Matter-compatible smart plugs vs. outlets: when should you use which?

With Matter, there is a way to turn just about any device in your home into a smart one—by injecting intelligence into the outlet you plug the device into. There's the simple approach of using a smart plug, or you can replace the entire outlet. How do you decide which route to go?

When to use plugs

Smart plugs look like any other charging block that you plug into an outlet, except they incorporate internet connectivity and smart home features. They typically can show you how much energy your device has used, and they allow you to turn these electronics on and off remotely. Matter-certified smart plugs integrate with all of the major smart home ecosystems.

Here's when a smart plug is the best route for you to go.

You rent your living space

If you rent your home, then you probably don't actually have a choice to make here. You don't have permission to swap out the outlets, so a smart plug is the only way to go. You can buy as many of them as you like, place them all over an apartment, and take them with you when your lease is up.

You want to save money

If you're looking to balance a budget, smart plugs are the cheaper option. You can buy 4-packs for the price of one or two smart outlets. The ease with which you can take plugs with you means that you haven't sunk any money down the drain when you move to a new home.

Options like the Onvis Smart Plug S4 even enable you to get features like Matter-over-Thread for an affordable price. 

You just want to try things out

Replacing a power outlet is not as difficult a task as I expected, but it's still intrusive and time-consuming enough that I don't want to do it often. If you're curious whether these smart features are even worth the effort, a smart plug is a cheap way to get an idea. You can then invest in a smart outlet once you know you're ready to commit

Plugs are easier to move around

As I've mentioned, smart plugs are easier to take with you whenever you move to a new home, but that's not the only appeal of portability. Smart plugs can move whenever you need to move your appliance. Want to switch an air purifier from one room to another? The smart plug can easily move with it.

TP Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug P125M

The TP Link Tapo P125M is a compact, mini smart Wi-Fi plug that allows for remote control and voice control, features an auto-off function for energy efficiency, and integrates seamlessly into any Matter ecosystem, ensuring safety and convenience in your smart home.

Buy at Amazon US for $21.53

• US Links
• Amazon US - $21.53
• Other Links
• Amazon DE

When to use outlets

Smart outlets are just like the outlets that are already spread throughout your home. Unless you get close to them, you likely won't even tell a difference. They come with internet connectivity built-in. Most have buttons that physically cut power to each receptacle, along with lights to let you know when receptacles are powered.

How do you know you're ready to start shopping for one of the best Matter-compatible smart outlets?

You want a less bulky solution

A power outlet with two things plugged in starts to look cluttered. The situation gets worse once you add charging blocks. Plus, some products that are designed to sit flush against the wall, like night lights, look weird when used with smart plugs. Smart outlets don't have this issue.

Eve Energy Outlet (U.S. & Canada)

Buy at Amazon US for $49.95

Your own your home

If you own your home, smart outlets are worth the consideration. You have the freedom of flexibility to replace anything throughout the house. Why not invest in the option that both feels and looks better to use day-to-day, especially if you're investing in your forever home?

You already know what you want

Smart outlets are good if you already know exactly what you want. You've done your research, you've tried out several brands, and you know which model does what you need. You're ready to go all in. In this case, you're less likely to end up with regrets down the line. You can install a smart outlet with relative certainty that you won't be replacing it with another one a month later.

A longer-term investment

Smart plugs are fiddly. Like any charging block that isn't screwed into the wall, sometimes they wobble and get loose. They may hold up for a long time, but something about them just looks temporary. A smart outlet is a long-term investment. It's best to go in with the commitment to stick with an outlet for at least several years.

Smart plugs versus smart outlets: does the difference matter?

Neither smart plugs nor smart outlets are inherently better than the other. They are simply different approaches to work doing the same thing. A single home can have smart outlets in one room and smart plugs and another. Mix and match, experiment, and see what works best for you.