What Is a Smart Plug? What They Do and How to Use Them

Sep 05, 2023

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Simply by inserting a small adapter into an existing electrical outlet, smart plugs give you greater control of your home and make routine tasks easier and more efficient.

If you want to know what a smart plug is, it's best to view it as a switch that turns electricity on or off, much like a wall switch. The difference is that a smart plug lets that switch travel with you anywhere—as long as you have a smartphone or tablet in hand.

A smart plug is a wireless, Wi-Fi-equipped remote control outlet adapter that is controlled by an app on a smartphone or by voice commands.

The smart plug controls the flow of electricity between a 120V household outlet and any device that is plugged into the smart plug. Smart plugs can be accessed through an app supplied by the manufacturer or can be integrated into platforms such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

A smart plug may work through a hub or it may be hubless. Smart plugs that require smart hubs use these intermediary devices to connect wirelessly to a home router. Smart plugs that are hubless connect directly to the home router.

To use a smart plug, send a command to the plug from your smartphone or tablet, or verbally to a smart speaker or smart hub. The command travels to the smart plug. The smart plug turns the electricity on or off to any devices plugged into the smart plug.

Many types of smart devices are available that can be controlled remotely: smart lamps, smart blinds, smart lightbulbs, and many more. But the beauty of smart plugs is that you can plug ordinary devices into them and still have wireless remote control capability, such as:

Lamps

Coffee makers

Fans

Refrigerators

Heaters

Air conditioners

Holiday lights

Security lighting

Ponds

The most common type of smart plug is a small cube or circular adapter that fits into half of a 120V electrical outlet. Each smart plug costs $15 to $20.

Containing three to six outlets, smart power strips allow you to control each outlet individually or the entire power strip at once. Power strips work well for clustered devices like entertainment areas or for devices that demand electricity all at once, like holiday lighting.

Smart wall outlets incorporate smart plug technology within the outlet itself for a cleaner look. Smart wall outlets should be installed by a qualified electrician or by an experienced do-it-yourselfer.

Outdoor smart plugs work the same as indoor plugs but are designed to withstand exterior weather conditions. Outdoor smart plugs are ideal for landscape lighting, security systems, pond pumps, and security lighting. Outdoor smart plugs typically carry IPX4 water resistance rating—fine for minor splashes of water but not capable of being submerged in water.

If a smart plug is not right for your home, a simple device can help you control devices much like a smart plug. A wireless remote control outlet plugs into a 120V outlet and is controlled by a standalone radio-frequency wireless remote control. This device only has a range of about 50 feet, but a Wi-Fi and router are not required.

Amazon Smart Plug: This Amazon-brand product works only with Alexa, Amazon's cloud-based voice service.

BN-Link: Hubless smart plugs that work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Geeni: Geeni's wide range of smart devices includes hubless indoor and outdoor smart plugs and smart wall outlets.

GHome Smart: GHome makes smart plugs, smart strips, smart switches, and smart door knobs.

Lutron Caseta: Lutron's Caseta brand of smart plugs can be controlled by your smartphone or by a standalone remote control called Pico.

What does a smart plug do?

A smart plug is an adapter to an existing 120V outlet that controls the flow of electricity to devices plugged into the adapter. A smart plug allows you to turn devices on and off remotely through a smartphone or tablet.

Are smart plugs worth it?

Smart plugs are worth it for the energy savings if you're in the habit of leaving on devices like lights while you're gone. Smart plugs are also worth it if you would like to integrate basic devices like fans, lamps, and coffee makers with smart home platforms.

Do smart plugs need Wi-Fi?

Smart plugs do not always need Wi-Fi in order to operate, but they do need an Internet connection. Smart plugs may need to be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network or may connect directly to the router.

Do smart plugs use electricity when off?

Smart plugs use a small amount of electricity when off so that they can remain connected to the Internet.