Best Smart Plugs UK 2026: Tapo vs Eve vs Meross vs TP-Link Kasa Compared

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If you’re trying to decide between the Tapo P100, Tapo P110, Eve Energy (Matter), Meross Smart Plug, and TP-Link Kasa KP115, you’re not alone. These are the most searched smart plugs in the UK right now — and on the surface, they look pretty similar. They’re all Wi-Fi smart plugs, they all work with Alexa, and they all let you schedule and remotely control your appliances.

But they’re not the same. The differences — energy monitoring, Matter/HomeKit support, app quality, size, and price — genuinely matter depending on how you use your home.

This guide breaks each one down honestly so you can pick the right one without second-guessing yourself.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Smart Plugs UK 2026

Smart PlugUK PriceEnergy MonitoringMatter / HomeKitWorks With
Tapo P100 (2-pack)Check Amazon❌ No❌ NoAlexa, Google Home, Tapo
Tapo P110Check Amazon✅ Yes❌ NoAlexa, Google Home, Tapo
Eve Energy (Matter)Check Amazon✅ Yes✅ Yes (Matter + Thread)Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, SmartThings
Meross Smart Plug (Matter)Check Amazon✅ Yes✅ Yes (Matter)Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, SmartThings
Kasa KP115Check Amazon✅ Yes❌ NoAlexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Kasa

Prices fluctuate on Amazon — always check the links below for the current UK price.

1. TP-Link Tapo P100 (2-Pack) — Best Budget Smart Plug UK

The Tapo P100 is the smart plug most UK households start with — and for good reason. It’s cheap, compact, reliable, and dead easy to set up. If you just want to turn a lamp or fan on and off remotely, the P100 does the job without asking you to think too hard about it.

The 2-pack makes it excellent value. You get two plugs, both work with Alexa and Google Home, both support scheduling and timers, and both have a compact form factor that doesn’t block the adjacent socket — a genuine annoyance that many budget plugs get wrong.

What it doesn’t have is energy monitoring. If you want to track how much electricity your appliances are using, you’ll need to step up to the P110. The P100 is purely a remote on/off switch with scheduling — which, for most people’s lamps and fans, is genuinely all they need.

Tapo P100 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
• Excellent value as a 2-pack
• Compact — doesn’t block adjacent sockets
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection
• Clean, intuitive Tapo app
• Easy setup (no hub needed)
• Works with Alexa and Google Home
• Away mode for security

❌ Cons
• No energy monitoring
• No Matter or HomeKit support
• Requires Tapo cloud account
• Tapo ecosystem only (no local control)

Best for: Anyone who wants simple smart control at the lowest possible price, without needing energy monitoring.


2. TP-Link Tapo P110 — Best Value Energy Monitoring Plug

The Tapo P110 is the P100’s smarter sibling — and honestly, it’s one of the best smart plugs you can buy in the UK right now if you care about energy usage. It adds real-time and historical energy monitoring for only a few pounds more than the P100.

With UK energy bills still painful, knowing that your old electric heater is quietly chewing through £40 a month is genuinely useful. The Tapo app shows you real-time power consumption, daily/monthly totals, and lets you set power-off thresholds. It’s surprisingly capable for something at this price point.

Like the P100, the P110 works with Alexa and Google Home, supports scheduling, and has the compact design that doesn’t block neighbouring sockets. The Tapo app is clean and well-maintained. Available as a single, 2-pack, or 4-pack — the 4-pack brings the per-unit cost right down.

The main caveat: no Matter, no HomeKit, no local control. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem or planning to move to a Matter-based setup, the P110 will eventually feel limiting. But for most UK homes running Alexa or Google Home, it’s the sweet spot.

Tapo P110 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
• Real-time and historical energy monitoring
• Excellent value — especially in multi-packs
• Compact design
• Strong Tapo app with usage graphs
• Works with Alexa and Google Home
• Scheduling, timers, away mode
• Power-off threshold alerts

❌ Cons
• No Matter or HomeKit support
• Cloud-dependent (Tapo account required)
• No local control out of the box
• Single socket only

Best for: UK households who want energy monitoring at a sensible price and primarily use Alexa or Google Home.


3. Eve Energy (Matter) — Best Smart Plug for Apple HomeKit Users

The Eve Energy (Matter) is in a different category to the Tapo plugs — it’s a premium smart plug built for people who take their smart home seriously. It’s the only plug on this list that supports Matter over Thread, giving it unmatched compatibility and a more robust wireless connection than Wi-Fi-only alternatives.

