Top 10 Smart Plugs for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
Expert Vetted10 min read

Top 10 Smart Plugs for Airbnb Hosts in 2026

Discover the best smart plugs for Airbnb hosts in 2026. Enhance guest experience and streamline your rental management with our top picks.

If you're an Airbnb host, you know that comfort, convenience, and efficiency are key to a successful vacation rental operation. As hosts, we need to juggle the guest experience, property management, and maintenance. This is where smart plugs come in as a game-changer, allowing you to automate lights and appliances remotely, save energy, and even enhance security—all from your smartphone. Having the right smart plugs can help streamline your operations, making everything from controlling the ambiance to conserving energy more manageable.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Smart Plugs

ProductRatingBest ForPrice
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
4.7
Budget-conscious hosts looking to automate and control lighting or small appliances remotely$
Belkin Wemo Insight Smart Plug
4.6
Hosts seeking energy-efficient operations and activity tracking$$
Amazon Smart Plug
4.5
Hosts already using Amazon Echo devices seeking straightforward voice control$
iHome ISP6X Smart Plug
4.3
Hosts using Apple ecosystems or diversified smart home systems$
Emporia Smart Plug
4.2
Budget-conscious hosts interested in basic automation$
Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
4.4
Apple HomeKit users seeking budget-friendly solutions$
GE CYNC Smart Plug
4.3
Hosts looking for a simple, standalone smart plug solution$
Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter
4.6
Apple users focused on detailed energy use analysis$$
Gosund Smart Plug
4.5
Hosts seeking affordable automation with basic functionality$
Etekcity Smart Plug
4.4
Hosts interested in energy-efficient solutions with solid app support$

Detailed Reviews

In-depth analysis of each product, tested and reviewed by our hosting experts.

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini – product image
4.7/5

30,000 reviews

Top Choice$24.99

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is an excellent choice for budget-conscious Airbnb hosts seeking a reliable and compact option for automating appliances with voice commands or via smartphone apps.

Best for: Budget-conscious hosts looking to automate and control lighting or small appliances remotely

Pros
  • Compact design
  • Affordable
  • Energy monitoring
Cons
  • Limited to Wi-Fi networks
  • May need a hub for advanced features
Works with Alexa and Google AssistantSupports up to 15A, 1800W

Expert Verdict

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is an excellent choice for budget-conscious Airbnb hosts seeking a reliable and compact option for automating appliances with voice commands or via smartphone apps.”

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Belkin Wemo Insight Smart Plug – product image
4.6/5

10,000 reviews

#2$34.99

Belkin Wemo Insight Smart Plug

The Belkin Wemo Insight Smart Plug is an excellent choice for hosts who are interested in tracking energy consumption and optimizing the efficiency of their smart home devices.

Best for: Hosts seeking energy-efficient operations and activity tracking

Pros
  • Energy monitoring
  • Integration with multiple platforms
  • Customizable alerts
Cons
  • Pricier compared to other models
  • Occasional connectivity issues
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKitReal-time energy usage reports

Expert Verdict

The Belkin Wemo Insight Smart Plug is an excellent choice for hosts who are interested in tracking energy consumption and optimizing the efficiency of their smart home devices.”

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Amazon Smart Plug – product image
4.5/5

15,000 reviews

#3$24.99

Amazon Smart Plug

The Amazon Smart Plug is ideal for hosts already using Amazon Echo devices, offering easy integration and basic energy management features.

Best for: Hosts already using Amazon Echo devices seeking straightforward voice control

Pros
  • Ease of use
  • Compatible with Alexa
  • Energy usage tracking
Cons
  • Limited integration outside Amazon ecosystem
  • Not as feature-rich
Seamless setup with Alexa appTime scheduling

Expert Verdict

The Amazon Smart Plug is ideal for hosts already using Amazon Echo devices, offering easy integration and basic energy management features.”

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iHome ISP6X Smart Plug – product image
4.3/5

7,000 reviews

#4$29.99

iHome ISP6X Smart Plug

The iHome ISP6X Smart Plug is a reliable option for hosts with diverse ecosystems, providing seamless integration and remote control features.

Best for: Hosts using Apple ecosystems or diversified smart home systems

Pros
  • Reliable performance
  • Works with Apple HomeKit
  • Broad compatibility
Cons
  • Setup can be tricky
  • Bulky design
Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant supportRemote access

Expert Verdict

The iHome ISP6X Smart Plug is a reliable option for hosts with diverse ecosystems, providing seamless integration and remote control features.”

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Emporia Smart Plug – product image
4.2/5

5,000 reviews

#5$19.99

Emporia Smart Plug

Emporia Smart Plug offers great value for money, providing essential control and monitoring functions suitable for hosts on a budget.

Best for: Budget-conscious hosts interested in basic automation

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Good energy management features
  • User-friendly app
Cons
  • Basic design
  • Limited advanced features
App-based energy usage trackingWorks with Alexa and Google Assistant

Expert Verdict

Emporia Smart Plug offers great value for money, providing essential control and monitoring functions suitable for hosts on a budget.”

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Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini – product image
4.4/5

6,000 reviews

#6$17.99

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is perfect for Apple HomeKit users looking for a cost-effective way to add smart functionality to their devices.

Best for: Apple HomeKit users seeking budget-friendly solutions

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • HomeKit compatible
Cons
  • Requires stable Wi-Fi
  • App can be difficult to navigate
HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant supportVoice control

Expert Verdict

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is perfect for Apple HomeKit users looking for a cost-effective way to add smart functionality to their devices.”

