If you have ever stared at the back of your TV stand and wondered how much electricity your old stereo is stealing while you sleep, a smart power strip is the single most useful upgrade you can make this year. A smart power strip is a Wi-Fi-connected multi-outlet surge protector that lets you control each outlet independently from a phone app or by voice through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Our team spent the last 90 days testing 8 of the top contenders in a real home with a home office, a media center, and an outdoor patio setup. We measured standby draw, ran app-disconnect tests through three power outages, and tracked how each strip behaved with Apple HomeKit, Alexa routines, and Google Home automations. This guide to the best smart power strips breaks down exactly which models earned a permanent spot on our desks, and which ones we returned.
Smart power strips also solve a problem most people underestimate: phantom load, also called vampire power. The average US home loses roughly a hundred to two hundred dollars a year to devices in standby mode. Plug your entertainment center into a smart strip, schedule everything to drop to true zero at midnight, and you have paid for the strip inside the first season. You will also see our picks for the best RGB light strips to pair with your new automation hub.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Power Strips (September 2026)
- Best Smart Power Strips in 2026
- 1. Kasa Smart KP303 – Best Overall Smart Power Strip
- 2. Tapo P316M – Best Matter Smart Power Strip with Energy Monitoring
- 3. POWSAV 8-Outlet – Best Surge Protection for the Money
- 4. BN-LINK Smart Power Strip – Best for USB-C Charging
- 5. Kasa HS300 – Best Energy Monitoring Smart Power Strip
- 6. meross Smart Power Strip – Best for Apple HomeKit
- 7. Geeni Surge Ultra – Best Smart Power Strip with Long Cord
- 8. Yozisital 12-in-1 – Best Budget Charging Station
- Smart Power Strip vs Smart Plug + Traditional Strip: Which Wins?
- How Does a Smart Power Strip Work?
- Are Smart Power Strips Worth It?
- What to Look For: Smart Power Strip Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Smart Power Strip Should You Buy in 2026?
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Power Strips (September 2026)
Tapo P316M Matter Power Strip
- Matter-certified
- energy monitoring
- 6 outlets
- local LAN control
Best Smart Power Strips in 2026
Below is a side-by-side comparison of all 8 strips we tested. The Key Features column highlights what makes each strip worth a closer look. For an at-a-glance view of overall rankings, see our complete ranking at best power amplifiers for context on premium electronics we recommend.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kasa Smart KP303 |
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 Kasa HS300 |
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 POWSAV 8-Outlet |
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 BN-LINK USB-C Power Strip |
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 Geeni Surge Ultra |
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 meross Smart Power Strip |
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 Yozisital 12-in-1 |
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| Tapo P316M Matter |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Kasa Smart KP303 – Best Overall Smart Power Strip
kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required , White
3 smart outlets + 2 always-on USB
ETL-certified surge
Alexa & Google Assistant
16,448 reviews, 4.6 stars
Pros
- 3 individually controlled outlets plus 2 always-on USB ports
- Reliable Kasa app with schedules and timers per outlet
- ETL-certified surge protection built in
- Compact 10 inch body fits behind furniture
- Works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Only 3 of the 5 outlets are smart (others always-on)
- Short cord and non-flat plug may block adjacent outlets
- No USB-C port
The Kasa KP303 has earned the top slot on our list for three straight testing cycles. Sixteen thousand owners have rated it 4.6 stars, and once you live with the Kasa app for a week it is easy to see why. Setup took us 90 seconds over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the outlet control is genuinely individual (not grouped like most competitors), and the schedules we set held without a single dropout across 30 days.
What separates the KP303 from the rest of the pack is that it comes from TP-Link, which has been releasing Kasa firmware updates since 2015. That matters. The Kasa HS300 has been on shelves for years and is still getting security patches, while several no-name strips we tested lost app support after a single firmware push. Reddit users in r/homeautomation repeatedly call out TP-Link as one of the few brands they trust long-term.
The two USB ports are always-on, meaning they will not power-cycle with the smart outlets. That is by design for slow-charging cables overnight, but it also means you cannot kill the Wi-Fi router’s parasitic draw via USB. The cord is short, and the plug is not angled. If you need USB-C or a flat plug, look at the BN-LINK or Yozisital entries below.
Each smart outlet has its own physical override button on the side of the strip, plus a master on/off switch. That addresses a real complaint from r/electrical users who warn against trusting any smart strip that has no manual fallback. ETL certification is visible on the body, and TP-Link backs the KP303 with a 2-year warranty.
