The 3 Best In-Wall Smart Outlets of 2025

The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Outlet P210M on a light purple background. — Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

This inexpensive model has two remote-controllable receptacles, includes real-time energy monitoring, and is Matter-compatible.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Matter, SmartThings

The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Outlet P210M has two remote-controllable receptacles that can monitor the energy of whatever is plugged into them, both in running time and kWh. It also includes a few power-specific features I’ve never seen on any other outlet (more on those below). Despite being at the fore with features, it’s the only one of our picks that doesn’t include USB charging ports.

It can track energy use. The Tapo P210M is the only smart outlet we recommend that has two remote-controllable receptacles that can monitor the energy of whatever device is plugged into them. It reports daily and monthly energy use data in running time and kWh, as well as the current power draw. For instance, during the sweltering summer months, I had a fan going pretty regularly. The app said it was running about 11.9 hours per day, which translated into 0.012 kWh. For the month, it recorded 170.1 hours and 0.093 kWh. In this particular case, that data isn’t earth-shattering, but for anyone who needs to actively monitor energy use and/or uses a device with a higher electrical draw it’s a helpful feature.

It can prevent overcharging devices. All smart outlets allow you to set schedules and control their receptacles remotely. The Tapo P210M is the only smart outlet I’ve ever tested with features that prevent overcharging devices, which can lessen battery life and even be a fire hazard in some cases.

Power Projection lets you have the receptacle turn off when the energy draw exceeds a threshold you set between 1 W and 1,880 W. For instance, you may want to restrict a heater or air conditioner plugged into it from draining too much energy.

Charge Guard automatically shuts off a receptacle once a rechargeable device plugged into it is fully charged. It can be set for devices (phones, laptops, smartwatches), or you can customize when power draw falls below a certain threshold (1 to 20 W) for a custom time between 0 minutes to almost five hours. This feature is currently in beta, but it worked when I tested it using both an iPhone and an iPad.

It has a useful security feature. The Tapo P210M is the only model we recommend that includes an Away Mode, which randomly turns the receptacles on and off during a customizable period of time. So you can plug in table lamps or other lighting and have it go on and off while you’re on vacation to make it seem like someone is still home. The P201M also includes Local Control, which means that you can control the outlet using a smartphone app while still at home even if your home internet service goes down.

It’ll likely work with all your other smart devices. This is the only outlet we recommend that works with Matter, which allows you to connect the outlet to popular smart-home platforms, like Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings. I tested it with all but SmartThings, and voice controls and automations worked perfectly. That makes it a great option for anyone who has currently incompatible smart devices and wants to consolidate controls to a single favorite app.

This TP-Link isn’t the other TP-Link. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that US authorities may seek to restrict the sale of TP-Link Wi-Fi routers following federal investigations into potential security vulnerabilities, including links between the company and the Chinese government. We reached out to TP-Link and a company representative stated that there is “no interdependence” between TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. in China, and the US-based TP-Link Systems Inc., the global headquarters since 2024, which markets and sells TP-Link smart home devices. Furthermore, the TP-Link Cloud for all global users is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Virginia-based infrastructure serving US users. The TP-Link representative also noted that nearly all TP-Link products sold in the US are currently manufactured in Vietnam, and the remainder will eventually.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It could be labeled better. The Tapo P210M doesn’t have a standard TR badge to signify it has safety shutters to prevent kids (or adults) from shoving a fork or other non-plug device into one of the holes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this before, but I confirmed in testing and with the company that this outlet is indeed tamper-resistant. I also checked with two licensed electricians who told me that even though outlets need to be tamper-resistant (per the National Electrical Code), they do not have to say TR to pass inspection.

It doesn’t have USB ports. Unlike our runner-up models, the Tapo P210M does not have USB ports, which some people may miss, I’ve found they’re a nice bonus if you’re always swapping plugs to charge phones and tablets and don’t want to waste a precious receptacle.