I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Smart Plug For Google Home (2023)

I recently purchased the TP-Link Smart Plugs, and I must say, they have exceeded my expectations. After encountering difficulties with other brands in the past, I was skeptical about buying smart plugs online again. However, the positive reviews convinced me to give these a try, and I'm glad I did.

The setup process was a breeze and took only a few minutes. I downloaded the "Kasa" app, tapped the "+" button to add a new smart plug, and followed the step-by-step instructions. Finding the correct model and connecting the plug to my devices was straightforward. Additionally, integrating the smart plugs with my Google Home app was seamless and effortless.

One aspect that I found particularly useful was the ability to customize the icons and names of the smart plugs. By taking pictures of the devices they control and assigning unique names, like "Kirk," "Eddie," and "Olive," I could easily control specific lamps using voice commands. It eliminated any confusion when issuing commands to Google Assistant, especially when multiple devices were present in one room.

In terms of functionality, the TP-Link Smart Plugs performed exceptionally well. I primarily used them for my air conditioner and a lamp in my living room. The convenience of being able to turn on the air conditioner remotely using the Kasa app was a game-changer, especially during hot summer days. Additionally, scheduling the air conditioner to turn on before I arrived home and turning it off at bedtime was a fantastic feature that enhanced energy efficiency.

Addressing some negative reviews, I believe that some users may have faced difficulties due to a lack of understanding or technical proficiency. The app provides clear instructions, and the setup process is straightforward. If individuals encounter any challenges, seeking assistance from someone more tech-savvy can easily resolve them.

Furthermore, some users expressed concerns about having to create an account to log into the app. However, this security measure is in place to protect users' homes from unauthorized access. It ensures that only authorized users can control the smart plugs, preventing any potential breaches.

I have had a great experience with this product and its accompanying app. As someone who has multiple smart devices in my home, I appreciate the convenience of being able to control them all through one app. What sets this product apart is its ability to not only work with its own brand of smart plugs but also with other brands of smart light bulbs and plugs that have proven to be difficult to set up with their own proprietary apps.

One challenge I faced was setting up these devices with my AT&T fiber internet service, as it does not allow me to alter the SSID of the 2.5 Ghz network. However, this app, called "Gosund," was able to detect and connect to the 2.5 Ghz network that broadcasts on the same SSID as the 5 Ghz network. If you have a similar home network setup, it is important to note that the initial device search may not find the plug right away. In this case, waiting for the search to time out and following the additional setup process provided by the app will successfully connect the plug in under 5 minutes.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that this app was able to connect even my older smart light bulbs that were not compatible with their own proprietary apps. I had bulbs that were about 5 years old and had trouble connecting them to my network, but this app successfully brought them back into service. Additionally, I had some bulbs that would constantly fall off the network when set up through their proprietary app. However, once I set them up through the Gosund app, they worked flawlessly.

Another great feature of this app is its ability to detect Bluetooth-enabled smart devices. Unlike other apps, it also allows you to turn off advertising within the app, which is a nice touch.

These plugs integrate seamlessly with Alexa, allowing for easy voice control. Setting them up in the Gosund app and then linking them to the Alexa app on my phone was a breeze. With Alexa, I was able to give each plug a name, create groups of plugs or devices for specific rooms, and utilize Alexa's skills. The plugs themselves have a power button on the side for manual control, but Alexa can still control them even after they have been manually switched.

In terms of design, the only slight drawback is the round shape of the plugs, which may prevent larger plugs from fitting into the other outlet hole. However, I have been able to use a power strip alongside these plugs without any issues.

I recently purchased the previous version of these smart plugs that were compatible with the SmartLife app. And when it was time to reorder, I specifically looked for plugs that would continue to work with the same app since my entire home is connected to it. I was relieved to find that these plugs were compatible and I didn't have to download yet another app.

One feature that I really appreciate about these plugs is their ability to track the actual expenses for my electrical vehicle (EV) charging. The Tesla app only records how much kW is applied to the battery, but not the amount that is actually used. This plug takes into account the conversion from AC to DC and estimates the loss in wattage accurately. This helps me know exactly what my cost is for home charging. It's worth noting that Level 2 charging has a better efficiency, closer to 92%, if you have access to a 250v plug.

Despite initially receiving a defective set, I must say that these switches are great. They work flawlessly with Google Assistant, making it easy to turn things on and off. The countdown timer is also very convenient, especially if you're worried about overcharging your devices. I really appreciate the company's commitment to customer service and their willingness to go above and beyond.

As someone who is new to the HBN Heavy Duty Smart Plug, I must say that I'm amazed at the new technology available these days. Setting up this WiFi plug was a breeze for me. After installing the app on my cell phone, everything I needed to start using the plug was simple to follow. I have two lamps and a radio connected to it, and I can control them separately through the app. This feature is especially useful for me when I want to turn on the lamps when no one is home at night, making it look like someone is home. Just keep in mind that this plug requires a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection to work. Overall, this plug helps me keep my home safe and gives me peace of mind.

