Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes. Turning off the outlet controlled by a smart plug does not necessarily cut power to the plug’s own electronics. If the plug remains connected to Wi-Fi or another control network, it can continue to use standby electricity. To stop its mains draw, unplug it; some models also provide a separate, manufacturer-documented low-power mode.
What “off” means on a smart plug
A smart plug contains control electronics and, often, a wireless connection. When you switch its outlet off in an app, the plug may open its relay to stop power reaching the connected appliance while keeping those electronics running so it can receive another command. The appliance outlet is off; the smart plug itself is not disconnected from mains power.
Some products distinguish network-connected standby from a deeper Off Mode. For Amazon Smart Plug, Amazon documents 0.88 W in Networked Standby and 0.23 W in Off Mode. Entering that model’s Off Mode requires pressing the button on the side; an app command alone is not the same state. Belkin likewise says app-off leaves the Wemo Insight in standby. These descriptions are model-specific, not a definition that applies to every smart plug. Amazon Smart Plug power consumption; Belkin Wemo Insight support.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
How much electricity can standby use?
There is no universal standby figure. Manufacturers may report different operating states, and the available figures below are not results from a controlled head-to-head test.
#1 Best Overall
Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi, Energy Monitoring, P115(4-Pack), 15A
- 【Insightful Energy Tracking】Track your plug's energy use with clear and easy-to-understand statistics and intuitive charts, helping you optimize power usage.
- 【Estimate Your Energy Bill】 Enhance energy management by integrating with billing systems for clear cost visualization (both single and periodic readings). Additionally, programmable scheduling allows automatic operation of high-consumption devices during off-peak hours with lower electricity rates, resulting in cost savings.
- 【Smart Charging for Devices】Automatically cuts power once your device reaches the low-battery limit you set, preventing overcharging.
- 【Auto-Shutoff】Prevents electrical overload by automatically shutting off devices that use too much power.
- 【Voice & Remote Control】 With built-in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, issue simple voice commands to adjust settings, turn devices on or off, or even access specific functions without lifting a finger. Manage Tapo P115 and its connected devices from anywhere with the user-friendly Tapo app.
| Product or criterion | Reported power | What the figure describes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Smart Plug | 0.88 W | Networked Standby, according to Amazon’s support documentation; publication year not stated. |
| Amazon Smart Plug | 0.23 W | Off Mode, according to Amazon; the user must press the plug’s side button to enter this mode. Publication year not stated. |
| Salus SP600 | 2.0 W | Manufacturer-listed standby consumption with the relay off; publication year not stated. This is a product specification, not independent testing. Salus SP600 technical information. |
| Smart plugs in qualifying ENERGY STAR SHEMS packages | 1.0 W maximum | Standby-power eligibility limit in ENERGY STAR’s Version 1.1 specification (June 2021), measured using IEC 62301, Ed. 2.0 (2011), subject to the specification’s clarifications. It is not a cap on all consumer smart plugs. ENERGY STAR SHEMS Version 1.1 specification. |
For scale, a device drawing 1 W continuously for a full 365-day year uses 8.76 kWh: watts × hours ÷ 1,000. Your plug’s actual use depends on its draw and how long it remains in that state. To estimate cost, multiply the resulting kWh by your electricity rate.
How to check your plug’s own standby use
- Find the exact operating state. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for whether a figure applies with the relay off, in networked standby, or in a separate low-power mode. Confirm how that mode is activated.
- Use a meter that measures the plug’s input. A suitable plug-in electricity meter can measure power drawn from the wall while the smart plug is connected. Check the meter’s stated range and low-load accuracy; a reading near the lower end of its range may not be reliable.
- Compare like with like. Record the smart plug’s input with the outlet on, with the outlet switched off in the app, and in any documented lower-power mode. Keep other connected loads out of the measurement if you want the smart plug’s own draw.
- Separate the appliance reading from the plug reading. A smart plug’s energy-monitoring feature may report energy used by the connected device rather than the smart plug’s own electronics. TP-Link describes the Tapo P115 as tracking connected-device energy use; its product page does not establish low-load accuracy for measuring the plug itself. TP-Link Tapo P115 product page.
ENERGY STAR’s 2018 SHEMS work-group summary notes that advanced smart plugs may provide current-draw feedback, but that feature alone does not show whether a particular product can accurately measure its own standby load. ENERGY STAR SHEMS 2018 work-group summary.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring, KP125MP4, 15A/1800W Max
- 【Matter-Compatible Smart Home Integration】Works with Matter-certified platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Users can manage compatible devices across supported apps within the Matter ecosystem.
- 【Energy Monitoring】Tracks energy usage over time to help you understand consumption patterns and make informed decisions about how your devices are used.
- 【Matter: Smooth LAN Control】All Matter-certified devices in your local area network (LAN) will work smoothly even when your home internet goes offline. Matter allows effective communication directly between devices, without the need for a specific 'forwarding' device. For example, a Matter smart switch or sensor can turn on/off a Matter bulb directly without being connected to a cloud service, or other specific action. Once configured, communication and control between Matter devices can be achieved directly on the local network.
