outlet strip includes all the usual amenities: surge protection, three USB ports, and a reset switch. Unlike most other multi-socket extenders, the HS300 lets you schedule when each outlet turns on and off.
Pros:
- This strip protects from surges up to 1,710 joules. This is plenty of protection for valuable electronics that store data, such as phones, tablets, or laptops.
- Kasa makes integration with Alexa and the phone app intuitively easy. The UX and configuration settings are easy to follow.
Cons:
- The cable is only available in a length of three feet, so you may need a cable extender.
GHome Smart Power Strip
Small but mighty
We know what it’s like to be low on space, especially around areas with lots of electronics, such as entertainment centers and desks. That’s why it can be difficult to fit a full-sized power strip into one of these spaces. Well, now you don’t have to. Just get the GHome Smart Power Strip and make life easier. This compact power strip has 3 smart outlets and 3 USB plugs, so you always have enough room to plug in whatever you need. The 3 outlets are all smart home enabled, which means you can control them using Alexa, Google Home, or the GHome app, making them super convenient and easy to use. As a bonus, this power strip even includes surge protection, so you never have to worry about electrical damage to your home or appliances.
Pros:
- The compact, squared-off shape makes it a perfect fit for bedsides and kitchen counters.
- There is a manual on and off switch if you wish to turn off the smart features.
Cons:
- It does not pair to 5G routers.
POWRUI Outdoor Smart Power Strip
Inside your home is not the only place that you can use maximum control over your electricity. There are many appliances and tools that we use outside all of the time, including drills, saws, holiday lights, fountains, and more. Now you can control it all with the POWRUI Outdoor Smart Power Strip. This power strip includes four independently-controlled outlets, each of which can be moved around and manipulated individually. Control each plug using voice controls and your home assistant, or use the handy app from the app store. It can be easy to forget to turn your outdoor fixtures on and off, which is why this power strip is perfect. Set timers and create schedules to minimize your power usage and add convenience to your life.
Pros:
- Each outlet can be controlled separately, so feel free to plug in security lights, your power saw, and anything else you need.
- We were pleasantly surprised at how durable it was, especially with rain, snow, and ice. If you’re hoping to deck your yard with holiday lights, the POWRUI is up to the challenge.
Cons:
- It costs more than some of the competitors.
Superdanny Surge Protector Power Strip Tower
A tower of power
If you like having your outlets easily accessible, this is the power strip for you. It has four USB ports and nine outlets capable of 1,250 watts total, which is plenty for a slew of devices. To save energy and prevent kids or pets from accidentally getting shocked, there’s a big master switch that makes it easy to power down the device while you’re away. And if you have a phone capable of wireless charging, you can simply place it on top of the tower to use its wireless charging pad.
Pros:
- The wireless charging pad uses a grippy rubber around the rim. This secures your phone while it charges and makes it harder to accidentally knock off the tower.
- This power strip tower stands sturdy and strong, so it’s tough to tip it over. That means you can easily attach heavier wall adapters.
Cons:
- Certain phones may not prove compatible with the wireless charging dock, such as the latest iPhone models.
UltraPro 7-Outlet Wi-Fi Surge Protector
Doesn’t it seem that we never have enough space for everything? We have TVs, surround sound systems, lamps, mobile devices, computers, and everything in between. How do you choose what gets plugged in? Well, now you don’t have to. Just choose UltraPro’s wi-fi surge projector. This one has seven outlets. Three of the outlets are high-quality and independently controlled smart plugs, while the other four are always-on plugs, so you will always have more than enough space for all of your appliances and fixtures. For example, you can plug in your lamp, reptile heat and UV sources, and fish tanks to the smart plugs to set a schedule while plugging in your TV and surround sound to the always-on outlets. No matter how you do it, this power strip is here for you.
Pros:
- It boasts a very durable power cord.
- We found that the app is easy to use.
- The compact size fits practically anywhere.
- We love that this comes with a generous seven outlets, which is a lot for a smart plug power strip.
Cons:
- We wish it came with more plugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PD, IQ, and QC fast charging?
These are all different standards for quickly charging devices using a smart circuit that changes the voltage and current needs based on the current charging device. PD stands for power delivery, QC stands for QuickCharge, and IQ is short for PowerIQ, Anker’s fast-charging standard. QC and IQ use USB-A ports, while PD uses a USB-C port.
Why is surge protection important?
Surges can be dangerous to you, your home, your appliances, and your electrical system. For example, if lightning strikes or a power line goes down, everything plugged directly into the wall may get damaged by the surge. If you have surge protection, it will turn off and never let that power surge hit your electronics, which can save you thousands of dollars. It also prevents your electronics from literally going up in smoke or starting fires.
What makes an outlet a “smart outlet”?
A smart outlet is simply an outlet whose circuit is controlled through commands. In most cases, this means that you can plug in a lamp, for example, and then command Alexa or Google to turn your lamp on or off. Using smart outlets can make your life much more convenient for you and your family.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.