Lastly, I used this smart plug to control the LED lights in my garage without the need for hardwiring. Instead of constantly plugging and unplugging them, I kept the lights plugged in and used this plug to control them via my phone. This setup has made it incredibly convenient for me to control the lights and saved me the hassle of dealing with wires.

I was not pleased with the requirement to download a third-party app, especially since the developers of the app were not English-speaking. However, setting up the smart plugs was relatively simple. I just plugged them into my outlets and connected the devices I wanted to control with the "Hey Alexa" command. I downloaded the app to control and integrate the smart plugs with the Alexa app.

I initially bought these smart plugs to make my house smarter, and I found them to be a great solution. I had installed ceiling-mounted rope lights and needed a way to turn them on and off. Instead of buying a remote-operated switch with yet another remote control to keep track of, I decided to try these smart plugs. It's incredibly easy now to simply say, "Alexa, lanai lights on," and watch them turn on instantly. The same goes for turning them off. I have since purchased more smart plugs and spread them around the house. They offer good value for the price.

The setup process for these plugs was incredibly easy and straightforward. After downloading the app, I simply plugged in the plugs and followed the discovery steps. Within minutes, I had full control over the sockets.

I have multiple extensions with numerous devices plugged into them, so I placed these plugs into the wall socket and then plugged in the extensions. This allows me to conveniently switch off the entire extension of devices if I forget to do so while I'm away.

In addition to being easy to set up, these plugs also work great with Amazon Alexa voice control. I was able to easily add them to my Alexa device and control my evening lighting. I even set up a schedule for them to turn on 15 minutes before sunset and off after I go to bed.

I also installed these plugs to control outside accent lights in my backyard and lights in my basement. The installation process was straightforward and fairly easy. The integration with Alexa is fantastic as I can now control all of these lights through voice commands to Alexa and even set them to a desired schedule.

I did encounter some difficulty initially due to my internet's limited options for turning on/off the 2.4/5 GHz wifi signal. However, once I connected the plugs to the 2.4 GHz option, they worked flawlessly. The price of these plugs is also great compared to others available online. Just make sure to use your 2.4 GHz wifi and you won't have any issues. I would definitely recommend them to my friends.

One specific use case I had for these plugs was in our small downstairs bathroom. The air freshener we had was too strong even on its lowest setting. So, I got a smart plug and it only took me about 10 minutes to set it up and start using it. I integrated it with our Google Home and set it up to only be on for 10 minutes when activated. It works perfectly, and now I have 3 more plugs to figure out what to do with them. It's such a great deal and incredibly easy to set up.

I recently purchased the TP-Link light switch as an expansion to my existing smart home system, which already consists of several WeMo switches. The installation process was seamless and identical to the Belkin WeMo equivalent. The switch requires a common line in addition to the two wires that connect directly to the switch, and the ground wire is optional but recommended if available.

Setting up the switch with my WiFi was a breeze, thanks to the TP-Link Kasa app. It easily detected my wireless network without any issues. The app allows for the creation of schedules and timers, and it also offers the option to create scenes for dimming the lights. Although my LED bulbs are not dimmable, I appreciate the feature and look forward to using it when I upgrade my bulbs in the future. This is a feature that is not available on the WeMo app.

There are a few minor differences between the WeMo and TP-Link switches. For example, with the WeMo switch, the on and off times can be set up as one rule, whereas with the TP-Link switch, it requires two separate rules. One thing I do prefer about the WeMo is the ability to set events based on sunrise and sunset. It would be great if TP-Link could incorporate this feature into their app, as it would enhance the functionality of the switch.

On the other hand, upgrading the firmware is much easier on the TP-Link switch compared to the WeMo. The TP-Link app has a dedicated section for firmware updates, allowing users to manually trigger the upgrade if needed. This is a more convenient and straightforward process compared to the hit or miss affair with the WeMo app.

The integration with Alexa is seamless, and I had it up and running in under a minute. Now, I can control the light switch using my voice through Alexa or through my iPhone.

The only letdown for me was the lack of color options. The switch is only available in white, which stands out against my existing beige switches. It would be great if TP-Link offered the switch in different colors to match various decors. However, it's worth noting that the WeMo switch is also only available in white, so this limitation is not exclusive to TP-Link.

Unboxing:

Upon receiving my 3-Pack of smart plugs, I was pleased to find them neatly packaged together in a white box. The compact size of each plug, measuring approximately 3in x 1.5in x 1in, allows for easy placement in any room. Each plug features a button on the front side for convenient on/off control.

Setup:

The rectangular shape of these smart plugs allows for efficient use of space. I was able to fit two of them on a one gang outlet, although it's worth noting that a two gang outlet may render two plugs unusable. Following the provided instructions, the setup process was straightforward and took me only 5 minutes to complete. It's important to ensure that you are connected to Wi-Fi and that you set up one device at a time to avoid confusion. Additionally, if you have a VPN enabled on your phone, it's necessary to disable it to prevent any setup failures.

Performance:

I have been using these smart plugs for three months now, and they have surpassed my expectations in terms of performance. Unlike previous smart plugs I've tried, such as the Belkin's Wemo Insight Smart Plug, these plugs have successfully connected to my Wi-Fi network and remained connected without any issues. One standout feature is the ability to track energy usage. The plugs provide monthly and daily energy consumption data, which I find particularly useful for monitoring my LED lamps' power usage.

