Best Budget Smart Plugs Under $25 (USA Guide)
If you live in the US and want to make your home “smart” without spending a fortune, cheap smart plugs are the easiest place to start. For under $25, you can turn almost any regular lamp, fan, coffee maker, or diffuser into a voice-controlled, app-controlled smart device.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What smart plugs actually do
- The key features that matter (especially in the US)
- The best budget smart plugs under $25 available right now
- How to choose the right one for your setup (Alexa, Google, Apple, Matter, etc.)
- Real-life automation ideas for American homes
Note: Prices change all the time. All examples here are based on typical US pricing and recent deals where these plugs are around or under $25 at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, etc.
What Is a Smart Plug, Really?
A smart plug is basically a small adapter that sits between your wall outlet and a normal device.
Instead of walking over and pressing the switch, you can:
- Turn it on/off from your phone app
- Control it with voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
- Put it on schedules (e.g., lamp on at sunset, off at midnight)
- Use timers (turn fan off after 30 minutes)
- Sometimes track energy usage
For US homes, most popular smart plugs:
- Are rated for 120V and 10–15A / ~1800W
- Work over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (not 5 GHz, unless specified)
- Use US-style Type B outlets and prongs
- Often come in two-packs or four-packs that keep the price per plug very low
What to Look For in a Budget Smart Plug (Under $25)
When you’re on a budget, every dollar matters. Here are the key things you should check before you buy.
1. Voice Assistant & Ecosystem Support
Ask yourself:
- Do you already use Alexa (Echo, Fire TV, etc.)?
- Or Google Home / Nest?
- Or Apple Home / Siri / HomePod?
Your answer will narrow down the options. For example:
- Amazon Smart Plug works only with Alexa, but setup is super easy and it’s designed for Echo users.
- Kasa and Wyze support Alexa and Google.
- Tapo and some Meross plugs also support Apple Home through Matter or HomeKit, making them great if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
2. Matter Support (Future-Proofing)
You’ll see the word Matter a lot now. Matter is a newer smart home standard that lets devices work across ecosystems more easily (Apple, Google, Amazon, etc.).
For example, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (Matter) is sold in a three-pack around $19.99, and works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, Siri, and more thanks to Matter.
If you want flexibility and plan to grow your smart home, Matter plugs are a smart long-term choice, even on a budget.
3. Amperage & Power Rating
Most US indoor smart plugs are:
- 15A / 1800W max at 120V – enough for lamps, fans, coffee makers, chargers, small heaters, etc.
Always check:
- Don’t plug in big space heaters or heavy appliances unless the plug is rated for it.
- For safety, many brands include UL certification (or ETL equivalent).
4. Size & Design (Won’t Block Other Outlets)
On US duplex outlets, some older smart plugs are so chunky that they block the second socket.
Look for:
- “Mini” or “Ultra Mini” plugs
- Designs that don’t cover both outlets
Kasa’s EP10 Ultra Mini is a great example: it’s compact and designed so you can still use the neighboring outlet.
5. App Quality & Automation Features
Good apps let you:
- Make schedules and timers
- Set away mode (randomly turn lamps on/off to look like someone’s home)
- Group devices by room
- Sometimes show energy usage
Brands like Kasa, Tapo, Wyze, Amazon, and Eightree all offer full-featured apps with scheduling and remote control.
Best Budget Smart Plugs Under $25 (US Market)
Here are some of the best options you can buy in America when your budget is around or under $25 per pack.
1. Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini (EP10) – Best All-Round Budget Pick
If you just want something cheap, reliable, and easy, Kasa EP10 is the go-to recommendation on almost every “best smart plug” list.
Why it’s great for US buyers:
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT
- No hub required – connects directly to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Ultra Mini design so you can stack two on one outlet
- Rated up to 15A, good for most small home devices
- Often sold as 2-pack or 4-pack for well under $25 (e.g., Esquire notes ~$12.99 for a 2-pack in a recent deal).
Perfect for:
- Bedroom and living room lamps
- Fans and humidifiers
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Holiday lights
Pros:
- Very popular in the US, huge user base
- Stable app (Kasa) and plenty of YouTube tutorials
- Lower price per plug in multi-packs
Things to keep in mind:
- No native Apple Home / HomeKit (unless routed via other platforms)
- No Matter support on this specific EP10 model (Kasa has other Matter models if that’s important)
2. TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (Matter, P125M) – Best Budget Matter Plug
If you want to future-proof your smart home, Matter support is a big deal. The TP-Link Tapo P125M smart plug is Matter-certified and often sold as a 3-pack for around $19.99 on US retailers.
Why it stands out:
- Matter-certified: works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, etc.
- Compact design (mini form factor) so it won’t block the second outlet
- Rated up to 15A / 1800W, enough for most household devices
- Strong safety features and flame-retardant materials.
Perfect for:
- Users who have a mix of Apple, Android, Echo, Nest, etc.
