A smart power strip extends control and monitoring to multiple devices at once instead of buying a separate smart plug for each one, which makes it a practical upgrade for entertainment centers, home offices, or kitchen counters with several small appliances.
What to look for
Check whether outlets are controlled individually or only as a whole strip (per-outlet control is more useful for identifying which specific device is drawing power), confirm the number of USB ports if you need them, and look for surge protection ratings if the strip will power sensitive electronics.
1. TP-Link Kasa HS300
The Kasa HS300 is the most frequently recommended smart power strip, offering six individually controlled outlets plus per-outlet energy monitoring through the reliable Kasa app, which makes it easy to spot which device is quietly drawing power even when switched ‘off.’
2. TP-Link Tapo P316M
The Tapo P316M is a newer, Matter-certified alternative with six individually controlled AC outlets, three USB ports, and energy monitoring, giving broader ecosystem support (Alexa, Google, Siri, SmartThings) than the Kasa app alone.
3. Eve Energy Strip
Built specifically for Apple Home households, the Eve Energy Strip offers three independently controlled outlets with energy monitoring and a premium build, connecting over Thread/Matter rather than requiring a proprietary app-only ecosystem.
Check Eve Energy Strip on Amazon
4. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Surge Protector
Meross offers the budget Matter-certified option in this category, though it reports energy use for the whole strip rather than per individual outlet, which is a worthwhile tradeoff if you mainly want scheduling and remote control rather than detailed monitoring.
Check Meross Smart Surge Protector on Amazon
5. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip KP303
The Kasa KP303 offers three independently controllable smart outlets in a compact power strip, connecting over Wi-Fi without a hub and working with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control of each outlet separately. It’s a more affordable entry point than the Kasa HS300 (which has six outlets plus USB ports), making it a better fit for smaller setups like a desk, entertainment console, or a cluster of lamps where you don’t need six independent smart sockets.
Buying considerations
Smart power strips are most useful when different plugged-in devices need different schedules or voice-control groupings — for example, turning off decorative lamps at bedtime while keeping a router or DVR powered continuously. Check how many of the outlets are independently smart-controlled versus simply “always on” passthrough outlets, since some budget strips only make 2-3 of their sockets individually controllable. Surge protection ratings (measured in joules) also vary significantly between models; if you’re protecting expensive electronics, prioritize a strip with genuine surge protection certification rather than assuming any “smart” strip includes it.
FAQ
Do all outlets on a smart power strip work independently?
Not always — check the product specs, since some strips group certain outlets together on a single smart switch while only a subset are individually app/voice controllable.
Can smart power strips protect against power surges?
Some do (check for a joule rating and surge protection certification like UL 1449), but not all smart strips include genuine surge protection — some are purely remote on/off switching without surge circuitry.
Will a smart power strip overload if I plug in too many devices?
Every strip has a total amperage/wattage limit across all outlets combined, not just per-outlet, so adding up the draw of everything connected and staying under the strip’s total rating is important, especially with higher-draw devices like space heaters.
Where power strips fit versus individual smart plugs
Smart power strips make the most sense when several devices in one location need independent control — a home theater setup with a TV, soundbar, and game console each on different schedules, or a desk with multiple peripherals. For a single device, a standalone smart plug is simpler and cheaper than a multi-outlet strip; for clusters of 3+ devices in one spot, a strip reduces the clutter of multiple separate plugs stacked in adjacent outlets, which can be both unsightly and occasionally a fire-safety concern if plugs are stacked in ways that block airflow or strain the outlet. When comparing strips, also check the physical cord length, since a short cord on a strip meant to reach a media console across a room can be a frustrating oversight discovered only after unboxing.
FAQ
Is it safer to use one smart power strip than several individual smart plugs?
Generally yes for cable management and outlet congestion, as long as the strip’s total wattage rating comfortably covers everything plugged into it — don’t treat the strip’s outlet count as the only limit, since total combined wattage matters more.
Do smart power strips work well for high-draw appliances like space heaters?
Check the strip’s total amperage rating carefully — most consumer smart strips are rated for roughly 15A total (1800W), which a single space heater can approach or exceed on its own, making a strip a poor choice for that specific use case.
Cable management for strip setups
A power strip handling multiple devices in one spot — an entertainment console or home office — also benefits from basic cable management accessories (clips, sleeves, or a cable box) since even a single smart strip quickly becomes a tangle of cords if plugged devices aren’t organized. This isn’t a functional requirement for the strip to work, but it meaningfully improves both the appearance and ease of adding or removing devices later without a full unplug-and-sort session each time.
Final thoughts
The Kasa HS300 remains the top all-around pick for per-outlet monitoring and value. Choose the Tapo P316M if you want Matter/Apple Home support alongside monitoring, or the Eve Energy Strip if you are fully invested in Apple’s ecosystem and want a premium build.
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