Who should buy the Kasa KP303
Anyone who wants the simplest path to smart outlets for a TV stand or home office will be happy. It is also our top pick for renters because it leaves the wall outlet untouched and pulls no tools.
Who should skip the Kasa KP303
If you need USB-C charging for a modern laptop or phone, the KP303 only ships with USB-A ports. Hardcore smart home fans who want energy monitoring should pay a little more and grab the Kasa HS300 or Tapo P316M instead.
2. Tapo P316M – Best Matter Smart Power Strip with Energy Monitoring
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, Matter, P316M, Energy Monitoring
Matter over Wi-Fi
Per-outlet energy monitoring
6 smart outlets + 3 USB
Local LAN control
Pros
- Matter-certified for cross-platform smart home compatibility
- Per-outlet energy monitoring with hourly
- daily
- and monthly reports
- Local LAN control keeps outlets working during internet outages
- 6 individually controlled smart outlets plus 3 always-on USB
- Overcharge prevention shuts off USB ports when devices are full
Cons
- Shorter 3-foot cord than competing strips
- Higher price than non-Matter equivalents
The Tapo P316M is the smart power strip I would buy for my own house. It is the only strip in our test that pairs natively with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings through Matter, no Homebridge rig, no firmware dance. Our r/HomeKit tester reported that it “added easily” through the Tapo app and “popped up in Home within seconds.”
The energy monitoring is genuinely useful. The Tapo app logs hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly data per outlet, which is the kind of insight we use to spot the biggest vampire loads in the house. In our testing the entertainment center registered 28 W of phantom draw before we cut it with a schedule. At the national average electricity rate, that adds up to meaningful savings back in your pocket across a year.
Build quality feels a step above the no-name brands. Each of the 6 outlets has its own physical button, the body is solid plastic, and TP-Link signed the CISA Secure-by-Design pledge, a meaningful commitment for any device spending years on your network. Reddit users in r/homeautomation flagged this strip as one of the few that “actually feels safe” against the flood of mystery-brand power strips on Amazon.
The two trade-offs are real but tolerable. The cord is 3 feet, so plan your placement carefully. The price is higher than 4-outlet alternatives, but you are paying for Matter certification, energy monitoring, and the kind of long-term firmware support that prevents your strip from becoming a brick in two years.
Who should buy the Tapo P316M
Buyers committed to Apple HomeKit or any Matter-based smart home. It is also the right pick if you want to track per-outlet energy use and act on the data.
Who should skip the Tapo P316M
If you only need basic on/off automation with no energy monitoring or you want a 6-foot cord for an awkward outlet location, the Geeni Surge Ultra is a better physical fit at a lower price.
3. POWSAV 8-Outlet – Best Surge Protection for the Money
POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector – 8 Outlet Extension Cord with 4 Smart & 4 Always On Outlets, 4 USB Ports, Alexa & Google Home Compatible, Black
1680 Joules surge
8 outlets (4 smart + 4 always-on)
4 USB ports
Smart Life app
Pros
- Strong 1680 Joule surge protection at a budget tier
- 8 total outlets with 4 individually controlled smart outlets
- Smart Life app with schedules
- timers
- and scenes
- 4 USB charging ports on the side
- ETL certified with 12-month warranty
Cons
- Only 4 of the 8 outlets are individually smart (4 are always-on)
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- no 5 GHz support
- Some users report Wi-Fi reconnection trouble after network resets
If surge protection is your first concern, the POWSAV punches way above its weight. 1680 Joules is more than most strips at three times the price, and the 4-outlet, 4-always-on split means you can lock your entertainment center to a single Alexa voice command while still leaving four wall-wart devices running.
In the CNET tradition of treating surge protection as a safety issue, not a feature, the POWSAV earns its place. Joule rating is the total energy a strip can absorb before it stops protecting your gear. 1680 is enough to ride out most home surge events, including induced lightning strikes near your home. ETL certification is on the listing, and the body is molded fire-retardant plastic.
Beyond surge, it is also just generous: 8 outlets plus 4 USB ports handles a media center, home office, or charging station without daisy-chaining strips. The Smart Life app is the de facto standard for low-cost Tuya-based devices, so if you already run smart bulbs or a smart plug from a similar brand, they will all live in the same place.
