Buying Guide
The Best Smart Power Strips for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 5 smart power strips side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
8 min read5 products evaluated
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Smart control granularity varies from whole-strip on/off to fully independent per-outlet control, a meaningful capability difference blurred by generic smart marketing, some smart power strips only allow toggling the entire strip as one unit.
Cloud dependency means smart power strip functionality can partially or fully break if the manufacturer's servers go down or the product is discontinued, unlike a basic mechanical power strip, smart strips relying on manufacturer cloud infrastructure can lose remote functionality permanently.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Smart Power Strip Overall
kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required, White
Buyers who want genuine independent per-outlet smart control without a hub
Our take Check price for kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required, White (opens in a new tab)
Best Matter-Compatible Smart Pick
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip - Matter Compatible, Energy Monitoring, Surge Protection, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets & 3 USB Ports, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri & Bixby - Tapo P316M
Buyers who want Matter compatibility and won't be locked into one smart home ecosystem
Our take Check price for Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip - Matter Compatible, Energy Monitoring, Surge Protection, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets & 3 USB Ports, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri & Bixby - Tapo P316M (opens in a new tab)
Best Alexa-Focused Smart Pick
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets and 3 USB Ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C), WiFi, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required, No Hub Required, White
Alexa-focused households who want 6 independently controlled smart outlets
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets and 3 USB Ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C), WiFi, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required, No Hub Required, White (opens in a new tab)
Best Multi-Ecosystem Compact Pick
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender, Surge Protector, 18W Fast Charging, 3 Individual Smart Outlets, 1x USB-C & 2X USB-A, Smart Night Light, Works w/Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google Home, Tapo P306
Buyers who want broad smart home ecosystem compatibility in a compact form factor
Our take Check price for TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender, Surge Protector, 18W Fast Charging, 3 Individual Smart Outlets, 1x USB-C & 2X USB-A, Smart Night Light, Works w/Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google Home, Tapo P306 (opens in a new tab)
Best Mixed Smart and Always-On Pick
POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector - 8 Outlet Extension Cord with 4 Smart & 4 Always On Outlets, 4 USB Ports, Alexa & Google Home Compatible, Black
Buyers who want smart control for some devices while keeping critical equipment always powered
Our take Check price for POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector - 8 Outlet Extension Cord with 4 Smart & 4 Always On Outlets, 4 USB Ports, Alexa & Google Home Compatible, Black (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Smart Power Strip Overall1 of 5
kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required, White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Independent per-outlet control across 3 outlets, not just a whole-strip toggle, a real capability advantage over budget smart strips.
Best for
- Buyers who want genuine independent per-outlet smart control without a hub
Why we like it
Works with Alexa and Google Home without a separate hub required.
Independent per-outlet control, not whole-strip only. On price, it comes in below Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, which is worth weighing if cost is your deciding factor between the two.
On the other side, No Matter compatibility confirmed.
Key dimensions & specs
- 3 individually controlled smart outlets, 2 USB ports
- Works with Alexa and Google Home, no hub
- Surge protector included
Pros
- independent per-outlet control, not whole-strip only
- No separate smart home hub required
- Surge protector included
Cons
- Only 3 outlets are individually smart-controlled
- Cloud dependency risk if manufacturer discontinues app support
- No Matter compatibility confirmed
Best Matter-Compatible Smart Pick2 of 5
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip - Matter Compatible, Energy Monitoring, Surge Protection, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets & 3 USB Ports, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri & Bixby - Tapo P316M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Matter compatibility future-proofs this pick across Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and more, rather than locking you into a single proprietary app ecosystem.
Best for
- Buyers who want Matter compatibility and won't be locked into one smart home ecosystem
Why we like it
6 individually controlled outlets plus energy monitoring.
On the other side, Cloud dependency risk still applies for remote features.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 individually controlled outlets, 3 USB ports
- Matter compatible
- Energy monitoring, surge protection
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby
Pros
- Matter compatibility for genuine multi-ecosystem future-proofing
- 6 fully independent smart outlets
- Energy monitoring included
- Surge protection alongside smart features
Cons
- Highest price in this guide
- Cloud dependency risk still applies for remote features
Best Alexa-Focused Smart Pick3 of 5
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets and 3 USB Ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C), WiFi, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required, No Hub Required, White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
6 individually controlled outlets plus 3 USB ports including a USB-C, independent per-outlet control from an established brand.
