Summary:  In this article, I review the five best indoor mini smart plugs you can buy in 2019, including picks from Kasa vs Wemo vs Teckin vs Aukey vs Amazon.

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Plugging Away

It makes me happy to say that there is no shortage of smart home technology to write about in 2019.

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

Today, it’s mini smart plugs. Specifically, we are going to review the most critically acclaimed and highly rated indoor mini smart plugs on 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 [we have tested several that are NOT].
• No additional hub is required.
• They must be compatible with Alexa and/or another smart speaker [Google/ Apple / Cortana].
• They must, at minimum let you power them on and off using your iOS or Android phone.
• They must be available on Amazon, highly rated, and eligible for Amazon Prime.

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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 us to 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.

We’ll delve into the details about each plug soon.

But first….a table!

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Price Comparison Table

Here’s a price comparison table that shows the major criteria and pricing a glance.

Note: Prices were last updated as of the date at the bottom of the table. Click the SEE IT button to get live pricing on 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 our blog, you knew 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 strip/surge protector 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.

The 5 Best Indoor Mini Smart Plugs

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

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1 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.
• Away mode makes it look like you’re home when you’re not.

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• No energy monitoring capabilities

SEE IT ON AMAZON

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2 AUKEY WiFi Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

This is one of the best “two-for” deals you can get on quality smart plugs that give you voice control for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.  Aukey brilliantly markets and sells these in a convenient two-pack that is priced super affordable.  While there is no support for Apple HomeKit or IFTTT, these plugs were proven super reliable in our tests.  This is currently “Amazon’s Choice” for a smart plug two-pack. Judging from the reviews, Amazon customers seem to agree as well.

Pros [Turn-ons]:

• Works with Amazon Alexa
• Also compatible with Google Assistant
• Affordable price for two-pack

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• Doesn’t work with Apple Homekit or IFTTT
• Will not work with Logitech Harmony or Smartthings hubs
• No away mode

SEE IT ON AMAZON

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3 Amazon Smart Plug

Groovy-ness

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

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 FireT V users
• Product consistency for Amazon Smarthome ecosystem

Cons [Turn-offs]:

• Only works with Alexa
• Does not work with IFTTT
• Does not do energy monitoring

SEE IT ON AMAZON

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4 Teckin Mini Smart Socket

Groovy-ness

Another solid choice and probably the most stylish choice is the Teckin Mini Smart Socket. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, the Teckin is the highest value item on our list with its affordable two-pack offering. The Smart Life app lets you control your electrical items using your smartphone.  You can also use the app to set timers for lights and appliances.

Thanks to Beau Reviews for the helpful video that helps walk through the setup process:

Customers rave about Teckin’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]

SEE IT ON AMAZON

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5 TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini

Groovy-ness

The Kasa Smart Plug Mini from TP-Link 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 our 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]. We would have rated this much 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.

SEE IT ON AMAZON

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Features Comparison: Kasa vs Wemo vs Teckin vs Aukey vs Amazon

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.

You can use the Search field to filter the table to display only those rows that contain a specific keyword or words. For example, to display just the rows that include Alexa, type Alexa into the field.

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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 walah! Fishy smart plug!

As you may have noted above, some plugs also allow you 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!

We hate to throw any brand under the bus, but this smart plug is 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 we didn’t warn you!

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

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

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Kasa vs Wemo vs Teckin vs Aukey vs Amazon: Still Excited🔌?

So what do you think of our picks for the best indoor mini smart plugs of 2019?  Are you as fired up as we are about using these products in your smart home?

Out of Kasa vs Wemo vs Teckin vs Aukey vs Amazon, who do you think wins the battle for 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 us know.  I would really like to hear from you.

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About the Author

Tim Brennan, Technical Writer & Blogger

Tim Brennan [a.k.a. "Tec Timmy"] is a senior technical writer with over 20 years of experience writing for companies and organizations in and around Greater Boston, including GE and MIT. In addition to actively writing for this smart home blog, Tim is also a regular contributor over at UniversalRemoteReviews.com. Tim holds a BA in Journalism from Northeastern University. Brennan is a father to two sons, an active blogger, a Star Wars nut, and loves a good taco🌮. There is a strong chance he is developing a crush on Amazon Alexa. You can learn more about Tim here.