Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee: 5 Mini Smart Plugs Compared

Summary:  In this article, I review the five best indoor mini smart plugs you can buy today, including picks from Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee.

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Plugging Away

It makes me happy to say that there is no shortage of smart home technology to write about this year.

Most days, I feel like a kid in a candy store when it comes to deciding what to buy and write about next.

Today, it’s mini smart plugs. Specifically, I am going to review the most critically acclaimed and highly rated indoor mini smart plugs that you can pick up over at Amazon. And you know what? Here they are starting with my favorite first:

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Review Criteria

The criteria that I  used to determine which plugs made the cut for this review was as follows:

• They must be mini [more on this below].
• They must be super reliable I have tested several that are NOT.
• No additional hub is required.
• They must be compatible with Alexa and/or another smart speaker, i.e., Google/ Apple / Cortana.
• They must, at minimum let you power them on and off using your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
• They must be available at Amazon, highly rated, and eligible for Amazon Prime.

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Features Comparison: Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee

Use the arrows at the bottom of the table to scroll through all of the features. On mobile, you may need to swipe on the table to display the whole thing or view it on your phone in landscape mode.

Table could not be displayed.

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Let’s Get Excited About Smart Plugs

Well, what do you think so far? Sound like the making of an exciting post?

It sure does to me!

Tell you what, if you stick with me until the end, I will make you a promise. This will be the most interesting post about plugs you will have ever read—in your entire life.

I’ll delve into some of the pros and cons about each plug soon.

But first….an Epic price comparison table!

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Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee: Price Comparison

Here’s a price comparison table that shows the major features and pricing at a glance. I’ll provide a more detailed technical side-by-side comparison later in this post.

Note: Prices were last updated as of the date at the bottom of the table. Click the ‘See It’ button to get live pricing at Amazon.

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Why A ‘Mini’ Smart Plug?

A mini smart plug is a smart plug that is, well, mini.  It’s like a “Mini-Me” version of a larger plug.

Oh, behave!

If you follow my blog, you might have known that was coming. Sorry.

But seriously, a mini plug is smaller than more traditional smart plugs that may or may not have more features built-in. Typically, the larger housing allows for more features like monitoring, integration with security systems, and more.

So why is ‘mini’ a good thing when it comes to plugs?  What’s the benefit?

Generally speaking, you can stack them one atop the other on an outlet. There’s also a good chance you can fit them in your power strips/surge protectors as well. The non-mini versions often cause problems when trying to stack them or get them to fit side-by-side in a power strip.

And they just look nicer aesthetically when stuck into an outlet on your wall.

Groovy, baby.

Next, I’ll go into more detail about each of my five picks along with a few pros and cons of each plug.

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1 Kasa Smart Plug Mini

Groovy-ness

The Kasa Smart Plug Mini from the TP-Link brand also lets you control your devices from anywhere using your iOS or Android-compatible smartphone.  It works with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control over your electronic devices.  It does not work with Apple Homekit, BUT it is the only product on my list that is compatible with Microsoft Cortana.

If you have bought into the Microsoft ecosystem, this is the plug for you. As an added bonus, support for “scenes,” allows you to control multiple devices with a single button or activity. Check out this nice unboxing video from Gauging Gadgets:

The Kasa Smart Plug mini also has an away mode that will turn lights on and off at random intervals to make it look like you are home. Plus, a “countdown” feature lets you set a timer that switches off the outlet automatically so you can set and forget any connected device [like an iron]. I would have rated this even higher if support was included for IFTTT.

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
• Only plug tested that works with Microsoft Cortana

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• No Apple HomeKit support.
• No support for IFTTT.

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2 WEMO Mini Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

This is a super reliable smart plug that is very easy to set up and use.  It supports If This Then That [IFTTT]  technology and it works with Alexa.  It also works with Google Assistant and Apple Homekit, making it the most smart-speaker compatible smart plug on our list. An “Away Mode” lets you randomize lights so you can have them automatically turn on and off randomly to make it look like you are home when you’re not.

Thanks to Jared from StateofTech for this thoughtful video review. I agree with you, Jared. I love this plug too.

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Compatible with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit.
• Works with IFTTT.
• Doesn’t require a hub.
• Away mode makes it look like you’re home when you’re not.

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• No energy monitoring capabilities

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3 Meross Mini Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

This is one of the best “four-for” deals you can get on quality smart plugs that give you voice control for both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Meross brilliantly markets and sells these in a convenient four-pack that is priced super affordable.  I have one of these hooked up to my ice maker. It automatically turns off at night and each morning I get to say “Alexa, make us some ice!”

While there is no support for Apple HomeKit or IFTTT, these plugs were proven super reliable in my tests. These plugs seem to stay connected when other smart devices don’t. Judging from the reviews, Amazon customers seem to agree as well.

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Super reliable.
• Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control.
• Also compatible with Google Assistant, IFFT, and Smartthings.
• Very affordable price for four-pack.

