Eve Energy (Matter) review

Eve Energy is the privacy pick. Eve says the plug needs no subscription, no registration and no Eve cloud, and it runs on Thread with Matter, so it can join Apple Home, Google Home and other Matter platforms. As a mains-powered Full Thread Device it also relays data for other Thread accessories, which strengthens the network as you add more. The free Eve app tracks power use and, once you enter your electricity rate, projected cost. Schedules run on the device itself, independent of your phone or internet connection, and the green LED doubles as a physical button. The catch for beginners is the hub: Eve says you need a compatible home hub that acts as a Thread border router, and Eve's site offers a check for whether yours qualifies. Eve's US store page did not show a USD price from our location, so value is scored conservatively. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Privacy-minded Apple Home or Google Home users who already own a Thread hub

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Matter over Thread; acts as a Thread router node that extends the network
• Power consumption and projected cost tracking in the free Eve app
• No subscription, no registration and no Eve cloud
• Schedules run independently of your phone or internet connection
• Built-in button for manual on and off

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Works across platforms through Matter
• Strength: No account or cloud, per Eve
• Strength: Energy cost view uses your own electricity rate
• Weakness: Needs a Thread border router hub for Matter use
• Weakness: Eve app schedules only on iPhone, iPad (Apple Home) or Android (Google Home)
• Weakness: Eve's US store price could not be checked from our location

Key facts

• Price: USD check pending
• Standard: Matter over Thread
• Hub: Thread border router required
• Energy monitoring: Yes, with cost projection
• Cloud account: None required

Where it ranks

Eve Energy (Matter) is No. 8 in our Best Smart Plugs verdict.