Smart Plug Guide (2026): When You Should and Shouldn't Use One

Should You Buy a Smart Plug? Smart plugs can add controls to any outlet, but they aren't perfect for everything. Here's our guide to using one and which ones to buy. A smart plug is a pretty handy gadget, but for a while they were touted as a device you could add to anything to turn it smart. That's true to a certain degree; you can use a smart plug to add instant power control to any outlet, letting you turn the outlet on and off at your command from anywhere in your home (or even if you aren't there).