Buying Guide
The Best Power Strips Under $50, Compared
We looked at 4 power strips under $50 side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
7 min read4 products evaluated
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Under $50, smart power strips add genuine per-outlet energy monitoring and Matter smart home protocol support, features that let you see exactly how much power each connected device draws and control the strip across virtually any major smart home platform.
We compared this lineup on energy monitoring depth, smart home protocol support, and physical construction, since at this price the core smart-outlet functionality is a given, and these deeper features are what actually separate one advanced strip from another.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300
Buyers who want detailed per-outlet energy data and the widest voice assistant support
Our take Check price for Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 (opens in a new tab)
Best Matter Support
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, Matter, Energy Monitoring
Buyers who want the broadest smart home ecosystem compatibility through Matter
Our take Check price for Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, Matter, Energy Monitoring (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Smart
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets
Buyers who want basic hub-free smart control without paying for energy monitoring
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets (opens in a new tab)
Best Heavy-Duty Metal
CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches
Buyers who prioritize physical durability and instant switch control over smart features
Our take Check price for CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 4
Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This strip's energy monitoring feature lets you check exactly how much power each of its 6 independently controlled smart outlets consumes directly from the Kasa app, then turn off whichever device is using too much power, an actionable insight the simpler smart strips in lower price tiers don't offer.
Best for
- Buyers who want detailed per-outlet energy data and the widest voice assistant support
Why we like it
Its ETL-certified surge protection shields sensitive electronics from sudden power surges during storms.
4A each, and voice control works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana, giving it the broadest voice assistant compatibility in this comparison. You can control connected devices from anywhere, powering up your office remotely or even managing holiday lights while away from home.
Best for buyers who want per-outlet energy monitoring paired with the broadest voice assistant compatibility available.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 smart outlets with per-outlet energy monitoring
- ETL-certified surge protection, 3 USB ports (2.4A each)
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana compatible
Pros
- Per-outlet energy monitoring shows exactly what's drawing power
- Broadest voice assistant support including Cortana
- ETL certification documents independent surge protection testing
Cons
- Priciest pick in this comparison
- No Matter protocol support, unlike the Tapo pick below
Best Matter Support2 of 4
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, Matter, Energy Monitoring on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This strip is Matter-certified, meaning it works interchangeably across Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings regardless of brand, a more universal smart home standard than the Alexa-only or Alexa-plus-Google compatibility found on other picks.
Best for
- Buyers who want the broadest smart home ecosystem compatibility through Matter
Why we like it
Its 6 individually controlled smart outlets plus 3 always-on USB ports power up to 9 devices simultaneously, with per-outlet energy consumption tracking to help schedule devices off during inactive hours.
Its overcharge prevention automatically shuts off an outlet once a connected device is fully charged, extending battery life, and local control through your home network keeps the strip functional even during internet outages. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Secure-by-Design pledge, a documented security commitment.
Best for buyers who want the broadest smart home platform compatibility through Matter certification.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 smart outlets, Matter certified, energy monitoring
- 3 always-on USB ports (5V 2.4A)
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings
Pros
- Matter certification works across virtually any major smart home platform
- Local control keeps functioning during internet outages
- Overcharge prevention extends connected device battery life
Cons
- Shorter 3 ft cord than most other picks in this comparison
- Slightly less voice assistant breadth than Kasa's Cortana support
Best Value Smart3 of 4
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
99, this remains a capable hub-free smart strip in this comparison, with 6 individually controlled outlets and 3 USB ports connecting directly to WiFi and the Alexa app without needing a separate smart home hub.
Best for
- Buyers who want basic hub-free smart control without paying for energy monitoring
Why we like it
Its app-based scheduling automates on and off timing for daily routines without manual switching.
Compared to the Kasa and Tapo picks above, it lacks per-outlet energy monitoring and Matter certification, but its lower price and straightforward Alexa integration make it a reasonable choice if you don't need those deeper smart home features.
