If you rent your home or apartment, adding smart-home technology can sometimes feel complicated. You may not be allowed to replace light switches, install wired sensors, or make permanent changes to the electrical system.
That’s where smart plugs come in.
A smart plug lets you turn an ordinary lamp, fan, coffee maker, TV, or other compatible appliance into a remotely controlled smart device without changing the wiring in your home.
Simply plug the smart plug into an existing wall outlet, connect your appliance, and use the manufacturer’s app or compatible smart-home platform to control it.
For renters, the best smart plugs should be compact, easy to install, easy to remove, reliable, and compatible with your existing smart-home ecosystem.
In this guide, we’ve compared five options that are worth considering for a rental apartment or house.
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Quick Comparison
| Smart Plug | Connectivity | Energy Monitoring | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eve Energy | Thread / Matter | Yes | Matter-focused renters |
| Meross MSS115 | Wi-Fi / Matter | No | Simple multi-platform setup |
| Tapo P115 | Wi-Fi | Yes | Energy-conscious renters |
| Kasa KP125M | Wi-Fi / Matter | Yes | Compact US smart homes |
| Tapo P125M | Wi-Fi / Matter | No | Best overall simplicity |
5. Eve Energy
Best for: Matter and Thread smart homes
The Eve Energy is an interesting option for renters who want to build a modern smart home without installing permanent hardware.
Unlike a wired smart switch, you simply plug Eve Energy into an existing outlet and connect your appliance to it.
The current Eve Energy supports Thread and Matter, although a compatible Matter controller and Thread Border Router are required.
Eve also provides different regional versions, including models for Europe, the UK, the US/Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
Key features
- Matter support
- Thread connectivity
- Energy monitoring
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Compact design
- Physical on/off button
- Multiple regional versions
- No permanent wiring required
Why consider it?
The major attraction is its Matter and Thread support.
If you’re already building a smart home around Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or another Matter-compatible platform, Eve Energy can fit into that ecosystem.
It can also provide energy information, which is useful for renters who want to understand how much electricity individual appliances consume.
Potential drawback
This isn’t the simplest option if you’re starting from zero.
You’ll need compatible Matter and Thread infrastructure, so the total setup cost can be higher than with a basic Wi-Fi smart plug.
Best for
Eve Energy is best suited to renters who already have a Matter-compatible smart-home system and want a higher-end smart plug.
→ Check Price on Amazon
4. Meross MSS115 Matter Smart Plug
Best for: Affordable multi-platform smart homes
The Meross MSS115 is designed for people who want a simple smart plug with Matter compatibility.
For renters, one of its biggest advantages is that there is no need to replace an existing wall switch or modify electrical wiring.
You can simply plug it into an existing outlet and take it with you when you move.
Key features
- Matter support
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compact design
- Remote control
- Voice control
- Scheduling
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Easy setup
Why consider it?
Matter is useful if you don’t want your smart-home devices locked into one ecosystem.
A Matter-compatible smart plug can potentially be controlled through compatible platforms from major smart-home ecosystems.
Meross describes the MSS115 as designed for easy setup and multi-platform Matter operation.
For a renter, this is particularly useful because the smart plug can move with you when you move to another apartment.
Potential drawback
Check the exact regional version before buying.
Meross sells different versions for different markets, and electrical specifications and plug shapes can vary.
Best for
The MSS115 is a good choice if you want an affordable Matter smart plug that can move with you when you relocate.
→ Check Price on Amazon
3. TP-Link Tapo P115
Best for: Energy-conscious renters
The TP-Link Tapo P115 is particularly interesting for renters because it combines a compact design with energy monitoring.
Instead of simply switching an appliance on and off, you can use the smart plug to monitor how much electricity the connected device consumes.
That can be useful if you’re trying to reduce your electricity bill or identify appliances that consume more power than expected.
Key features
- Energy monitoring
- Compact design
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Timer
- Away Mode
- Voice control
- No permanent wiring
Why consider it?
The P115 is designed as a small smart plug, making it suitable for apartments where wall outlets may already be crowded.
You can use it with devices such as:
- Floor lamps
- Desk lamps
- Fans
- Entertainment systems
- Small appliances
- Chargers
- Home-office equipment
Energy monitoring can also help you decide which devices are worth switching off when you’re not using them.
Potential drawback
The P115 is available in specific regional versions, so you should not automatically assume that a listing intended for one country is suitable for another.