- 【Compact & Flame Retardant Design】Avoid blocking additional outlets with its compact design, and plug in your WiFi smart plug with confidence thanks to its UL certified flame retardant design and 2-year limited warranty.
- 【App & Voice Control】Control your WiFi smart plug from anywhere, anytime via the free Kasa App or just give voice commands to Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Samsung SmartThings. Your favorite smart assistant enables you to have a truly hands-free experience.
Rank #4
Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring, WiFi Bluetooth Outlet, 4 Pack
- Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Smart plugs track the real-time power, current, and voltage of your plug-in devices on Govee Home App. Supports reviewing data daily / weekly / monthly and up to 1 year to effectively save energy and reduce waste.
- Stable WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity: Connecting with Govee Home App via WiFi and Bluetooth to access the Smart Plug easily, even away, you can remotely control your home appliances and never come back to a dark home. Note: Do NOT support 5G Wi-Fi.
- Convenient Voice Control: Free hands by using simple voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant. Just once setting, you can enjoy coffee immediately after waking up and experience a leisurely morning. It's also a caring choice for the elderly.
- Scheduling & Group Control: Smart plugs with timer help create detailed to the minute schedules power your appliances on/off automatically for helping save energy and money. And supports share on the Govee Home App to enjoy the smart life together.
- Safe and Comfortable Smart Home: Govee plug not only fully FCC & ETL certified, but also made of fire-resistant materials. 15A 120V smart outlet is suitable for high-power appliances such as coffee maker, brings you a stable and safe life assistant.
Rank #3
Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi, Energy Monitoring, P115(2-Pack), 15A
- 【Insightful Energy Tracking】Track your plug's energy use with clear and easy-to-understand statistics and intuitive charts, helping you optimize power usage.
- 【Estimate Your Energy Bill】 Enhance energy management by integrating with billing systems for clear cost visualization (both single and periodic readings). Additionally, programmable scheduling allows automatic operation of high-consumption devices during off-peak hours with lower electricity rates, resulting in cost savings.
- 【Smart Charging for Devices】Automatically cuts power once your device reaches the low-battery limit you set, preventing overcharging.
- 【Auto-Shutoff】Prevents electrical overload by automatically shutting off devices that use too much power.
- 【Voice & Remote Control】 With built-in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, issue simple voice commands to adjust settings, turn devices on or off, or even access specific functions without lifting a finger. Manage Tapo P115 and its connected devices from anywhere with the user-friendly Tapo app.
Rank #2
Tapo Smart Plug, Matter Compatible, Energy Monitoring, P110M(4-Pack), 15A
- 【Matter-Certified】Matter-certified devices, regardless of brand, can work together and are compatible with most major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Enjoy more flexible and unified control.
- 【Insightful Energy Tracking】 Monitor your energy consumption with in-depth statistics and clear visuals, helping you optimize power usage.
- 【Estimate Your Energy Bill】 Enhance energy management by integrating with billing systems for clear cost visualization (both single and periodic readings). Additionally, programmable scheduling allows automatic operation of high-consumption devices during off-peak hours with lower electricity rates, resulting in cost savings.
- 【Overcharge Prevention & Power Management】 Automatically cuts off power based on user-set thresholds and durations to prevent overcharging, conserve energy, and protect connected devices from overcurrents by shutting off when power exceeds set limits.
- 【Voice & Remote Control】 With built-in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, issue simple voice commands to adjust settings, turn devices on or off, or even access specific functions without lifting a finger. Manage Tapo P110M and its connected devices from anywhere with the user-friendly Tapo app.
How to reduce or eliminate the draw
- Unplug the smart plug when you want to eliminate its own mains draw. This also removes remote control until it is plugged in again.
- Use a documented low-power mode if your model has one and you accept the trade-off. A mode that reduces power may also make remote commands unavailable; follow the product’s instructions rather than assuming an app-off command enters that mode.
- Consider the appliance and schedule, not just the plug. Whether automation reduces total electricity use depends on the appliance’s normal operation and standby consumption, how the schedule changes its use, the smart plug’s draw, and your electricity rate. There is no general guarantee that controlling an appliance will save more than the plug uses.
What to compare when choosing or evaluating a plug
- State and wattage: Look for a figure tied to a named state, such as networked standby or relay-off standby, rather than an unspecified “off” value.
- Connectivity: Check whether remote control remains available in the lower-power state and how that state is entered.
- Measurement purpose: Confirm whether energy monitoring reports the downstream appliance, the plug’s input, or both; do not infer self-consumption measurement from an appliance-monitoring feature.
- Compatibility: Verify the plug’s outlet type, voltage, and smart-home ecosystem for your region and setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
PerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?DriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownPerformanceWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
