Last updated: September 2026
Smart plugs and smart power strips are two of the easiest and most convenient tools for automating your smart home. But when comparing a smart plug vs power strip, which one is better for your setup?
If you’re just starting with home automation or you want to cut down on standby energy waste, knowing the strengths and limitations of each device can help you make smarter buying choices. This guide breaks it down: from features and use cases to safety advice and top product picks for 2026.
You might also want to learn the use cases for smart plugs vs smart switches.
Quick Answer: Smart Plug vs Power Strip
Choose a smart plug if you only want to control one device, such as a lamp, fan, coffee maker, or small appliance. Choose a smart power strip if you have several devices in the same place, such as a desk, TV setup, gaming area, or charging station.
The key difference is simple: a smart plug makes one outlet smart, while a smart power strip gives you several controlled outlets in one unit. A smart power strip may also include USB ports, surge protection, and sometimes energy monitoring.
Just remember: neither option is ideal for high-wattage appliances unless the product is clearly rated for that use. Space heaters, microwaves, air conditioners, hair dryers, and similar devices should usually be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
If you prefer a more permanent and cleaner look, you might also consider installing the best smart wall outlets, which replace your existing electrical receptacles.
What Is a Smart Plug and What Is a Smart Power Strip?
What Is a Smart Plug?
A smart plug is a compact device that turns a single outlet into a smart-controlled socket. Plug it into any standard outlet, and then plug in a lamp, fan, coffee maker, or another compatible device. From there, you can control that device with a smartphone app, schedule, automation, or voice assistant. We explain what a smart plug is in more detail here.
Smart plugs are best for:
- Individual devices, such as lamps, fans, and coffee makers
- Simple schedules and voice control
- Alexa, Google Home, and sometimes Apple Home setups
- Low-cost automation, usually around $10–$25 per plug
What Is a Smart Power Strip?
A smart power strip offers multiple smart-controlled outlets in one unit, usually with three to six outlets. Many models also include USB ports, built-in surge protection, and sometimes energy monitoring. In many cases, each outlet can be controlled individually, making smart strips ideal for grouped electronics.
Smart power strips are best for:
- Desks, home offices, and entertainment centers
- Controlling several devices from one place
- Reducing standby power from grouped electronics
- Adding smart control plus surge protection in one device
- Setups where separate smart plugs would be bulky or messy
Smart Plug vs Smart Power Strip: Key Differences
The easiest way to compare them is by thinking about how many devices you want to control. A smart plug is for one outlet and one device. A smart power strip is for multiple devices in the same area.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Smart Plug | Smart Power Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Outlets | 1 smart outlet | 3–6 smart outlets, often with USB ports |
| Best For | One device at a time | Multiple devices in one area |
| Portability | Compact and portable | Bulkier, usually stays in place |
| Surge Protection | Usually no | Often included |
| Energy Monitoring | Available on some models | Less common than you would expect; a few models track usage per outlet |
| Voice Assistant Support | Alexa, Google, and sometimes HomeKit | Alexa and Google are common; HomeKit support is less common |
| Price Range | $10–$25 per plug | $25–$80 per strip |
| Best Use Case | Lamps, fans, coffee makers, small devices | Offices, TV setups, gaming rigs, charging stations |
Compatibility Matrix
| Product | Type | Apple Home | Alexa | Google Home | Matter | Surge Protection | Energy Monitoring | Outlets / USB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa EP10 | Plug | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | 1 / 0 |
| Kasa EP25 | Plug | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | 1 / 0 |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Plug | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | 1 / 0 |
| Meross Matter Smart Plug | Plug | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1 / 0 |
| Kasa HS300 | Strip | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (VPR 500 V) | Yes, per outlet | 6 / 3 |
| Meross MSS425F | Strip | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (ETL, rating not stated) | No | 4 / 4 group-controlled |
| Amazon Basics Smart Power Strip | Strip | No | Yes | No | No | Yes (790 joules) | No | 6 / 3 |
| Tapo P316M | Strip | Yes (via Matter) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (VPR 500 V) | Yes, per outlet | 6 / 3 always-on |
Two things are easy to miss in that table. USB ports are almost never smart-controlled, so anything you charge from them stays powered even when you switch the outlets off. And Apple Home support on a strip usually arrives through Matter rather than natively, which means you also need a Matter controller in the house.
Smart Plug vs Surge Protector: Are They the Same Thing?
No, a smart plug and a surge protector are not the same thing. A smart plug adds remote control, scheduling, automation, and voice control to one device. A surge protector helps protect electronics from voltage spikes.
