In today’s era of smart living, Home Assistant smart plugs have become a powerful tool for home automation. These smart plugs not only let you control electronics remotely but also help you save energy and customize schedules, all while integrating seamlessly with the open-source Home Assistant platform.
Whether you’re new to home automation or looking to expand your smart setup, this guide will explore how Home Assistant smart plugs work, the benefits they bring, and the best models to consider in 2025.
What is a Smart Plug in Home Assistant?
A smart plug is a Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Z-Wave-enabled device that plugs into your wall socket and allows you to control appliances through an app or automation system. When integrated with Home Assistant, these plugs become incredibly powerful — enabling you to:
- Switch appliances on/off remotely
- Monitor energy consumption
- Automate routines based on time, presence, weather, or device status
- Control using voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
Top Benefits of Using Home Assistant Smart Plugs
- Automation with Flexibility
Create advanced automations using triggers like temperature, motion, or your location. - Energy Monitoring
Many plugs support real-time power monitoring, helping you reduce your energy bills. - Custom Scenes & Routines
Combine smart plugs with other devices to activate “Good Morning” or “Away” scenes. - Cross-Brand Compatibility
Home Assistant supports a wide range of plug brands like TP-Link, Sonoff, Tuya, Aqara, and Shelly. - Privacy First
Unlike cloud-based platforms, Home Assistant keeps your data local and private.
Best Home Assistant Compatible Smart Plugs in 2025
| Smart Plug | Protocol | Energy Monitoring | Works With Home Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Kasa KP115 | Wi-Fi | ✅ | ✅ (via integration) |
| Aqara Smart Plug | Zigbee | ✅ | ✅ (via Zigbee2MQTT/ZHA) |
| Sonoff S31 | Wi-Fi | ✅ | ✅ (ESPHome/Tasmota) |
| Shelly Plug S | Wi-Fi | ✅ | ✅ (native API) |
| Tuya Smart Plug | Wi-Fi/Zigbee | ✅ | ✅ (with local Tuya/zigbee2mqtt) |
How to Set Up a Smart Plug in Home Assistant
- Install and Power the Plug
Plug it into a socket and connect it using the brand’s app. - Integrate with Home Assistant
Use integrations like ESPHome, MQTT, ZHA, or Local Tuya to add your plug. - Create Automations
Navigate to Automations and add triggers (e.g., “Turn on coffee maker at 7 AM”). - Monitor Usage
Use the Energy Dashboard in Home Assistant to track power usage in real time.
Best Use Cases
- Turn off TV automatically after bedtime
- Switch off iron when you leave home
- Run washing machine during off-peak hours
- Control garden lights at sunset
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Home Assistant supports many brands through native integrations or custom components.
No. Home Assistant can control devices locally without relying on the cloud.
Zigbee plugs use less power and are better for larger smart homes, while Wi-Fi plugs are easier to set up for beginners.
No, they use minimal power (typically <1W) and often help reduce overall energy use by automating devices.
Yes, if your smart plug supports energy monitoring, you can view real-time and historical usage via Home Assistant.
Only use smart plugs that are rated for high power if you’re controlling appliances like heaters or air conditioners. Always check the specs.
Final Thoughts
Smart plugs paired with Home Assistant make your home more automated, energy-efficient, and convenient. From turning off unused electronics to starting your coffee maker automatically, the possibilities are endless.