5 Best Smart Power Strips for Your Home Office (2026)

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Stop Paying for Devices That Are “Off” But Still Draining Power

Here is a stat that stopped me cold: the average home office loses around $100 a year to phantom power drain. Your monitor, speakers, laptop charger, and desk lamp keep sipping electricity even when they appear switched off. Multiply that across five or six devices and you are essentially paying a monthly subscription for idle hardware.

That is what finally pushed me to swap out my old surge strip for something smarter. A smart power strip lets you cut power to individual outlets on demand, set schedules, check energy usage from your phone, and tell your voice assistant to shut down your whole desk at the end of the workday. The setup takes about ten minutes and keeps paying dividends every month.

When choosing a smart power strip for a home office, I focus on four things: individually controlled outlets, a decent number of USB charging ports, a solid surge protection rating, and compatibility with Alexa or Google Home. My top pick for most home offices is the Kasa EP25 Smart Strip because it nails all four without a complicated setup. But the right strip depends on your situation, so I covered four more solid options below.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Kasa EP25 Smart Strip

Best for: Home offices wanting per-outlet control across a full desk setup

If you want one smart power strip to run your entire desk, the Kasa EP25 Smart Strip is the one I keep recommending. It packs six individually controlled smart outlets and three USB-A ports into a form factor that actually fits behind a monitor without looking industrial. The setup is straightforward: connect to your 2.4 GHz WiFi, name each outlet in the Kasa app after the device plugged into it, and you are done.

The standout feature is genuine per-outlet control through the Kasa app. No hub required. I set up mine in about four minutes, and the app has stayed stable through multiple firmware updates. Surge protection is rated at 2500 joules, which covers a monitor, desktop, or external SSD well. The energy monitoring per outlet is genuinely useful: I discovered my gaming headset charger was pulling 4 watts continuously even overnight. Scheduling it to cut at 10 PM eliminated that entirely.

Voice assistant support covers both Alexa and Google Home out of the box. You can group multiple outlets into a scene and say “Hey Google, turn off the desk” to power them all down with one command. The Kasa app also supports geofencing, so the strip can turn off automatically when you leave home. For a work-from-home setup, that kind of automation adds up.

The main trade-off is the USB port spec: three USB-A ports only, no USB-C. If you are charging modern phones or earbuds that have moved to USB-C, you will still need a separate charger or adapter. The device footprint is also larger than a basic strip, so measure your under-desk space before ordering.

• Pros: 6 individually controlled smart outlets, 3 USB-A ports, no hub required, per-outlet energy monitoring, Alexa and Google Home compatible, strong 2500J surge protection
• Cons: No USB-C port, larger physical footprint, app requires account creation

Verdict: The Kasa EP25 is the most complete smart power strip for a home office at this price point. If you want full individual control over every outlet on your desk, this is your starting point.

2. Govee Smart Power Strip

Best for: Govee ecosystem users and anyone needing USB-C on their power strip

The Govee Smart Power Strip brings a more modern charging profile to this category. The standout addition compared to the Kasa EP25 is a USB-C port alongside multiple USB-A ports. If you charge a phone, earbuds, and a tablet from your desk regularly, the extra port flexibility makes a real difference in practice.

The strip offers four individually controlled smart outlets plus four additional standard (always-on) outlets. That layout works well for a home office because you can put your monitor, speakers, and task light on the smart side and keep your laptop charger and other always-on devices on the standard side without worrying about accidentally cutting power to them at the wrong time.

Govee Home app control is responsive and scheduling features are easy to set up. Alexa and Google Home integration works through the Govee skill with no issues in my testing. One detail worth knowing: Govee devices require a Govee Home app account, and some users find the notification settings a bit aggressive by default. A quick trip into app settings handles that in under a minute. The strip also supports energy monitoring, which puts it on par with the Kasa EP25 in terms of insight into standby power usage.

The build sits slightly lower to the ground than the Kasa unit, which helps if your desk has limited under-surface clearance. At roughly $10 less than the Kasa EP25, it is also easier to justify if you only need four smart outlets and want that USB-C port.