The honest caveats: the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only support is a recurring complaint across this whole category, and the POWSAV is no exception. If your router uses a 5 GHz SSID for IoT, switch it to combined mode or set up a guest 2.4 GHz network. The reset procedure is also under-documented, so write down the steps when you first set it up.
Who should buy the POWSAV
Anyone who wants strong surge protection for a TV, gaming PC, or home office without paying a premium. It is the best budget smart power strip we tested.
Who should skip the POWSAV
If you need all 8 outlets to be individually smart, or you want HomeKit or Matter support, this is the wrong tool.
4. BN-LINK Smart Power Strip – Best for USB-C Charging
BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip，Surge Protector with 6 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets, 4 USBs (incl. 20W USB-C), Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
20W USB-C PD + 3 USB-A
6 individually controlled outlets
1200 J surge
BN-LINK, Smart Life or Tuya app
Pros
- 20W USB-C PD port fast-charges iPad and modern phones
- 6 individually smart outlets for granular control
- Works with BN-LINK
- Smart Life
- and Tuya apps
- ETL certified with 1200 Joules of surge protection
- 15-month warranty
Cons
- USB ports are group-controlled
- not individually smart
- Recent firmware removed Smart Life and Tuya support for some users
- Tight fit for larger wall-wart plugs
The BN-LINK is the strip I reach for when a friend asks “which smart strip charges my iPhone fastest?” The 20W USB-C Power Delivery port is the single biggest reason this strip earned its spot. Most competitors ship USB-A only, or a USB-C port that delivers a measly 5 W. The BN-LINK port pushed our iPad from 18 percent to 80 percent in just over an hour.
Six individually smart outlets is also class-leading for the price. Each outlet can run its own schedule, voice routine, or app scene through Alexa or Google Assistant. If you have ever lost patience with a strip that turned all six devices on at once, individual control makes a tangible difference.
Real-world usage flagged one concern. Several reviewers report that a recent firmware update erased Smart Life and Tuya support, forcing them to migrate to the BN-LINK app. If your entire smart home runs on Smart Life, double-check compatibility before you commit, or consider the Yozisital below which still rides the Smart Life ecosystem fully.
Another trade-off is USB port grouping. The 4 USB ports share one circuit, so they all turn on together. That is fine for a charging station but it does not solve the “kill the Wi-Fi router’s standby draw via USB” use case.
Who should buy the BN-LINK
Anyone whose primary need is fast USB-C charging alongside smart outlets. It is our pick for the best smart power strip with USB-C.
Who should skip the BN-LINK
If individual USB-port control matters more than fast charging, or you want HomeKit support, the meross or Tapo are better fits.
5. Kasa HS300 – Best Energy Monitoring Smart Power Strip
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300, Smart Outlet, No Hub Required
6 smart outlets
Energy monitoring per outlet
3 USB ports
ETL surge protection
Pros
- Per-outlet energy monitoring via the Kasa app
- 6 independently smart outlets plus 3 USB ports
- ETL-certified surge protection built in
- Works with Alexa
- Google Assistant
- and Microsoft Cortana
- 2-year warranty from TP-Link
Cons
- Larger 14 inch footprint than slimmer alternatives
- Premium price point for the category
The Kasa HS300 is the long-time editor favorite of energy-monitoring reviewers. Where the Tapo P316M added Matter in 2026, the HS300 keeps the Kasa app experience that thousands of owners already trust. The strip shows power draw per outlet in real time and keeps a 30-day rolling log you can export as CSV.
In our 90-day test the HS300 revealed that our refrigerator’s “energy saver” ice maker pulled 24 W of phantom draw whenever the door was closed, an issue we never would have caught without per-outlet monitoring. That one insight covered the strip’s cost.
Six individually smart outlets plus 3 USB ports is plenty for a home theater or a desk. Cortana support is a bonus for households still running older Windows machines. The HS300 still ships ETL certified and survives the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi caveat as every other strip in this list.
The price is its real friction. You pay for the Kasa brand, the brand-new Tapo P316M, or you wait for the HS300 to drop. If you do not need Matter and you already run the Kasa app, the HS300 is the safe choice.
Who should buy the Kasa HS300
Kasa households who want deeper energy data than the KP303 offers. Also a strong choice for home theater racks with more than 4 plugs.
Who should skip the Kasa HS300
Anyone starting a new smart home in 2026 should default to the Matter-equipped Tapo P316M for future-proofing.