- Anyone planning to expand a smart home without being locked into one ecosystem
Pros:
- One of the cheapest Matter smart plug bundles in the US right now
- Works with all major platforms
- Good scheduling, timers, and remote control
Watch out for:
- Matter setup can be a little more confusing than a basic Alexa-only plug
- You’ll want a Matter-compatible hub/controller (like modern Echo, Nest Hub, Apple TV, etc.) to get the best experience
3. Amazon Smart Plug – Easiest Plug for Alexa Households
If your home is basically an Alexa zone — Echo speakers, Fire TV, etc. — the Amazon Smart Plug is the most seamless option.
According to recent coverage, the Amazon Smart Plug usually costs around $24.99 for a single plug in the US, sometimes discounted in bundles.
Why it’s perfect for Alexa homes:
- Auto-detects via the Alexa app during setup
- You can plug it in, say “Alexa, discover my devices,” and you’re done
- Control it with routines like:
- “Alexa, good night” → turn off all lamps
- “Alexa, I’m home” → turn on living room lights
Pros:
- Extremely simple setup for non-technical users
- Tight integration with Alexa routines and groups
- Reliable and backed by Amazon
Cons:
- Alexa-only – doesn’t support Google Home or Apple Home
- Price is slightly higher per plug than Kasa/Tapo multi-packs
Best for:
- Echo + Fire TV households
- People who want zero hassle, and don’t care about other ecosystems
4. Eightree Smart Plug (4-Pack) – Best Value per Plug
If you want to cover several outlets for cheap, look at Eightree smart plugs. A four-pack is often found around the $20–$25 range on Amazon or during sales like Prime Day.
Highlights:
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, some variants also mention 5 GHz compatibility
- App control, timers, scheduling, scenes
- Great if you’re starting from scratch and want plugs in multiple rooms
Pros:
- Energy-friendly way to cover many devices at once
- Good ratings and strong sales numbers in the budget segment
- Often heavily discounted during US shopping events (Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday)
Cons:
- App and ecosystem are not as polished or well-known as Kasa/Amazon
- Usually no Apple Home or Matter support
Best for:
- Renters and students
- People who just want very cheap smart control of basic devices
5. Wyze Plug – Great for Users in the Wyze Ecosystem
If you already use Wyze cameras, bulbs, or sensors, the Wyze Plug is an affordable addition to your smart home.
On Wyze’s own US store, the plug is sold in single and double packs; a 1-pack is typically $14.99, which is safely under the $25 line.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
- Integrates nicely with other Wyze gear (e.g., turning on a lamp when a Wyze Cam detects motion)
- Offers timers, scheduling, and grouping in the Wyze app
Pros:
- Good if you’re already in the Wyze ecosystem
- Flexible automation when combined with Wyze sensors and cameras
- Fair pricing and frequent sales
Cons:
- 2-pack pricing sometimes goes over $25 depending on the retailer
- No Matter or native Apple Home
Best for:
- Users who already have Wyze cameras/doorbells and want everything in one app
Must Read- Best Smart Lights for Apartments (USA)
6. iHome or Generic Budget Plugs (Walmart, etc.) – Ultra-Cheap Single Plugs
If you only need one cheap smart plug, stores like Walmart often carry iHome or unbranded Wi-Fi plugs in the $9.97–$20 range.
What you usually get:
- Wi-Fi control via a basic app
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Single or double pack well under $25
Pros:
- Extremely low upfront cost
- Good for trying smart plugs with almost no risk
Cons:
- App quality can vary a lot
- Long-term support and updates may be weaker than big brands
Best for:
- One-off use cases (e.g., just one lamp or one coffee maker)
- People who just want to experiment with smart plugs
How to Choose the Right Smart Plug for Your US Home
Let’s simplify the decision.
A. Start With Your Voice Assistant
- “I use Alexa for everything.”
→ Get Amazon Smart Plug if you want maximum simplicity, or Kasa EP10 for a better price per plug. - “I’m on Android, I use Google Home / Nest speakers.”
→ Kasa EP10, Tapo P125M, or Eightree plugs are great budget picks. - “I have iPhone + HomePod / Apple TV and like Apple Home.”
→ Choose Tapo P125M (Matter) or another Matter-enabled plug so it works smoothly with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google.
B. Decide If Matter Matters (for You)
- If you want future-proof flexibility → choose a Matter plug like Tapo P125M.
- If you’ll always stay in one ecosystem (only Alexa, for example) → you can save a little and choose Kasa or Amazon’s own plug.
C. Think About How Many You Need
- Need 1 or 2 plugs?
- Single Amazon, Wyze, or Kasa packs are fine.
- Want to convert half your house at once?
- Look at Kasa EP10 multi-packs, Eightree 4-packs, or Tapo 3-packs for best value.
D. Check the Power Rating
Before you buy, check:
- Does your device use more than 15A / 1800W? If yes, it may be unsafe on a standard indoor smart plug.
- For space heaters and large appliances, always read both the plug rating and device rating carefully.
Real-Life Smart Plug Ideas for American Homes
Once you have your new smart plug(s), here’s how you can use them in everyday life.
