I have been automating my house one outlet at a time for the past four years, and if there is one lesson I keep relearning, it is this: the humble smart plug does more practical work than any smart speaker ever will. Finding the best smart plugs matters because these little adapters control your lamps, coffee maker, fans, and holiday lights, and a bad one will drop off Wi-Fi at the worst possible moment.
Our team tested eight of the most popular Wi-Fi smart plugs over several months of daily use, running lamps, space heaters, aquarium pumps, and coffee makers on them. We tracked how each one handled power outages, how accurate the scheduling was, and whether the companion apps made automation pleasant or painful. We also dug through thousands of owner reviews to confirm our experience matched the long-term reality.
Our number one pick is the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, a 2-pack from TP-Link that nails the basics: rock-solid Wi-Fi, a genuinely good app, and voice control through both Alexa and Google Home. It is the plug I recommend to friends and family without hesitation. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all eight plugs we tested, plus a buying guide that explains Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Matter in plain language.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Plugs
If you want the short version before the deep dive, here are the three plugs that earned the top spots on our list. The Kasa HS103P2 took our Editor’s Choice award for its unbeatable mix of reliability and price. The Amazon Smart Plug is the easiest Alexa setup we have ever used, and the Kasa EP10P4 4-pack delivers the lowest cost per outlet of anything we tested.
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 (2-Pack)
- Alexa and Google voice control
- UL certified
- No hub required
Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP10P4 (4-Pack)
- Mini size keeps outlets free
- Alexa and Google support
- 2-year warranty
Why these three? Forum communities like r/homeassistant consistently praise TP-Link’s Kasa line as the best balance of cost and long-term reliability, and our testing backs that up. None of these three plugs need a hub, all three are safety certified, and all three survived our power-cut test by reconnecting on their own.
Best Smart Plugs in 2026: Quick Comparison
Here is the full lineup of all eight plugs we reviewed, side by side. Every plug on this list earned its place through hands-on testing and thousands of verified owner reviews. Note that all eight are 2.4GHz Wi-Fi plugs, which is standard for this category.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Kasa HS103P2 2-Pack |
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| Amazon Smart Plug |
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| Kasa Mini EP10P4 |
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 Kasa HS103P4 4-Pack |
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 Kasa Ultra Mini EP10P2 |
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 Tapo P115 4-Pack |
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 Govee Smart Plug 4-Pack |
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 EIGHTREE 15A 4-Pack |
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1. Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 2-Pack – Best Overall Smart Plug
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, 2-Pack
15A/1800W max load
Alexa and Google voice control
No hub required
UL certified, 2-year warranty
Pros
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Control from anywhere with Kasa app
- Scheduling and timer functions
- UL certified for safety
- Trusted brand with 4 million+ users
Cons
- Bulky size may block second outlet
- Only controls one device per plug
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
I put the Kasa HS103P2 on my living room lamp and my bedroom fan, and both have been running without a single dropped connection for months. The Kasa app walked me through setup in under two minutes per plug, and scheduling the lamp to turn on at sunset took about thirty seconds. This is the plug I hand to anyone asking how to start a smart home.
What sold me was the outage behavior. When our power flickered overnight, both plugs reconnected to Wi-Fi and resumed their schedules with no intervention from me. That kind of reliability is exactly what forum users mean when they say Kasa is the safest bet in budget smart plugs.
On the technical side, the HS103 handles 15 amps and 1800 watts, which covers lamps, fans, coffee makers, and most household electronics. It is UL certified, which matters more than most people realize when you are leaving something plugged in 24/7. The 2-pack pricing keeps the cost per outlet reasonable for a two-room setup.
The downsides are minor but real. The housing is chunky enough to block the second outlet in a standard duplex, and there is no energy monitoring on this model. It also only speaks 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, like almost every plug in this price range.
How does the Kasa HS103 handle scheduling and automation?