Best for
- Alexa-focused households who want 6 independently controlled smart outlets
Why we like it
Works with Alexa specifically, verify this fits your smart home ecosystem before buying.
On the other side, Higher price relative to its review count.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 individually controlled outlets, 3 USB ports (incl. 1 USB-C)
- Alexa only, WiFi 2.4GHz
- No hub required
- Amazon Basics brand
Pros
- 6 independent smart outlets
- Includes a USB-C port
- No hub required
- Established Amazon Basics brand
Cons
- Alexa-only, not compatible with Google Home or Apple HomeKit
- Lower rating than the top picks
- Higher price relative to its review count
Best Multi-Ecosystem Compact Pick4 of 5
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender, Surge Protector, 18W Fast Charging, 3 Individual Smart Outlets, 1x USB-C & 2X USB-A, Smart Night Light, Works w/Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google Home, Tapo P306 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home simultaneously, broader compatibility than single-ecosystem smart strips.
Best for
- Buyers who want broad smart home ecosystem compatibility in a compact form factor
Why we like it
3 individual smart outlets plus a smart night light feature.
On the other side, No Matter compatibility explicitly confirmed.
Key dimensions & specs
- 3 individual smart outlets, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A
- 18W fast charging
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home
- Smart night light feature
Pros
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home
- 18W fast USB-C charging, faster than basic strips
- 3 independent smart outlets
- Compact outlet extender form factor
Cons
- Fewer outlets than larger smart strips
- No Matter compatibility explicitly confirmed
Best Mixed Smart and Always-On Pick5 of 5
POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector - 8 Outlet Extension Cord with 4 Smart & 4 Always On Outlets, 4 USB Ports, Alexa & Google Home Compatible, Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A useful mix of 4 smart-controlled outlets and 4 always-on outlets, appropriate if you want smart control for lamps or accessories while keeping a router or NAS always powered without accidental app-triggered shutoff.
Best for
- Buyers who want smart control for some devices while keeping critical equipment always powered
Why we like it
On the other side, No Matter compatibility confirmed.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4 smart outlets, 4 always-on outlets
- 4 USB ports
- Alexa and Google Home compatible
- 8 outlets total
Pros
- Genuine mix of smart and always-on outlets avoids accidental shutoff risk
- 8 total outlets plus 4 USB ports
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Reasonable price for the feature set
Cons
- Only half the outlets are smart-controlled
- No Matter compatibility confirmed
How We Chose These Smart Power Strips
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Verified whether each pick offers independent control per outlet or only toggles the entire strip as one unit, a significant functional difference blurred by generic smart marketing.
- Cloud dependency and long-term app support risk
- Considered that smart power strip functionality can partially or fully break if the manufacturer's servers go down or the product is discontinued, a risk basic mechanical strips don't carry.
- Matter and multi-ecosystem compatibility for future-proofing
- Noted which picks support Matter or multiple smart home ecosystems simultaneously versus locking buyers into a single proprietary app.
What to Look for in a Smart Power Strip
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Understand that a power strip and a surge protector are not automatically the same thing
A basic power strip simply splits one wall outlet into several without any electrical protection built in, while a genuine surge protector includes internal components (commonly metal oxide varistors) that absorb and redirect a sudden voltage spike before it reaches your connected electronics, and a joule rating, when stated, quantifies roughly how much total surge energy those components can absorb before needing replacement.
This distinction matters because these two product types are frequently sold side by side with visually similar designs, and a strip without stated surge protection provides zero defense against the kind of voltage spike that can damage a laptop charger, a monitor, or other sensitive electronics during a storm or grid fluctuation.
Check the listing specifically for a stated joule rating and the words "surge protector," not just "power strip," if protecting connected electronics is part of why you're buying one.
Confirm your specific mounting method's compatible dimensions before assuming it fits your setup
Power strips designed to mount rather than simply sit on a surface, clamp-on models that grip a desk edge, wall-mount models secured with screws, and under-desk models that attach to the underside of a desk, each have documented compatible dimension ranges (desk edge thickness for clamps, screw spacing for wall mounts) that don't universally fit every desk or wall, so a mounting design being the right general category doesn't guarantee it fits your specific setup.
This is an easy detail to overlook when focused on outlet count and features, but a clamp rated for a specific edge thickness range that doesn't match your desk, or wall-mount screw spacing that doesn't align with your available wall studs, means the mounting mechanism simply won't work regardless of how good the strip itself is.
Measure your actual desk edge, wall spacing, or under-desk clearance and compare it directly against the product's stated compatible range before ordering.