Best for buyers who want basic hub-free Alexa smart control without paying for energy monitoring or Matter support.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 individually controlled smart outlets, WiFi, Alexa only
- 3 USB ports (2 USB-A, 1 USB-C)
- No hub required, app scheduling
Pros
- Lowest price among the smart strips in this comparison
- No hub required, straightforward Alexa integration
- 6 outlets controllable independently or grouped together
Cons
- No per-outlet energy monitoring like the Kasa or Tapo picks
- No Matter certification, limited to Alexa ecosystem only
Best Heavy-Duty Metal4 of 4
CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5mm aluminum alloy housing remains impact-resistant and fireproof, purpose-built for garages, workshops, and industrial settings rather than home automation.
Best for
- Buyers who prioritize physical durability and instant switch control over smart features
Why we like it
Its 8 individual physical switches let you cut power to specific equipment instantly without any app or WiFi dependency.
77 inch outlet spacing accommodates bulky transformer bricks without blocking neighbors, and 1200 joule surge protection with a 15 amp circuit breaker provides robust electrical protection, all backed by a 10-foot ETL-listed cord with cable management fasteners.
Best for buyers who prioritize genuine metal construction and instant physical switch control over smart home features.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 outlets with individual switches, 1200J surge protection
- 1.5mm aluminum alloy housing, 1.77 in outlet spacing
- 10 ft ETL-listed cord, 15A circuit breaker
Pros
- Genuine aluminum alloy housing resists impact and fire
- Instant physical switches need no app or WiFi connection
- Lowest price in this comparison
Cons
- No smart home connectivity or energy monitoring
- No USB ports
How We Chose These Power Strips Under $50
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Compared which picks offer per-outlet energy consumption data versus no monitoring at all.
- Compared Matter certification against single-ecosystem or dual-ecosystem compatibility.
- Compared which voice assistants each smart pick supports beyond basic Alexa integration.
- Compared genuine metal housing against standard plastic construction for the heavy-duty pick.
- Checked whether each smart pick can be controlled locally during an internet outage.
What to Look for in a Power Strip Under $50
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Per-Outlet Energy Monitoring Provides Actionable Data a Simple On/Off Smart Strip Doesn't
Both the Kasa HS300 and Tapo Matter picks let you check exactly how much power each individual connected device draws directly through their respective apps, a different capability from the Amazon Basics pick, which offers smart on/off control but no consumption data at all. This matters if you're trying to identify which specific device is driving up your electricity bill, since total strip-level consumption alone doesn't tell you whether it's your monitor, a space heater, or a charger causing the increase. Check specifically for per-outlet, not just per-strip, energy monitoring if this level of detail matters to your use case.
Matter Certification Represents a More Future-Proof Smart Home Investment Than Single-Ecosystem Compatibility
The Tapo pick's Matter certification means it will work with virtually any major smart home platform, Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings, without needing to worry about brand-specific compatibility gaps, while the Kasa and Amazon Basics picks are compatible with specific named ecosystems that could change or require workarounds if your household's smart home setup shifts in the future. This matters more the longer you expect to keep the device in use and the more likely your smart home ecosystem might change or expand. Consider your long-term smart home plans, not just your current setup, when weighing Matter certification against narrower ecosystem-specific compatibility.
Local Control During Internet Outages Is a Meaningful Reliability Feature Not Every Smart Strip Offers
The Tapo pick specifically supports local control through your home network, meaning you can still manage its outlets even if your internet connection goes down, a genuine reliability advantage over a smart strip that depends entirely on cloud connectivity to function remotely. This matters if you're using the strip for something time-sensitive or safety-relevant, like a space heater or sump pump, where losing remote control during an outage could be a real inconvenience or risk. Check whether a listing specifically mentions local network control versus requiring constant internet access for every feature to function.