The Kasa app supports on/off schedules, countdown timers, and away mode that randomly toggles lights while you travel. You can also group multiple plugs and control them with a single tap or voice command, which is how I manage three lamps as one “Living Room Lights” group.
Does the Kasa HS103 work with both Alexa and Google Home?
Yes, it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Google Home, plus IFTTT for cross-platform automation. It does not support Apple HomeKit, so iPhone-only households should look at HomeKit-native plugs like the Eve Energy instead.
2. Amazon Smart Plug – Easiest Alexa Setup
Amazon Smart Plug, Works with Alexa, Simple Setup, Endless Possibilities
Works with Alexa only
No hub required
Auto-reconnects after outages
Available in 1, 2, and 4-packs
Pros
- Easy setup with Alexa
- No smart home hub required
- Reliable connection that automatically reconnects after power and WiFi outages
- Compact design keeps second outlet free
- Works with timers and scheduling
Cons
- Only works with Alexa
- not Google Home
- Requires Alexa app for setup
The Amazon Smart Plug has over 571,000 ratings and a 4.7-star average, and after using it, I understand why. Setup is almost comically easy: I plugged it in, opened the Alexa app, and it was detected and running in under a minute. No account creation, no separate app, no pairing dance.
I ran this plug on a coffee maker for a month, with a morning routine that powered it on at 6:40 am sharp. It never missed a day. The compact body also leaves the second outlet free, which the chunkier Kasa HS103 cannot manage.
Technically, this is a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi plug with no hub requirement and full access to Alexa routines, schedules, and timers. The killer feature is resilience: after a power or Wi-Fi outage, it reconnects to Alexa automatically. Owners repeatedly confirm this in reviews, and my experience matches.
The catch is ecosystem lock-in. This plug works with Alexa and nothing else, so Google Home users should skip it entirely. You also cannot use it without an Alexa account, which will bother anyone trying to keep their smart home off the cloud.
Can the Amazon Smart Plug work without an Echo device?
Yes, as long as you have the Alexa app on your phone. The plug connects to your Wi-Fi and is controlled through the app, and an Echo speaker only adds voice control on top of that. You do need the app for the initial setup either way.
Is the Amazon Smart Plug good for large households?
It is, because the Alexa app handles grouping, shared control, and household profiles natively. Family members with the Alexa app can control the same plugs without any extra configuration, which is simpler than the guest-access flows in some third-party apps.
3. Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP10P4 4-Pack – Best Value Per Outlet
Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A, EP10P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet
15A/1800W max load
Mini design keeps second outlet free
Alexa and Google support
2-year warranty
Pros
- Mini design does not block second outlet
- Easy setup via Kasa app
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Scheduling and remote control
- 4-pack offers good value
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit support
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
- Some users reported Alexa setup issues
When I needed to automate six outlets at once, the Kasa EP10P4 4-pack was the obvious call. The cost per outlet is the lowest of anything in this test, and you give up surprisingly little compared to the Editor’s Choice pick. You still get the same Kasa app, the same 15-amp rating, and the same two-year warranty.
The best upgrade here is physical: the mini housing sits nearly flush with the wall plate, so two of these fit in a single duplex outlet without fighting each other. I put a pair on a power strip for my entertainment center and they left room to spare.
Performance matched the bigger Kasa plugs. Schedules fired on time, the app grouped all four plugs cleanly, and voice commands through Alexa responded in about a second. The polycarbonate housing is rated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the whole unit is UL certified.
The trade-offs are familiar: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, no HomeKit, and a scattering of owners reporting occasional hiccups when first linking to Alexa. Re-linking the skill in the app fixed it for most of them, and I never hit the issue myself.
Is the Kasa EP10 mini small enough for tight outlets?
In most cases, yes. The EP10 measures 2.36 by 2.03 by 1.5 inches and leaves the second outlet of a standard duplex usable. If your outlet is behind furniture or in an old power strip with tight spacing, measure first, but two EP10s generally fit one duplex.
What can you run on a 15A Kasa mini plug?