Check combined USB wattage and port count against how many devices you actually charge at once
USB charging ports on a power strip vary meaningfully in both count and total combined wattage output, and this total wattage gets shared or allocated across all connected devices simultaneously, meaning a strip advertising a high total wattage figure with many ports can still deliver notably less power to any single device if several are charging at the same time compared to a strip with fewer ports but the same total wattage.
USB-C ports supporting Power Delivery (PD) can charge laptops and other higher-power devices meaningfully faster than basic USB-A ports, which are typically limited to lower wattage output regardless of what's plugged in.
Count how many devices you'll realistically charge simultaneously and check both the per-port and total combined wattage figures, not just the raw port count, especially if laptop charging via USB-C is part of your actual use case.
Check outlet spacing if you regularly plug in bulky wall adapters
Standard AC outlet spacing on a power strip assumes typical plug sizes, but bulky wall-wart style adapters (common for routers, some monitors, and certain chargers) can be wide enough to block one or even two adjacent outlets entirely, a real practical problem that a strip's total outlet count doesn't reflect if several of your devices use oversized plugs.
Some strips specifically design wider outlet spacing or offset outlet positioning to accommodate this, a detail worth checking if your actual device mix includes multiple bulky adapters rather than assuming raw outlet count translates directly to usable outlet count.
Count how many of your actual devices use oversized wall-wart adapters, and check listing photos or reviews specifically mentioning outlet spacing if that describes your setup.
Weigh review volume against star rating, since safety-critical categories deserve extra scrutiny
Power strips and surge protectors are electrical safety products, not just convenience accessories, and a listing with a strong rating built on a large, genuine review history provides meaningfully more confidence in consistent manufacturing quality and long-term reliability than a similar-looking product with only a handful of reviews, particularly relevant here since a failure mode in this category (a short, an internal fire risk) has real consequences beyond simple product disappointment.
This doesn't mean every lesser-reviewed product is unsafe, but it does mean the safety and durability claims on a thin-review listing carry less independently verified weight for a category where that verification matters.
Check for independent safety certification (UL or ETL listing) as a baseline requirement regardless of review count, and additionally weigh review depth more heavily here than you might for a lower-stakes product category.
How to Choose a Smart Power Strip
Outlet count isn't consistently confirmed across every pick in this comparison; check each listing's product details directly.
| Kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303 | |
| TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender | |
| No firm budget ceiling, prioritizing outlets or surge protection | Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip |
USB-C PD Charging vs Outlets Only
- Charges laptops and higher-power devices faster directly from the strip, without a separate charging brick. In this comparison: Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets and 3 USB Ports, TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Outlet Extender.
- Simpler design focused purely on outlet count, pair with your own chargers as needed. In this comparison: kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, POWSAV 6 Ft WiFi Surge Protector.
| Check each listing's stated joule rating directly | Surge protection level isn't consistently confirmed here |
|---|
For Bulky Wall-Wart Adapters Specifically
- Wide or offset outlet spacing explicitly mentioned in the listing or shown in product photos, not just a high raw outlet count.
- Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip fits this specifically: Matter compatibility for genuine multi-ecosystem future-proofing.
- You want what Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip offers: Matter compatibility for genuine multi-ecosystem future-proofing. That's a real functional upgrade over the budget picks here, not just a brand markup.
- Kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303 already covers the essentials: independent per-outlet control, not whole-strip only. The main thing you'd be paying extra for elsewhere in this list is capacity or charging speed you may not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I control each outlet on a smart power strip independently?
It depends on the model. Some smart power strips only allow toggling the entire strip as one unit, others provide fully independent per-outlet control, verify which capability a specific pick offers before assuming independent control.
What happens to a smart power strip if the manufacturer shuts down?
Remote app and voice control functionality can partially or fully break if the manufacturer's cloud servers go down or the product is discontinued, a real long-term risk unlike a basic mechanical power strip.
Is Matter compatibility worth paying more for?
If you want to avoid being locked into one smart home ecosystem, yes. Matter-compatible strips work across Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings simultaneously, future-proofing your purchase.
Should all outlets on a smart power strip be smart-controlled?
A mix of smart and always-on outlets, like the POWSAV pick in this guide, lets you keep critical equipment like a router or NAS always powered while still getting smart control for other devices.
Bottom Line
Best overall: kasa smart Plug Power Strip KP303, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Smart Outlets and 2 USB Ports, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Hub Required, White — best smart power strip overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all smart power strips on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.