The Best Smart Power Strips
Have you ever actually thought about how you power all of your appliances, lights, and other home electronics? For example, where do you plug in your TV and surround sound? How will you ensure your coffee is ready and still hot when you get home? Smart power strips are the answer to all of these questions. That is because you can simply plug everything into them and then use your phone and home WiFi system to control every electrical appliance in your house. Use your voice assistant to make it even easier by programming it to turn things on based on a schedule or as needed with a simple command.
What to Look For
In order to find the right smart powerstrip for you, it’s important to consider these questions: Does the smart power strip easily respond to commands? Will the power strip provide surge protection? Our favorite pick, the Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300, is a well-built beast packed with a surge protector with six smart outlets. It works with both Alexa and Google Home, so whether you’re on your Android phone or an Echo Dot, you’ll be able to use the command features. 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
When you plug in several things at once, you need to be careful. Too much power being pulled into one area can create electrical issues and leave your home vulnerable to electrical fires, and your appliances can be ruined. However, it is possible to prevent that from happening. You just need a power strip with surge protection, such as the Kasa Smart Plug Smart Power Strip HS300. This power strip comes equipped with a surge protector that will turn everything off if it detects danger. Meanwhile, 6 individually controlled smart outlets can all be used with your Alexa or Google Home devices, or you can simply use the company’s app.
Pros:
- We love that you can use Kasa’s app to set timers and create schedules for our appliances. This is a great perk for coffee drinkers who want to wake up to a fresh pot.
- The app also provides you with energy stats for each plug.
- It works really well with Alexa and Google Home.
Cons:
- The initial setup can be a hassle for some, so download the appropriate apps to make the process go a little smoother.
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 4 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.
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:
- The app is easy to use.
- It has a durable power cord.
- 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
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.