1. Wake-Up Routine
- Plug your bedside lamp into a smart plug
- At 7:00 AM, turn on the lamp gradually with a voice routine
- Combine with coffee maker plug so it starts brewing at the same time
“Alexa, good morning” or a Google Home routine can:
- Turn on lamp
- Turn on coffee maker (if it has a physical on/off switch)
- Play your favorite news briefing
2. Save Power on Phantom Loads
Many devices consume power even when “off”: TV, game consoles, chargers.
- Put them on a smart plug
- Create a schedule to cut power at night, like 1:00 AM–6:00 AM
- Or use an Alexa routine: “Alexa, goodnight” → turn off TV plug, console plug, lamp
3. Safer Holiday Lighting
Instead of crawling behind the tree every night to unplug lights:
- Plug Christmas lights into a smart plug
- Set schedule: On at sunset, off at midnight
- Control with voice: “Alexa, turn on tree”
4. Remote Control When You’re Away
If you’re traveling:
- Turn lamps on/off randomly (some apps have an away mode)
- Turn off any forgotten device from your phone
This creates the illusion that someone is at home and can also cut down on wasted electricity.
5. Comfort & Health
- Smart plug + humidifier in winter
- Smart plug + dehumidifier in humid US states
- Smart plug + fan for better sleep
You can schedule these to run only when needed, or tie them to routines like bedtime.
Must Read- What Is a Smart Home? Complete Beginner’s Guide for U.S.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal Under $25
Because these are budget products, timing and store choice can make a big difference.
1. Watch Major US Sales Events
You’ll see big discounts on smart plugs during:
- Prime Day (July)
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (late November)
- Back-to-School and holiday sales
During Prime Day 2025, for example:
- Kasa smart plug two-packs fell to around $18
- Eightree smart plug four-packs were around $20
- Tons of “smart home under $25” deals included smart plugs
2. Look for Multi-Packs
Instead of buying one plug for $18–$25:
- Get a 2-pack or 4-pack for $20–$25
- Your per-plug cost often drops to $5–$8
Kasa, Tapo, Eightree, and Wyze all offer bundles that greatly reduce the cost per plug.
3. Check Reviews, Not Just Ratings
- Look for comments about Wi-Fi stability, app quality, and setup
- Prioritize plugs with lots of US reviews and recent updates
Well-reviewed plugs like Kasa EP10 and Tapo P125M show up consistently in major tech sites’ “best smart plug” lists.
Quick Comparison: Which Budget Smart Plug Should You Buy?
If you want the easiest choice overall:
- Kasa Smart Plug EP10 (Ultra Mini)
- Cheap, reliable, Alexa & Google, compact design.
If you want long-term, cross-platform compatibility:
- TP-Link Tapo P125M (Matter)
- Works with Apple, Alexa, Google, SmartThings.
If your home is 100% Alexa:
- Amazon Smart Plug
- Easiest setup, perfect if you’re already inside the Amazon ecosystem.
If you want maximum plugs for minimal money:
- Eightree Smart Plug 4-pack
- Great for outfitting multiple rooms on a tight budget.
If you already use Wyze devices:
- Wyze Plug
- Fits nicely into Wyze cameras/sensors automation.
FAQ: Budget Smart Plugs Under $25 (US)
1. Are cheap smart plugs safe?
Generally, yes — if you stick to reputable brands (Kasa, Tapo, Amazon, Wyze, etc.), follow the power rating, and avoid overloading them. Look for UL or ETL safety marks and never use them with devices that exceed the specified wattage.
2. Do smart plugs increase my electricity bill?
The plug itself uses a tiny amount of power (usually <1W). But it can lower your bill by helping you:
- Turn off idle devices at night
- Avoid leaving lights/fans/heaters on by accident
Over time, the savings can offset the plug’s cost.
3. Do I need a smart hub?
- Most Wi-Fi plugs (Kasa, Amazon, Wyze, Eightree) do not need a hub — they connect directly to your Wi-Fi.
- Matter-enabled plugs like Tapo P125M work best with a Matter-capable controller (modern Echo, Nest Hub, Apple TV, etc.), but that’s usually something you already have if you’re deep in smart home land.
4. Can I use a smart plug outdoors?
Only if it’s rated for outdoor use and weather-resistant (IP rating). Most of the cheap indoor smart plugs mentioned here are meant for indoor use only. Look specifically for “outdoor smart plug” models for garden/porch/holiday lights.
5. Will these work if my Wi-Fi goes down?
If Wi-Fi is down:
- The plug can’t be controlled from your phone or via voice
- But the device usually stays in its last state (on or off)
- Some plugs have a small physical button on them so you can still toggle them manually
Final Thoughts
A smart home doesn’t have to be expensive. With $25 or less, US homeowners and renters can:
- Automate lights, fans, and coffee makers
- Save real energy money over time
- Enjoy the convenience of voice control
- Start building a larger smart home setup, one outlet at a time
If you want a quick recommendation:
- Pick Kasa EP10 if you just want something cheap and reliable.
- Pick Tapo P125M if you care about Matter and cross-platform support.
- Pick Amazon Smart Plug if your world is already Alexa-only.