Quick answer
Looking for the best smart plug with energy monitoring in the UK? The Tapo P110M is the most rounded option in this comparison, while the Tapo P110 is the simpler budget choice. Your best pick depends on the appliance load, Wi-Fi network, smart-home platform and whether you need a hub.
This guide is for UK households that want to measure the electricity used by individual plug-in appliances. The Tapo P110M is the most rounded choice in this comparison if its listed Matter support matters to your setup; the Tapo P110 is the simpler value option if you only need Tapo, Alexa and Google Assistant. Neither is a universal recommendation: check the appliance rating, your Wi-Fi, and the exact retailer listing before purchase.
Our methodology
This editorial comparison uses the supplied verified research table only. We assessed each product on UK availability and plug format; publicly shown price where available; confirmed app and smart-home compatibility; stated energy-monitoring functions; stated warranty and hub requirements; ease of installation; and likely ongoing cost such as a required hub.
Transparent scoring
Scores are editorial judgements, not laboratory test results. We allocated up to 10 points: UK suitability and electrical fit (2), monitoring features stated in the research (2), confirmed compatibility (2), setup/hub burden (1.5), warranty clarity (1), price clarity/value (1), and limitations transparency (0.5). A missing or unconfirmed item is not treated as a positive.
Comparison table
| Product | Best for | UK compatibility | Hub required | Price checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapo P110M | Broad platform support | Type G; 13A; 2990W–3680W stated | No for Tapo; Matter hub for third-party Matter platforms | About £9.99, 25 Sep 2026 |
| Tapo P110 | Straightforward Tapo monitoring | Type G; 13A; 2990W | No | £9.99–£11.99, 25 Sep 2026 |
| Meross MSS315 UK | Matter and energy monitoring | UK Type G; 13A; approximately 3120W stated | No separate Meross hub; a compatible Matter controller may be needed for third-party Matter platforms | Check current UK price |
| Eve Energy (Matter) | Existing Thread/Matter homes | Type G; 13A; 2900W | Matter controller and Thread Border Router required | £39.99, 25 Sep 2026 |
| Shelly Plus Plug UK | Local-control enthusiasts | Type G; 13A; 3000W | No | £22.90, 26 Sep 2026 |
| Hive Active Plug V3 | Existing Hive households | Type G; 13A; about 3000W | Hive Hub for full functionality | £39, 26 Sep 2026 |
Best overall: Tapo P110M
Editorial score: 9/10
The Tapo P110M suits households wanting a low-cost energy-monitoring plug while retaining confirmed support for the Tapo app, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, SmartThings and Matter 1.3. The supplied research lists real-time tracking, historical graphs and electricity-rate input for bill estimates. It is a Type G UK plug and is stated as rated at 13A, with a 2-year warranty.
Limitations: It uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The research also says Matter energy monitoring currently works with SmartThings and Home Assistant only; use the Tapo app for its full monitoring feature set. Do not buy it solely to see energy data natively in every Matter platform.
Who should avoid it: Anyone with only 5GHz Wi-Fi, or someone who needs a plug whose energy data is confirmed in a specific third-party app without using Tapo.
Best budget option: Tapo P110
Editorial score: 8/10
The Tapo P110 is for buyers who want appliance-level monitoring and remote control without paying for Matter support. The supplied research records Type G compatibility, 13A/2990W rating, real-time power, hourly averages and historical data through the Tapo app, plus Alexa and Google Assistant. The public price range recorded was £9.99–£11.99 for a single plug and £31.99–£41.99 for four, checked 25 September 2026.
What it lacks versus P110M: the supplied table does not confirm Matter, Apple Home or SmartThings compatibility for the P110. It is therefore not the right choice if those integrations are requirements.
Who should avoid it: Apple Home users, or buyers building a Matter-based home.
Best for local control: Shelly Plus Plug UK
Editorial score: 7/10
This is a practical choice for technically confident users who value detailed measurements: the supplied table records real-time watts, volts, amps and kWh, alongside a web interface, MQTT, Home Assistant and scripting options. It is listed as Type G, 230V AC ±10%, 13A/3000W, and does not require a hub.
Practical limitation: price and warranty were not confirmed in the research. Its Wi-Fi setup is 2.4GHz, and its local-control options can be unnecessary complexity for a household that simply wants an app and schedules.
Who should avoid it: Buyers who require a clearly stated warranty or want the least technical setup.
Other considered options
Meross MSS315 UK
The Meross MSS315 UK is a relevant alternative for buyers who want Matter compatibility and appliance-level energy monitoring. Meross lists the UK version in its official product catalogue and states that the internal electricity meter provides real-time reports and historical energy data through the Meross app.