TP-Link documentation lists regional electrical specifications and plug versions, so check the exact version before purchasing.
Best for
The Tapo P115 is a strong choice for renters who want energy monitoring without permanently modifying their home.
→ Check Price on Amazon
2. Kasa KP125M Smart Plug Slim
Best for: Compact US smart homes
The Kasa KP125M is a slim smart plug designed to reduce the amount of space occupied around a wall outlet.
That’s particularly useful in apartments where outlet space can be limited.
The current model supports Matter, energy monitoring, remote control, scheduling and voice control.
Key features
- Matter certified
- Energy monitoring
- Compact design
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Away Mode
- Alexa support
- Apple Home support
- Google Assistant support
- Samsung SmartThings support
Why consider it?
One of the biggest problems with some smart plugs is their size.
A bulky plug can make it difficult to use the second socket on a wall outlet.
The KP125M is designed specifically as a slim model, helping reduce this problem.
Its energy-monitoring feature is another advantage for renters who want to track electricity consumption.
Potential drawback
The version currently documented by TP-Link for the US market is rated for 100–120V, up to 15A/1800W.
That means you should not buy the US version for a 220–240V electrical system.
Always check the voltage and plug configuration before ordering from AliExpress.
Best for
The Kasa KP125M is an excellent option for renters in compatible regions who want a compact Matter smart plug with energy monitoring.
→ Check Price on Amazon
1. TP-Link Tapo P125M
Best for: Overall renter-friendly smart-home setup
The TP-Link Tapo P125M takes the top spot because it focuses on what most renters actually need: simple installation, compact size and straightforward smart-home control.
There is no need to replace a light switch, run new cables, or make permanent changes to your apartment.
Plug it into an existing wall outlet, connect your appliance, configure it in the app and you’re ready to go.
Key features
- Matter certified
- Compact design
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Voice control
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Auto-Off
- Away Mode
- Smart-home automation
- No permanent installation
Why consider it?
For a renter, simplicity matters.
You might want your bedroom lamp to turn on automatically in the evening, your fan to switch off after a certain amount of time, or your living-room lamp to turn on while you’re away.
The Tapo P125M can handle these kinds of routines without requiring electrical modifications.
Its Matter support also makes it more flexible for users who don’t want to commit to just one smart-home platform.
Potential drawback
Unlike the Tapo P115, the P125M does not focus on energy monitoring.
If electricity tracking is your main reason for buying a smart plug, consider an energy-monitoring model instead.
Best for
The Tapo P125M is our top pick for renters who want a simple, compact smart plug that can be installed and removed without modifying the property.
→ Check Price on Amazon
Why Smart Plugs Are Great for Renters
Smart plugs are particularly useful in rental properties because they don’t require permanent installation.
You aren’t replacing electrical sockets or running cables through walls.
When you move, you can simply unplug your smart devices and take them with you.
Here are some useful renter-friendly applications.
1. Make a normal lamp smart
Connect a table lamp or floor lamp to a smart plug.
You can then control it from your phone or with a voice assistant.
2. Automate your fan
If you regularly use a fan at night, a smart plug can be used to create a schedule or automatically switch it off after a specified period.
Always verify that the appliance is suitable for smart-plug control.
3. Create an Away Mode
Going on vacation?
A smart plug can automatically turn lamps on and off according to a schedule, making your home appear occupied.
4. Control entertainment equipment
You can use smart plugs with suitable entertainment equipment to control power to devices when appropriate.
However, don’t use a smart plug as a replacement for properly shutting down devices that require a controlled shutdown.
5. Save electricity
An energy-monitoring smart plug can show how much electricity a connected device uses.
This can help you identify appliances worth switching off when they’re not needed.
Smart Plug vs Smart Switch for Renters
For most renters, a smart plug is much easier.
Smart plug
Advantages:
- No rewiring
- Easy installation
- Easy removal
- Portable
- Affordable
- No electrician required for normal plug-in installation
Smart switch
A smart wall switch can provide a cleaner permanent installation, but it normally requires replacing an existing switch and may involve electrical work.
That may not be permitted in a rental property.
For this reason, smart plugs are usually the safer and simpler choice for renters.
What Can You Plug Into a Smart Plug?
Smart plugs are best suited to appliances where remote switching is appropriate.
