Smart plugs, bulbs, video doorbells and home automation gadgets — tested buying guides.
Most smart plug makers advise against using them with space heaters. Here’s why a 1,500W heater stresses a standard plug, how to check the ratings yourself, and the safer ways to warm a room on a schedule.
A smart plug controls one plug-in device with zero wiring; a smart switch replaces your wall switch to control hardwired lights. Here’s how to pick the right one — plus where smart bulbs fit in.
Smart plugs only save energy when they cut power to devices that would otherwise waste it. Here’s how much a smart plug uses itself, how to calculate real savings, and which devices are worth automating.
A smart plug puts a wirelessly controlled relay between your outlet and your device. Here’s what’s inside one, how it connects to your phone and Alexa, and which devices it can — and can’t — control.
Set up any smart plug with Alexa in about 5–10 minutes: connect it to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, link the brand skill or scan the Matter code, name it, then build routines. Plus fixes for the most common setup errors.
The best smart plug for Alexa for most people is the Kasa Smart Plug HS103 — cheap, UL certified, rated 15A and backed by 150,000+ Amazon ratings. Here are our 7 picks for every need, from outdoor lights to energy monitoring.