The product uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and does not require a separate Meross hub for its basic Wi-Fi operation. Matter control through a third-party smart-home platform may still require a compatible Matter controller, depending on the platform and setup.
The UK version should be checked carefully before purchase because Meross also sells regional MSS315 variants. Confirm the UK Type G plug, model suffix, electrical rating and current retailer listing.
Who it may suit: Buyers who want Matter support, energy monitoring and compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings.
Limitations: Energy-monitoring visibility may be more complete in the Meross app than in every Matter platform. Price, warranty and exact platform features should be checked on the current UK listing before buying.
Avoid it: If you want a simple plug without Matter-related setup considerations, or if the listing does not clearly identify the UK version.
Eve Energy (Matter)
Eve Energy (Matter) is a premium option for buyers who want a UK smart plug with Matter, Thread and appliance-level energy monitoring. Eve states that the UK version supports Matter and is available for use across major smart-home platforms, while the Eve app can show power-consumption information and energy insights
The plug communicates using Thread rather than ordinary Wi-Fi. It therefore requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread Border Router for Matter-based control. Depending on your smart-home platform, this could be a compatible Apple, Google, Amazon or other Matter-enabled hub.
Eve Energy is available in a UK version, but you should still check the exact product listing before purchase. Confirm the UK plug format, Matter version, energy-monitoring support, required hub hardware and current price.
Who it may suit: Apple Home users and households that already have a Matter controller and Thread Border Router. It may also suit buyers who prefer local smart-home connectivity and do not want their basic device control to depend on a cloud account.
Limitations: It is more expensive than basic Wi-Fi smart plugs and requires compatible Matter and Thread equipment. Energy-monitoring features can vary between platforms, so the Eve app or a Matter platform with energy-reporting support may be needed for the most complete data.
Avoid it: If you want a low-cost plug, use only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or do not already have the required Matter controller and Thread Border Router.
Hive Active Plug V3
The Hive Active Plug V3 is a suitable option for existing Hive households that want to switch and monitor a connected appliance through the Hive ecosystem. Hive’s documentation describes the product as designed for UK household wiring and indoor use, while the plug’s dashboard can provide information about connected-appliance use.
The plug uses the Hive ecosystem and requires a compatible Hive Hub for full functionality. It is intended for indoor UK use, so check the appliance rating, plug specification and installation instructions before connecting it.
The exact product version should be checked carefully before purchase because Hive product availability, hub compatibility and retailer listings can change. Confirm the UK Type G plug, maximum electrical load, current Hive Hub requirements, warranty and price.
Who it may suit: Existing Hive customers who already own a compatible Hive Hub and want appliance control and energy information within the Hive app or dashboard.
Limitations: It is less attractive for households that do not already use Hive because the hub adds cost and setup requirements. Its platform support is narrower than Matter-based alternatives, and the current price and warranty should be verified before buying.
Avoid it: If you want a hub-free smart plug, broad Matter compatibility, local-control options, or a product that can be used without joining the Hive ecosystem.
What to check before buying an energy-monitoring smart plug
- Plug and electrical rating: Match the product’s stated Type G and maximum load with the appliance label. Do not use a plug with an appliance exceeding its rating.
- Wi-Fi: The Tapo, Meross and Shelly entries in this guide state 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Confirm your router offers it.
- App support: Check the exact model in the manufacturer app and your chosen platform; never assume compatibility based on another model in the range.
- Hub requirement: Eve Energy needs a Matter controller with Thread Border Router. Hive needs a Hive Hub for full functionality. Tapo P110M may need a Matter hub for third-party Matter platforms.
- Return policy: Read the retailer’s current return conditions before ordering; they were not assessed in this comparison.
- Monitoring included: Confirm the precise model number. This guide covers P110/P110M, MSS315 UK, Eve Energy (Matter), Shelly Plus Plug UK and Hive Active Plug V3—not similarly named variants.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with a UK smart meter?
These plugs operate independently of a smart meter and measure only the connected appliance. The supplied research does not establish automatic integration between any listed plug and a UK smart meter. You may compare readings yourself, but they measure different scopes: an appliance versus household consumption.
Does it work with Alexa or Google Home?
The supplied table records Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for Tapo P110, Tapo P110M, Meross MSS315 UK, Eve Energy, Shelly Plus Plug UK and Hive Active Plug V3. Confirm the exact current retailer model and app requirements before buying. Energy-monitoring visibility inside Alexa or Google Home is not universally confirmed in the research.
Will a smart plug reduce my electricity bill?
No specific saving is guaranteed. A plug provides measurement and, where supported, switching or schedules. Any saving depends on the appliance, tariff and the changes you make after reviewing the data.
