Amazon Smart Plug review

The Amazon Smart Plug is built for one kind of buyer: someone who already talks to an Echo. Amazon's page is clear that it works exclusively with Alexa and needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Within that limit, setup is the easiest here: plug it in, and the Alexa app may announce that a new plug was found, or you add it from the Devices tab in a few steps. Routines let one phrase switch on a lamp and a coffee maker together, and Alexa can run a lighting schedule while you are away. Amazon notes that the compact design leaves the second outlet free and that devices must have a mechanical on/off switch to work with it. There is no energy monitoring, no Apple Home or Google support, and the Amazon page did not show a US price from our location, so we could not verify cost. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Echo owners who only use Alexa

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Set up in the Alexa app, which can detect the plug automatically
• Alexa routines, for example a morning routine that turns on a lamp and coffee maker
• Alexa can switch lights on and off on a schedule to make a home look occupied
• No smart home hub required
• Compact design keeps the second outlet free

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The simplest setup path for Echo households
• Strength: Routines combine the plug with other Alexa devices
• Strength: Control from anywhere in the Alexa app
• Weakness: Works exclusively with Alexa, per Amazon
• Weakness: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, indoor use only
• Weakness: No energy monitoring listed

Key facts

• Price: USD check pending
• Assistant: Alexa only
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• Hub: Not required
• Use: Indoor only

Where it ranks

Amazon Smart Plug is No. 7 in our Best Smart Plugs verdict.