• Pros: USB-C charging port included, 4 smart plus 4 standard outlets, Alexa and Google Home compatible, app scheduling and energy monitoring, competitive price
• Cons: Govee app account required, fewer smart outlets than the Kasa EP25, occasional connectivity reports from some users

Verdict: A strong pick if you charge USB-C devices at your desk and want to keep some outlets always powered. The Govee ecosystem integration is a bonus for those already using Govee lighting.

3. TP-Link Kasa EP40

Best for: Targeted smart control over two specific desk devices

The Kasa EP40 takes a precision approach rather than a total desk overhaul: it gives you two independently controlled smart outlets in one compact plug. This is the pick if you want to make specific devices on your desk smarter without replacing your entire power setup. I use a similar configuration to control my desk lamp and a secondary monitor independently.

Each of the two outlets can be assigned its own schedule and controlled separately through the Kasa app or via Alexa and Google Home. The Kasa ecosystem is reliable and the EP40 benefits from the same stable WiFi-direct connection as the EP25, meaning no hub is needed. Setup takes under three minutes inside the Kasa app.

The outdoor rating (IP44) means you do not have to worry about spilled coffee or a nearby humidifier causing issues. For a home office desk, that extra durability is a quiet reassurance even if you never move the device outside. The compact body also means it is unlikely to block adjacent outlets on a wall socket or existing power strip.

The trade-off is clear: two outlets, no USB ports. The EP40 is a precision tool, not a full desk solution. Think of it as a smart upgrade for two specific devices rather than a replacement for your main power strip.

• Pros: Two independently controlled smart outlets, IP44 weatherproof durability, no hub required, Alexa and Google Home support, compact design
• Cons: No USB ports, only two smart outlets, not suitable as a primary desk power solution

Verdict: A smart add-on for two specific devices you want individual control over. Pair it with a standard surge strip if you need more total outlets for the rest of your gear.

4. Amazon Smart Plug Mini

Best for: Budget entry into smart home desk control via Alexa

The Amazon Smart Plug Mini is exactly what the name says: a compact single-outlet smart plug at the lowest price point in this roundup. If you want to try smart outlet control without committing to a full strip upgrade, this is where to start. The setup takes under two minutes if you already have an Alexa device, and you can buy a two-pack to cover more devices without spending much.

In a home office context, the Smart Plug Mini works well on devices that benefit from scheduled power control but do not need USB charging alongside them. Think a desktop monitor, a desk fan, a printer that sits idle most days, or a coffee maker parked on the corner of your workspace. You can set a morning schedule to have the coffee maker start before you sit down, or an evening cut-off to eliminate the monitor’s standby draw overnight.

The compact form factor is genuinely useful: it does not block the adjacent outlet on a wall socket or power strip, which is a problem with some larger smart plugs. Amazon updates the firmware automatically and the Alexa integration is maintained by the same team that built the assistant, so compatibility issues are rare.

Note that this plug works with Alexa only and does not support Google Home. If your household uses Google Assistant, the Kasa options in this list are the better fit. There is also no energy monitoring on the Smart Plug Mini, so you will not get the per-device power data that the Kasa and Govee strips provide.

• Pros: Extremely easy Alexa setup, compact design that does not block nearby outlets, works with Alexa routines and schedules, very affordable entry point, reliable Amazon firmware support
• Cons: Alexa only, no Google Home support, single outlet per unit, no USB charging ports, no energy monitoring

Verdict: A practical first step into smart outlet control. Buy one to test on a specific device, then scale up with a full strip when you see the value.

5. Anker Surge Protector Strip

Best for: Protecting high-value home office hardware with reliable surge coverage

Anker is known for accessories that punch above their price, and their Surge Protector Strip continues that pattern. This is not a smart strip in the connected sense, but it belongs in this roundup because protecting your desk equipment from power spikes is the foundation that everything else sits on. If you have a high-end monitor, a desktop PC, or external drives with irreplaceable work data, a quality surge protector is not optional.

