Best Smart Power Strip with USB in 2026
A smart power strip adds WiFi control, scheduling, and energy monitoring to every outlet on your desk or entertainment center. Turn off all devices at once from your phone, schedule outlets to cut power to standby devices overnight, and see exactly how much electricity each device consumes.
What Smart Power Strips Add
Individual outlet control: Turn specific outlets on and off from the app or via voice. Useful for controlling monitors, gaming consoles, or desk lamps independently.
Scheduling: Set outlets to turn off at specific times — cut power to entertainment center devices that draw standby power overnight.
Energy monitoring: See real-time and historical electricity consumption per outlet. Identify "energy vampire" devices that draw significant power in standby.
Surge protection: Protect connected devices from power surges. All quality smart power strips include surge protection.
Voice control: Alexa or Google Home control — "Alexa, turn off the desk outlets" powers down all connected devices.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Kasa Smart Power Strip EP40M (4-Outlet, 4 USB)
Price: ~$50 | Best for: Individual control, no hub, Alexa/Google**
Kasa's EP40M has four individually controllable AC outlets and four USB-A ports (2.4A each). Each outlet is independently controlled via the Kasa app or Alexa/Google Home. Energy monitoring tracks consumption across all outlets. No hub required — direct WiFi. Surge protection on all outlets. 6-foot cord.
At $50 with four individually controllable outlets and energy monitoring, this is the practical desk solution for most users.
Pros: $50, 4 individually controllable outlets, 4 USB ports, energy monitoring, no hub, Alexa/Google
Cons: No USB-C ports (USB-A only), WiFi-dependent (cloud processing), no HomeKit
Budget Pick: Gosund Smart Power Strip SP111 (3-Outlet)
Price: ~$30 | Best for: Budget smart strip, 3 outlets, Alexa/Google**
Gosund's 3-outlet smart strip at $30 delivers individually controllable outlets and USB charging without the full price of Kasa. Works with Alexa and Google Home. Energy monitoring not included at this price. For users who need basic smart outlet control without the extras.
Pros: $30, 3 individually controllable outlets, Alexa/Google, basic scheduling
Cons: No energy monitoring, 3 outlets limited, no USB-C, less reliable than Kasa
Premium Pick: Meross Smart Power Strip MSS425F (4-Outlet, USB-C)
Price: ~$55 | Best for: Apple HomeKit, USB-C, energy monitoring**
Meross's MSS425F adds Apple HomeKit to the smart power strip category — rare and valuable for Apple users. Four individually controllable outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, energy monitoring. Alexa and Google Home also supported. No hub required.
For households with iPhones and HomePods who use Apple Home for automation, the HomeKit support enables inclusion in Apple Home automations and Siri voice control.
Pros: $55, HomeKit + Alexa + Google, 4 outlets, USB-A + USB-C, energy monitoring
Cons: $55, slightly larger than Kasa, Meross app less polished than Kasa
Comparison Table
| Strip | Price | Outlets | USB | Energy Monitor | HomeKit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasa EP40M | ~$50 | 4 (individual) | 4x USB-A | Yes | No |
| Gosund SP111 | ~$30 | 3 (individual) | 3x USB-A | No | No |
| Meross MSS425F | ~$55 | 4 (individual) | USB-A + USB-C | Yes | Yes |
Use Cases
Home office desk: Turn all monitors, desk lamps, and peripherals off at end of workday with one voice command. Schedule to cut power at 10 PM. See which devices draw power in standby (monitors often draw 5-10W in sleep mode).
Entertainment center: Turn off TV, soundbar, and streaming devices overnight with a schedule. Some streaming sticks and soundbars draw 2-5W in standby 24/7 — $15-30/year in electricity. Scheduling eliminates this.
Gaming setup: Turn on gaming PC, monitor, and peripherals with one command. Monitor energy consumption during gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do standby devices actually cost?
A device drawing 5W in standby for 8 hours/night uses 14.6 kWh/year. At average US electricity cost ($0.13/kWh), that is approximately $1.90/year per device. With 5-10 standby devices, annual waste is $10-20 — not dramatic, but the smart scheduling feature eliminates it with zero effort.
Are smart power strips safe?
Yes — reputable brands (Kasa, Meross, Gosund) comply with UL safety certifications. Surge protection is included on most smart strips. The WiFi radio does not meaningfully increase electrical risk.
Can I control all outlets at once?
Yes — most smart strips allow a "master" command that controls all outlets simultaneously, in addition to individual control. "Alexa, turn off my desk" can cut power to all outlets on the strip at once.