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Amazon Echo and Google Home/Nest smart speakers have crossed over from the early adopter phase to each finding a place within the mainstream culture. Both are functional, but if you're like me, you still might not be convinced which company's voice assistant is right for you. That's why I've got both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers set up in my home. If you find yourself in the same boat, it may be essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, and these smart plugs are a great place to start.
AI-powered energy monitoring
Currant Wifi Smart Outlet
Staff pick
Currant's WiFi Smart Outlet comes with two individually controllable outlets, but the most crucial part is the ability to build a Bluetooth mesh network of smart plugs. Currant's two-outlet smart plug offers the ability to see detailed breakdowns of your energy usage by the hour, day, month, or year. Additionally, Currant uses artificial intelligence to identify energy usage patterns to help suggest changes to help you save on your energy bill.
No hub required
TP-Link Kasa Smart Two-Outlet Wi-Fi Plug
The Kasa Smart WiFi Plug offers an outlet on each end, allowing you to control two separate devices while leaving the second plug on your wall outlet free. This plug works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and thanks to the built-in WiFi technology, no hub is required to get things connected.
Exclusively Alexa
Amazon Smart Plug
The easiest way to invest in the Amazon smart ecosystem is to invest in products from Amazon itself. The Amazon Smart Plug works exclusively with Alexa and is easy to set up out of the box. Just plug it in, open the Alexa app, and go.
$25 at Amazon $25 at Best Buy $36 at Walmart
Traditional design
D-Link Smart Plug
You're able to control devices plugged into the D-Link Smart Plug via the D-Link app on your phone from anywhere, but more importantly, you'll be able to control things with your voice via Alexa or Google Assistant. While not as compact as the TP-Link, the D-Link is still an excellent option for any room in your house.
Best value
Wyze Plug (2-pack)
Wyze is known for making affordable and reliable accessories, and you won't find a better deal for smart plugs than this two-pack. These compact smart plugs are easy to set up in your home and work with Alexa or Google Assistant without needing a hub or subscription service.
Control more things
TP-Link KASA Smart Power Strip
Instead of one smart plug, why not get a smart power strip? One that lets you plug in and independently control up to six different devices using Alexa or Google Assistant! You get proper surge protection built-in along with three USB ports for charging even more devices.
$65 at Amazon $65 at Best Buy $80 at Walmart
Watch that energy usage
Eufy Smart Plug
If you live in a place like the five boroughs of New York City, saving money is a necessary survival skill. Tracking energy usage is the best way to do that, and Anker's Eufy Smart Plug can help with that with the EufyHome app, you can even set schedules for all your devices that are plugged in to eliminate unneeded power consumption.
A full home kit
Samsung SmartThings Outlet
Samsung's SmartThings is a very capable and customizable smart home platform. It supports a wide array of sensors and smart home products, including this cute and compact smart plug. You can control your connected lamp or appliance with the free SmartThings app. Each smart outlet also doubles as a ZigBee repeater that extends the range of your other ZigBee-enabled smart devices.
Monitors air quality, too
Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor + Smart Plug
AWAIR has combined a smart plug with its air filtration technology to create an uber-functional smart plug. It plugs into an outlet and can be set up to turn on an appliance such as a dehumidifier or air filtration system at a specific time or if air quality drops. Once connected with Alexa or Google Assistant, you're also able to use the AWAIR Glow to control whichever device you have plugged in using just your voice.
Smart patio party time
Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug
The Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug is made for taking your smart home experience outside of the four walls of your home. With an IP44 waterproofing rating, the Outdoor Smart Plug is ideal for those outdoor events that may result in some water being splashed or sprayed around a bit.
The quickest and easiest smart home upgrade
There are literally thousands of smart devices that work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Of all the ways to upgrade your smart home, smart plugs offer the best multipurpose uses and are easy to set up. Being able to control your favorite reading lamp or other small appliance using just your voice and your preferred smart assistant, legitimately feels like magic.
Currant's Smart Outlet offers two plugs and works with Alexa and Google Assistant to make sure your home is comfortable and smart at all times. Plus, it's beautiful!
In my experience, the Wyze Plug Two-Pack is your best bet if you're looking for reliable products at a great price. They've worked out great around my home and are extremely affordable.
For a more hardcore solution to upgrading a bunch of your favorite tech all at once, you'll want to consider the TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip. It offers surge protection and voice control for six outlets, which can be independently scheduled and controlled using Alexa or Google Assistant, and also includes three USB ports for powering or charging your other devices.
by Marc Lagace