Turning a regular house into a smart home can feel like a daunting task, but it often starts with a single, simple device. The Best Smart Plug For Google Home is more than just an adapter; it’s the key to unlocking voice-controlled convenience for nearly any appliance you own. Imagine turning on your coffee maker from bed or switching off the living room lamp from miles away, all with a simple command. At Kjooz, we’ve spent over a decade testing and integrating these gadgets, and we’re here to guide you through finding the perfect plug to upgrade your life.

This guide will break down what features truly matter, showcase our top picks, and help you seamlessly integrate your new smart plug into your Google Home ecosystem.
Why You Need a Smart Plug for Your Google Home
A smart plug is a small device that fits between your wall outlet and an appliance’s power cord. Once connected to your Wi-Fi network and linked to the Google Home app, it allows you to control the power flow to whatever is plugged into it.
The benefits are immediate and impactful:
- Voice Control: The most obvious advantage. Saying “Hey Google, turn on the fan” is far easier than fumbling for a switch in the dark.
- Automation and Routines: You can group a smart plug into Google Home Routines. For instance, a “Good Morning” routine could turn on your lights, start the coffee pot, and play the news, all from one command.
- Remote Access: Forget to turn off the iron? No problem. You can check the status and turn off the smart plug from your phone, no matter where you are.
- Energy Savings: Many smart plugs offer energy monitoring, showing you exactly how much power an appliance is using. You can also schedule devices like chargers or lamps to turn off automatically, cutting down on phantom power draw.
What Makes a Smart Plug the “Best” for Google Home?
Not all smart plugs are created equal. When pairing one with Google Home, certain features elevate a plug from good to great. As our in-house smart home specialist, David Chen, often says, “The best smart plug is one you forget is even there. It should just work, instantly and reliably, every single time you ask Google.”
Seamless Google Home Integration
First and foremost, the plug must integrate flawlessly with Google Home. Look for products with a “Works with Google Assistant” or “Works with Google Home” badge. This certification ensures a smooth setup process and reliable performance within the Google ecosystem.
Matter Support: The Future-Proof Choice
Matter is a new universal smart home standard designed to make devices from different brands work together seamlessly. A Matter-certified smart plug offers several advantages:
- Easier Setup: Matter devices can often be set up directly within the Google Home app, skipping the need for a separate manufacturer app.
- Interoperability: It will work not only with Google Home but also with other Matter-compatible systems like Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, giving you more flexibility in the future.
- Reliability: Matter relies on local network control, which means it’s often faster and continues to work even if your internet connection goes down.
Key Features to Consider
Beyond basic connectivity, here are the features that separate the top contenders:
- Energy Monitoring: This allows you to track the real-time and historical power consumption of the connected appliance. It’s perfect for identifying energy hogs and making informed decisions to lower your electricity bill.
- Compact Design: Bulky smart plugs can be a nuisance, blocking the second outlet on a standard wall plate. A slim, compact design is crucial for practicality.
- Scheduling and Timers: Set your lights to turn on at sunset, have a fan turn off after you’ve fallen asleep, or schedule holiday lights to run for a few hours each evening.
- Away Mode: This feature, often called “Vacation Mode,” randomly turns connected lights on and off to simulate occupancy, deterring potential intruders while you’re away.
Our Top Picks for the Best Smart Plug for Google Home
After rigorous testing, we’ve identified the smart plugs that deliver the best combination of reliability, features, and value for Google Home users.
1. Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa Matter Smart Plug (KP125M)
The TP-Link Kasa line has long been a trusted name in smart homes, and their Matter-enabled plug is a standout. It strikes the perfect balance of performance and features. Setup is incredibly simple through the Google Home app thanks to Matter. It also includes robust energy monitoring, a compact design that doesn’t block the second outlet, and the rock-solid reliability Kasa is known for.
2. Best for Energy Monitoring: Wyze Plug
For the data-driven user, the Wyze Plug is a fantastic choice. While its setup is done through the Wyze app before linking to Google Home, its energy monitoring capabilities are top-notch. The app provides detailed graphs of power usage by day, week, and month, helping you pinpoint exactly where your energy is going. It’s an affordable plug that punches well above its weight in features.
3. Best Compact Design: Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini
If space is your primary concern, look no further than the Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini. This plug is one of the smallest on the market, ensuring you can always use both outlets. As a Matter-certified device, it integrates directly and quickly with Google Home. While it lacks energy monitoring, its tiny footprint and responsive performance make it ideal for tight spaces behind furniture or on crowded power strips.
4. Best Budget Option: Govee Smart Plug
Govee is known for smart lighting, but their smart plugs offer incredible value. They are typically sold in multi-packs, bringing the cost per unit down significantly. They integrate easily with Google Home and provide all the essential features like scheduling, timers, and voice control. If you need to outfit multiple rooms without breaking the bank, Govee is the way to go.
How to Set Up Your Smart Plug with Google Home
Getting your new smart plug running is usually a quick and easy process.
- Plug It In: Connect the smart plug to a wall outlet and plug your appliance into the smart plug. A status light should begin blinking, indicating it’s ready for setup.
- Open the Google Home App: On your phone or tablet, open the Google Home app.
- Add a New Device: Tap the ‘+’ icon in the top-left corner, then select “Set up device,” and “New device.”
- Follow the Prompts: Google Home will scan for nearby devices. If you have a Matter-enabled plug, it should appear automatically. If not, you may need to select the brand from a list and follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions, which may involve temporarily using their app.
- Assign a Room and Name: Once connected, assign the plug to a room (e.g., “Living Room”) and give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Floor Lamp”). This makes voice commands more intuitive.
That’s it! You can now say, “Hey Google, turn on the Floor Lamp.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all smart plugs work with Google Home?
No, not all of them. Always check the product packaging or description for the “Works with Google Home” or “Works with Google Assistant” logo. Matter-certified plugs are also guaranteed to work.
What is Matter and why is it important for smart plugs?
Matter is a universal connectivity standard that allows smart devices from different brands to communicate with each other reliably and securely. Choosing a Matter-certified plug ensures easier setup, better reliability, and future-proof compatibility with other smart home systems.
Can I use a smart plug outdoors?
Only if it is specifically rated for outdoor use. Outdoor smart plugs are built with weather-resistant materials to withstand rain, dust, and temperature changes. Using an indoor plug outside is a safety hazard.
Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity themselves?
No, smart plugs consume a very small amount of power in standby mode, typically less than 1 watt. The energy they save by turning off power-hungry appliances far outweighs their own consumption.
Can I control my smart plug when I’m not on my home Wi-Fi?
Yes. As long as your smart plug is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network, you can control it from anywhere in the world using the Google Home app on your phone, provided your phone has an internet connection.
Conclusion
Choosing the best smart plug for Google Home is your first and most impactful step toward a truly intelligent living space. Whether you prioritize the future-proofing of Matter, the detailed insights of energy monitoring, or a simple, budget-friendly solution, there is a perfect plug for you. By adding this one small device, you empower Google Assistant to manage your everyday appliances, saving you time, energy, and effort. It’s a simple upgrade that delivers daily convenience, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.