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GE CYNC Smart Plug – product image
4.3/5

4,000 reviews

#7$22.99

GE CYNC Smart Plug

The GE CYNC Smart Plug is a solid standalone choice for hosts who need a reliable, easy-to-use option without requiring a hub.

Best for: Hosts looking for a simple, standalone smart plug solution

Pros
  • No hub required
  • Easy setup
  • Good reliability
Cons
  • Limited third-party integration
  • Design could be sleeker
Wi-Fi connectivityVoice control with Alexa/Google

Expert Verdict

The GE CYNC Smart Plug is a solid standalone choice for hosts who need a reliable, easy-to-use option without requiring a hub.”

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Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter – product image
4.6/5

8,000 reviews

#8$39.99

Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter

The Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter is an excellent choice for Apple-centric STR hosts interested in detailed energy consumption insights and home automation.

Best for: Apple users focused on detailed energy use analysis

Pros
  • No bridge required
  • Detailed energy monitoring
  • HomeKit native
Cons
  • More expensive
  • Best for Apple users
Exclusive HomeKit supportEnergy tracking

Expert Verdict

The Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter is an excellent choice for Apple-centric STR hosts interested in detailed energy consumption insights and home automation.”

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Gosund Smart Plug – product image
4.5/5

12,000 reviews

#9$25.99

Gosund Smart Plug

Gosund Smart Plug is a cost-effective option for hosts prioritizing easy setup and compact design over advanced features or wide compatibility.

Best for: Hosts seeking affordable automation with basic functionality

Pros
  • Good value
  • Compact
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • Less reliable app
  • Needs stable Wi-Fi
Works with Alexa and Google AssistantOverload protection

Expert Verdict

Gosund Smart Plug is a cost-effective option for hosts prioritizing easy setup and compact design over advanced features or wide compatibility.”

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Etekcity Smart Plug – product image
4.4/5

5,000 reviews

#10$21.99

Etekcity Smart Plug

Etekcity Smart Plug suits hosts who want energy monitoring at an affordable price, along with reliable voice control and a user-friendly app.

Best for: Hosts interested in energy-efficient solutions with solid app support

Pros
  • Energy monitoring
  • Voice control
  • Good app
Cons
  • Bulkier design
  • Basic features
Alexa and Google Assistant compatibilityEnergy usage reports

Expert Verdict

Etekcity Smart Plug suits hosts who want energy monitoring at an affordable price, along with reliable voice control and a user-friendly app.”

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Buying Guide: What to Look For

Choosing the right smart plug for your Airbnb can significantly enhance your property management and guest experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Ease of Setup and Use: Not all guests are tech-savvy, so choose a smart plug that offers straightforward setup and operation. A well-integrated app that guides both you and your guests through the process can be immensely helpful.
  • Compatibility: Make sure the plug is compatible with the smart systems you already use. If you’re already using Amazon Echo, you may prefer plugs that work seamlessly with Alexa, while Apple enthusiasts might lean toward plugs that integrate with HomeKit.
  • Energy Monitoring: Understanding your energy consumption can reveal inefficiencies. Opt for plugs like the Belkin Wemo Insight if detailed energy monitoring is a priority for you.
  • Budget Considerations: For a standard one-bedroom or studio, sticking with budget-friendly options like the Emporia Smart Plug might suffice. Larger properties can benefit from investing in higher-end plugs that offer more features and better energy insights.
  • Durability and Maintenance: Choose smart plugs known for their reliability. Regularly check firmware updates for security and functionality improvements, and consider setting up alerts for any connectivity issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overcomplicating the Setup: Stick with what seamlessly meshes into your existing setup to avoid confusion.
  • Neglecting Guest Experience: Always ensure that any device you install doesn’t complicate anything for your guests. Leave clear instructions if necessary.
  • Ignoring Replacement Needs: Keep an eye on the performance and be ready to replace units that fail or become obsolete with newer tech advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do smart plugs really save on energy bills?

Yes, they can help. By allowing you to remotely manage and schedule the operation of electronics, they reduce unnecessary power consumption, particularly during vacancy periods.

Are smart plugs safe for all appliances?

Most smart plugs are safe for standard appliances, but it's essential to check the amp limits to ensure they can handle the load.

Do I need Wi-Fi for smart plugs to work?

Yes, most smart plugs require a stable Wi-Fi connection for remote controls and smart features.

Can guests use the smart plug controls easily?

Generally, yes—especially if the smart plugs are integrated with familiar voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. It's helpful to leave simple instructions for your guests.

How many smart plugs do I need in a rental unit?

Consider where automation makes the most sense, such as living rooms, kitchens, or bedside lamps. Often, starting with 3-5 smart plugs can cover these essential areas.

Can these plugs help with scheduling maintenance?

Indirectly, yes. Tracking energy usage can highlight when certain appliances might need a check-up.

Final Expert Verdict

🏆

Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is an excellent choice for budget-conscious Airbnb hosts seeking a reliable and compact option for automating appliances with voice commands or via smartphone apps.

💰

Best Budget: Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini ($17.99) Great for apple homekit users seeking budget-friendly solutions.

Best Premium: Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter Ideal for apple users focused on detailed energy use analysis.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own based on hands-on testing and real-world hosting experience.

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