If you have an Apple HomePod, iPhone, or iPad, the Eve Energy integrates beautifully into Apple HomeKit with full automations, Siri voice control, and the Eve app. It also works with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings — making it genuinely future-proof as Matter becomes the new smart home standard.

Energy monitoring is built in, tracking real-time wattage and cumulative kWh usage. The 100% local processing — no Eve cloud, no registration, no data sent to third-party servers — is a genuine differentiator for privacy-conscious buyers.

The price is higher than the Tapo options, but you’re paying for Thread support, Matter certification, Apple HomeKit compatibility, and local privacy. For iPhone households that want the best smart plug available in the UK, this is it.

Eve Energy (Matter) Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
• Matter + Thread support — most future-proof
• Works with ALL major ecosystems
• Apple HomeKit native support
• Energy monitoring included
• 100% local — no cloud dependency
• Full privacy (no registration, no tracking)
• TÜV safety certified
• Excellent build quality

❌ Cons
• More expensive than Tapo alternatives
• Thread requires a Thread Border Router (Apple HomePod, Eero, etc.)
• Overkill if you don’t use HomeKit
• Single plug only

Best for: Apple HomeKit users, privacy-conscious buyers, and anyone building a long-term Matter-based smart home.


4. Meross Smart Plug (Matter, Energy Monitoring) — Best Cross-Platform Option

Meross has quietly become one of the best smart home brands most UK buyers haven’t heard of. Their Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring is a compelling alternative that bridges the gap between the affordable Tapo range and the premium Eve Energy.

Like the Eve Energy, it supports Matter — meaning it works natively with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings without needing a separate bridge or hub. Unlike the Eve, it doesn’t use Thread (it’s standard Wi-Fi Matter), but for most homes that’s not a practical issue.

Energy monitoring is included, the app is solid, and the plug itself is compact. The 2-pack offers good value for a Matter-enabled device. Setup is genuinely simple — scan a QR code in your preferred ecosystem app and you’re done.

The Meross app is functional but not quite as polished as Tapo’s or Eve’s. Customer support can be slow. But if you want Matter compatibility and energy monitoring without paying Eve Energy prices, this is the most affordable way to get there.

Meross Smart Plug Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
• Matter support — works with all major ecosystems
• Apple HomeKit compatible
• Energy monitoring included
• More affordable than Eve Energy
• Available in multi-packs
• Compact design
• No hub required

❌ Cons
• No Thread support (Wi-Fi Matter only)
• App less polished than Tapo or Eve
• Less brand recognition — harder to find reviews
• Customer support can be slow

Best for: Mixed smart home households who need Apple HomeKit compatibility with energy monitoring at a mid-range price.


5. TP-Link Kasa KP115 — Best for SmartThings & IFTTT Power Users

The Kasa KP115 is TP-Link’s other smart plug range — separate from Tapo, with a slightly different ecosystem focus. While the Tapo range prioritises simplicity and the Tapo app, the Kasa range integrates more deeply with SmartThings and IFTTT, making it popular with more advanced smart home users.

Energy monitoring is included, the plug is compact and slim, and the Kasa app provides real-time power consumption with historical data. It works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT — giving you more integration options than the Tapo range, particularly if you use Samsung appliances or want complex automations.

It doesn’t support Matter or HomeKit. It’s also priced higher than the equivalent Tapo P110. For most UK households, the Tapo P110 offers better value unless you specifically need SmartThings integration or the Kasa ecosystem’s IFTTT support.

Kasa KP115 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
• Energy monitoring with real-time data
• SmartThings and IFTTT support
• Slim, compact design
• Works with Alexa and Google Home
• Strong integration options for power users
• Reliable TP-Link build quality

❌ Cons
• No Matter or HomeKit support
• More expensive than Tapo P110
• Kasa and Tapo apps are separate (confusing if you mix brands)
• Cloud-dependent

Best for: SmartThings users and IFTTT power users who want deep integration beyond the Tapo ecosystem.


Which Smart Plug Should You Buy? A UK Decision Guide

Here’s the honest answer broken down by situation:

👉 Just want the cheapest smart plug that works? → Tapo P100 (2-pack)

If your goal is simply to turn a lamp, fan, or phone charger on and off remotely, the Tapo P100 2-pack is the best value buy on this list. You get two plugs, Alexa and Google Home support, and the excellent Tapo app — all for a very low price. Don’t overthink it.

