Best Smart Plugs for Lamps: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
Coming home to a dark house in the middle of a British winter isn't pleasant. Whilst full smart lighting systems are fantastic, they can be expensive and complicated to install. For many of my customers, the simplest solution is often the best: a decent smart plug.
However, as an electrician, I worry about the quality of some cheap imports flooding the market. In older properties with varying wiring conditions, plugging a poorly made device into your mains is a risk you shouldn't take. You need a plug that is BS 1363 compliant, flame-retardant, and reliable.
In this review, I've selected three smart plugs that I trust. We'll look at a budget-friendly option for a single lamp, a quality multi-pack for kitting out a room, and a clever plug that helps you monitor energy usage.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Wi-Fi Range (2.4GHz)"
"Manufacturers claim these plugs work anywhere within range of your router."
In Leeds' solid brick Victorian terraces, Wi-Fi signals struggle to penetrate thick walls. If your router is in the hallway and the lamp is in a back bedroom, you might experience connection dropouts without a booster.
The Spec: "13A / 2990W Load Capacity"
"Rated to handle high-power appliances up to nearly 3kW."
Whilst technically true, I advise clients to use these primarily for lamps and low-load devices. Using smart plugs for portable heaters for extended periods can generate significant heat at the socket face, which isn't ideal for longevity.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Tapo P100 Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Plug, App Remote Control
Tapo
If you just want to control one difficult-to-reach lamp behind a sofa, this is the ideal entry point. Tapo (by TP-Link) offers a reliable app interface that is far superior to generic competitors, ensuring your lights actually turn on when you ask them to.
The Good
- Very affordable entry price for a single unit
- Compact design ensures adjacent sockets aren't blocked
- Away mode provides excellent security simulation
The Bad
- Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (common, but check your router)
- Bluetooth required for initial setup
Installer Tip:
Use the 'Away Mode' feature if you're leaving your property empty. It randomises the lighting times slightly better than a rigid mechanical timer, making the house look genuinely occupied—a great deterrent against burglars.
Priced at £7.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTapo P100 (4-Pack) Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Plug
Tapo
For homeowners looking to kit out a living room or multiple bedrooms, this 4-pack offers the best consistency. Using a single ecosystem (Tapo) for all your plugs makes grouping lamps much easier than mixing and matching brands.
The Good
- Excellent price per unit when bought in a pack
- Consistent app control across the home
- Grouping feature allows you to turn off all lounge lamps at once
The Bad
- Requires creating a TP-Link ID/Account
- Not suitable for EV charging (as stated by manufacturer)
Installer Tip:
When installing four at once, label them clearly in the app immediately (e.g., 'Reading Lamp', 'Hallway Stand'). It saves massive confusion later when you're trying to set up voice commands with Alexa.
Priced at £24.90 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSmart Wifi Plug EIGHTREE, Alexa Wifi Plugs (2 Pack)
Eightree
With energy bills being a major concern, this Eightree plug is the problem-solver of the bunch. It features energy consumption monitoring, allowing you to see exactly how much power that old decorative floor lamp is actually using.
The Good
- Energy monitoring helps identify power-hungry appliances
- Detailed statistics (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Works with SmartThings for broader home integration
The Bad
- Design is slightly bulkier than the Tapo Mini
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only (standard for this price point)
Installer Tip:
Use the monitoring function on older appliances. You might be surprised to find that an older style halogen torchiere lamp is drawing significant current compared to modern LED fittings. This plug pays for itself by helping you spot waste.
Priced at £13.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are smart plugs safe to use with any lamp?
Can I use these smart plugs in an extension lead?
Why won't my smart plug connect to my Wi-Fi?
Do smart plugs use much electricity themselves?
Can OR Electrics install integrated smart lighting instead of plugs?
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