Can I use one with a kettle or heater?
Only if the appliance’s label is within the smart plug’s stated electrical rating. The products in this guide have different maximum loads. Do not infer suitability from a normal wall socket alone; check the appliance and product instructions.
Do I need a subscription?
The supplied research does not confirm any subscription requirement for basic monitoring on these products. Check the current manufacturer terms before purchase.
What is the best smart plug with energy monitoring in the UK?
The Tapo P110M is the most rounded option in this comparison because it combines appliance-level energy monitoring, a UK Type G plug and broad platform support. The Tapo P110 is a simpler alternative if you only need the Tapo app, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Which smart plug is best for measuring electricity use?
The best choice depends on your setup. Tapo P110 and P110M provide energy monitoring through the Tapo app, while Shelly Plus Plug UK offers detailed local-control and power-monitoring options. Check the exact model, maximum load and app compatibility before buying.
Do smart plugs measure electricity consumption?
Yes. Energy-monitoring smart plugs measure the electricity used by the appliance connected to the plug. They normally show values such as watts, voltage, current or accumulated kWh, depending on the model and its app.
Can a smart plug reduce my electricity bill?
A smart plug does not guarantee a saving. It can help you identify electricity use and automate schedules or switching, but any reduction depends on the appliance, your tariff and the actions you take.
Will an energy-monitoring smart plug work with a UK smart meter?
A smart plug normally works independently of a UK smart meter and measures only the appliance connected to it. It does not automatically provide whole-home usage data unless the manufacturer specifically supports that integration.
Can I use an energy-monitoring smart plug with a heater or kettle?
Only if the appliance’s electrical load is within the smart plug’s stated rating and the manufacturer permits that type of use. Check the appliance label and the smart plug instructions before connecting high-load appliances.
Do smart plugs need Wi-Fi?
Most Wi-Fi smart plugs need a compatible Wi-Fi network, commonly 2.4GHz. Some products use other technologies such as Thread and may require a Matter controller or Thread Border Router.
Do I need a hub for an energy-monitoring smart plug?
It depends on the product. Tapo P110 and Shelly Plus Plug UK are designed to work without a separate hub for their main functions. Eve Energy requires compatible Matter and Thread infrastructure, while Hive Active Plug V3 requires a Hive Hub for full functionality.
Are smart plugs safe for UK homes?
Use only a reputable UK-compatible product with the correct Type G plug and a suitable electrical rating. Do not exceed the stated maximum load, keep the plug dry and follow the manufacturer’s installation and safety instructions.
Can I use a smart plug to monitor a dehumidifier?
Usually, yes, provided the dehumidifier’s electrical load is within the smart plug’s rating and the manufacturer allows the appliance to be used with a smart plug. An energy-monitoring plug can help measure real-world kWh use, including compressor cycling.
Can I use one smart plug for whole-home electricity monitoring?
No. A smart plug measures only the appliance connected to it. Whole-home electricity monitoring requires a smart meter display, a compatible whole-home energy monitor or another system designed to measure the household supply.
What is the difference between the Tapo P110 and P110M?
Both models provide appliance-level energy monitoring through the Tapo ecosystem. The P110M additionally supports Matter, although the available energy-monitoring features can vary between Matter platforms. Check the current manufacturer information and exact hardware version before buying.
Does Matter always show energy-monitoring data?
No. Matter energy-monitoring support depends on the plug, firmware and receiving platform. TP-Link states that not all Matter-enabled apps have fully implemented Matter 1.3 energy monitoring, so the manufacturer’s own app may provide the most complete data.
What’s the difference between HomeKit and Matter products?
Matter is a new smart home protocol launched by Amazon, Apple, Google, and various manufacturers to eliminate incompatibilities between smart home devices. Matter incorporates many of the benefits of HomeKit, such as a robust security protocol and a fully local architecture—no network connection is required. If you are an iOS user, you can use Matter in a manner similar to HomeKit, simply by using the Home app to handle all pairing and control. Since Matter is an open protocol, there will be a wider variety of products available on the market.
Final recommendation: the best smart plug for your setup
Choose the Tapo P110M if you want the widest set of confirmed platform options in this comparison and are happy to use the Tapo app for full monitoring. Choose the Tapo P110 if a lower-cost, hub-free Tapo plug with Alexa/Google control is enough. Choose Eve Energy only when you already have the necessary Matter/Thread setup and accept its higher price. Choose Shelly Plus Plug UK when local control and technical flexibility are more important than simple setup.
Before publishing or buying, manually verify the exact model number, current price, technical rating, compatibility, affiliate destination and retailer terms. This is especially important because prices and app/platform support can change.