Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim KP125M, 4-Pack | Best overall | Matter control with energy tracking in the Kasa app |
| meross Matter Smart Plug MSS315, 4-Pack | Best value multipack | Four Matter plugs and app-based energy monitoring |
| Eve Energy Matter, 2-Pack | Best premium Thread option | Matter over Thread, energy metering, and local-first privacy |
Top recommendations
Best for: Best overall for app-based energy tracking
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (KP125M, 4-Pack)
The KP125M combines Matter compatibility with real-time and historical energy monitoring in Kasa’s own app, in a slim form that helps keep the neighboring outlet accessible. Engadget’s 2026 hands-on review found Matter setup broadly straightforward and the connection reliable in its test, though its HomeKit setup needed extra troubleshooting. Treat the energy meter as a Kasa-app feature unless your chosen Matter platform explicitly confirms that it can display the readings.
- Matter support works with major smart-home platforms
- Kasa app offers real-time and historical power-use information
- Slim design and four-pack format suit multi-room installs
- Energy readings may not show up in every third-party Matter dashboard
- Some HomeKit setups may take extra troubleshooting
Best for: Best value multipack
meross Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (MSS315, 4-Pack)
This four-plug set adds Matter control and energy tracking through the Meross app, making it a practical way to outfit several lamps or low-draw devices at once. An independent Matter compatibility check lists the MSS315 among plugs that can report energy data with the tested firmware, but reporting still depends on firmware and whether the selected smart-home platform exposes those readings. Amazon buyers also report mixed connection experiences, so check your Wi-Fi coverage and return window during setup.
- Four plugs in one pack can be economical for several rooms
- Energy tracking is available in the Meross app
- Matter support enables control across supported smart-home platforms
- Third-party energy reporting depends on firmware and platform support
- Some buyers report connection or pairing problems
Best for: Best premium Thread and privacy pick
Eve Energy (Matter) 2-Pack - Smart Plug & Power Meter
Eve Energy is a strong fit for a Thread-enabled smart home where local operation and privacy matter as much as metering. The US two-pack supports Matter and Thread, and Eve says it does not require an Eve cloud account; however, a compatible hub is needed for your chosen platform, and the upfront cost per outlet is higher than the Wi-Fi multipacks. Check that your hub and app expose energy readings before choosing it specifically for cross-platform monitoring.
- Matter over Thread can strengthen a Thread smart-home mesh
- Energy meter can track connected devices’ consumption
- No Eve cloud account or registration is required
- Requires a compatible Matter hub and Thread border router for the chosen setup
- Premium two-pack costs more per outlet than budget Wi-Fi options
How to choose
- Confirm where energy data appears. A plug may measure power but show detailed readings only in its maker’s app. Matter energy monitoring also depends on compatible plug firmware, controller software, and the app’s interface; see this Matter energy-reporting compatibility overview before relying on a specific setup.
- Match the plug to your smart-home ecosystem. Matter helps with cross-platform control, but setup steps and remote access can still depend on an Apple, Google, Amazon, or SmartThings hub. Thread models need a compatible Thread border router; Wi-Fi models typically need a stable 2.4 GHz network.
- Check the load and the appliance instructions. Stay within the plug’s rated electrical limits, and avoid using a smart plug for safety-critical equipment or any appliance the manufacturer says must not be switched remotely.
- Measure the outlet space before buying a multipack. A compact plug is less likely to cover the neighboring socket, while a two- or four-pack can lower the cost per outlet if you need several.
- Treat energy monitoring as information, not automatic savings. A plug can help identify usage or schedule devices, but it does not lower consumption by itself; CNET’s guide makes the same distinction.
After pairing, check the energy screen in the exact app you plan to use, then compare a known running appliance’s reading over several minutes. Keep the manufacturer app installed if it is the only place that shows detailed history.
Related guides: subscription-free video doorbells, indoor air-quality monitors, digital photo frames for grandparents.
FAQ
Will a Matter smart plug show energy use in Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa?
Not always. Some plugs measure energy but show the readings only in the brand’s app; visibility in a Matter platform depends on the plug’s firmware, the hub or controller, and the app’s support for energy data. Verify your exact model and software before buying for cross-platform energy dashboards.
Do Matter smart plugs need a hub?
It depends on the plug and ecosystem. Wi-Fi Matter plugs connect to your 2.4 GHz network, but compatible smart-home hubs may be needed for setup or remote control in some platforms. Thread plugs need a compatible Thread border router as well.
Can an energy-monitoring smart plug lower my electricity bill?
It can help you spot high-use devices and schedule compatible appliances, but metering alone does not save energy. Savings depend on what you change after seeing the data.
What should I plug into an energy-monitoring smart plug?
Common uses include lamps, fans, and other plug-in devices that are within the plug’s rated load and safe to switch remotely. Check both the smart plug rating and appliance instructions, and do not use one for equipment that must stay powered or requires continuous supervision.