Best Home Automation Modules of 2026

"I was really impressed by how simple and quick it was to set up these plugs right out of the box. The Tapo app walked me through the process in less than a minute for each plug. I love the flexible scheduling and automation options, which let me control my grow lights with ease. The compact size also means they don’t block other outlets. Overall, these smart plugs are a huge upgrade for convenience and reliability."

"After trying several brands, I keep coming back to TP-Link because of the exceptional ease of use and integration with Alexa and their own app. Setting up the smart plug took just a couple of minutes, and I love being able to control my devices by app or voice. I even helped my neighbor set one up and she’s hooked now, too. Great quality and very competitive prices—I’m a big fan of this brand."

"The integration into Google Home was seamless and the plug works exactly as expected. The interface is intuitive, and I especially appreciate the ability to easily schedule on/off times for hard-to-reach lamps. However, I did notice that ads started popping up in the app after a while, which is a bit annoying, but the product itself remains indispensable for my needs."

"After using this for months, I can say it's been absolutely reliable with zero issues. By mounting the antenna outside the panel, I've had no connectivity problems. The detailed monitoring helped me realize how much our electric dryer was costing, so I switched to a heat pump washer/dryer and cut laundry electricity costs by over 70%. The app's new bi-directional CT setting fixed solar reporting quirks. With the granularity of data, I plan to install these in all my rentals."

"I'm impressed with how easy this was to install on my Square D panel and how smoothly it connects to wifi. The app is very user-friendly and quick, giving me a clear breakdown of my power usage. It's a great value for tracking energy and keeping my utility company honest, especially with their new smart meters."

"I mainly installed this on my garage subpanel, and overall I'm satisfied. Setup was straightforward and there's no subscription required. However, the app's reporting is a bit basic and the energy balance isn't always perfect—my heat pump sometimes shows more usage than the total. Still, for monitoring and some smart home features, it’s one of the better options out there."

"I've used smart plugs for over a decade, and these are the best I've come across. The Tapo app is straightforward, making firmware updates and scheduling routines a breeze. The build quality is excellent, and energy monitoring is easy to access. My tip: set up each plug individually for a smoother process."

"Switching from WEMO, I was thrilled by how effortless the Tapo Smart Plug Mini was to install and connect. Google Home recognized them instantly, and the whole experience set a new standard for how smart devices should work. TP-Link really nailed the seamless setup."

"I specifically needed a way to monitor power consumption and log data for my appliances, and this plug worked perfectly with Home Assistant. Setup was quick, and the integration with both the Tapo app and HA was seamless. I appreciated the ability to track and compare device usage over time, and at this price point, it's a fantastic solution."

"I'm really impressed with this outdoor smart outlet. Setup was a breeze, and being able to control both outlets independently is a huge plus for managing my outdoor lights. The Matter over Wi-Fi feature made it super easy to integrate with Home Assistant—no extra apps needed. It’s dependable, straightforward, and exactly what I was looking for."

"I needed something tough for my outdoor setup, and this plug has been rock solid. The two outlets can be scheduled separately, and the app makes it easy to automate based on sunrise and sunset. The build feels robust, and I love being able to control it remotely when I’m not home. It’s exactly what I needed for my heat lamp and other gear."

"This smart plug has been perfect for my outdoor lights, even through harsh Canadian winters. It works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, and the dual independent outlets give me flexibility for different routines. Setup was quick and there’s no delay in operation—really happy with the quality."

"I really appreciate how versatile this module is, both in powering and integrating with other systems. While you could build something similar yourself for less, I found the convenience and reliability well worth the extra cost. I used it to control a 15V DC component in my hot tub, powering it directly from the control wires—super handy! Plus, it supports nearly every integration out there and will easily sync with my Home Assistant if I want advanced control later."

"For my garage, the Uni has been an excellent way to smarten up my old openers and monitor door status. I like being able to use two sensors for more detailed monitoring, and the built-in voltage measurement is impressively accurate. It’s also great inside my car to keep tabs on the battery voltage and notify me if it drops too low. Setup is straightforward with the Shelly App, and I love the flexible input/output options."

"I've been using several UNIs throughout my van and find them easy to wire up and reliable with Home Assistant. They handle a range of input voltages just fine and consume little power. While they might not be the most durable, using 3D-printed cases helps, and their flexibility makes them ideal for various low-amp applications."

"I found the Shelly 1 Mini Gen3 to be extremely compact and easy to install. It took me just a few minutes to set up and configure, including a quick firmware update. For only $11, it exceeded my expectations, handling my friend's rolling shutter system effortlessly. Highly recommend for simple, dry contact setups like garage door openers and shutters—it's a fantastic value!"

"I turned to the Shelly Mini G3 after being frustrated by the limitations of standard light timers. This device offers advanced scheduling options, like custom offsets from dawn, which non-smart timers lack. Setting up via web interface was straightforward, and the app worked smoothly for me. I appreciate having local access and powerful internal controls without relying on the cloud. Now, all my smart outlets and timers are easily managed in one place."