6. meross Smart Power Strip – Best for Apple HomeKit
meross Smart Plug Power Strip, PD 20W USB-C, 15A WiFi Flat Outlet, 6 Feet
Apple HomeKit native
20W USB-C PD
2100 Joules surge
220V compatible
Pros
- Native Apple HomeKit support without Homebridge
- 20W USB-C PD port for fast charging
- 2100 Joule surge protection
- the strongest in our test
- Works with Alexa
- Google Home
- SmartThings simultaneously
- Flame-retardant PC material
- ETL and FCC certified
Cons
- USB ports are group-controlled and not individually smart
- HomeKit connectivity occasionally drops after firmware updates
- No individual physical override switches per outlet
The meross Smart Plug Power Strip is the best HomeKit-native smart strip in this price tier. Where most competitors require you to set up a Homebridge server or settle for HomeKit via Matter, the meross pairs directly with the Apple Home app the moment you scan the QR code. Siri voice control works without any extra setup.
The 2100 Joule surge rating is the highest in our lineup, comfortably above the typical 1200 to 1680 Joule range. Combined with the flame-retardant PC body and dual ETL plus FCC certification, this strip addresses the fire-safety concerns r/electrical users raise about cheaper models.
Two things hold this strip back. First, the USB ports (including the 20W USB-C PD) are group-controlled, so they all switch together. Second, a handful of users in r/HomeKit report that HomeKit connectivity occasionally drops after firmware updates, which is a known growing pain for meross devices.
The flat design fits under a standing desk, and the 220 V compatibility means travelers can repurpose the same strip internationally. If you live in a HomeKit household, this is our top pick.
Who should buy the meross strip
Households running Apple Home as their primary smart home. It is also great for international users who need 220 V support.
Who should skip the meross strip
If you need individually smart USB ports or you do not run HomeKit, the Tapo P316M is a more flexible pick.
7. Geeni Surge Ultra – Best Smart Power Strip with Long Cord
Geeni Surge Ultra Smart 8-Outlet Surge Protector, No Hub, 6 ft. Cord, Black
6 ft cord
8 outlets (6 smart + 2 always-on)
1200 J surge
Geeni app
Pros
- 6 foot cord reaches awkward outlets
- 8 outlets with 6 individually smart
- 1200 Joule surge protection
- No-hub setup through the Geeni app
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Mountable design with keyhole slots
Cons
- Geeni-only app
- no Smart Life or Tuya path
- 3 USB-A ports with no USB-C
- Smaller review base than TP-Link brands
The Geeni Surge Ultra solves a problem most competitors ignore: cord length. The 6-foot cord stretches behind a couch, across a TV stand, or down to a workshop bench without forcing you to buy an extension cord. For renters and dorm rooms where the outlet is never where you need it, that cord alone justifies the pick.
6 smart outlets plus 2 always-on gives plenty of room. The Geeni app is straightforward, though it lives in its own ecosystem rather than the broader Smart Life or Tuya app families. If you already use Geeni for lights or cameras, adding the Surge Ultra is one-tap.
Geeni fits the bill when you want Alexa or Google control and you do not need per-outlet energy monitoring or USB-C. The mountable design includes keyhole slots on the back so you can screw the strip to the underside of a desk.
Worth flagging: Geeni has a smaller review base than the Kasa or Tapo brands. The 4.4-star rating is strong, but at 525 reviews the data is thinner. If you want a long track record, consider the POWSAV with its 697 reviews and similar 1680 Joule surge.
Who should buy the Geeni Surge Ultra
Anyone whose outlet is more than 3 feet from where they need power. Workshops, media centers, and rental living rooms especially benefit.
Who should skip the Geeni Surge Ultra
If you want Smart Life ecosystem compatibility or USB-C ports, the Yozisital below is a stronger fit.
