Smart plugs are sold as a way to save energy, so it seems odd that they might use energy too. So, do smart plugs use electricity when off? Yes, a little. The plug has to stay connected to Wi-Fi or a hub so it can hear your next command.
Contents
- 1Do smart plugs use electricity when off: the short answer
- 2Why a smart plug needs power when off
- 3Standby cost vs what a plug can save
- 45 simple facts about smart plug power
- 5How to check your own numbers
- 6When a smart plug is worth it
- 7Quick FAQ
- 8Do smart plugs use electricity when off: a quick recap
- 9Final thoughts
- 10Related guides
The real question is whether that small draw matters. For most homes, the answer is no, and in many cases the plug saves far more than it uses.
Do smart plugs use electricity when off: the short answer
Yes. According to Costco product support, most smart plugs use about 1 watt in standby. Over a full year that is about 8.8 kWh, or roughly $1.59 at the 2026 US average price of about 18.2 cents per kWh, according to EIA’s electricity outlook. That is the cost of one plug left on standby all year.
Why a smart plug needs power when off
When you switch a smart plug off, it cuts power to whatever is plugged into it. But the plug itself stays awake. Its small radio keeps a connection to your Wi-Fi or hub, so your app, schedule or voice assistant can turn it back on instantly. That tiny standby use is the price of remote control.
Standby cost vs what a plug can save
Here is how one plug at 1 watt compares with devices it might switch fully off, at 18.2 cents per kWh. The saving figures are examples and depend on your gear.
| Device switched off by the plug | Example standby draw | Hours off per day | Yearly saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart plug itself (cost) | 1 watt | 24 | about -$1.59 |
| TV and soundbar on standby | 5 watts | 20 | about $6.64 |
| Game console in rest mode | 10 watts | 20 | about $13.29 |
| Old printer and speakers | 3 watts | 22 | about $4.38 |
5 simple facts about smart plug power
- Standby is small. About 1 watt for most plugs, per Costco’s guide.
- Energy monitoring plugs show the truth. Some plugs report how much power your devices use.
- Schedules beat memory. A plug that turns off a forgotten lamp or heater saves more than it costs.
- Pointless plugs add up. A smart plug on a device you never switch off is pure extra standby.
- Smart plugs are not for heaters unless rated. Check the plug’s maximum load before using it with high-power devices.
How to check your own numbers
If you want exact figures, a plug-in electricity meter costs little and shows how many watts a device uses. Plug the meter into the wall, plug your device into the meter and switch the device to standby. Write down the number, then multiply by the hours it sits idle each day. Some smart plugs have energy monitoring built in, so the app does the math for you. Checking a few devices this way often reveals one or two surprising energy wasters.
When a smart plug is worth it
Smart plugs make the most sense on things that draw power while doing nothing, such as entertainment centers, or things you often forget, such as lamps, fans and holiday lights. They also add convenience, like turning on a lamp before you get home. If a device already has its own smart controls, or you never switch it off, a plug adds little.
Quick FAQ
Is it worth unplugging smart plugs? For most people, no. At about $1.59 a year each, the convenience usually outweighs the standby cost.
Do smart plugs use more power on Wi-Fi than on a hub? It varies by model. Hub-based plugs often draw less, but the difference is small.
Can a smart plug save money on its own? Only if it turns something off that would otherwise stay on. The plug alone does not lower usage.
Do smart plugs use electricity when off: a quick recap
- Standby: about 1 watt.
- Yearly cost: about $1.59 per plug at average US prices.
- Best use: devices with high standby draw or that you forget to switch off.
- Skip: devices you never turn off anyway.
Final thoughts
So, do smart plugs use electricity when off? A little, but used wisely they pay for that power many times over. For ideas, see what you can do with a smart plug.
Your turn: what do you have plugged into your smart plugs? Share your favorite setup in the comments, especially if it saved you money.
This guide uses published standby estimates and EIA average price data, not our own meter readings. Your plugs, devices and electricity rate will change the numbers.
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