Common examples include:
- Lamps
- Fans
- Some coffee makers
- Certain small appliances
- Decorative lighting
- Some entertainment equipment
- Home-office equipment
- Chargers
However, don’t assume that every appliance is suitable.
Before connecting an appliance, check:
- The smart plug’s maximum current rating.
- The appliance’s power consumption.
- Whether the appliance is designed to safely restart when power is restored.
- The manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid exceeding the smart plug’s rated load.
What to Look for When Buying a Smart Plug as a Renter
1. Compact size
A small plug is especially useful when your apartment has limited wall-outlet space.
2. No permanent installation
The whole point of a renter-friendly smart plug is that you can install it without modifying the property.
3. Your electrical system
This is extremely important when ordering from Amazon.
Check:
- Voltage
- Frequency
- Plug type
- Maximum current
- Maximum wattage
- Regional model
A smart plug designed for 120V should not be connected to a 220–240V system unless the manufacturer specifically states that it supports that voltage.
4. Smart-home compatibility
Before buying, check whether the plug works with the platform you already use.
Common options include:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- Apple Home
- Samsung SmartThings
- Matter
- Home Assistant
5. Energy monitoring
If you’re trying to reduce electricity costs, an energy-monitoring model can be more useful than a basic smart plug.
6. Wi-Fi requirements
Most inexpensive smart plugs use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Make sure your router supports the required network configuration.
7. Physical button
A physical button is useful because you can still control the plug manually without opening an app.
Matter vs Wi-Fi: What Should Renters Choose?
Matter and Wi-Fi aren’t necessarily competing technologies.
A smart plug can use Wi-Fi for its network connection while also supporting Matter for smart-home interoperability.
For example, some modern smart plugs combine:
Wi-Fi + Matter
This can give you the convenience of Wi-Fi while allowing the device to work with compatible Matter ecosystems.
For a renter who expects to move between homes, Matter can be particularly attractive because it may make it easier to integrate compatible devices into a different smart-home ecosystem later.
Are Smart Plugs Worth It for Renters?
Yes, especially if you want smart-home features without modifying your apartment.
They’re inexpensive compared with many permanent smart-home installations and can be removed when you move.
A few smart plugs can give you:
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Voice control
- Automatic shutoff
- Away Mode
- Energy monitoring
- Smart-home automation
The biggest thing to remember is that electrical compatibility matters more than price.
A cheap smart plug isn’t a bargain if it has the wrong plug type or voltage for your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use smart plugs in a rented apartment?
Yes. Smart plugs are one of the easiest smart-home products for renters because they normally plug into existing electrical outlets without requiring permanent installation.
Do I need permission from my landlord?
Normally, a plug-in smart plug doesn’t require modifying the property. However, rental agreements vary, so follow your landlord’s rules and local electrical requirements.
Can I take my smart plugs when I move?
Yes. That’s one of their biggest advantages for renters. Simply unplug them and install them in your next home, provided the new home’s electrical system and plug type are compatible.
Do smart plugs increase my electricity bill?
A smart plug uses a small amount of electricity itself, but the amount varies by model. An energy-monitoring plug can also help you identify appliances that consume significant amounts of electricity.
Can I use a smart plug with a fan?
Often yes, provided the fan and smart plug are compatible and within the plug’s electrical rating. Make sure the fan safely resumes operation when power is restored.
Can I use a smart plug with a refrigerator?
This requires more caution. Refrigerators are motor-driven appliances with startup currents, so you should only use a smart plug if the manufacturer specifically rates it for that type of load and the plug’s electrical specifications are appropriate.
Do smart plugs work without Wi-Fi?
Some smart plugs use Wi-Fi, while others use protocols such as Zigbee or Thread. The exact requirements depend on the model.
Final Thoughts
For renters, smart plugs are one of the easiest ways to start building a smart home without making permanent changes to the property.
The TP-Link Tapo P125M is our top choice for straightforward smart-home control, while the Kasa KP125M is an excellent compact option for compatible US installations.
If you want energy monitoring, the Tapo P115 is worth considering. The Meross MSS115 is an interesting Matter option, while Eve Energy is better suited to renters already building a Thread/Matter ecosystem.
Most importantly, check the exact regional version before buying.
Amazon listings can contain multiple plug types and electrical versions under similar product names. Verify the voltage, frequency, plug shape, current rating and exact model number before placing your order.
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