Smart plug vs energy meter: what’s the difference?

Not sure whether you need a smart plug or an energy meter? They can look similar, but they’re built for different goals. In this guide you’ll learn the difference, when to choose which option, and what fits your situation best (save, measure, automate—or all of the above).

Last updated: 22-02-2026 Smart Home

In 30 seconds: here’s the difference

Smart plug: turns devices on/off + automations (schedule/timer). Sometimes also per-device usage.
Energy meter: measures accurately (often in the fuse box) and shows total / per circuit / per phase.
Best choice: switching → plug. analysis → meter. both → combine.

View smart plugs ›View energy meters ›

What is a smart plug?

A smart plug sits between the wall outlet and a device. It lets you switch remotely (on/off), set schedules, and build automations (e.g. “after sunset → lights on”). Some models also measure the power usage of that specific device.

Goal: automation & switching
Measurement: per connected device (if measurement is available)
Benefit: quick to install, immediate impact on convenience and standby usage

What is an energy meter?

An energy meter measures electricity usage (and sometimes export) without requiring a plug per device. Think of a meter in the fuse box (per circuit/phase) or a meter that monitors a larger part of your installation. Great if you want to analyze patterns, spot trends, and find targeted savings.

Goal: insight & monitoring
Measurement: total / per circuit / per phase (model-dependent)
Benefit: higher accuracy and broader coverage

Smart plug vs energy meter: comparison

Feature	Smart plug	Energy meter
Primary goal	Switch a device + automate	Monitor & analyze consumption
What do you measure?	1 device (if measurement is available)	Total / per circuit / per phase (model-dependent)
Installation	Plug & play	Often fuse box / clamps (may require an installer)
Automations	Very suitable (schedules/timers/scenes)	More focused on insights + triggers based on usage
Best for	Standby usage, comfort, simple on/off scenarios	Big consumers, total overview, optimize per circuit

Practical: want to make a device smart → choose a smart plug. Want to know “where does my electricity go?” → choose an energy meter.

Quick decision tree (what fits you?)

Do you mainly want to switch a device (on/off) or automate it?

Yes → smart plug. No → go to step 2.

Do you want insight into total usage or per circuit/phase?

Yes → energy meter. No → go to step 3.

Do you want both switching and measurement?

Choose a measuring smart plug or combine smart plugs + an energy meter.

Recommended products (pick what matches your goal)

Browse all smart plugs ›

Tip: if you mainly want to switch devices → smart plug. If you mainly want to measure (per circuit/phase) → energy meter. If you want both → a plug with measurement or a combined setup.

Extra tip: combine an energy meter (big picture) with smart plugs (per-device actions). That way you see where you’re using power and you can act immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can a smart plug do the same as an energy meter?

Not exactly. A smart plug is mainly made to switch devices (on/off) and sometimes measure the consumption of that single device. An energy meter is usually more accurate and can show usage per circuit/phase (or total) — without putting a plug in between.

Which is more accurate: a measuring smart plug or an energy meter?

In most cases, an energy meter is more accurate and more stable for ongoing monitoring (per circuit/phase/total). A smart plug is often “good enough” to estimate standby usage or costs for one device, but may be less suitable for higher loads or long-term analysis.

When should I choose a smart plug?

When you want to automate a device (schedules, timers, voice control) or switch it easily—and optionally see that device’s power usage. Think lamps, fans, coffee machines, aquariums, routers, or a washing machine (with notifications).

When should I choose an energy meter?

When you want insight into total usage, per circuit, or for appliances that aren’t connected via a plug (boiler, EV charging, heat pump, solar inverter—depending on setup). Also useful if you want monitoring without interrupting devices.

Do I need a hub (Zigbee) or does it work via WiFi?

WiFi devices connect directly to your router. Zigbee devices usually require a hub, but can be more stable, more energy-efficient, and can form a mesh network. The best choice depends on your smart home platform and how many devices you use.