The 5 Best Smart Plugs of 2025
Best for…
The Tapo P306 converts a two-plug outlet into a multi-port setup with three smart outlets, three always-on outlets, and three smart USB ports.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home
A corded power strip isn’t always the best multi-outlet option. Rather than taking up floor space, the TP-Link Tapo P306 Smart Wi-Fi Outlet Extender covers the traditional two-outlet wall receptacle with six outlets, two USB-A, and one USB-C port. Its smart outlets and USBs are remotely controllable using Alexa, Google, Apple, or the Tapo app. It has all of the same features as our top multi-plug pick and it works well for tight spaces or anywhere else a power strip might look strange.
It turns two outlets into the perfect multi-plug hub. Rather than attaching to a power cord, this extender covers your existing receptacle and can either be mounted via a provided screw or plugged in with the adjustable back post. The Tapo P306 uses all of its 6.75-by-4-by-1.25-inch (LWH) surface area to provide three smart and three always-on outlets, plus two USB-A slots and one USB-C port (all of which offer fast charging). The smart and always-on outlets are labeled as such, with the smart side featuring LED lights to denote power status and physical buttons on the side to manually turn them on or off.
It seems counterintuitive, but I liked the fact that the Tapo P306 included three “dumb” outlets. It worked well under my nightstand, where I used the traditional outlets for my Echo Show and various non-USB chargers. I used the remote-controllable USB ports on the right-hand side of the P306 to charge an Android phone, a pair of headphones, and my iPhone. Along with the Tapo app, an LED indicator underneath the ports lets you know if they’re on or off.
The P306 has almost as many features as our multi-plug pick. The smart outlets, USB ports, and ambient night-light can be set on or off with the Timer function. Routines can be used for a specific time of day or according to sunrise/sunset. For example, I scheduled to turn my lamp on at sunrise and off at sunset. You can also use the Away Mode while you’re out of the house to turn devices on and off randomly.
Each of the smart outlets and USB ports are able to monitor energy in hours and minutes (if you want that in kWh, our top multi-plug pick does that). Run time is tracked daily, weekly, and monthly on each plug’s homescreen. Additionally, the home screen includes preset “smart actions,” the TP-Link support center, and device sharing, which allows multiple users to control it at once.
It has the widest range of smart-home compatibility. The P306 is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home (unlike our top multi-plug pick), and it responded to voice commands immediately and executed functions without a problem. During installation it integrated with Alexa and Google once I set it up in the Tapo app. Apple Home, however, took a little more convincing. If you want to use Apple Home alongside other voice assistants, we recommend adding that ecosystem first to avoid a lengthier setup process.
The extra features are extra useful. The P306’s outlets and USB chargers can be grouped together using the app, which is a big help if you want to be able to control some or all of your devices with a single command.
The underside of the P306 has a built-in smart “night-light,” which offers the same features and functions as the outlets above it (such as Timers, Schedules, Routines) and is also dimmable. An ambient light sensor at the top of the unit detects low-light conditions and automatically turns the light on and off. The level of light can be adjusted via the Tapo app or through one of its smart-home integrations, and if you don’t want it to automatically turn on or off you can set it on a routine.
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
Not all of its outlets are smart. Though the Tapo P306 has six outlets, only three of them are “smart.” That, combined with its design (which basically takes over the entire receptacle), means you really need to plan how you will plug your devices in. It’s best suited for an area where you need more outlets but don’t need all of them to be remotely controllable, such as by a bedside or for an entertainment center.
It doesn’t monitor energy in kWh. Energy-monitoring capabilities in smart plugs are becoming more advanced, especially when you consider models like the T110 that calculate power draw against your electric bill. However, the P306 only monitors its power consumption in hours and minutes. Regardless, information in kilowatt-hours isn’t necessary or preferred by everyone.
The USB ports are managed as a group. We have yet to find a multi-plug smart outlet that has individually-controllable USB ports. The P306’s show up as a single unit in the companion app and through its compatible smart home platforms.
Privacy and security snapshot
- TP-Link may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, when you use its devices or services or contact warranty services and technical support.
- TP-Link may use cookies to collect your IP address, browser, and other details.
- Two-factor authentication is available for the Tapo app. 2FA is always recommended but not required.
- User data is encrypted in the cloud.
For further details, read TP-Link’s privacy policy. You can also access it in the Tapo app under the Me section by scrolling down to About and tapping Privacy Policy on the next page.