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• Doesn’t work with Apple Homekit.
• Does not work with Logitech Harmony hubs.
• No away mode.

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4 Amazon Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

Where this plug shines is in its integration with Alexa. The plug is super easy to set up using a setup step-by-step wizard.  If you have bought into the Amazon Echo smart home system, then this may be the best option for you.

I use an Amazon Smartplug to control a small glass lighthouse lamp that I have on my kitchen window sill. It works flawlessly and goes on automatically every night when the sun goes down via an Alexa routine.

In the following video, Smarter Home Life shows how easy it is to set up using the Alexa app. [Thanks Joe.]

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Setup is simple and will be familiar to Alexa users.
• Integrates with Fire TV.
• Product consistency for Amazon Smarthome ecosystem.
• Energy monitoring via the Alexa dashboard.

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• Only works with Alexa, not Google Assistant (shocker I know).
• Does not work with IFTTT at this time.

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5 Govee Mini Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

Another solid choice and probably the most stylish choice are these cute round Govee mini plugs. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, the Govee is the highest value item on my list with its affordable four and six-pack offerings. I like that the six-pack has a mix of round and rectangular plugs.

You can also use the app to set timers for lights and appliances.

The Govee app is easy to use and lets you control your electrical items using your smartphone.  Thanks to this helpful video from Tech and Design that walked me through the app setup process.

Customers rave about Govee’s customer service, and the company also has a two-year warranty. The biggest benefit of this plug over the others is the ability to track power consumption. None of the other mini plugs on our list have this capability.

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Ability to track power consumption in an affordable plug
• Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
• Intuitive SmartLife App

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• Does not support Apple Homekit
• Users struggle with manufacturer’s instructions [see video here for fix]

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Benefits of Smart Plugs

In case you were still wondering, here are some of the major benefits of smart plugs:

You can control the lights without smart bulbs.

You can remotely control any connected device using your smartphone from anywhere. Leave the iron on?  Not a problem.

Want to start the coffee in the morning from the comfort of your warm bed? Think smart plug.

Sick of bending over and getting a face full of pine needles every time you want to light up your Christmas tree? Helloooo..holiday smart plug!

I have one connected to my fish tank light. When I want to light it up. I just say, “Alexa, give the fish some light,” and wallah! Fishy smart plug!

As you may have noted above, some plugs also allow you to track energy usage so you can adjust accordingly and save on your electric bill.

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A Word About IFTTT

Wikipedia describes If This Then That, also known as IFTTT (/ɪft/),  as a free web-based service to create chains of simple conditional statements, called applets.

To date, it has largely been used to automate social media activities. For example, you could use IFTTT to post what you would publish on one network to several of them at once. You can also use it to track network activity.  For example, if someone sends a tweet on Twitter that contains a certain hashtag, you can have an IFTTT applet send you an email or even a text.

In the world of home automation, things get even more interesting. You can create IFTTT applets to turn on lamps, coffee makers, fans, and other electronics in response to certain events.

For example, you could use IFTTT to turn on a smart light in the driveway and living room when you get near home. Similarly, you could have an applet that turns off the lights, lowers your smart blinds, starts a video camera feed, and locks a smart lock on your door when you leave for work. You could also use it to set heating and cooling temperature controls if conditions outside meet certain thresholds.

You could even IFTTT, Wemo Mini can even flash the lights when your favorite team scores a goal.

Pretty cool, right?

For more information, check out IFTTT.com.

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Caveat Emptor [Buyer Beware]

I have tested some incredibly bad smart plugs. We’re talking garbage that would make Oscar the Grouch cringe.

Mostly the issues are around consistency when it comes to voice control with Alexa. They tend to lose their link with Alexa when the wifi goes down. Then you have to manually reinstate the connection between the Alexa app and the plug’s app. Painful.

Oh, and I’m 100% convinced that this “Conico” smart plug was the reason behind an entire set of Christmas lights getting fried on my tree this past holiday.  Stay away!

I hate to throw any brand under the bus, but this smart plug was just bad.

So resist the temptation to save $5, $10, or even $15 on a plug.  It just isn’t worth the aggravation.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Any of the five plugs I listed above are a good choice.

In the unlikely event of any issues, all of the manufacturers should replace the plugs or issue you a refund with no questions asked.

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Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee: Still Excited??

So what do you think of my picks for the best indoor mini smart plugs?  Are you as fired up as me about using these products in your smart home?

Out of Kasa vs Wemo vs Meross vs Amazon vs Govee, who do you think wins the battle for best Mini-Me?

What do you plan to automate using one or more smart plugs?  Do you plan to use Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit for voice control with your smart plug?  Have you had any experience with IFTTT?

You see. Wasn’t this the most exciting post about plugs you have ever seen?  😉

Please leave a comment below and let me know.  I would really like to hear from you.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.