Table of Contents

  1. Why a smart power strip is different
  2. Kasa EP40
  3. TP-Link Tapo P300
  4. Meross MSS425E
  5. What to look for
  6. Our top pick

Why a smart power strip is different

A smart power strip is not just a bigger smart plug. The good ones let you control individual outlets independently, which means one strip can automate an entire desk, entertainment center, or holiday lighting setup without turning every connected device on and off together. That is the whole point.

For example, you might want your monitor and speakers to power down automatically at bedtime while keeping your router or NAS on. Or you may want to cut vampire power draw from chargers and consoles overnight. Individually controlled outlets make those scenarios simple.

Kasa EP40

The Kasa EP40 is best known as an outdoor smart plug, but TP-Link’s Kasa line deserves mention because it is one of the most reliable ecosystems for outlet control. If you want weather-resistant control for patio lighting or garden gear, Kasa is hard to fault. The app is polished, scheduling is excellent, and integrations with Alexa, Google, and Home Assistant are dependable.

For buyers specifically searching for a strip format, Kasa also offers indoor strips in some regions, but the main appeal here is the Kasa platform’s maturity. If you are already invested in Kasa, sticking to that family keeps management simple.

Kasa EP40

Outdoor-focused smart outlet option from TP-Link’s dependable Kasa lineup. Excellent app, solid scheduling, and strong reliability.

Check Price on Amazon

TP-Link Tapo P300

The Tapo P300 is the most balanced option for most people. It combines multiple smart AC outlets with USB charging and, crucially, independent outlet control. That makes it ideal for desks, media units, and kitchen counters where several devices need slightly different schedules or automation logic.

The Tapo app makes grouping and scheduling painless, and Home Assistant users benefit from clear entity exposure. You can automate each outlet separately, so one strip can handle a lamp, a fan, a printer, and a charging station without compromise. For many households, that is exactly what a smart strip should do.

TP-Link Tapo P300

Multi-outlet smart power strip with individually controlled sockets and USB charging. The best all-round pick for desks and media units.

Check Price on Amazon

Meross MSS425E

Meross makes aggressive, affordable smart home gear, and the MSS425E is a good example. It gives you several controllable sockets at a low price and tends to work well with mainstream voice platforms. Meross gear is often chosen by buyers who want features first and are willing to accept slightly less polished software than TP-Link.

That trade-off is fair if the price is right. In practice, Meross strips are perfectly fine for secondary areas like workshops, Christmas lights, and utility rooms where you care more about value than ecosystem perfection.

Meross MSS425E

Budget-friendly smart strip with multiple controllable outlets and solid voice assistant support. Best value option if price matters most.

Check Price on Amazon

What to look for

Also think about where the strip will live. A desk strip has different priorities than an outdoor or entertainment-center strip.

Our top pick

Best overall: TP-Link Tapo P300

The Tapo P300 is our favorite smart power strip in 2025 because it strikes the best balance of usability, outlet-by-outlet control, and ecosystem support. The Meross is the budget play, while Kasa remains a smart choice if you are already deep in TP-Link’s older Kasa ecosystem or need outdoor flexibility.

If your goal is to automate several devices cleanly without a mess of separate smart plugs, a good strip is one of the tidiest upgrades you can make.

Where smart power strips make the biggest difference

Smart power strips are especially valuable in places where several “dumb” devices share a single area. A desk setup might include a monitor, speakers, desk lamp, laptop charger, and printer. A TV unit may have a console, soundbar, streaming box, and accent lights. Being able to turn those devices on thoughtful schedules or based on presence makes the whole area feel cleaner and more intentional.

They are also underrated for reducing standby drain. Entertainment gear and chargers quietly waste power all year long. A strip lets you automate that away without changing every device.