Skip to main content

Upgrade your Echo or Google Home with a TP-Link smart plug for under $20

Smart home technology is becoming ever more prevalent in everyday life. Alexa and Google Assistant are becoming integrated with TVs, cars, and even microwaves these days. With so many devices getting the “smart” treatment these days, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the options. If all you’re looking for is the ability to turn a few things on and off, however, a discounted TP-Link smart plug or two should do the trick. They work with your Google Home or Amazon Echo, but also directly from your smartphone — so a smart speaker hub isn’t actually required.

While the savings on the Wi-Fi plug appear to be the deepest during this Walmart sale, there are a few other TP-Link savings to be had as well. For a limited time, you can also find discounts on smart bulbs and smart light switches. Here are the best deals we’ve found:

Buy at Newegg — $16

Image used with permission by copyright holder

TP-Link, while not as well known as Phillips Hue, actually offers some really solid devices. With Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, it will integrate just fine with your pre-existing Amazon Echo or Google Home devices. Since a hub isn’t actually required, however, you can control this device directly from your smartphone using the Kasa app. A scheduling feature allows you to automatically power electronics on and off on pretty much any time interval you’d like. Additionally, it comes with energy monitoring, allowing you to see exactly how much your electricity your devices are consuming in real time and historically.

Normally priced at $40 at Walmart, this Wi-Fi smart plug is on sale for just $16. With a discount like this, now is a great time to start turning those outlets into smart outlets.

Buy at Newegg

Buy at Amazon — $30

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If all your really want to do is turn a lamp on or off with your phone, the more affordable outlet above should do the trick just fine. However, if you want your light to do a lot more than just turn on and off, you’ll want to invest in a smart light. This TP-Link smart bulb lets you manage your lighting remotely, allowing you to change the color and light intensity directly from your iOS or Android device. Like the other devices on this list, it’s also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo devices for voice control.

Normally priced at $45 at Walmart, this multi-color intelligent light is on sale for $30 right now. It also pairs quite well with the smart plug on this list.

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Newegg — $60

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Unlike the smart plug and smart bulb, these light switches are a bit more integrated with your home. Instead of just plugging them into a wall, a lamp, or light, you would actually replace your old light switch with one of these. This allows you to control overhead lighting in hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens directly from your phone. And if you have a Google Home or Amazon Echo smart speaker, you can even control these switches with just your voice.

Normally priced at $67 at Walmart, this 2-pack of switches is on sale for $60 right now. These aren’t as discounted as the other 2 options, but they are a pretty solid and simple smart lighting solution just the same.

Buy at Newegg

Looking for more smart home deals? Find cheap vacuums, Roomba deals, and more from our curated deals page.

Jacob Kienlen
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jacob Kienlen is a culture writer for The Manual and Amusement Muse and an SEO Strategist for Digital Trends. Born and raised…
This app turns your Apple Watch into a Mac and smart home gesture hub
Wow Mouse app for Mac click and gesture control.

Just about a year ago, a startup named DoublePoint launched a gesture control app that lets smartwatch users control phones, tablets, and headsets, among other devices. The Apple Watch has finally received its own version.

In the lead-up to CES 2025, Doublepoint introduced the WowMouse app for Apple Watch, which boasts a few algorithmic refinements and a partnership with Bosch. The app’s Android version has already raked in over 100,000 downloads, says the company.

Read more
These buttons and dials offer a unique way to access your smart home
The Flic Smart Button on a table.

One of the major pain points of the modern smart home is its digital nature. Whether it’s controlling your smart lights, robot vacuum, smart lock, or thermostat, there’s a good chance you’re using a smartphone for most of your interactions. That makes it less than ideal for other members of the household -- or even guests -- to make changes to your setup. This is where Flic comes into play, as the company offers a lineup of physical buttons and dials so everyone can use your favorite smart devices without the need for a digital interface.

I’ve been testing out both the Flic Smart Buttons and Flic Twist, and while they lack certain functionalities, they’re bound to be a fun addition to most smart homes. That’s especially true if you use Alexa or HomeKit, as both platforms work with the innovative smart buttons.
The Flic app makes setup a breeze

Read more
Echo Show 21 vs. Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen): which is best for your smart home?
Amazon's new Echo Show 21 and updated Echo Show 15.

Amazon just released two new smart displays -- the completely new Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen). Both are premium options for your home, offering powerful speakers, Full HD displays, and heaps of useful apps so you can stream videos or check your schedule. But which is the better option? The gigantic Echo Show 21, or the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)? Here’s a closer look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and design

The Echo Show 21 is the biggest member of the Echo Show family, and it’s got the price tag to prove it. Clocking in at $400, it’s a hefty investment. Its design is pretty premium, however, and it can be either mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an adjustable stand (sold separately). The Echo Show 15 looks much the same, though it’s quite a bit smaller. But from a design standpoint, it’s essentially a shrunken version of the Echo Show 21. It too can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an optional adjustable stand. But at $300, it’s much easier on the wallet.

Read more