Anything up to 15 amps or 1800 watts, which covers lamps, fans, coffee makers, TVs, and holiday lights. I would avoid space heaters and hair dryers at the top of their range, since sustained maximum loads are hard on any plug-in relay.
4. Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 4-Pack – Best for Whole-Room Automation
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Wi-Fi Outlet, Touch Actuator, Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home, No Hub Required, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 4-Pack, White
15A/1800W max load
IFTTT compatible
Alexa and Google support
UL certified, 2-year warranty
Pros
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Control from anywhere with Kasa app
- Scheduling and timer functions
- Compatible with IFTTT
- 4-pack offers good value
Cons
- Only 2.4GHz WiFi supported
- Indoor use only
The HS103P4 is the 4-pack version of our top pick, and it is the one I recommend when someone wants to light up an entire room in one purchase. I used a set to automate four lamps across a living room and hallway, then grouped them into a single “Evening Scene” that turns everything on at once.
The differentiator here is IFTTT support, which the smaller EP10 line does not offer. That opens the door to automations that cross ecosystems, like toggling a lamp when a smart doorbell detects motion. Kasa’s 5-million-plus user base means the app and firmware updates are well maintained, and it shows in day-to-day stability.
Each plug in the pack is rated for 15 amps and 1800 watts, UL certified, and covered by a two-year manufacturer warranty. In months of testing, connectivity was flawless, and review data shows 79 percent of owners give it five stars. For pure on/off automation at scale, this pack is hard to beat.
Two limitations to know: these are indoor-only plugs with an IP20 rating, and the body is the larger Kasa housing that can block an adjacent outlet. In a four-plug deployment, plan your outlet geography before you buy.
What is the difference between Kasa HS103 and EP10 plugs?
The HS103 is the original full-size model with IFTTT support, while the EP10 is the newer mini version with a slimmer housing but no IFTTT. Both share the same 15-amp rating, app, voice control, and warranty. Choose the EP10 for tight spaces and the HS103 for IFTTT automations.
Can Kasa plugs track energy usage?
The HS103 and EP10 cannot. If energy monitoring is the goal, step up to the TP-Link Tapo P115 later in this list, which tracks real-time consumption and estimates your electricity bill inside the Tapo app.
5. Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini EP10P2 2-Pack – Best Compact Plug
Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A, EP10P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet
Ultra mini design
15A/1800W max load
Alexa and Google support
2-year warranty
Pros
- Ultra compact size does not block second outlet
- Easy and fast setup
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Scheduling and remote control via Kasa app
- UL certified for safety
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit support
- Google Home setup slightly more difficult
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
The EP10P2 is the 2-pack of Kasa’s ultra mini plug, and it is my default answer for outlets behind furniture. I installed one behind a nightstand squeezed against the wall, where a full-size plug simply would not fit, and the low-profile body cleared the furniture with room to spare.
Setup took about ninety seconds per plug in the Kasa app, which remains one of the best apps in the budget smart home space. Both plugs linked to Alexa on the first try and responded to voice commands in about a second, consistent with the EP10 4-pack we tested.
Specs match the rest of the EP10 family: 15 amps, 1800 watts, UL certification, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and a two-year warranty. It currently sits at number two in Amazon’s electrical outlet switch category, and its 40,000-plus ratings give it one of the largest reliability samples in the category.
The weaknesses are minor. Google Home pairing reportedly takes a few extra steps for some users, and there is no HomeKit support. If you want the Kasa experience in the smallest possible body, this is the one.
Will the Kasa ultra mini fit behind furniture?
In most setups, yes. The ultra mini body protrudes noticeably less than standard plugs, so beds, dressers, and sofas can usually sit closer to the wall. For very tight gaps, a recessed smart outlet or a side-entry plug is the safer choice.
How many Kasa plugs can one account manage?
Kasa does not publish a hard limit, and owners commonly run dozens of plugs from a single account without issue. I managed ten Kasa devices across two homes during testing, and grouping plus scenes kept everything organized.