Most smart plugs do not include surge protection, and none of the smart plugs in this guide do. Smart power strips are the ones that usually add it, though the protection is often weaker than what a dedicated surge protector offers, and the figures are rarely published. We go through the published let-through numbers, and how to combine the two safely, in our full smart plug vs surge protector comparison.
If your goal is to protect expensive electronics like a TV, gaming console, computer monitor, or desktop PC, a smart power strip with built-in surge protection usually makes more sense than using a single smart plug.
If your goal is simply to automate one lamp or fan, a smart plug is usually enough.
When to Use a Smart Plug vs Power Strip
Best Scenarios for Smart Plugs
- Controlling a single bedside lamp, floor lamp, or desk lamp
- Scheduling a fan, humidifier, or coffee maker
- Automating one device in a tight space where a power strip would not fit
- Simple smart home setups for renters, dorm rooms, or beginners
If you’re looking to use smart plugs with heavier appliances, read this article first to learn which appliances can and can’t be used safely with smart plugs.
Best Scenarios for Smart Power Strips
- Entertainment centers with a TV, streaming box, soundbar, and console
- Home offices with a monitor, printer, speakers, and chargers
- Gaming setups with multiple devices in one place
- Charging stations for phones, tablets, headphones, and accessories
- Grouped electronics where surge protection is useful
Looking for product recommendations? See our top-rated smart power strips and multi-outlet smart plugs.
Can You Plug a Smart Plug Into a Power Strip?
Yes, you can plug a smart plug into a power strip in many low-power situations, as long as the total load stays within the rated limits of both the smart plug and the power strip. For example, using a smart plug to control a small lamp connected to a power strip is usually fine.
However, you should avoid using this setup for high-wattage appliances, heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, or anything that generates a lot of heat. You should also avoid daisy-chaining power strips or plugging one power strip into another.
The safest rule: use one smart plug for one low-power device, or choose a smart power strip if you need to control several devices in the same place.
Smart Plug and Power Strip Safety Tips
What Should You Not Plug Into a Power Strip?
Power strips are useful, but they are not meant for every device. Avoid plugging high-wattage or heat-producing appliances into a power strip unless the manufacturer clearly says it is safe.
- Space heaters
- Air conditioners
- Microwaves
- Toasters and toaster ovens
- Hair dryers
- Large refrigerators or freezers
- Any device that regularly draws close to the strip’s maximum rating
These devices should usually be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Smart power strips are better for electronics, lighting, chargers, and low-to-moderate power devices.
Choosing the Safest Power Strip
Look for:
- UL or ETL safety certification
- Built-in surge protection with a published surge rating (a VPR, where lower is better, or a joule figure)
- Overload protection
- Fire-retardant casing
- A power rating that matches the devices you plan to use
Also check whether the outlets are individually controlled. Some smart strips let you control each outlet separately, while others only turn the entire strip on or off.
Top Smart Plug and Smart Power Strip Recommendations
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP10 — Best Basic Smart Plug
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a simple, compact, and reliable option for controlling one device. It works well with Alexa and Google Home, and it is a good starter pick if you just want to automate a lamp, fan, or small appliance. It has no surge protection and no energy monitoring, which is the usual trade-off at this price.
If you need Apple Home support, the EP25 model adds Apple Home and energy monitoring. Note that the EP25 is only sold in two-packs and four-packs, never as a single plug.
It’s not always easy to find HomeKit-compatible smart plugs, but here we give you some great options.
Best for: Lamps, fans, and simple Alexa or Google Home automations.
Amazon Smart Plug — Best for Alexa Users
The Amazon Smart Plug is one of the easiest smart plugs to set up if your home already runs on Alexa. It only works with Alexa, but setup through the Alexa app is very simple, and it is a good fit for lamps, fans, and other basic devices.
Are you an Alexa user? Read about the best smart plugs for Alexa.
Best for: Alexa-only homes where simplicity matters more than cross-platform support.
Meross Matter Smart Plug — Best HomeKit-Compatible Smart Plug
This is the Matter version of the Meross plug, and Matter is what makes it interesting: one plug that works in Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings without picking a side. It also has energy monitoring, so you can see what the connected device actually draws.
Check our other picks for the best smart plugs for HomeKit with energy monitoring.
For Matter options, we also have a guide on the best matter smart plugs.
It is sold as a four-pack for about $50, which works out to roughly $12.50 per plug. That is good value if you have several devices to automate, but it is not the cheapest way to buy a single plug.
Best for: Apple Home users, Matter setups, and energy monitoring in a compact plug.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip HS300 — Best Overall Smart Power Strip
The TP-Link Kasa HS300 is a strong all-round smart power strip for desks, entertainment centers, and home offices. It gives you six individually controlled outlets, three USB ports, surge protection, and app control through the Kasa app, plus voice control with Alexa and Google Home. It does not work with Apple Home.