Broader Voice Assistant Support Matters Only if You Actually Use Multiple Voice Platforms
The Kasa HS300's support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana is broader than the Tapo's support for the major platforms without explicit Cortana mention, but this distinction matters only if you specifically use Cortana or multiple voice assistants across different devices in your household. For the vast majority of buyers using just Alexa or just Google Home, this difference is largely irrelevant, and the broader support shouldn't be the deciding factor over more impactful features like energy monitoring depth or Matter certification. Evaluate voice assistant breadth against your actual, current usage rather than treating more supported platforms as inherently better.
A Metal-Housed Strip Without Smart Features Can Still Be the Right Choice for Certain Environments
The CRST 8-Outlet pick deliberately trades smart connectivity and energy monitoring for aluminum alloy construction and instant physical switches, a better fit for a workshop or garage where WiFi reliability might be poor, hands might be dirty or gloved, or immediate physical control matters more than remote scheduling. Choosing a smart strip for this kind of environment doesn't automatically make it the better pick if the practical realities of the space favor simple, reliable physical switches over an app-dependent interface. Match your strip choice to your actual physical environment and workflow, not just the most feature-rich option on paper.
How to Choose a Power Strip Under $50
| Per-outlet energy data and the widest voice support | Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 |
|---|---|
| The broadest smart home platform compatibility | Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, Matter |
| Basic hub-free smart control at a lower price | Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip |
| Genuine metal durability over smart features | CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip |
Matter Certification vs Single-Ecosystem Smart Control
- Works across Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings interchangeably, future-proofing against ecosystem changes.
- Single or dual ecosystem (Kasa, Amazon Basics)
- Ties you to specific voice assistants, though Kasa's broader Alexa, Google, and Cortana support covers most common setups.
If you might switch smart home platforms later or already use HomeKit or SmartThings, the Tapo's Matter certification offers real future flexibility the other smart picks don't.
| Kasa HS300 or Tapo Matter | |
| Basic on/off smart control, no monitoring needed | |
| No monitoring, physical switches instead |
For Reducing a Home Office's Electricity Costs Specifically
- Per-outlet energy monitoring that identifies which specific connected device is drawing the most power, not just total strip consumption.
- Both the Kasa HS300 and Tapo Matter picks let you check individual outlet consumption directly from their respective apps.
- You want per-outlet energy monitoring and the widest voice assistant support, where the Kasa HS300 delivers the most complete smart feature set in this comparison.
- You want basic hub-free smart control without energy monitoring, where the Amazon Basics pick covers that for about $8 less than the Kasa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between the Kasa HS300 and the Tapo Matter power strip?
Both offer per-outlet energy monitoring and 6 smart outlets, but the Tapo is Matter-certified for broader smart home platform compatibility including Apple HomeKit and SmartThings, while the Kasa offers slightly broader voice assistant support including Microsoft Cortana.
What's the most common mistake buyers make when choosing a smart power strip?
Assuming any smart strip offers energy monitoring, when some, like the Amazon Basics pick, provide smart on/off control and scheduling but no actual per-outlet consumption data at all.
Is the Tapo Matter pick worth it over the cheaper Amazon Basics smart strip?
If you want per-outlet energy monitoring, local control during internet outages, and broader smart home platform compatibility beyond just Alexa, yes, but if you just need basic hub-free smart on/off control, the Amazon Basics pick covers that for about $2 less.
Does the CRST 8-Outlet metal strip work with any smart home features at all?
No, it's built specifically around physical switches and rugged metal construction rather than smart connectivity, making it a better fit for a workshop or garage where instant physical control matters more than app-based scheduling.
How does Matter certification actually benefit me if I already use Alexa?
Matter certification means the strip will continue working seamlessly even if you later add Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or SmartThings devices to your home, or switch primary ecosystems entirely, without needing to replace the strip itself.
Can I use the Kasa or Tapo smart strips without an internet connection at all?
The Tapo specifically supports local control through your home network during internet outages, while the Kasa's remote features depend on cloud connectivity, though basic physical outlet function on both continues regardless of internet status.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300 — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all power strips under $50 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.