6. TP-Link Tapo P115 4-Pack – Best Energy Monitoring
Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi, Energy Monitoring, P115(4-Pack), 15A
Real-time energy monitoring
Estimated bill calculation
Alexa, Google, SmartThings
Auto-shutoff protection
Pros
- Excellent energy monitoring with real-time stats and cost visualization
- Works seamlessly with Alexa
- Google Home and SmartThings
- Easy to set up via Tapo app
- Small compact design
- Export energy data to Excel
Cons
- Some users reported connectivity issues during setup
- Minor long-term reliability reports from some users
- App setup can be finicky
The Tapo P115 is the plug I reach for when someone asks why their electric bill is high. Its energy monitoring shows real-time wattage, daily and monthly consumption charts, and an estimated dollar cost based on your electricity rate. I put one on my gaming PC setup and discovered the idle drain was costing more than I expected.
This is the plug that turns a smart plug from a remote switch into an information device. The Tapo app even exports energy data to Excel, which let me build a simple spreadsheet comparing my top energy offenders across a month. Forum users consistently call out power monitoring accuracy as the feature that enables real automation triggers, like a dryer-completion notification.
Beyond monitoring, the P115 is a capable 15-amp plug with auto-shutoff overload protection, scheduling, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. That three-ecosystem support is broader than anything else in this test. It is also ETL, FCC, and RoHS certified.
The compromises are setup-related rather than functional. Some owners, including one of our testers, needed two attempts to get a plug through initial pairing, and a small minority mention long-term connectivity quirks. Once connected, ours ran without incident.
How accurate is the Tapo P115 energy monitoring?
In our side-by-side checks against a bench power meter, the P115 tracked within a few percent on steady loads like lamps and heaters. Like every consumer plug, it is less precise on very low standby loads, but it is easily accurate enough to find energy hogs and compare appliances.
Can the Tapo P115 bill estimates handle time-of-use rates?
The app applies a single electricity rate to its cost estimates, so it will not natively model time-of-use pricing. What owners do instead, and what I did, is use the scheduling feature to restrict heavy appliances to off-peak hours and rely on the hourly energy logs to verify the shift.
7. Govee Smart Plug 4-Pack – Best Budget 4-Pack for Alexa and Google
Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Outlet Compatible with Alexa & Google Assts, 4 pcs
Bluetooth plus WiFi connection
10A/1200W rating
Group controller
ETL and FCC certified
Pros
- Easy setup via Govee app
- Works reliably with Alexa and Google Home
- Compact design that does not block adjacent outlets
- Stable WiFi connection with minimal disconnects
- Group controller for managing multiple plugs
Cons
- Does not support 5G WiFi
- Some users report app UX could be improved
Govee’s 4-pack is the value play for people who want smart outlets everywhere without a big spend. I used a set on table lamps, a rope light, and a small fan, and the group controller feature let me run them as one zone from a single app tile. It is a simple touch that makes a four-plug setup feel like one device.
Setup uses Bluetooth pairing first, then hands off to Wi-Fi, which sidesteps the tedious manual hotspot dance that older budget plugs required. Each plug took me under two minutes from box to voice control.
Connectivity was the pleasant surprise. The dual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection held steady through weeks of testing with minimal disconnects, which directly addresses the biggest complaint forum users have about cheap Wi-Fi plugs. The compact housing also leaves adjacent outlets usable.
The headline limitation is capacity: at 10 amps and 1200 watts, this is a lighting-and-electronics plug, not an appliance plug. The Govee Home app also leans toward Govee’s lighting products, so the interface feels a little busier than Kasa’s for plug-only users.
What devices work best on the Govee 10A plug?
Stick to lamps, string lights, fans, phone chargers, and small electronics under 1200 watts. Anything with a heating element, like a space heater or kettle, should go on a 15-amp plug such as the Kasa or EIGHTREE options in this guide.
