What if you could shave money off your energy bill each month with a simple device that costs less than dinner? No rewiring. No renovation. Just plug it in—and start saving.
For house hackers and budget-conscious homeowners alike, tech tools that deliver real savings with little effort are worth their weight in gold. And this particular gadget is making waves for doing exactly that. For around $20, you can track, control, and cut back on energy usage in your home—with results that show up on your next utility bill.
💬 “Sometimes, the smartest way to save is also the simplest.”
In this guide, we’ll break down what the gadget is, how it works, and why thousands of smart homeowners are plugging in for serious savings.
💡 Meet the $20 Money-Saving Gadget
So what is this magical money-saver?
It’s called a smart plug—specifically, one with energy monitoring capabilities. These handy devices plug into any standard wall outlet, and then your appliances plug into them. With just a few taps on your phone, you can track exactly how much electricity a device is using and remotely control it from anywhere.
🔍 How It Works:
- Tracks energy usage in real time (watts, kilowatt-hours, and more)
- Remotely turns appliances on/off from your smartphone
- Schedules device use to avoid unnecessary energy waste
- Some models even offer voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant
Popular options like the Kasa Smart Plug, Wyze Plug, and TP-Link Tapo all offer energy-monitoring versions under $20—no electrician required.
💬 “Know exactly which devices are draining your wallet—then take control.”
This small gadget puts you in the driver’s seat of your energy usage—and once you see where your money’s going, you can start keeping more of it in your pocket.
📉 How It Lowers Your Bills
Once you plug in and power up, the savings start stacking. A smart plug isn’t just a switch—it’s a data detective that helps uncover energy-wasting culprits in your home.
🔌 Identify Energy Hogs
You might be shocked to discover how much energy your space heater, old fridge, or even your coffee maker pulls throughout the day. With real-time monitoring, you can pinpoint the devices costing you the most and take action.
🕒 Automate Device Use
Forget to turn off the fan before leaving? Set a schedule. Smart plugs let you automatically shut off appliances during certain hours or when you’re not home—reducing waste and easing your utility bill.
👻 Eliminate Phantom Load
Also known as “vampire energy,” some electronics suck power even when turned off. Think: TVs, game consoles, chargers. A smart plug can cut the power flow completely when not in use.
Here’s how it plays out:
| Use Case | Result |
|---|---|
| Smart plug on AC unit | Turn off remotely when you’re not home |
| Plug for entertainment center | Stop vampire power drain overnight |
| Monitor fridge power usage | Spot inefficiencies and plan upgrades |
💬 “You can’t manage what you don’t measure—and most homes bleed power invisibly.”
With one $20 device, you gain the power to see and stop unnecessary energy usage. And that adds up fast—often paying for itself within the first billing cycle.
🛍 Best Smart Plugs Under $20
You don’t have to spend a fortune to take control of your energy costs. These highly-rated smart plugs offer energy monitoring, remote access, and automation features—all for around or under $20:
🟢 Kasa Smart Plug (HS110 / EP25)
- Reliable brand with great app interface
- Energy usage reports available in the app
- Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
Price: ~$17
🔵 Wyze Plug
- Clean app design with usage history and scheduling
- Affordable and easy to install
Price: ~$14
🟠 TP-Link Tapo P110
- Includes power usage tracking and device scheduling
- Sleek design and solid performance
Price: ~$16
🟣 Amazon Smart Plug (when on sale)
- Deep integration with Alexa
- No energy monitoring, but great for simple automation
Price: ~$24 regular, often discounted under $20
| Smart Plug | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kasa (EP25) | Energy reports, voice control | ~$17 |
| Wyze Plug | Usage tracking, affordable | ~$14 |
| Tapo P110 | Power monitoring + scheduling | ~$16 |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Alexa only, no monitoring | ~$18–24 |
💬 “Saving money doesn’t mean buying cheap—it means buying smart.”
Each of these plugs offers serious value for the price, and some even let you monitor multiple devices from one dashboard. All you need is Wi-Fi, a phone, and a power outlet.
⚙️ Setup: Quick, Easy, No Electrician Needed
One of the best parts about using a smart plug is that anyone can set it up—no tools, wiring, or tech expertise required. In fact, you can go from box to bill savings in under five minutes.
🪛 Step-by-Step Setup
- Plug it in: Insert the smart plug into any wall outlet.
- Download the app: Each brand has its own (Kasa, Wyze, Tapo, etc.).
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the app’s guided setup.
- Plug in your device: Anything from a lamp to a space heater.
