Top 7 Smart Plugs for Energy-Efficient Apartment Living in 2024

Smart plugs have become a game-changer for renters seeking to reduce their energy use without making permanent changes to their apartment. By letting you control appliances remotely, schedule on/off times, and monitor usage, these compact devices are a powerful tool for energy efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 smart plugs for eco-friendly apartment living in 2024, with practical tips for maximizing savings and finding the best device for your needs.

Why Use Smart Plugs in Your Apartment?

Before diving into our top picks, let’s clarify why smart plugs are particularly well-suited for renters and apartment dwellers:

No Installation Required: Simply plug them in—no drilling, rewiring, or landlord approval needed.
Portable: Take them with you when you move to a new place.
Energy Tracking & Savings: Monitor appliance consumption and reduce “vampire power” from devices left plugged in.
Remote Access: Use your phone or voice assistant to control lights, heaters, or fans, even when away from home.
Automated Schedules: Set routines for lights and appliances for both convenience and savings.

What to Look For in the Best Smart Plugs for 2024

Energy Monitoring: Real-time feedback makes it easy to spot energy hogs.
App & Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
Reliability: Avoids connection drops and works with stable WiFi.
Size & Form Factor: Compact enough not to block adjacent outlets.
Affordable Price: Eco-friendly doesn’t have to break the bank.
No Hub Required: Direct WiFi connection for simplicity.

With these factors in mind, here are our picks for the best smart plugs this year:

Top 7 Smart Plugs for Energy-Efficient Apartment Living

1. Kasa Smart Plug HS300 – Best Power Strip for Multiple Devices

The Kasa Smart Plug HS300 by TP-Link offers six individually controlled outlets with energy monitoring for each. Perfect for entertainment centers or work-from-home setups, it lets you schedule, track, and control several devices in one power strip.

Energy Monitoring: Track the power usage of each item plugged in, right from the app.
Device Scheduling: Create routines for each device—perfect for lamps, chargers, or computer peripherals.
Surge Protection: Keeps sensitive electronics safe.
Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana.
Drawbacks: Slightly bulkier than single-plug options, so best suited for desktop or media setups.

Perfect for: Renters with multiple electronics in one area who want comprehensive device management.

2. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP10 – Best for Tight Spaces & Apartment Kitchens

The Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP10 is an updated version loved for its ultra-compact design. This plug won’t block adjacent outlets, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or bedside lamps.

Space-Saving: Designed for crowded outlets.
Easy Scheduling: Set automatic on/off times for coffee makers, fans, or lights.
No Hub Required: Connects directly to WiFi.
Voice Support: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Drawbacks: No energy usage tracking on this model.

Perfect for: Apartments with limited outlet space and lots of small appliances.

3. Amazon Smart Plug – Effortless Integration with Alexa Devices

The Amazon Smart Plug brings seamless Alexa integration. The set-up is nearly hands-off for Amazon Echo users: just plug it in, and Alexa discovers it immediately.

Easy Setup: Plug in and control with your voice or the Alexa app.
Scheduling & Routines: Automate your energy-saving routines with Alexa skills.
Energy Efficiency: Instantly cut “phantom load” by turning off devices you forget about.
Drawbacks: No energy monitoring and less flexible for non-Alexa households.

Perfect for: Renters already using Alexa devices who want a plug-and-play smart home experience.

4. Wyze Plug – Affordable Energy Monitoring for Budget-Conscious Renters

The Wyze Plug packs impressive features into an affordable, renter-friendly package. If you want energy monitoring without breaking the bank, this is a top contender.

Energy Tracking: Monitor real-time and cumulative energy consumption through the Wyze app.
Compact Design: Doesn’t block adjacent outlets.
App & Voice Support: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set timers for any small appliance or lamp.
Drawbacks: Slightly basic app interface compared to premium rivals.

Perfect for: Budget-minded renters tracking their energy use for the first time.

5. Eve Energy – Apple HomeKit Native and Data Privacy Focus

For Apple fans, the Eve Energy plug is a HomeKit native device that puts privacy front and center. No Eve cloud account needed, and all data stays on your Apple devices.

Apple HomeKit: Full integration with Siri, automations, and Apple’s Home app.
Advanced Energy Usage Reports: See daily, weekly, and monthly stats.
No Cloud Required: Complete control and data privacy.
Thread Support: Future-proofs your smart home as Thread expands.
Drawbacks: No Alexa or Google Home support; higher price point.

Perfect for: Privacy-conscious renters in the Apple ecosystem who want granular energy reports.

6. Emporia Smart Plug – Granular Energy Data with Eco Focus

The Emporia Smart Plug is aimed at data-driven eco renters. With detailed tracking and an app that estimates the cost of your energy habits, it’s perfect for maximizing savings.

Energy Analytics: Real-time monitoring, usage patterns, and cost estimates.
Alexa & Google Compatible: Effortless voice commands.
Compact Design: Easy to use even in tight outlets.
Scheduling & Group Control: Manage whole rooms or appliance types together.
Drawbacks: App can feel overwhelming to casual users.

Perfect for: Renters who want in-depth energy tracking and to maximize every cent of savings.

7. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug – Budget Bulk Packs with HomeKit Support

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug stands out for its HomeKit compatibility, affordable price, and “bulk buy” options—great if you want to outfitting dozens of devices across your entire apartment.

HomeKit, Alexa, & Google: Works with all major ecosystems.
Multi-Pack Savings: Available in affordable 2, 4, or 6 packs.
UL Certified: ETL/FCC Certifications for safety.
Scheduling & Random Mode: Useful for home security when away.
Drawbacks: No built-in energy monitoring in most models.

Perfect for: Renters who want to go “all in” on smart plugs at a reasonable price.

How to Use Smart Plugs for Maximum Apartment Energy Savings

Smart plugs offer