Does the Govee plug support family sharing?
Yes, the Govee app supports family sharing so everyone in the household can control the plugs from their own phones. Inviting a housemate took me about a minute through the app’s member settings.
8. EIGHTREE 15A Smart Plug 4-Pack – Best for High-Power Appliances
EIGHTREE 15A Smart Plug Works with Alexa & Google Home, Smart Outlet 4 Pack
15A high-load capacity
Bluetooth plus WiFi setup
SmartThings support
Overload protection, child safety shutters
Pros
- Easy and quick setup with Bluetooth plus WiFi
- Works great with Alexa and Google Home
- Reliable connection with no dropped issues
- Compact size does not block other outlets
- Works with SmartThings ecosystem
Cons
- App can be unintuitive at times
- Some users reported connectivity issues with one unit out of the box
The EIGHTREE 4-pack rounds out our list as the high-load workhorse. I put these on an air purifier, a portable heater on its low setting, and a garage freezer, and the 15-amp relay handled everything without warming up noticeably. Flame-retardant housing and overload protection add peace of mind for appliance duty.
Setup mirrors the Govee approach: Bluetooth pairing first, then Wi-Fi, no hub required. Where EIGHTREE pulls ahead of most budget plugs is SmartThings support alongside Alexa and Google Home, which is unusual at this price and welcome for Samsung-centered households.
Safety details are better than the price suggests. Beyond the ETL and FCC certifications, each plug has child safety shutters inside the outlet face, and response time to app and voice commands measured under a second in our testing. That is genuinely fast for a budget plug.
Be aware of two things. The app interface takes some getting used to, and a small number of buyers received one dead unit in the pack, so test every plug immediately on arrival. At a 4.4-star average across more than 11,500 reviews, the odds are still strongly in your favor.
Can the EIGHTREE plug handle a 1500W space heater?
It is rated for 15 amps and roughly 1100 to 1800 watts depending on the load type, which technically covers most 1500-watt heaters. I still recommend running heaters on a plug rated comfortably above the load and never on an extension cord. For safety, keep high-wattage heaters on their own dedicated outlet.
What safety certifications does EIGHTREE carry?
Each plug is FCC and ETL certified, built with flame-retardant ABS housing, and includes overload protection plus child safety shutters. The ETL mark means it has been tested to the same safety standards as UL-listed plugs.
How to Choose the Best Smart Plug in 2026
Every plug in this guide will turn a lamp on and off. The real differences show up in ecosystem support, power capacity, and how the plug behaves when things go wrong. Here is what actually matters when you shop.
Wi-Fi vs Zigbee vs Matter: which protocol should you pick?
Wi-Fi plugs are the easiest starting point because they need no hub and connect straight to your router, which is why all eight plugs we tested are Wi-Fi models. The trade-off is that every plug is another device on your network and most depend on the manufacturer’s cloud for remote control.
Zigbee and Z-Wave plugs, like the IKEA TRETAKT or various ring-style modules, route through a hub such as Home Assistant or SmartThings. They keep traffic off your Wi-Fi, respond faster in large setups, and keep working locally if the internet drops. If you already run a hub, Zigbee is usually the better long-term choice.
Matter is the new cross-platform standard that lets one plug work natively with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. Matter-over-Thread plugs are the most future-proof option in 2026, but Wi-Fi Matter plugs like TP-Link’s Tapo P125M and P110M offer the same compatibility today with no hub. If you use multiple ecosystems or plan to, buy Matter-compatible hardware going forward.
Match the plug to your ecosystem first
Before anything else, check what the plug supports: Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, or Home Assistant. The Amazon Smart Plug is Alexa-only, while Kasa plugs cover Alexa and Google but not HomeKit. HomeKit users should prioritize Matter-compatible plugs so Siri and the Apple Home app work natively.
Check the amperage and wattage rating
Standard plugs handle 15 amps and 1800 watts; budget models like the Govee top out at 10 amps and 1200 watts. Lamps and electronics never approach these limits, but heaters, kettles, and power tools can. Running a plug at its maximum rating for hours shortens relay life, so size up for anything that heats.
What you should never plug into a smart plug
Avoid anything where an unexpected shutoff is dangerous: medical equipment, aquarium life support on its only outlet, washing machines mid-cycle if you value your floors, and always-on devices like routers and security recorders. Also skip plugging one smart plug into another, and never run high-draw appliances through extension cords or power strips rated below the load.
Do smart plugs waste electricity themselves?
Every smart plug draws a small amount of standby power to stay connected to Wi-Fi, typically one to two watts. Over a month that is roughly the cost of a candy bar per plug. Energy-monitoring models like the Tapo P115 usually earn that back by revealing which appliances actually cost you money, so the net effect for most households is savings, not waste.
Security and privacy considerations
A smart plug is a small cloud-connected computer in your wall, so treat it like one. Forum regulars on r/homeassistant isolate their Wi-Fi plugs on a separate VLAN or guest network so a compromised device cannot see computers and phones. Also check whether the plug supports local control, meaning it responds to commands on your network without routing through the manufacturer’s servers, which is both faster and more private.
Reliability signals worth checking before you buy
The most common complaint across every forum we read is Wi-Fi plugs silently dropping off the network after months of use. Look for plugs with large review bases and consistent ratings over time, which is why Kasa dominates this list with millions of users. Certifications like UL and ETL tell you the hardware was independently safety tested, and a two-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects the relay to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart plug on the market?
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 is the best smart plug for most people because it combines rock-solid Wi-Fi reliability, an excellent app, Alexa and Google voice control, and UL safety certification at a low price for two plugs. It is the pick we recommend to friends and family, and it is backed by over 150,000 ratings at 4.6 stars.
Which Wi-Fi smart plug is best?
Among Wi-Fi plugs, the TP-Link Kasa HS103 is the strongest all-around choice thanks to its reliable connectivity and mature app, while the Tapo P115 is best if you want energy monitoring. Alexa-only households get the simplest experience from the Amazon Smart Plug, which auto-reconnects after power and Wi-Fi outages.
What should you not plug into a smart plug?
Never plug in medical devices, aquarium life support, or any equipment where an unexpected shutoff could cause damage or danger. Avoid smart-plug-into-smart-plug stacks, extension cords carrying high loads, and always-on gear like routers and security recorders whose failure would take your network or safety systems down with it.
What is the most secure smart plug?
Plugs that support local control without cloud dependency are the most secure, which is why enthusiasts favor Matter-over-Thread or Zigbee plugs paired with a local hub. Among Wi-Fi plugs, keep them on a separate guest network or VLAN so a compromised device cannot reach your computers, and choose established brands like TP-Link that ship ongoing firmware updates.
Do smart plugs run up the electricity bill?
Smart plugs draw one to two watts of standby power each, which adds up to well under a dollar per month per plug. Energy-monitoring plugs like the Tapo P115 typically save more than they cost by exposing power-hungry appliances and enabling schedules that cut wasted runtime.
What is the easiest smart plug to set up?
The Amazon Smart Plug is the easiest to set up if you use Alexa: plug it in, open the Alexa app, and it connects in about a minute with no separate account or hub. For Google Home users, the Kasa plugs via the Kasa app offer the smoothest setup at around two minutes per plug.
Final Verdict: The Best Smart Plugs for 2026
After months of testing, the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 stands as the best smart plug for most homes, pairing flawless reliability with a top-tier app and dual Alexa and Google support. Alexa households wanting zero-friction setup should grab the Amazon Smart Plug, the Kasa EP10P4 4-pack wins on value per outlet, and the Tapo P115 is the clear choice for energy monitoring.
Whatever you choose, buy one plug first, live with it for a week, then scale up once it proves itself on your network. Your lamps, your coffee maker, and your future self will thank you.