Smart plugs offer an ideal entry point into home automation, letting you control appliances remotely via Wi-Fi, automate schedules, and monitor energy use. Drawing from our extensive hands-on testing of smart home devices, we've seen how they transform everyday routines. While Belkin WeMo remains a leader—for tips on energy savings, check our guide to 5 Smart Tricks to Save Electricity in Your Smart Home, or how WeMo can enhance lamps in 3 Ways the Belkin WeMo Can 'Smarten' Your Regular Household Lamps—here are six reliable alternatives we've vetted for performance and value.
The ThinkEco Modlet delivers precise appliance control and detailed energy insights. It tracks power consumption every minute, helping you identify inefficiencies and curb vampire loads—the standby power devices draw when idle. Pre-set schedules tackle this automatically, or craft custom ones via the intuitive app.
ThinkEco TE1010 Modlet Starter Kit, White. Buy Now on Amazon.
Monitor usage and toggle outlets from your iPhone or Android app—perfect for lights, coffee makers, or AC units. Data syncs via USB receiver, and it integrates seamlessly with other ThinkEco gear like the smartAC controller.
Standing out in a sea of white plugs, the colorful Ankuoo NEO adds flair without skimping on function. Control it over Wi-Fi or via iOS/Android app, set energy-saving schedules, or simulate presence while away.
Ankuoo NEO Smart Connector, Wi-Fi, White. Buy Now on Amazon $18.99.
Upgrade to the NEO Pro for power monitoring stats in the app. The upcoming NUT Plug adds a proximity sensor to auto-shutoff when you leave—ideal for heaters or lights. As a newer brand, Ankuoo earns strong Amazon feedback for reliability.
D-Link refined its smart plug game with the DSP-W110, earning praise after a shaky start. Under $40, it supports schedules and remote Wi-Fi/app control, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
D-Link Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, On/Off, works with Alexa and Google Assistant (DSP-W110). Buy now on Amazon $22.99.
Emphasizing simplicity, it pairs effortlessly with D-Link's ecosystem for basic automation. Apps available for iOS and Android—for more ideas, see our 6 Smart Home Projects You Can Take On This Weekend.
The Bayit Switch mirrors the DSP-W110's no-frills approach but shines with value and speed. Wi-Fi/app control and custom schedules kickstart automation, with a claimed two-minute plug-and-play setup we've found impressively straightforward.
Bayit, a smart home newcomer with sockets, webcams, and LED bulbs, shows promise at around $40—watch for growth.
Network specialist Edimax entered home automation with this straightforward plug: connect, configure via iPhone/Android, and schedule away. (Note: instructions ship on CD, less ideal today.)
Edimax Smart Plug Switch (SP1101W). Buy Now on Amazon.
The energy-monitoring version tracks kWh via app for $50—solid but pricier among WeMo rivals.
Requiring a SmartThings Hub, this outlet excels in ecosystem integration, extending hub range while enabling Wi-Fi scheduling and control. It pairs with Alexa.
Samsung SmartThings Outlet, works with Alexa. Shop now on Amazon.
Best for SmartThings users, it's simpler to set up than standalone plugs. Explore hubs in our Battle of the Smart Home Hubs.
For a WeMo alternative, the ThinkEco Modlet tops our list at $44—its energy monitoring and control combo is unbeatable from our tests. SmartThings suits committed hub users.
Using smart plugs? Share your setup or energy tips below—we cover more in Energy Saving Tips for Buying and Using Electronics. Tried these? Or sticking with WeMo?