It also tracks energy use per outlet, so you can see what each device on the strip draws. And unlike most smart strips, it comes with a published surge rating: TP-Link lists a VPR of 500 V, where lower is better. The USB ports are for charging only; the six AC outlets are the part you actually control.
Best for: Home offices, TV setups, and grouped electronics where individual outlet control matters.
Meross Smart Surge Protector — Best HomeKit Smart Power Strip
The Meross Smart Surge Protector (model MSS425F) is a good choice if you want a smart power strip that works with Apple Home. It gives you four individually controlled outlets plus four USB ports in a format that makes sense for desks, bedrooms, and small entertainment setups. The USB ports are switched as a group rather than one by one.
Apple Home compatible smart power strips are less common than Alexa and Google options, so Meross is worth considering if you want to keep your setup inside Apple Home. One caveat the Amazon listing has not caught up with: controlling it from outside your home needs an Apple home hub, and since Apple retired the original Home architecture in February 2026 an iPad no longer counts. That means a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV.
Best for: Apple Home users who want a multi-outlet smart strip instead of several separate smart plugs.
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip — Best Alexa Smart Power Strip
The Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip is a practical choice if your smart home is built around Alexa. It gives you multiple smart outlets in one unit and is designed for simple voice control through the Alexa app.
Its Amazon listing is also the only one here that gives a joule figure for surge protection: 790 joules. The main limitation is ecosystem support, because this is an Alexa-only device and will not work with Google Home or Apple Home. But for Alexa households, it is a simple and affordable way to control several devices from one place.
Best for: Alexa users who want a simple smart power strip for a desk, office, or entertainment area.
TP-Link Tapo P316M — Best Smart Power Strip for Matter and Energy Monitoring
The Tapo P316M is the pick if you want a strip that is not locked to one ecosystem. It supports Matter, so it works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings from the same hardware, and it gives you six individually controlled outlets plus three always-on USB ports.
Like the Kasa HS300, it tracks energy use per outlet rather than for the whole strip, and it is the only strip here that pairs that with Matter. Per-outlet monitoring is genuinely useful if you are trying to work out which device on a desk or entertainment center is quietly costing you money.
Best for: Mixed-ecosystem homes, and anyone who wants to see what each connected device actually draws.
Conclusion: Which Smart Device Should You Buy?
If you only need to control one or two individual items around your home, go with smart plugs. They’re cheaper, simpler, and very easy to install. And they almost always just work. If they don’t, check this troubleshooting guide on smart plugs that keep turning off or going offline.
But if you have a desk, TV setup, gaming area, or charging station full of devices, a smart power strip is usually the smarter and cleaner choice. It gives you multiple controlled outlets in one place, often with surge protection and USB ports included.
The safest rule is simple: use smart plugs for single low-power devices, and use smart power strips for grouped electronics. Avoid using either option with high-wattage appliances unless the device is clearly rated for that load.
And if you need options for your garden or patio, check our guide on the best HomeKit smart plugs for outdoor use.
Smart plug vs power strip: which is better?
It depends on your needs. Use a smart plug for controlling one device, such as a lamp or fan. Choose a smart power strip if you have multiple devices in one area, like a home office or entertainment center, and want individual outlet control plus surge protection.
What should you not plug into a power strip?
Avoid plugging in high-wattage appliances such as space heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, or hair dryers. These devices draw too much power and could overload the strip or create a fire hazard. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Can you plug a smart plug into a power strip?
Yes, you can plug a smart plug into a power strip for low-power devices, as long as the total wattage stays under the rated capacity of both the smart plug and the strip. Never daisy-chain power strips, and avoid using this setup with heavy-duty appliances or heat-producing devices.
Are smart power strips safe to use?
Yes, smart power strips are safe when used correctly. Look for models with UL or ETL safety certifications, built-in surge protection, and overload protection. Avoid overloading the strip and never plug high-wattage appliances like heaters or microwaves into one.
Is a smart plug the same as a surge protector?
No. A smart plug adds app control, scheduling, automation, and voice control to one outlet. A surge protector helps protect electronics from voltage spikes. Some smart power strips include surge protection, but most single smart plugs do not.
Written by Evan Mercer
Founder & Lead Researcher, Smart Home Matrix
Evan digs through spec sheets, firmware changelogs, and thousands of owner reviews so you don’t have to. Every guide starts with a compatibility check and ends with picks he would install in his own home. Read more about Evan and this site, or see exactly how we choose products.