👉 Want to track your energy bills? → Tapo P110

The P110 adds proper energy monitoring for a modest price premium. With UK electricity costs at around 24p/kWh, knowing exactly what’s running your bill up is genuinely useful — especially on older appliances, electric heaters, or EV chargers. Buy it in a 4-pack for the best price per unit.

👉 Have Apple devices and want the best smart home experience? → Eve Energy (Matter)

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem — iPhone, HomePod, iPad — the Eve Energy is the right choice. It’s the only Matter + Thread plug on this list, giving you the fastest response times, best reliability, and full HomeKit integration. It also works with Alexa and Google Home if your household is mixed. Yes, it costs more — but you’re buying future-proofing.

👉 Want Matter + HomeKit without paying Eve prices? → Meross (Matter)

The Meross Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring hits a sweet spot: Matter compatibility, Apple HomeKit support, energy monitoring, and a lower price than Eve. No Thread support, but for most homes that won’t matter. Buy the 2-pack for better value.

👉 Use Samsung SmartThings or IFTTT? → Kasa KP115

The KP115 is the pick for SmartThings-heavy setups or people who rely on IFTTT for complex automations. The deeper SmartThings integration is genuinely better than the Tapo range here. For everyone else, though, the Tapo P110 is better value.


FAQ: Best Smart Plugs UK 2026

What is the best smart plug in the UK for 2026?

For most UK households, the Tapo P110 is the best smart plug in 2026. It combines reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, real-time energy monitoring, excellent app support, and competitive pricing — particularly in the 4-pack. If you have Apple HomeKit, upgrade to the Eve Energy (Matter) instead.

Is the Tapo P100 or P110 better?

It depends on what you need. The P100 is better value if you just want remote on/off control — it’s cheaper and available as a 2-pack. The P110 is better if you want energy monitoring to track electricity usage. The price difference is small enough that most buyers should go for the P110.

Does Eve Energy work with Alexa and Google Home?

Yes. The Eve Energy (Matter) works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings — all via the Matter standard. You don’t need a separate bridge or hub. It’s one of the most cross-compatible smart plugs available in the UK.

What is Matter and do I need it?

Matter is the new smart home standard backed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. Devices with Matter support work across all these platforms without needing separate apps or bridges. If you use Apple HomeKit or plan to build a long-term smart home, Matter is worth having. If you’re just using Alexa or Google Home, standard Wi-Fi plugs like the Tapo P110 are perfectly fine for now.

Can smart plugs actually save money on energy bills?

Yes, in two ways. First, by identifying energy-hungry appliances — a smart plug with energy monitoring can reveal that an older device is costing far more than expected. Second, by eliminating standby power through scheduling — turning off TVs, gaming consoles, and chargers overnight can save £30–80 per year depending on your setup. At current UK electricity prices (around 24p/kWh), even modest changes add up.

Do smart plugs work without the internet?

It depends on the plug. Tapo and Kasa plugs require cloud connectivity for remote control and app features — if your internet goes down, you lose remote access (though scheduled timers stored on the device continue to work). The Eve Energy (Matter) is the exception: it processes everything locally, so it continues to function fully even without an internet connection, as long as your home network is up.

Is the Meross smart plug any good?

Yes — the Meross Matter Smart Plug is a solid choice, especially if you want Apple HomeKit compatibility at a price below the Eve Energy. It supports Matter, includes energy monitoring, works without a hub, and is available in multi-packs. The app is functional rather than exceptional, but for everyday use it’s perfectly capable.


Our Verdict

Here’s the quick summary:

  • Best overall value: Tapo P110 — energy monitoring, reliable app, excellent multi-pack pricing
  • Best budget pick: Tapo P100 (2-pack) — cheapest way to get two smart plugs that actually work
  • Best for Apple HomeKit: Eve Energy (Matter) — the only Matter + Thread option, unmatched future-proofing
  • Best mid-range with HomeKit: Meross Matter Smart Plug — Matter + energy monitoring at a sensible price
  • Best for SmartThings users: Kasa KP115 — deeper SmartThings and IFTTT integration than the Tapo range

For most UK buyers in 2026, the Tapo P110 is the default answer. If you’re in Apple’s ecosystem, spend the extra on the Eve Energy — you won’t regret it.

Smart Home UK Team — A team of UK smart home enthusiasts who test, review and compare products to help you make better buying decisions. Independent. Honest. No sponsored placements.

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