Smart plugs have become a popular addition to many UK homes looking to add convenience and control to their electrical devices. These small adaptors connect to your existing plugs and can be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you to schedule, monitor, and remotely switch appliances on or off. They work with a wide range of devices, from lamps to heaters, making everyday energy management easier.
The core appeal of smart plugs lies in their promise to reduce unnecessary energy use by cutting power to devices when not needed. This can potentially lower electricity bills and reduce carbon footprints. However, the effectiveness of smart plugs depends on how and where they are used, as well as the behaviour of household members.
When choosing a smart plug, key factors include compatibility with your home Wi-Fi, ease of use, app features, and whether the plug supports energy monitoring. Additionally, the plug’s maximum load rating determines which devices it can safely control. Understanding these details is essential before investing.
We examined real energy data and user experiences from UK homes to determine if smart plugs live up to their energy-saving claims and how they fit into everyday life.
Best Smart Plugs for Energy Saving in the UK
We have tested and researched various smart plugs to find those that offer the best energy-saving features for UK homes. Our list focuses on models that provide reliable performance and clear data to help you reduce electricity consumption effectively.
Eightree Smart Plug 4 Pack
This Eightree smart plug is a reliable and user-friendly choice for saving energy and managing devices remotely in the UK.
Pros
- Clear energy usage monitoring through the app
- Easy voice control with Alexa and Google Home
- Compact design that doesn’t block neighbouring sockets
Cons
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for full functionality
- Needs electricity rate input for accurate cost estimates
- Scheduling depends on the Smart Life app, which some may find basic
Setting up the Eightree smart plugs was painless. Connecting to our Alexa setup took just a few minutes, and the app quickly displayed real-time electricity consumption. It makes it straightforward to spot which devices drain the most power.
We found scheduling helpful, especially for automating lights and appliances during the day. The remote control feature came in handy when we were away from home, turning off forgotten gadgets instantly to save energy.
The compact form factor is practical; the plugs don’t obstruct other sockets, which is a common issue with bulkier smart plugs. Overall, these plugs felt like a solid upgrade for anyone looking to control devices smarter and cut unnecessary power use.
Tapo P100 Smart Plug (2-Pack)
We found these smart plugs to be an affordable and straightforward solution for managing home energy use with voice and app control.
Pros
- Simple setup with no hub needed
- Reliable voice control via Alexa and Google
- Compact design fits side-by-side sockets
Cons
- Separate app required if using other brands
- Not suitable for high-power devices like EV chargers
- Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
Using the Tapo P100, we easily scheduled our heaters and lights to switch off when not needed, noticeably cutting standby energy use. The connection stayed stable across our home Wi-Fi, and the compact size meant they didn’t block adjacent sockets.
The app allows us to manage plugs remotely, which is handy when away from home. The ‘Away mode’ is useful for security, toggling lights to mimic occupancy automatically. Voice commands responded promptly and made daily control effortless.
However, it only runs on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which could limit some setups. Also, while fine for most household devices, it’s not made for heavy-duty appliances like electric vehicle chargers. We recommend these for users looking to cut energy waste in common appliances with reliable, easy-to-use smart plugs.
Eightree Smart Plug
We found these smart plugs reliable for cutting energy waste and convenient for automating everyday devices with voice and app control.
Pros
- Energy monitoring shows real-time power use clearly
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant for handy voice commands
- Scheduling and timers make managing appliances simple
Cons
- Only works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, not compatible with 5 GHz networks
- Occasional issues reported with power switching off properly
- Bulkier than standard plugs, may block adjacent sockets
Using the Eightree smart plugs, we appreciated how the energy monitoring gave us clear insights into what devices were costing us on electricity. The app’s visual feedback made it easy to spot power hogs and adjust usage accordingly.
Setting up the plugs was straightforward, taking just minutes to add to the Smart Life app before controlling by schedule or remotely. Voice commands via Alexa worked well, letting us turn devices on or off without needing to walk over.
However, we did notice the plugs are deeper than typical models, which meant they blocked neighbouring sockets in some outlets. Also, the Wi-Fi limitation to 2.4 GHz only required us to adjust our setup to keep a stable connection.
Overall, these plugs offer solid energy-saving features and smart home integration for UK users looking to manage power use sensibly.
Eightree Smart Plug
This smart plug is a reliable and practical choice for saving energy while adding convenience to your UK home.
