Best of · Plugs & power
Best smart power strips of 2026: per-outlet control and energy monitoring
The Tapo P316M brings Matter to the six-outlet design the Kasa HS300 made famous. Here’s how they compare to Meross.
Our pick: Tapo P316M for Matter homes; Kasa HS300 if you already use Kasa and need no Matter
Tapo
Smart Power Strip with Matter (P316M)
8.8Check current price
Six Matter outlets, each with its own energy data.
Pros
- • 6 individually controlled outlets
- • Per-outlet energy monitoring
- • 3 always-on USB (2.4 A each)
- • 15 A / 1,875 W
Cons
- • No published joule rating
Kasa
Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)
8.5Often under $40 on sale
The proven six-outlet strip with per-outlet monitoring and no Matter.
Pros
- • 6 smart outlets
- • Per-outlet energy data
- • 3 USB ports
- • ETL surge protection
Cons
- • No Matter or HomeKit
Meross
Smart Power Strip (4 AC + 4 USB)
8.0Budget
The pick for HomeKit users who want a cheaper strip.
Pros
- • Apple Home, Alexa, Google, SmartThings
- • 4 USB ports
- • 1.8 m cord
Cons
- • Only 4 AC outlets
- • No energy monitoring
A smart power strip is the cleanest way to automate a desk, TV cabinet, or aquarium stand. Each outlet switches separately, USB ports charge always-on gear, and the best models show how many watts each outlet draws. The Tapo P316M is the best smart power strip for 2026 because it adds Matter to that formula.
| Strip | Smart outlets | USB | Energy monitoring | Surge | Matter | Max load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapo P316M | 6 (individual) | 3 x 2.4 A always-on | Per outlet | ETL, Type 3 SPD | Yes | 15 A / 1,875 W |
| Kasa HS300 | 6 (individual) | 3 x 2.4 A (4 A total) | Per outlet | ETL, Type 3 SPD | No | 15 A / 1,875 W |
| Meross Smart Power Strip | 4 AC | 4 USB | No | Surge protected | HomeKit (US version) | See listing |
Best smart power strip: Tapo P316M
TP-Link’s P316M has six individually switchable outlets, three always-on USB ports (5 V/2.4 A each), and per-outlet energy monitoring in the Tapo app. As a Matter device, each outlet appears separately in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.
Best if you already use Kasa: HS300
The HS300 is the long-running favorite: six smart outlets, three USB ports, and per-outlet energy data, rated for 15 A and 1,875 W. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant and can run in the Tapo app. It lacks Matter and HomeKit, so Apple users should pick the P316M or the Meross.
Best budget HomeKit strip: Meross
Meross’ US strip has four AC outlets and four USB ports on a 1.8 m cord, and works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. It’s a good pick for a nightstand or small desk where per-outlet energy data isn’t needed.
Questions we get
What is a smart power strip?
A power strip whose outlets can be switched on and off from an app, voice assistant, or schedule, usually one outlet at a time. Many also add USB ports, surge protection, and energy monitoring.
Do smart power strips protect against surges?
Many do, but check the listing. The Kasa HS300 and Tapo P316M are ETL-certified Type 3 surge protective devices. Smart strips rarely match the joule ratings of dedicated surge protectors, so keep expensive AV gear on a high-joule protector.
Smart power strip vs multiple smart plugs: which is better?
Strips are tidier for desks and media centers and cost less per outlet. Individual plugs are better when devices are spread around a room.
Can a smart power strip save energy?
Yes. Cutting standby power to TVs, consoles, and chargers on a schedule saves money, and per-outlet monitoring shows exactly which device is drawing it.