There are a number of reasons to invest in smart plugs. Not only are they an easy way to connect 'dumb' appliances to your smart home setup, but they can also help you save money on your energy bills. The ability to set routines to turn things off and on as you require is extremely helpful. Because, let's face it, we all leave things on that we should turn off.

Smart plugs are also perfect beginner items for those just dipping a toe into the smart home world. While a house full of the best smart lights is fun, it's more expensive than making your existing lamps a little smarter. Eventually, Matter will make it much easier to choose. But if you use Google Home and Google Assistant right now, these are the smart plugs to buy.

  • This compact smart plug is down to just $7.50 on Amazon right now. Click the coupon button on the product page to get the discount.
    TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103

    This affordable four pack of smart plugs from TP-Link hooks up to Google Assistant as well as other services like IFTTT. There's no hub required and they're rated for 15A. Integrate with your existing setup or make use of the custom Kasa actions through voice or the companion app.

    See at Amazon
  • Of course Ikea has a smart plug! Part of the Tradfri collection, these smart plugs are well priced and besides hooking into Google Assistant you also get a hardware remote control to turn them on and off. Add up to 10 plugs to one remote, or control also using the Ikea Home app and Tradfri gateway.
    Ikea Tradfri smart plug kit

    Of course Ikea has a smart plug! Part of the Tradfri collection, these smart plugs are well priced and besides hooking into Google Assistant you also get a hardware remote control to turn them on and off. Add up to 10 plugs to one remote, or control also using the Ikea Home app and Tradfri gateway.

    See at Ikea
  • Wyze has made a name for itself with affordable smart home tech and these smart plugs are no exception. There's no hub required, instead relying on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with Google Assistant connectivity. The companion app also has useful features like vacation mode and grouping.
    Wyze Plug

    Wyze has made a name for itself with affordable smart home tech and these smart plugs are no exception. There's no hub required, instead relying on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with Google Assistant connectivity. The companion app also has useful features like vacation mode and grouping.

    See at Amazon
  • This outdoors outlet has two sockets and an IP44 housing to protect it from the weather. It's also extremely versatile, supporting HomeKit and IFTTT as well, though it's a shame you can't control each outlet independently. But you don't need a hub, as the plug connects directly to your home network.
    Wemo Smart Outdoor Plug

    This outdoors outlet has two sockets and an IP44 housing to protect it from the weather. It's also extremely versatile, supporting HomeKit and IFTTT as well, though it's a shame you can't control each outlet independently. But you don't need a hub, as the plug connects directly to your home network.

    See at Amazon
  • When you need more than one smart plug in one room you need a smart power strip like this one. Each socket is individually controlled, the strip has surge protection and even a trio of USB ports and  energy monitoring so you can check each connected device individually.
    TP-Link Kasa power strip

    When you need more than one smart plug in one room you need a smart power strip like this one. Each socket is individually controlled, the strip has surge protection and even a trio of USB ports and energy monitoring so you can check each connected device individually.

    See at Amazon
  • Parents will love the built-in child lock on these smart plugs, ensuring the little ones are safe. The small size means they can easily fit into both sockets on a double wall outlet, there's no hub, and even friends and family can control them. Create custom schedules in the app or integrate with Google Home.
    Nooie smart plug

    Parents will love the built-in child lock on these smart plugs, ensuring the little ones are safe. The small size means they can easily fit into both sockets on a double wall outlet, there's no hub, and even friends and family can control them. Create custom schedules in the app or integrate with Google Home.

    See at Amazon

Smart plugs are a really easy way to make your home smarter without spending a ton of money or completely replacing all your appliances and lighting. If you prefer Google Assistant smart speakers, there are a lot of choices already out there. The first port of call should be TP-Link's Kasa line, though. Whether you need an individual plug or a power strip, there's something for you, combined with attractive pricing and useful features such as energy monitoring.

Smart plugs are surprisingly versatile, too, with options for outdoor use like the Wemo, or those on a budget like the Wyze. All of the smart plugs recommended here are good quality, are rated high enough to handle even more power-hungry electronics like gaming PCs, but also have ease of use and useful features on their side. Ikea is even getting involved, and if you like to have a hardware remote as a fallback, get yourself a Tradfri.

Control your smart home and get great sounding music with Google's best ever smart speaker. A perfect companion to Google Assistant for anywhere in the home.
Google Nest Audio

Control your smart home and get great sounding music with Google's best ever smart speaker. A perfect companion to Google Assistant for anywhere in the home.

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If you want to diversify though, a good starting point is to pick one of the best smart speakers for your needs and then build your home ecosystem around it.