Get your smart home started with a smart plug — here are our favorites

Smart plugs may seem like a cheap party trick, like your attention-seeking friend who shushes the group to yell at Alexa to turn on the lamp. But they're great devices for everyday use, because they're super convenient and can even save energy if used correctly. For example, plugging in an energy-sucking game console and turning off the smart plug when you're not using it can cut back on your energy usage.

If this is your first smart home product, a smart plug is a great gateway device. It connects pieces you already own and love to the internet.

How do smart plugs work?

Smart plugs pair with your WiFi to bring that smart home feel to the electronics you already own. Depending on which one you get, you'll be able to control regular appliances like lamps and fans via a mobile app or compatible voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa. So, your favorite lamp with specialty bulbs can join the ranks with any smart light bulbs you have in your home.

Setting up a smart plug is pretty comparable to setting up any smart home device. You download the compatible app, put the plug in an outlet, and connect it to your wireless network. Brands might differ a bit in their setup, but the mobile app will likely walk you through all the steps.

What can you do with a smart plug?

Like we said, you can plug in your everyday appliances and electronics into a smart plug to gain more convenient control over them. If your coffeemaker doesn't have an automatic start function, it does now with a smart plug. And remember those old timers your parents would plug lamps into when you'd go on vacation to make it look like someone was home? A smart plug can do that — and do it digitally within a mobile app.

You're able to schedule on/off times, manually turn the plug on and off, create groups, and set routines, depending on which smart plug you get.

Where can you use a smart plug?

For the most part, any standard outlet can support a smart plug. You don't have to have any special power source — just plug it right into the wall. There are even smart plugs made especially for outdoor use. So, if you have string lights on your deck or porch, you can schedule an outdoor smart plug to turn them on at the exact time you want to go sit and enjoy some fresh air — and maybe a drink.

Can a smart plug really save energy?

If used efficiently, smart plugs can help you cut back on your energy consumption. Some plugs even have energy monitoring features that learn your habits and suggest routines and practices to reduce your energy usage. That means you can shrink your carbon footprint and shrink your energy bill. Plus, get all the other benefits of having a smart plug.

Is it safe to use smart plugs?

In a word, yes. But always check with the user manual for whatever you're plugging in. Some products, like space heaters, might not be safe to plug in anywhere other than directly into a wall outlet. And, like anything that connects to a wireless network, there is a possibility that hackers could gain access to your smart plugs. In general, though, smart plugs are just as safe as any other smart home device.

Can smart plugs work without internet?

Most smart plugs connect directly to your WiFi. But if you want a workaround, hubs like Z-Wave and Zigbee don't require you to connect your smart plugs to your WiFi network. For the most part, though, assume you'll need an internet connection.

Some smart plugs do have manual power buttons, so you can still turn them on and off if your internet goes out. But any sort of scheduling or app usage requires WiFi.

What should you look for in a smart plug?

Think about which features are most important to you. Do you want to use voice commands? Set schedules? You'll also need to consider the physical size and shape of the smart plugs. Some of them are pretty bulky and cover multiple outlets while only providing one socket. So, if you're the type of person who uses every outlet in your house or apartment, opt for more squat smart plugs or try out a smart power strip. A power strip is like having multiple smart plugs in one convenient package.

You'll of course want to make sure the plug is easy enough to set up as well. What's the point of having a smart device if it makes you feel stupid while trying to get it up and running?