Another noteworthy feature is the capability to share the smart devices with other household members. By simply sharing their phone numbers and creating an account, other members can access the smart light features on their own phones. This feature enhances the convenience and accessibility of the smart plugs within the household.

Furthermore, these smart plugs seamlessly integrate with Google Home and Alexa. As a user of Google Home Minis, I found it effortless to designate each smart plug to a specific room using the Google Home App. From there, I can easily control the lights by simply speaking to Google.

The TP-Link smart plugs are a great addition to any smart home setup. With fast delivery and a perfect product, these plugs are a winner. One of the standout features of these plugs is their compatibility with Apple home, allowing users to assign appropriate icons for fans, outlets, or lights in the Home App. They also seamlessly integrate with Apple Scenes and Automation Shortcuts, enhancing the overall smart home experience.

In terms of size, price, and ease of setup, these plugs are top-notch. They come in a 4-pack at an unbelievable price, making them a great value for money. The compact size of the plugs allows for easy placement, with the ability to fit two plugs into a single outlet without protruding too much. The manual on/off button on the side is conveniently located and easy to use.

From a safety perspective, these plugs are a reliable choice. As they are from a reputable manufacturer and UL listed, users can have peace of mind knowing that they are using a high-quality product. Unlike many cheap overseas models, these plugs meet the necessary safety standards.

Setting up the plugs is a breeze, thanks to the Tapo app. Users can simply download the app, sign in with their existing Kasa ID (if they have one), and follow the easy instructions to connect the plugs to their WiFi network. The entire setup process takes no more than a few minutes, making it incredibly user-friendly.

While these plugs lack power monitoring, a feature found in some older models, their compact size and affordable price make up for it. For those who don't require power monitoring on a regular basis, these plugs are a great choice.

The setup process for this smart plug was easy and convenient. It can be done by downloading the app from the app store or scanning the code on the box. Renaming each plug and setting up a schedule was a straightforward process.

One drawback is that it does not work well with Alexa. If you are looking to use voice commands to control your devices, this plug may not be the best option. It also may not be suitable for plugging in larger devices such as a coffee maker or air freshener, as two plugs cannot fit in the same outlet.

On the positive side, this smart plug is compatible with Google Home. It is very convenient to use with a Google Home Mini, allowing you to control your lights without having to get up.

In terms of durability, there was an issue with one of the plugs' plastic casing separating, but it was easily clicked back into place. It is not the most durable option, especially in crowded areas where it may be prone to damage. However, for basic power needs like lamps and TVs, it should suffice.

Setting up the plug and connecting it to Google Home was relatively easy. The QR code provided worked fine, and logging into the app was simple. It would be more convenient if a pin could be used instead of a password for the account. The plug can still be controlled through the Google Home app even after deleting the product app.

Fire safety is a significant concern, but this plug has not shown any signs of overheating. It has not been tested with high-power devices like fridges or space heaters, so it is recommended to use it within its power limits.

Another positive aspect is that the plug does not block the second outlet on a standard outlet, allowing for other devices to be plugged in simultaneously.

In terms of pricing, this smart plug falls in the mid-range for price per plug compared to similar products. It has better reviews than similarly priced options.

I am absolutely thrilled with these smart plugs. They have revolutionized the way I manage my electronic devices, especially those used by my children. With these plugs, I no longer have to worry about devices overheating because I can easily program them to turn off at specific times. This feature has been a game-changer for me.

One of the standout features of these plugs is the ability to monitor the energy consumption of each electronic device. It provides valuable information about how much energy is being used and allows me to make informed decisions about my electricity usage. Additionally, the plugs provide a monthly breakdown of electrical quantity, which is incredibly useful for budgeting purposes.

Setting up and controlling these plugs through my cellphone is a breeze. The user-friendly interface makes programming them a simple task. I also appreciate the fact that they are designed with safety in mind, especially for households with children. The sleek and stylish design is an added bonus.

Another fantastic aspect of these plugs is their compatibility with Alexa. I can effortlessly control them using voice commands, which adds a level of convenience to my daily routine. The pack includes four plugs, and I have been using them for over a month now. The quality of these plugs is exceptional, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of smart home solutions.

It's important to note that during the initial setup, these plugs need to be synced with your WiFi in close proximity to your Gateway. However, once they have been initialized, you can move them anywhere in your home, and they will automatically reconnect to the WiFi as long as the signal is strong enough. This flexibility is incredibly convenient.

Once all the plugs are set up and strategically placed throughout your home, you can create "zones" that enable you to control multiple lights with a single button. For example, you can group the plugs for the lamps in your den and easily turn them all on or off simultaneously. Additionally, you can schedule these zones to activate at specific times, adding a level of automation to your home.

If you have Amazon Alexa devices, these plugs can be integrated with them, allowing you to control your lights simply by asking Alexa. This seamless integration enhances the overall smart home experience.

The accompanying app also enables remote control of your lights. This means that even when you're away from home, you can turn your lights on to create the illusion of someone being there. This feature adds an extra layer of home security.