This hub-free smart plug is the best option for most homes (and it's only $20)

Source: ZDNet

Introduction

What makes a smart plug one of my favorite smart‑home devices? It’s one of the most versatile gadgets you can get, delivering a high level of convenience at a very low up‑front cost. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to upgrade your home with expensive smart appliances; just buy a smart plug for your existing electronics, and you’re set.

Also: 10 cheap gadgets that seriously upgraded my smart home (and are easy to install)

Why the Shelly Gen4 Stands Out

While most smart plugs cost under $30, the vast selection makes it hard to narrow your options to just one. After testing multiple brands, I’ve settled on the one that offers the biggest bang for your buck: the Shelly Gen4 Smart Plug.

At only $20, the Shelly Gen4 is a powerhouse among its kind. You don’t need a hub to use it; the plug supports Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, and you can also connect it to an existing hub via Zigbee or Matter. Using these protocols lets you easily add the Shelly Gen4 to your preferred home‑automation system—Google Home, Apple Home, or Amazon Alexa.

Also: Your smart plug is seriously underutilized: 7 ways I’ve programmed mine to automate my home

Everyday Use Cases

As a standalone device, a smart plug makes it easy to control your existing electronics with your phone or voice, without replacing them with expensive smart ones. For example, you can use a smart plug for a fan, space heater, floor lamp, or holiday lights, and set them on a schedule or run them via automations.

Using a home‑automation system lets you add complex “if this, then that” routines with your smart plug. You can use HomeKit, Home Assistant, or any other platform to have your Shelly Gen4 turn on a dehumidifier when the room’s humidity reaches a specific threshold.

Also: Why this $7 smart plug beats any other that I’ve tested in my home

I’ve used smart plugs for many household functions—even to keep our pipes from freezing during harsh winter weather. My husband and I set up a space heater and smart thermometer in the crawlspace, connected to a smart plug, and created an automation that turns the heater on when the temperature drops below 23 °F.

Key Features

• Local connectivity: Bluetooth, Matter, Zigbee, and Wi‑Fi give you multiple ways to control the plug, even if the internet is down.
• Energy monitoring: Real‑time power usage data helps you track consumption.
• Advanced automations: Scripting capabilities let you create sophisticated “if‑then” rules.
• Power capacity: Supports up to 1800 W, handling most household electronics from fans to TVs.

ZDNET’s Buying Advice

Even if there are cheaper options that offer basic voice control and Wi‑Fi support, the Shelly Gen4 is the best smart plug for its flexible coverage, real‑time energy monitoring, scripting capabilities, and low price.

The only scenario where I wouldn’t recommend the Shelly Gen4 is if you need an outdoor smart plug or a very basic device for simple on/off control. In those cases, consider:

• Outdoor: Tapo Matter Outdoor Plug
• Basic indoor: Linkind Matter Smart Plug

These alternatives cover the niche use‑cases that the Shelly Gen4 does not address.