"What I appreciate most about the Shelly 1 Mini Gen3 is its discreet size, making it easy to fit behind switches, and its seamless integration with both HomeAssistant and the native app. Although I found the included wiring diagram a bit confusing at first, online resources quickly helped me solve the issue. Now, my outdoor lights are automated for dusk and dawn, and I’m thrilled to have this everyday task finally handled automatically."

"I found the 50A sensors to be a fantastic addition to my Vue 3 setup. Installation was a breeze—the clamps fit right over the wires and the app detected them instantly. Now, I can see exactly how much energy my major appliances like the water heater and EV charger are using, with impressive precision. The app’s clarity and trend tracking truly help me adjust my habits and save money. Circuit-level data is a game changer compared to just reading my utility bill."

"At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the idea of installing the Emporia Vue 3, so I watched a ton of YouTube tutorials and read reviews. Once I committed, I followed the instructions carefully and started with just the base unit to keep things simple. Monitoring the main lines alone was already eye-opening and confirmed suspicions about my energy use. Eventually, I added extra sensors for the high-usage circuits. Overall, the value is great—I can finally see where my electricity goes, and I wish my energy provider offered such insights."

"I rarely write reviews, but my experience with Emporia has been so frustrating that I have to share. The installation was complex, the app felt confusing, and the readings often didn't add up. The worst part was the lack of customer support—I waited over a week with no reply. Without proper assistance, the product felt useless to me. I wouldn't recommend Emporia until they improve their support and app reliability."

"Setting up this power monitor was a breeze—it took me about 15 minutes, and pairing with my HomeSeer system was straightforward. For under fifty dollars, this unit delivers much more than I expected! I'm able to track what the power company is supplying and how I'm using it, which is crucial in my storm-prone area. Although the instructions could be more detailed, if you're comfortable with standard electrical work, it's manageable."

"I bought this mainly to monitor real-time energy use. While the unit itself works fine and setup was easy, I was hoping for faster updates. Even after subscribing to the monthly service, the refresh rate didn’t improve beyond every three minutes, which was a letdown. The service just wasn’t worth it for me."

"The app is clean and easy to use, and the device gives accurate readings. Installation was simple, and I’m happy with how it helps track my power usage. Nothing fancy, but it does exactly what I need."

"I've been using this monitor for a while, and it's a fantastic upgrade from my previous device with a host of useful new features. The installation was a breeze, and the split current transfers made setup straightforward. I particularly appreciate how well the app works with Home Assistant, allowing me to keep everything local without sending data out of my home. When I encountered a minor issue, tech support was quick and professional in resolving it. With multiple panels and circuits to track, I'll definitely be purchasing more."

"As a European user, I found the initial documentation a bit US-centric, but the support team exceeded my expectations by providing quick, detailed, and patient answers to all my questions. They even sent me an extra part for my setup at no cost. With 28 circuits on my board, I managed to monitor everything effectively using the included clamps. The measurement accuracy is impressive—matching closely with my reference smart plugs after weeks of comparison. I also liked that updating firmware through the app was simple and let me achieve near real-time data. Transitioning from cloud to local integration with Home Assistant was much easier than I imagined."

"This product is a must-have for anyone who loves data. Thanks to the real-time monitoring and circuit-level insights, I discovered exactly where my energy is going and found actionable ways to save. While the readings were just about 1% lower than my electric provider’s, the consistency has been remarkable. App features like hourly, daily, and monthly summaries help me make informed decisions—especially when comparing appliance or circuit usage over time. Simple installation and great accuracy make me very happy with my purchase."

"After a week with the Refoss Smart Energy Monitor, I'm thoroughly impressed by its seamless local integration with Home Assistant—this was my main reason for choosing it. The instructions were clear, and the Amazon video made installation a breeze, even for someone with basic electrical knowledge. I appreciated how you can combine circuits and adjust settings for balanced loads, which maximizes the number of circuits monitored. The Refoss app is intuitive, showing live and historical energy usage for each circuit, and connecting to Home Assistant was effortless. Highly recommend this affordable, reliable system, especially if you're a Home Assistant user."

"I've had the Refoss EM16 Smart Energy Monitor running for a while, and I have to say, the installation was quick and hassle-free thanks to the detailed instructions and online videos. What stands out to me is the versatile design—it's easy to label circuits in advance and fix any sensor direction issues in the app without rewiring. Home Assistant support is outstanding, giving me local access to all my data for advanced automation. As a solar owner, I especially value the Zero Feed-In Automation for using extra solar power efficiently. With recent firmware updates improving features and dashboards, this is an excellent, budget-friendly solution for anyone wanting better energy control."

"I installed this on my 200amp panel and found the process straightforward—as long as you're comfortable working inside the panel and ensure the power is off. It's been incredibly helpful for identifying unexpected power draws in my house, like heaters running when they shouldn't be. I'd recommend this monitor to anyone who wants detailed insight into their home's energy usage."