Best Smart Plugs for Saving Energy in Apartments (Top Picks for Renters)
Last Updated: December 2025
Smart plugs are one of the simplest upgrades renters can make to reduce wasted electricity without touching wiring or fixtures. By tracking energy use, setting schedules, and automatically turning devices off, the right smart plug can help lower monthly power bills while staying fully removable and apartment-safe.
The three smart plugs below stand out for their reliable energy monitoring, easy-to-understand apps, and compatibility with everyday apartment devices, making them strong choices for renters who want real savings without complexity.
👉 If you’re new to energy monitoring or want to understand how renters typically use smart plugs to reduce power waste, our practical guide to using smart plugs in rental homes explains the basics before you buy.
💰 Check Price & Availability
- View on Amazon – Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (KP125M, 4-Pack)
- View on Amazon – Kasa Smart Plug Mini with Energy Monitoring (KP115)
- View on Amazon – Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack)
📋 Quick-View Comparison List
- Best Overall for Energy Tracking: Kasa Matter Smart Plug (KP125M)
- Best Budget Single Plug: Kasa Smart Plug Mini (KP115)
- Best App-Based Energy Insights: Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
🔍 How Smart Plugs Actually Help Save Energy
Smart plugs don’t reduce electricity on their own. What they do is make energy use visible and controllable. Real-time monitoring shows how much power a device is actually using, while schedules and timers help shut things off automatically when they’re not needed.
Over time, usage history highlights devices that quietly draw power all day, such as TVs, gaming consoles, desk setups, or kitchen appliances. For renters who worry about monthly costs, understanding whether smart plugs actually increase or reduce electricity bills in apartments helps put energy monitoring into real-world context.
For many renters, this kind of visibility is what leads to meaningful, long-term energy savings.
🔍 Energy Monitoring Accuracy & App Experience
A smart plug is only as helpful as the app behind it. Kasa’s app focuses on clean charts and simple cost estimates, which works well for renters who want quick insights without digging through settings. Govee’s app offers more detailed breakdowns, making it easier to spot daily, weekly, and monthly usage trends.
Misreading this data is a common renter issue, especially when comparing devices or trying to cut energy costs. This guide on smart climate mistakes renters should avoid explains how inaccurate assumptions about energy tracking can lead to higher bills or inefficient setups.
All three plugs deliver consistent readings for common apartment devices like lamps, fans, coffee makers, and entertainment systems.
🔍 Apartment Safety, Load Limits & Compatibility
For renters, safety matters just as much as savings. These smart plugs are designed for standard household electronics and are rated up to 15 amps, making them suitable for everyday apartment use. They plug directly into wall outlets and don’t require hubs, rewiring, or permanent installation.
That said, renters should avoid using smart plugs with high-draw appliances like space heaters or window air conditioners unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
📦 Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (KP125M) – Best Overall
The Kasa Matter smart plug is the strongest all-around choice for renters focused on energy savings. It provides accurate usage tracking, clear cost estimates, and Matter support for wide smart-home compatibility.
Its compact design fits well in tight apartment outlets, and the 4-pack makes it easy to monitor multiple rooms without overspending. For renters who want reliable data and long-term flexibility, this is the top pick.
📦 Kasa Smart Plug Mini with Energy Monitoring (KP115) – Best Budget Option
The KP115 is a great option for renters who want energy monitoring without buying a multi-pack. It offers real-time usage tracking, basic scheduling, and a small footprint that won’t block nearby outlets.
It’s ideal for monitoring a single device where power waste often goes unnoticed, such as a TV, home office setup, or bedroom lamp.
📦 Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring – Best for Detailed Insights
Govee’s smart plug stands out for renters who like digging into usage data. Its app provides detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports that make long-term patterns easier to understand.
The 4-pack works well for renters who want to track multiple devices across different rooms using one centralized dashboard.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Smart plugs help renters reduce energy waste through visibility and automation
- Kasa’s Matter plug offers the best balance of accuracy and compatibility
- The Kasa KP115 is ideal for renters who only need one monitored outlet
- Govee delivers the most detailed long-term energy usage insights
- All three options are renter-safe and require no permanent installation
🟢 FAQs
Q: Do smart plugs actually lower electricity bills?
Yes. They help identify devices that waste power when idle and make it easy to automate shut-offs and schedules.
Q: Are energy-monitoring smart plugs safe for apartments?
Yes, when used with standard household electronics and within rated limits.
Q: Can renters use smart plugs without landlord permission?
In most cases, yes. Smart plugs are removable and treated like normal plug-in electronics.
Q: Do energy-monitoring smart plugs work with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes. All three options support popular voice assistants for hands-free control.
✅ Conclusion
For renters looking to save energy without making permanent changes, smart plugs are one of the most practical upgrades available. The Kasa Matter Smart Plug is the best all-around choice, the Kasa KP115 is perfect for budget-focused setups, and Govee’s smart plug delivers the deepest energy insights. Any of these options can help reduce wasted electricity while keeping your apartment setup renter-friendly.
