These smart plugs are an essential Black Friday purchase

(Image credit: Future)

last updated 24 November 2022

Smart plugs are such an easy way to turn your home into a smart home. Rather than buying a new WiFi-controlled model, just place a smart plug between your device and the power socket and you can turn it on and off at will – using your phone or voice.

While being able to turn things on and off, even when you're not in the house, is cool, one of the best uses for a smart plug is when you have hard-to-reach sockets. Those plugs that are hidden behind cabinets or your bed, stopping you from easily unplugging or turning things off at the wall.

With a smart plug, the problem is solved. You can even set multiple plugs to all turn off together. My favourite use for a smart plug though is when it comes to Christmas tree lights. Plug those lights into a smart plug and you can avoid having to crawl under the tree every time you want to turn them on and off. Plus, you can rename the plug 'Christmas tree' and use a voice assistant to turn on and off the Christmas tree lights.

Another use I have for them is to stick on those plugs that I always think I've forgotten to turn off. Whether that's the oil radiator, or my wife's hair straighteners – stick a smart plug on that socket and you can check it's turned off without having to go back in the room.

Luckily, there's some great deals on smart plugs among the best Black Friday deals this year. So, now that I've sold you on the idea, you can pick up some for yourself at a decent discount. Here are some of the best options.

As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.