The Best Matter-Compatible In-Wall Smart Outlets

Even though the best smart plugs—like the Tapo P125 Mini—have decreased in size over the years, they can still be an eyesore. If you are tired of seeing unsightly boxes hanging from your walls, consider installing a Matter-compatible in-wall smart outlet.

There are many options to choose from, so in this guide, we'll give you our top picks to help you pick the perfect in-wall companion for your older devices.

What are Matter-Compatible In-Wall Outlets?

Matter-enabled in-wall outlets offer most of the conveniences of smart plugs, without the bulk. This includes converting older "dumb" devices with manual knobs and switches like fans and heaters to modern smart appliances with remote app and voice controls.

Adding Matter to the mix makes pairing to platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home quicker and easier through a simple scan-and-go process. Matter also ensures that you'll always have access to your in-wall outlet regardless of your choice of phone, and it allows sharing across platforms via Multi-Admin functionality.

Some in-wall solutions provide energy monitoring benefits too. With energy monitoring, users can take a look behind the scenes and see just how much power it takes to keep an appliance running through logs, graphs, and even cost breakdowns.

In-wall outlets come with their own set of downsides though, with the biggest being wiring. While the installation process is straightforward for those who have installed light switches or relays, anything involving electricity should be considered dangerous—so if you have any doubts, you should call an electrician.

What to Look For in Matter-Compatible In-Wall Outlets

With electrical wiring involved, in-wall Matter-compatible outlets aren't your typical plug-and-play smart devices. Before purchasing, you'll need to carefully consider factors such as budget, connectivity, and features to prevent any headaches in the future. 

• Budget: If price is a concern, you can save by going with a hub-free outlet or one that only offers a single smart receptacle.
• Connectivity: Consider your home's network. Do you already own a vendor's hub? Do you want to future-proof with Thread? Or do you prefer the simplicity of Wi-Fi?
• Features: Extras like energy monitoring can open the doors to new automation potential, while on-device controls add convenience.

The Top 4 Matter-Compatible In-Wall Smart Outlets

Matter-compatible in-wall smart outlets are available from smart home vendors such as Eve and Aqara, as well as through trusted electrical component brands like Legrand and Schneider. Here are our current top picks.

Eve Energy Outlet

In our review of the original Eve Energy, we lauded the plug as being our go-to solution for making older appliances smart. The new in-wall Eve Energy Outlet includes everything that made the original great—Matter-over-Thread connectivity, energy monitoring, and simple setup—but does so at a more reasonable price of $49.99.

For just $10 more than the original, the Eve Energy Outlet sports not one, but two independently controllable 15-amp receptacles that can be toggled through your favorite smart home assistant or app. Other features include a pair of handy on-device toggle buttons/LED indicators, UL safety certification, and a cloud-free connection that sends traffic directly to your home hub.

Square D by Schneider Electric X Series Wi-Fi Energy Monitoring Socket Outlet

Despite having a complicated name the Square D by Schneider Electric X Series Wi-Fi Energy Monitoring Socket Outlet keeps it simple when it comes to Matter connectivity. That's because Square D's in-wall outlet doesn't require a Border Router or a vendor-specific hub, and it can be up and running within minutes by scanning the included Matter QR code after installation.

While this in-wall outlet has two 15-amp outlets available on the front, only one is controllable via Matter or the on-device button. However, Schenider makes up for it by including energy monitoring—available via the Schneider Home App—so you can view the energy consumption of connected devices in real time and track potential savings throughout the year.

Legrand Radiant Wi-Fi Matter Smart Outlet

The Legrand Radiant Wi-Fi Matter Smart Outlet emphasizes clean, unobtrusive design while still providing plenty of smarts. Legrand's outlet features just a single on-device button nestled between two 15-amp receptacles allowing it to seamlessly blend in with other products within the Radiant Collection.

This outlet isn't all about looks though, as it includes all the essentials. Legrand's outlet has a single remote controllable receptacle, is UL certified, and doesn't require an additional app with hassle-free Matter compatibility.

Aqara Wall Outlet H2 EU

Our friends across the pond can also get in on the smart in-wall outlet fun with the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 EU. This single-socket type F outlet offering from Aqara is tailored for EU markets with support for 250-v electrical loads up to 16 amps and is compatible with standard 55 mm wall plates.

Unlike our other top picks, Aqara's outlet utilizes the ZigBee 3.0 protocol for its smart home connectivity, so it requires a hub—like the recently released Hub M3. Having a hub though has its advantages including deeper integration with other Aqara products, automation that can incorporate energy monitoring, and customization with features like power off-memory.

Slim Down With The Best Matter-Compatible In-Wall Outlets

The best Matter-compatible in-wall outlets allow you to finally ditch the ugly wall warts often associated with smart home products. While they can look daunting, in-wall outlets are incredibly DIY-friendly as they only take a few minutes and some basic electrical knowledge to install.

Once wired, you'll unlock convenient app-based remote controls, automation, and of course, voice commands courtesy of your favorite smart home assistant. And with Matter, you won't have to worry about being locked into a single ecosystem so you can rest easy knowing that you won't have to rip it out of the wall when you change phones.