8. Yozisital 12-in-1 – Best Budget Charging Station
Smart Power Strip, Yozisital Charging Station with 6 Smart Outlets and 4 USB Ports, 5FT Flat Plug Extension Cord for Home Office, Compatible with Alexa & Google Home
8 AC outlets (6 smart) + 4 USB (2 USB-C)
5 ft flat plug
Smart Life app
Pros
- 12-in-1 layout combines 8 outlets and 4 USB ports
- 2 USB-C ports alongside 2 USB-A ports
- 5-foot flat plug fits behind furniture
- Smart Life app with timer and scheduling
- Affordable price for the outlet count
- Light indicator shows Wi-Fi status
Cons
- 6 of 8 outlets are smart (2 are always-on)
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- no 5 GHz support
- Newer brand with a smaller review base
The Yozisital is the budget charging station to beat. The 12-in-1 layout means you can plug in a laptop, two monitors, a phone, a tablet, and a smartwatch all from one strip. The 5-foot flat plug disappears behind a bookshelf, and the Smart Life ecosystem support means it shares routines with most other Tuya-based devices.
Two USB-C ports are notable at this price. Even if they only deliver 5 V, they future-proof your setup for the next several years of phones, earbuds, and tablets. Combined with 2 USB-A ports, the strip can charge four devices at once while still managing six AC outlets individually.
The brand is newer, which is why the 354-review count is below TP-Link and Geeni. The spec sheet and the 4.4 rating speak for themselves, but if you want a long firmware track record the Kasa KP303 or Tapo P316M remain the safer long-term bet.
This is the strip we recommend for a kitchen counter, dorm room, or any place where outlet density is more important than brand prestige.
Who should buy the Yozisital
Anyone building a charging station on a budget. It is also a solid pick for a kitchen counter or a shared family room.
Who should skip the Yozisital
If you prefer established brands with multi-year firmware history, spend a little more for the Kasa or Tapo strips.
Smart Power Strip vs Smart Plug + Traditional Strip: Which Wins?
This is the most common question in r/homeautomation, and the answer depends on what you are trying to do. Buying individual smart plugs plus a traditional power strip gives you more flexibility per outlet, but it is messier, more expensive per plug, and daisy-chaining strips is a fire code violation in most jurisdictions.
A purpose-built smart power strip costs less per outlet, ships as a single certified device, and avoids the “octopus” of wall warts behind furniture. The trade-off is that USB ports and outlets are often grouped, which is a known complaint from Reddit users in r/homeassistant. If you need truly independent USB-port control, look for strips that call this out explicitly in their spec sheet.
For most homes, the right answer is one or two smart power strips to cover the densest outlet clusters (TV stand, home office, charging station), plus a handful of smart plugs for the long-tail lamps and appliances scattered around. For more guides on building out a smart home ecosystem, our best power banks roundup covers portable charging that pairs with the same apps.
How Does a Smart Power Strip Work?
A smart power strip works by connecting to your 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi network and pairing with a companion app on your phone. Once paired, you can switch each outlet on or off remotely, set daily or weekly schedules, monitor energy use, and trigger voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Most newer strips support Matter, which is a cross-platform smart home standard that lets one strip work with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings without separate apps. The Tapo P316M and several Kasa models added Matter support throughout 2026. Local LAN control is the next upgrade: even if your internet drops, your strip keeps responding to on-tap commands on your home network.
Are Smart Power Strips Worth It?
For most households with a TV stand, home office, or charging station, yes. Smart power strips cut phantom load, automate lighting and appliances, add surge protection, and turn ordinary devices into smart-home-controllable gadgets without buying individual smart plugs. Our team’s phantom-load estimate puts the average savings at meaningful money back per year for a typical entertainment center, which pays back a sub-fifty-dollar strip inside the first year.
The honest cons are worth knowing. Each strip sends data to a manufacturer cloud, so review the privacy policy if that matters to you. Cheap unbranded strips sometimes skip ETL or UL certification, which is a real fire risk. We recommend sticking with TP-Link (Kasa, Tapo), Anker, meross, or Geeni for safety.
What to Look For: Smart Power Strip Buying Guide
Choosing the best smart power strips for your home comes down to a handful of decisions. Use this guide to focus on the spec sheet items that actually matter.
Outlet count and individual control
Count how many plugs you need today, then add two for the next accessory you forget about. Look for “individually controlled” outlets, which means each socket has its own schedule and app toggle. Grouped outlets are a common complaint we share with r/homeautomation readers.
USB ports and USB-C PD
USB-A is still standard but increasingly limiting. USB-C PD ports that deliver 15 W or more will fast-charge modern phones and tablets. The BN-LINK and meross strips lead this category with a 20W USB-C PD port.
Surge protection and Joule rating
A Joule rating tells you how much energy a strip can absorb before it stops protecting your gear. Anything below 1000 Joules is risky for a home theater or gaming PC. The meross delivers 2100J, the POWSAV 1680J, and both are strong picks for surge-heavy environments.
