If you want to get more utility out of a basic wall outlet, you might be interested in the Tessan Smart Power Strip ($33.99), which turns your standard outlet into a smart one with six sockets and three USB ports. This smart plug supports Alexa and Google voice commands, and works with a mobile app that allows you to create power schedules. It's an easy and affordable way to enhance your existing wall receptacle without dealing with unsightly corded power strips, but only three of its six AC outlets are smart, and it features USB-A ports, not USB-C. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 ($79.99) is bulkier and pricier, but it has six smart outlets, offers power usage reports, and can often be found for around $50 if you shop around, so it's our Editors' Choice winner for smart plugs.

Design: Three Smart Plugs

The Tessan Smart Power Strip measures 5.4 by 3.9 by 1.1 inches (HWD) and features six three-prong outlets on the front. The three outlets on the right are smart and can be controlled via an app and voice commands from Alexa or the Google Assistant, while the three on the left are traditional, non-connected, always-on outlets. 

A small LED indicator beside each connected outlet glows white when it's powered on. On the top edge of the device is a round power button with an LED ring that glows green when it's connected to Wi-Fi, as well as three USB-A slots that also serve as 2.4-amp charging ports. Including a couple of USB-C ports here would've been welcome.

(Credit: John R. Delaney)

Located at the back of the device is a single three-pronged plug for connecting it to an outlet. The extender’s fireproof shell is made of ABS plastic and PVC materials and is insulated to protect against electrical shock. The device is designed for use with regular 15-amp/125-volt household appliances such as lamps, coffee makers, and other small electronics. It shouldn't be used with more power-hungry appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.

Smart Features: Fewer Than Some Competitors

The Tessan Smart Power Strip uses built-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth radios to connect to your home network and your phone. It works with the same Smart Life mobile app for Android and iOS devices as the TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock ($199.99) and can be controlled using Alexa and Google voice commands. It doesn't support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT applets.

(Credit: Tessan/PCMag)

The Tessan Smart Power Strip appears in a panel on the app's home screen. Tapping the panel opens a screen with on/off buttons for each of the three smart outlets, plus a single button that controls all three at once. Below each outlet button is a clock icon that, when tapped, opens a screen where you can create on/off schedules and set an on/off timer for your devices.

Tap the pencil icon in the upper-right corner to open a screen where you can manage automations, view device information (IP address, MAC address, signal strength), link the device to your Alexa or Google Home account, check network settings and signal strength, configure notification settings, and share your Smart Life account with other users. There’s also an Energy Save option in the app for tracking power usage, but this power strip doesn't support that feature. For comparison, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 shows how much power each outlet is currently drawing (in watts) and the day's total consumption (in kWh). The Kasa also shows your daily average and total consumption for both the past seven and 30 days.

(Credit: John R. Delaney)

To create scenes and automations via the Tessan Smart Power Strip, tap the Scene button at the bottom of the home screen. Here you can create automations to have any one or all of the smart outlets turn on or off when the sun rises or sets, when a certain weather condition is met, or when your location changes (using geofencing).

Performance: Responsive and Consistent

The Tessan Smart Power Strip worked well in testing. The three smart outlets instantly responded to app and Alexa voice commands. I created an Alexa routine to have an outlet turn on when a Ring Floodlight Cam detected motion, and it worked without issue. The plug adhered to my on/off schedules, and my sunrise/sunset automation triggered flawlessly. I set up a location-based automation that turns off a single outlet when I leave home and turns it back on again when I return, and it also works as intended.