The Anker strip offers multiple AC outlets and USB-A charging ports in a package that looks clean on a desk or under it. What distinguishes this from a cheap strip is the quality of the surge protection components and Anker’s connected equipment warranty. The strip is designed to sacrifice itself to protect your devices during a voltage spike, and Anker backs that protection with a warranty claim process that is straightforward to navigate.

For home offices that already have Alexa smart plugs controlling specific devices, this strip works well as the backbone power source for everything else. Route a few devices through an Amazon Smart Plug Mini or a Kasa EP40 for smart control where you want it, and let the Anker strip handle reliable power delivery and surge protection for the rest.

The trade-off is obvious: no app, no voice control, no scheduling. The Anker strip does one thing extremely well, and that thing is keeping your equipment safe and powered. If smart control is your primary goal, pair it with one of the other options on this list rather than using it as a standalone solution.

• Pros: High surge protection rating from a trusted brand, multiple AC outlets plus USB-A charging, reliable build quality, connected equipment warranty, good value for the protection it provides
• Cons: No smart outlet control or app, no voice assistant compatibility, requires a separate smart plug to add remote control to any outlet

Verdict: The smart home office safety net. Buy this first to protect your gear, then layer smart plugs on top of the outlets you want to control remotely.

Full Feature Comparison

Final Verdict

For most home office workers, the Kasa EP25 Smart Strip is the best starting point. Six individually controlled outlets, three USB ports, reliable app, and no hub to manage. It handles a full desk setup without requiring you to mix and match devices or manage multiple apps.

If USB-C charging is on your must-have list, go with the Govee Smart Power Strip. If you just want to dip your toe in smart outlet control on a specific device, start with the Amazon Smart Plug Mini and see how the scheduling features change your daily routine. The Kasa EP40 is great for adding targeted control to two specific pieces of gear. And the Anker Surge Protector belongs in any setup where protecting expensive equipment is the first priority.

Here is the one thing I would tell every person working from home: cutting standby power is one of those changes that takes ten minutes to set up and keeps paying off every month. Whichever option you choose from this list, you will likely wonder why you waited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hub to use a smart power strip?

Most modern smart power strips, including everything on this list, connect directly to your home WiFi and do not require a separate hub. The Kasa and Govee strips both work on standard 2.4 GHz WiFi. The Amazon Smart Plug Mini connects through the Alexa app with no extra hardware at all.

Will a smart power strip work if my internet goes down?

Most smart strips lose remote app control and scheduling when WiFi is interrupted, but physical buttons on the device still work for manual operation. For critical home office equipment, keep at least one always-on outlet for internet hardware. The Govee strip’s mix of smart and standard outlets is helpful here since the standard outlets stay powered regardless of app connectivity.

How much money can a smart power strip actually save?

Results vary by setup, but eliminating standby draw from six to eight devices for eight or more hours per day can save between $30 and $100 per year depending on your electricity rate. Smart strips with energy monitoring, like the Kasa EP25 and Govee options in this list, will show you exactly what each device draws so you can calculate your specific savings and see which devices are the biggest offenders.

Can I use a smart power strip with a desktop PC?

Yes, but keep the PC itself on an always-on outlet or a dedicated UPS to avoid accidental shutdowns. Use the smart outlets for your monitors, speakers, external drives, and peripherals that can safely power cycle. The Kasa EP25 in particular lets you override scheduling per outlet, so you can leave the PC outlet always on while automating everything around it.

What is the difference between a smart power strip and a regular surge protector?

A regular surge protector gives you multiple outlets with voltage spike protection but no remote or app control. A smart power strip adds WiFi connectivity, app scheduling, voice assistant compatibility, and often per-outlet energy monitoring on top of that foundation. Some options in this list, like the Anker strip, focus purely on surge protection without smart features, making them a solid power backbone to pair with individual smart plugs for a layered and flexible home office setup.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

About The Author

Marcus Li

Marcus Li is a web designer and marketing specialist based in Vancouver, BC. After years of helping clients build their online presence, he discovered how AI tools could level the playing field for everyday entrepreneurs. He shares what actually works, no fluff, no hype.

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