The 5 Best Matter-Compatible Plugs
Today, we're going to look at Matter-compatible smart plugs, showcasing the top 5 picks that stand out for their ease of use, feature set, and compatibility with multiple smart home platforms.
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Matter, the next-generation connectivity standard for smart home devices, is poised to simplify and unify the way we control our connected home appliances. With its emphasis on interoperability, Matter promises to break down the barriers between different smart home ecosystems, allowing you to effortlessly control a vast array of devices from a single app or voice command. And smart plugs, the cornerstone of smart home automation, are among the first devices to embrace this new standard.
In this article, we will delve into the world of Matter-compatible smart plugs, showcasing the top 5 picks that stand out for their ease of use, feature set, and compatibility with multiple smart home platforms.
But first, what things do you need to bear in mind when choosing which product deserves your money the most?
Things to Consider When Choosing a Matter-Compatible Smart Plug
When choosing a Matter-compatible plug, think about the following factors.
Ease of use
The plug should be easy to install and use, with a user-friendly app and straightforward setup. However, with Matter, this is not really a concern, since Matter prides itself on its ease of use with a simple QR code system that makes setting up a smart plug quick.
Supported features
Ensure the plug offers features that align with your needs, such as voice control, scheduling, geofencing, and energy monitoring. There's no point buying a plug that has an array of features that you are never likely to use.
Compatibility
Confirm compatibility with your smart home ecosystem and voice assistants. Matter-compatible plugs should work seamlessly with Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home.
Design and aesthetics
Choose a plug that complements your home's decor and fits the style of your power strips and outlets. Having something that sticks out in terms of shape and color is soon going to get annoying.
Price
Consider your budget and compare the prices of different Matter-compatible plugs. The good news is that there are a wide variety of plugs at different price points.
Pros of Matter-Compatible Smart Plugs
There are many useful things that you can do with a Matter smart plug. To encourage you to start thinking seriously about Matter-compatible plugs, let's examine the upsides of using them.
Interoperability
Matter enables plug-and-play compatibility with other Matter-certified devices, regardless of manufacturer or platform.
Simplified setup
Matter simplifies setup and configuration, reducing the hassle of dealing with multiple protocols and pairing methods.
Improved security
Matter incorporates enhanced security features, protecting your smart home network from cyberattacks and unauthorized access.
Future-proofing
Matter ensures compatibility with future smart home devices and advancements in the smart home industry. Wireless technologies inside smart plugs like Thread mesh networking can also help future-proof your home.
Cons of Matter-Compatible Smart Plugs
But are there any downsides? Not that many, but you should be aware of the following.
Early adoption
As Matter is still a new standard, the availability of Matter-compatible devices may be limited.
Potential compatibility issues
Rare compatibility issues may arise with older smart home devices or platforms not fully updated to support Matter.
Pricing
Matter-compatible devices may be slightly more expensive than older, non-Matter counterparts. Such is the cost of staying ahead of the tech curve!
Learning curve
Users who are accustomed to current smart home systems like Alexa may need to adapt to the new Matter protocol. However, Matter is so easy to use that this is not really something you should worry about.
The Top 5 Matter-Compatible Smart Plugs
Let's now dive into the top five recommended Matter-compatible smart plugs.
Tapo P125 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug
The Tapo P125 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug is a versatile option that seamlessly integrates with Matter, ensuring compatibility with all major smart home platforms, including Amazon's Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, and Apple Home. Its sleek design and compact form factor blend seamlessly into any home décor, while its intuitive app and voice control capabilities make it a breeze to use.
Although it lacks all the extra bells and whistles like energy monitoring, we praised the P125's rock-solid reliability and snappy performance in our hands-on review. We were also pleasantly surprised to find that it is UL-certified, ensuring that it will operate safely for years to come.
Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter
The Eve Energy is a feature-packed option that embodies the essence of Matter-compatible smart plugs with cutting-edge technology. This plug offers essential features like voice control, scheduling, and energy monitoring, all while maintaining compatibility with Matter, ensuring seamless integration with your existing smart home setup.
In our review of the Eve Energy, we loved how it didn't require an account or the cloud thanks to Thread connectivity. However, Thread does require a Border Router—like an Apple HomePod—for operation, but the protocol is a key foundational pillar of Matter so adding one to your home is a worthwhile investment.
Meross MSS115 Matter Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
Meross' MSS115 Matter Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini delivers a balance of affordability and functionality. This compact and lightweight plug offers essential smart features like voice control, scheduling, and remote access, all while maintaining compatibility with Matter, ensuring seamless integration with your existing smart home ecosystem.
As its name suggests, the MSS115 connects to your smart home network via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi without the need for a dedicated hub. With Matter, you won't need to enter lengthy passwords to get the Merros plug connected either, as the standard shares your Wi-Fi credentials in the background automatically from your phone.
GE CYNC Indoor Smart Plug
GE's CYNC Indoor Smart Plug stands out for its versatility and compatibility. This plug can control both 15A appliances and 120V lights, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
It effortlessly integrates with Matter, allowing you to control it with your preferred smart home platform, whether it's Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home. And like other Wi-Fi-based accessories, the Cync Indoor Smart Plug can be up and running in seconds—just scan and go!
Govee Smart Plug Pro
Govee has captivated us with the company's Floor Lamp 2 and Christmas Lights 2, not just for their ability to put on a colorful show but for their native Matter integration. Govee's Smart Plug Pro brings the same level of compatibility to appliances and other devices in your home, all with an incredibly tiny, rounded outlet design.
Its Matter compatibility ensures seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem, regardless of your phone or voice assistant preference. And with dual connectivity options—Bluetooth and Wi-Fi—you can use it with Matter at home, or use it with the Govee app when traveling without needing to connect it to a network.
Power-Up With the Best Matter-Compatible Smart Plugs
Matter-compatible plugs have the power to instantly turn any old appliance into a modern connected smart device. Whether it is an air purifier, heater, or lamp, you'll be on your way to effortless smart controls via your favorite voice assistant or app in seconds.
Don't forget, that there are also Matter-enabled smart plugs fit for the great outdoors. For recommendations on these, be sure to check out our guide to the best Matter-compatible garden equipment.