What people search: "best smart plug for energy monitoring". Here's a straight answer, then a pick.
It can, but only by revealing waste you can then cut — standby draw, forgotten devices left on. The device itself uses a small amount of power; the savings come from what you change after seeing the data.
How to choose (30-second checklist)
Does it solve a friction you feel every day? If not, skip.
Is there a recognized safety certification listed?
Does it fit your ecosystem (Alexa / Google / Apple Home)?
Local/offline control available if you care about privacy?
Our pick: Kasa Smart Plug EP25 (4-pack)
Kasa Smart Plug EP25 (4-pack)
The boring, reliable pick that just works and adds real energy monitoring.
Best for: Anyone starting a smart home who wants schedules, voice control, and to actually see which device wastes power.
What's good
Works with Alexa, Google Home, Siri/Apple HomeKit and SmartThings
Real-time and historical energy monitoring in the Kasa app
Compact enough to leave the second outlet usable
UL certified, set-up in under two minutes
Watch out for
2.4GHz Wi-Fi only (no 5GHz)
App account required for the energy stats
Our take: This is the first thing to buy before any bigger smart-home spend: measure before you automate. It pays for itself the month you find a device sitting at 30W doing nothing.