- Monitor and control: View energy use, create schedules, and control the device from your phone.
💬 “If you can plug in a toaster, you can set up a smart plug.”
🗣 Bonus: Voice Control
Once connected, you can link the plug to Alexa or Google Assistant. Say things like:
- “Alexa, turn off the heater.”
- “Hey Google, how much energy did the fan use today?”
The setup is so seamless, many users end up buying multiple smart plugs for different rooms—creating a fully optimized, energy-smart home in the process.
🏠 Real-Life House Hacker Results
Implementing smart plugs has empowered many homeowners to monitor and reduce their energy consumption, leading to noticeable savings on utility bills. Here are a couple of examples:
Case Study 1: Sarah’s Smart Savings
Background: Sarah, a homeowner aiming to cut down on her monthly expenses, decided to integrate smart plugs into her household to monitor and control the energy usage of various appliances.
Action Taken: She installed smart plugs on her entertainment system, kitchen appliances, and home office equipment, enabling her to schedule their operation and eliminate unnecessary power consumption during idle times.
Outcome: Over several months, Sarah observed a consistent reduction in her electricity bills, attributing the savings to the strategic use of smart plugs to manage and minimize energy waste.
💬 “Integrating smart plugs into my home has not only simplified my life but also led to noticeable savings on my electricity bills.” — Sarah L.
Case Study 2: Mark’s Energy Monitoring Success
Background: Mark, an environmentally conscious renter, sought to understand and reduce his household’s energy consumption without making significant alterations to his living space.
Action Taken: He utilized smart plugs with energy monitoring features to track the power usage of his major appliances and electronics, identifying devices that were consuming excessive energy.
Outcome: By analyzing the data collected from the smart plugs, Mark was able to adjust his usage patterns and replace inefficient devices, resulting in a decrease in his monthly energy expenses and a smaller carbon footprint.
💬 “Using smart plugs to monitor my energy consumption has been eye-opening and financially beneficial.” — Mark R.
Important Considerations:
- Device Compatibility: Ensure that the smart plugs you choose are compatible with your appliances and home network to maximize their effectiveness.
- User Reviews: Research and select smart plugs with positive user feedback regarding reliability and energy monitoring accuracy.
These examples illustrate that with thoughtful implementation, smart plugs can serve as a practical tool for reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
🧰 Other Cheap Gadgets That Can Save You More
A smart plug may be the MVP of budget-saving tech, but it’s far from the only low-cost tool in your money-saving arsenal. For house hackers looking to squeeze even more value out of their homes, here are a few other under-$30 upgrades that deliver serious ROI.
💡 LED Light Bulbs
Swapping old incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs can slash lighting costs by up to 80%. Bonus: They last years longer, too.
🚪 Weatherstripping Kits
Drafts cost you money. Sealing windows and doors with foam tape or rubber weatherstripping can keep heat (or cool air) where it belongs.
🚿 Low-Flow Shower Heads
A $25 upgrade can reduce water use and lower energy bills by cutting down on hot water usage—without sacrificing pressure.
🧯 Outlet Sealers and Foam Gaskets
These often-overlooked air leaks behind outlets and light switches add up. Foam insulators are a cheap and quick fix.
| Gadget | Average Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| LED Bulbs (4-pack) | $12–$18 | Cuts lighting energy use |
| Weatherstripping Kit | $10–$20 | Seals leaks, lowers HVAC bills |
| Low-Flow Shower Head | $20–$30 | Saves water and heating costs |
| Outlet Insulator Gaskets | ~$8 (20-pack) | Prevents wall drafts and energy loss |
💬 “When small upgrades compound, the savings aren’t just noticeable—they’re impressive.”
Smart house hackers don’t wait for big wins—they build them with little, consistent upgrades that add up to real financial freedom.
✅ Final Thoughts: One Small Plug, Big Energy Gains
The smartest upgrades aren’t always the flashiest. Sometimes, all it takes is a $20 smart plug to start transforming your home’s energy usage—and your monthly utility bill. With real-time insights, automation, and control in the palm of your hand, this tiny device offers a massive return for minimal effort.
Whether you’re just starting your house hacking journey or you’re looking for a new way to trim expenses, smart plugs are a low-risk, high-reward tool that pays for itself—fast. And when paired with other affordable gadgets, the savings only multiply.
💬 “Efficiency isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smarter.”
Ready to level up your savings? Explore more passive tech tools, income boosters, and energy-efficient upgrades under Tech & Tools at HouseHackTips.com—because smarter living starts with smarter gear.