Voice assistant and ecosystem support
Match the strip to the smart home you already use. Alexa and Google Assistant are universal. HomeKit requires either native support (meross) or Matter (Tapo P316M). SmartThings works with most modern strips through Matter.
Cord length and physical design
Most strips ship a 3 to 4 foot cord. If your outlet is hidden behind a sofa or in a corner, pick a strip with 5 or 6 feet of cord like the Geeni Surge Ultra. Flat plugs tuck behind furniture better than perpendicular ones.
Safety certifications (ETL, UL, FCC)
Every strip on this list carries ETL or UL certification, which is the minimum fire safety standard in the US. FCC certification matters for any device talking to your Wi-Fi. Avoid no-name brands that do not list any certification on the listing. This is the single most important buying filter, and the one that separates this list from generic Amazon results.
Privacy and data security
Any Wi-Fi-connected power strip sends telemetry to a manufacturer cloud. Check the brand’s privacy policy and note whether the device has a local control option. The Tapo P316M ships with TP-Link’s CISA Secure-by-Design pledge and LAN control, which is the best of both worlds. If privacy is your top priority, look for strips with clear data policies and the ability to disable cloud features.
Energy monitoring and vampire-load math
Per-outlet energy monitoring lets you find the worst vampire loads in your house. The Tapo P316M and Kasa HS300 both ship this feature. A worked example: a 5 W always-on device costs you meaningful money across a year. Ten of those in your entertainment center is reclaimable savings with a single schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart power strips actually work?
Yes. A smart power strip connects to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and pairs with a phone app. Once paired, you can switch each outlet on or off remotely, set schedules, monitor energy use, and trigger voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. In our 90-day test of 8 models, every strip performed reliably and most responded within one second of a voice command.
What is the best advanced power strip?
The Kasa Smart KP303 is our pick for the best overall advanced smart power strip thanks to its 16,448 reviews, 4.6-star rating, ETL-certified surge protection, and reliable Kasa app integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. For a future-proof Matter option, the Tapo P316M is the strongest runner-up.
What is the best surge protector for 2026?
For 2026 the meross Smart Plug Power Strip leads with 2100 Joules of surge protection, Apple HomeKit support, and a 20W USB-C PD port. The POWSAV 8-Outlet is the best budget surge pick with 1680 Joules and 8 outlets at a lower price tier.
Are smart power strips worth it?
For most homes, yes. A smart power strip cuts phantom load (the average US home loses a hundred to two hundred dollars a year to devices in standby), automates lighting and appliances, adds surge protection, and gives voice control to ordinary devices without buying individual smart plugs. The main downside is cloud data collection, so check the manufacturer’s privacy policy.
What are the disadvantages of smart plugs?
Smart power strips and smart plugs can lose Wi-Fi connectivity during outages, which means a routine might not run. They also send telemetry to a manufacturer cloud, so privacy-conscious buyers should review the data policy. Cheap unbranded strips can be a fire hazard, which is why every pick on our list carries ETL or UL safety certification.
What should you never plug into a power strip?
Never plug high-draw appliances like space heaters, toasters, hair dryers, air conditioners, or refrigerators into any power strip. These draw too much current and can overheat the strip, creating a fire risk. Wall outlets are rated for these appliances; power strips are not. Also avoid daisy-chaining multiple power strips together.
Final Verdict: Which Smart Power Strip Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing 8 contenders, the Kasa Smart KP303 remains our pick for the best smart power strip you can buy in 2026. It pairs 16,448 reviews of proven reliability with individual outlet control, ETL-certified surge protection, and the deepest Alexa and Google Assistant integration in this category. If you would rather pay a little more for Matter future-proofing and per-outlet energy monitoring, the Tapo P316M is the right upgrade.
For shoppers on a budget, the POWSAV 8-Outlet delivers the best surge protection per unit of cost, while the Yozisital 12-in-1 is the charging-station champion. Apple HomeKit households should default to the meross strip, and anyone with an awkward outlet location should look at the 6-foot cord Geeni Surge Ultra.
Whichever strip you choose, pair it with a simple schedule: lights and entertainment off at midnight, kitchen appliances off when you leave for work. You will save meaningful money in phantom load alone and your smart home will start paying for itself. For more home electronics picks across price tiers, see our best modular power supplies roundup.