Pros
- Simple setup using Bluetooth and the Smart Life app
- Real-time energy monitoring helps track electricity use
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home for voice control
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi and cannot operate offline
- A few users noted occasional hardware issues over time
- Needs your smartphone or voice assistant to function fully
We found the installation process straightforward, with the plug quickly pairing through the Smart Life app. It communicates well over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which means stable connections even in rooms like garages. This ease of use is a clear benefit for those less tech-savvy.
Energy monitoring works as promised, showing consumption in detail. This feature makes it easier to identify devices that waste power and adjust usage accordingly, which is useful given rising energy costs in the UK.
Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds hands-free convenience. Scheduling timers is simple, allowing us to automate lights and appliances effectively. However, relying on Wi-Fi means you lose control if your internet drops, unlike traditional timers.
Overall, the Eightree Smart Plug balances functionality and ease with helpful energy-saving data, making it a solid addition to any smart home setup.
Tapo P110 (4-Pack) Smart Plug
We found the Tapo P110 smart plugs deliver reliable energy control and useful scheduling features for everyday UK homes.
Pros
- Easy remote control and scheduling via the Tapo app
- Compact size avoids blocking other sockets
- Works well with Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
Cons
- Occasional WiFi connection drops reported
- Cannot support EV chargers due to power limits
- Requires constant internet for full function
Setting up these plugs was straightforward. Once connected to our WiFi through the app, managing devices remotely became simple and intuitive. The ability to preset on/off schedules has helped us cut down unnecessary standby energy use across lamps and small appliances.
Their compact design is a strong point, fitting well into multi-socket extensions without blocking adjacent outlets. We also appreciated the integration with voice assistants, which made controlling appliances hands-free a practical feature.
However, some of our units occasionally lost WiFi connection, which could disrupt automation if unnoticed. It’s worth noting the plugs aren’t suitable for high-current devices like electric vehicle chargers, limiting use for some households. Still, for typical smart home energy management in the UK, these plugs are a solid choice.
Overall, for anyone eager to start monitoring and managing energy use easily, the Tapo P110 delivers dependable performance.
Buying Guide
When choosing a smart plug, we focus on features that directly impact energy savings and usability. It’s important to pick a product compatible with our existing smart home setup and easy to control through an app or voice assistant.
We look for energy monitoring capabilities to track power use in real time. This helps us identify devices that consume more energy and decide when to switch them off.
Safety standards are also crucial. A smart plug with built-in surge protection or overload prevention provides peace of mind, especially around high-power appliances.
Connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth affect range and reliability. Wi-Fi models usually offer better remote control but may consume more power themselves.
We can compare important features in this table:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Energy Monitoring | Helps track usage and optimise savings |
| Compatibility | Ensures it works with our devices |
| Safety Features | Protects against electrical risks |
| Connectivity Type | Affects control range and stability |
| Maximum Load Rating | Supports the power needs of appliances |
We also prioritise ease of installation and a clear, simple app interface. Devices that support scheduling and automation let us programme when appliances turn off, cutting wasted energy.
By weighing these factors, we can select a smart plug that fits our energy-saving goals in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered detailed answers to common questions about smart plugs and their role in energy saving. These address power monitoring, product choices, energy consumption patterns, and integration benefits.
How can monitoring power consumption with smart plugs lead to energy savings?
By tracking the energy use of individual devices, we can identify which appliances consume excess power. This lets us switch off or schedule usage to reduce unnecessary electricity waste.
Which smart plug is considered the best for energy saving in the UK?
Eve Energy and TP-Link Kasa are often highlighted for accuracy and reliable energy monitoring. They offer detailed consumption data and user-friendly apps suited to UK users.
Does the electrical consumption of a smart plug change when it’s switched off?
Smart plugs use a small amount of standby power, even when off. However, this is minimal, usually under 1 watt, so it does not significantly affect overall energy use.
Can using Eve Energy smart plugs significantly reduce electricity bills in the UK?
Eve Energy helps us identify and control high-energy devices, potentially lowering bills. The actual savings depend on user habits and how aggressively unnecessary consumption is managed.
What are the benefits of integrating smart plugs with Alexa for energy management?
Using Alexa, we can control smart plugs hands-free and set routines to switch off devices automatically. This improves convenience and helps ensure devices aren’t left running unintentionally.
How do features of smart plugs from retailers like Currys and SCREWFIX contribute to energy efficiency?
Products from Currys and SCREWFIX often include scheduling, remote control, and energy monitoring. These features enable users to optimise power use and reduce standby consumption effectively.
Last Updated on 1 December 2025 by YEG