Top 7 Smart Plugs That Save Energy Without Draining Your Wallet: A Renter’s Guide to Greener Living
Saving energy as a renter can feel like a challenge. Most renters don’t have the ability to upgrade big appliances or install solar panels. But there is one easy, affordable way to lower your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint—smart plugs.
Smart plugs turn almost any regular outlet into a controllable, automatable energy manager. With just a simple plug-in device, you can schedule, monitor, and reduce the power used by lamps, fans, coffee makers, and more. The best part? Smart plugs are renter-friendly, easily movable, and don’t require wiring or drilling.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 smart plugs that make greener living easy for renters. We’ll break down the must-have features, highlight how they help you save money, and answer the questions renters often have. Let’s plug into a smarter, more sustainable lifestyle!
Why Smart Plugs Are Perfect for Renters
Smart plugs are the unsung heroes of the eco-conscious renter. Here’s why they’re a must-have:
- Non-invasive: No permanent installation. Just plug and play—making them landlord-friendly.
- Portable: Take them with you when you move. No loss of investment.
- Flexible: Use them for lamps, fans, electronics, and small appliances.
- Budget-friendly: Most cost between $10-$30 each and quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.
How Smart Plugs Help You Save Energy
- Scheduling: Automate devices to turn on only when needed.
- Remote control: Switch off devices from your phone, even when you’re away.
- Energy monitoring: Track real-time and cumulative energy use for smarter decisions.
- Eliminate “phantom loads”: Stop devices from draining power in standby mode.
What to Look for in a Smart Plug (Renter Edition)
Not all smart plugs are created equal. Renters should prioritize the following features:
- Easy app setup and intuitive interface
- Compatibility with your voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri/HomeKit)
- Energy monitoring capability: Not all have this, but it’s key for tracking savings
- Compact design: Doesn’t block adjacent outlets—ideal for tight spaces
- Reliable connectivity: Strong Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, no proprietary hubs required
- Safety certifications: UL or ETL listed for peace of mind
- Affordable price point
The Top 7 Smart Plugs That Save Energy (And Money!)
After extensive testing, here are the 7 best smart plugs for eco-conscious renters. Each offers a balance of affordability, simplicity, and sustainability.
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (HS105)
- Price: Usually $10-$15 per plug
- Setup: Easy app connection, no hub needed
- Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Scheduling & Timers: Yes
- Energy Monitoring: No (see Kasa HS110 for that, but pricier)
- Best for: Small spaces where you want a proven, reliable option. Plug multiple in a single outlet with no overlap.
Why renters love it: The Kasa app is easy for beginners, and the price means you can outfit your whole apartment affordably.
2. Wyze Plug
- Price: About $8-$15 per plug in multipacks
- Setup: Quick pairing, smooth Wyze app
- Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Scheduling & Vacation Mode: Yes
- Energy Monitoring: No built-in, but the timers and rules help reduce waste
- Best for: Renters who want a value-packed plug that’s flexible and can join a Wyze smart home ecosystem.
Why renters love it: The app is intuitive, and the Vacation Mode is perfect for frequent travelers who want lights to mimic occupancy.
3. Amazon Smart Plug
- Price: $15-$25 (look for bundle deals)
- Setup: Seamless if you use Alexa
- Works With: Alexa only (no Google Assistant)
- Scheduling & Reminders: Yes, all handled via voice commands
- Energy Monitoring: No
- Best for: Renters who already own Amazon Echo devices and want frustration-free setup.
Why renters love it: You just scan a QR code, and Alexa handles the rest—no confusion. Schedules and voice routines are easy to set up for lights or coffee makers.
4. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
- Price: $10-$15 per plug in 2-packs
- Setup: Fast app-based setup, stable connection
- Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit
- Scheduling & Sunrise/Sunset: Yes
- Energy Monitoring: No (for energy tracking, see their premium range)
- Best for: Apple HomeKit users and renters with a mix of Android/iOS devices at home.
Why renters love it: The broad compatibility and handy sunrise/sunset schedules can help automate lighting for maximum energy savings.
5. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug With Energy Monitoring (HS110/EP10P4)
- Price: Usually $15-$20 each, varies by model
- Setup: Easy, app-based without extra hub
- Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Energy Monitoring: Yes—track device-by-device usage and estimate cost
- Scheduling & Timer: Yes
- Best for: Renters who want to geek out on data and maximize energy savings with insight.
Why renters love it: Fast feedback on how much energy each plugged-in item is using. See which gadgets are secretly draining the most power!
6. Emporia Smart Plug With Energy Monitoring
- Price: $9-$12 per plug (multipacks often available)
- Setup: App setup is quick and user-friendly
- Works With: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Energy Monitoring: Yes—offers real-time and historical usage
- Scheduling & Automation: Yes
- Best for: Data-driven renters who want to optimize their energy usage—and potentially spot aging devices drawing excess power.
Why renters love it: Emporia’s detailed reports and affordable pricing make it easy to track and reduce energy waste throughout any apartment.
7. Eve Energy (HomeKit & Thread Support)
- Price: Around $35 per plug (higher price, but frequent deals and multi-pack savings)
- Setup: Apple HomeKit-focused; perfect for iPhone/iPad/Mac users
- Works With: Apple HomeKit, Siri, Thread, Bluetooth
- Energy Monitoring: Yes—track power consumption in real time
- Scheduling & Automation:
