Craig Lloyd
Smart plugs are a convenient way to add smarts to just about any appliance, but if you want a more permanent and cleaner solution, in-wall smart outlets are the way to go. Here are the best ones that are worth purchasing.
Of course, in-wall smart outlets aren’t for everyone. Renters and even just those who aren’t comfortable messing with electrical wiring can benefit from smart plugs instead. However, if you’re able to, installing in-wall smart outlets is a great way to avoid bulky smart plugs and present a cleaner look. Here are the ones that we’d consider buying.
A Wi-Fi Option: Topgreener Smart Wi-Fi Outlet ($42)
Once installed, the Smart Wi-Fi Outlet from Topgreener connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network and gives you one always-on receptacle, with the other controlled by your phone or voice.
The one smart receptacle also monitors your energy usage, so you can get a better idea of just how much electricity that space heater is pulling.
You can also do things like create scenes, set schedules and timers, take advantage of geofencing, and even enable an away mode that can turn lamps on and off randomly to simulate someone being home. It also works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Most importantly, the outlet is tamper resistant, UL listed, and NEC compliant.
$18.99 
$29.99 Save 37%
A Z-Wave Option: Honeywell Z-Wave Smart Outlet ($40)
If you already have a smarthome hub and want to avoid Wi-Fi, the Honeywell Z-Wave Smart Outlet is a good way to go.
Instead of connecting directly to your Wi-Fi network, it connects to a smarthome hub via Z-Wave, and then the hub connects to your network. This cuts down on Wi-Fi congestion, especially if you end up installing a ton of these around the house.
Like the Topgreener model, this one can also do schedules, timers, scenes, and an away mode to simulate residency. And it’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant as long as your smarthome hub is as well.
Plus, it’s also tamper resistant, UL listed, and NEC compliant.
