Best Home Energy Monitors for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: April 12th, 2024

⚡So, energy costs are going up, and we're all a bit more conscious about our environmental impact these days. Home energy monitors have become super handy gadgets for keeping tabs on electricity use. These devices give you real-time insights, so you can see exactly which appliances are power hogs and get actionable data to help cut your electric bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are our top picks for the best home energy monitors in 2024.

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Overall Best: Sense Energy Monitor

Sense Energy Monitor - Track Electricity Usage in Real Time and Save Money - Meets Rigorous ETL/Intertek Safety Standards

The Sense Energy Monitor stands out as our top pick, thanks to its advanced machine learning technology that can identify individual appliances and provide a detailed breakdown of energy usage. According to our research, users appreciate its straightforward installation (though professional installation is recommended) and the intuitive mobile app, which offers real-time data and actionable insights. Additionally, the capability to track solar power generation makes it especially beneficial for homes equipped with solar panels. The manufacturer claims that homeowners can save nearly 10% on their energy bills within the first year, making the Sense Energy Monitor not just a smart device but a smart investment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$299.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sense Energy Monitor? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Sense Energy Monitor worth the cost for energy savings?
Thinking about getting the Sense Energy Monitor? It's a cool device for tracking your home’s electricity usage in real-time, and might help you save money on your energy bills. But before you jump in, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Sense Energy Monitor uses machine learning to learn your home’s electricity habits and identify different appliances. Based on our research, it might not always get it right immediately. It needs some time to get familiar with your devices and can occasionally label things incorrectly or miss some devices altogether. Where the Sense really comes in handy is in keeping tabs on your total energy use. It's great at spotting those 'Always On' devices that are constantly sipping power, which could help you make changes to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Just a heads up, setting up the Sense Monitor isn't something you can typically do on your own—it needs to be connected directly to your electrical panel, so hiring a licensed electrician is a good idea. It also requires a good WiFi connection, so if your WiFi router is located far from your electrical panel, you might need a [WiFi extender](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWiFi%2Bextender%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to ensure a smooth connection. In short, if you want to get a better handle on your home’s overall energy use, the Sense Energy Monitor can be quite useful. But if you're aiming to track individual appliances with laser precision, you might also consider using [smart plugs](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsmart%2Bplugs%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for more detailed data. It's all about finding what works best for your energy-saving goals.
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Can the Sense Energy Monitor detect variable speed motors and dimmers?
The Sense Energy Monitor does a decent job of giving you an overview of your home's energy use, which can help you figure out ways to cut down on your utility bills. But, it's not perfect when it comes to identifying variable speed motors and dimmers. The tech behind it is pretty cool—Sense uses machine learning to recognize the energy "signatures" of your devices. According to the manufacturer, this process is supposed to be quite thorough. However, our research shows that getting it to accurately recognize and identify specific appliances can be hit or miss. Some folks mention that it can take weeks or even months for the monitor to get a proper handle on your home’s gear. Variable speed motors and dimmers, like those in high-tech HVAC systems or [LED dimmer switches](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLED%2Bdimmer%2Bswitches%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), draw power in a way that's less predictable than older appliances. This makes them harder for Sense to pinpoint accurately. Keep in mind, setting up your Sense Energy Monitor isn't something everyone will feel comfortable handling. It involves your electrical panel, and unless you’re a whiz with wiring, you might want to call in a pro to handle the installation safely. Sense is pretty handy if you're focused on overall energy consumption. It’s good at pointing out those sneaky "always on" devices and helping you understand what’s eating up energy. Just be aware that when it comes to pinpointing the usage of specific devices—especially those with variable features—you might need to double-check the app’s findings. It could misidentify things or not fully capture the nuances of variable speed motors or dimmers without some manual help. If you enjoy digging into data and aren't afraid of a bit of troubleshooting, Sense could work well for you. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve and some blips when it comes to tracking the more complex stuff. It's a cool tool, but it won't identify every gadget in your home flawlessly.
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How accurate is the Sense Energy Monitor at detecting individual devices?
The Sense Energy Monitor is mainly there to help you keep an eye on your home's energy use. Its ability to spot individual devices can vary quite a bit. From what we've gathered, it uses machine learning to pick up on the unique electrical signatures of different appliances connected to your main electrical panel. As it learns over time, it tends to get better at recognizing them. But, don't expect it to be perfect right away—especially with devices that are super energy-efficient or shift between power levels. If you're interested in tracking solar energy, there's a solar version of the Sense Energy Monitor available. It's designed with additional sensors specifically for keeping tabs on solar energy production. Folks with [solar panels](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsolar%2Bpanels%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) often find this pretty handy, as it lets them see the real-time energy output from their panels and compare it with the electricity used from the grid. This feature can be quite useful for understanding your energy usage and figuring out potential savings. Our research shows that while some people enjoy the real-time updates and tips from the [Sense app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsense%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for making smarter energy decisions, there can be some hiccups. Proper setup is crucial—some folks find it tricky to pinpoint specific devices, especially those with variable or efficient energy use. If solar energy monitoring is a big priority for you, make sure to check that everything's compatible, and you might want to go for the solar version right away. This can give you a well-rounded view of your energy situation, covering everything from production to consumption and potential savings. Just remember, the Sense Energy Monitor, especially with its solar features, can be powerful, but you'll need some patience and a good setup to get the most out of it.
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Runner-up: Emporia Smart Home Energy Monitor

Our runner-up, the Emporia Smart Home Energy Monitor, offers exceptional value with its robust feature set and budget-friendly price. This device provides real-time monitoring and can track energy usage for up to 16 circuits, making it highly versatile. Users find the accompanying app easy to navigate, which provides clear and actionable data to help reduce energy costs. While it lacks advanced machine learning capabilities, its comprehensive monitoring features make it a strong contender for any household looking to optimize energy use without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$149.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Emporia Gen 2 Vue

For those on a tight budget, the Emporia Gen 2 Vue offers an impressive range of basic features at a fraction of the price of higher-end models. Although it does not utilize machine learning, it can be expanded with additional sensors to monitor up to 16 individual circuits. According to the manufacturer's description, the Emporia app is user-friendly and helps identify high-usage appliances and consumption patterns, making it easier to put energy-saving measures in place. This budget-friendly option still packs a considerable punch when it comes to reducing electricity bills.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best for Smart Home Integration: Wiser Energy by Schneider Electric

The Wiser Energy system by Schneider Electric excels in smart home integration, making it our pick for those who prioritize seamless connectivity. It installs directly into your electrical panel and offers real-time energy usage data through an easy-to-use mobile app. Users can receive notifications when devices turn on or off and gain insights into energy savings with recommended actions to reduce waste. According to the manufacturer, it integrates smoothly with other smart home systems, making it an ideal central hub for managing household energy consumption.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$358.35 at Amazon

Best for Appliance Monitoring: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug

Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 1-Pack(HS103) , WHITE Classic 1-Pack

For those who prefer to monitor individual appliances, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug is an excellent choice. This smart plug is easy to set up and works well with home automation systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It provides detailed data on energy consumption for each connected device, making it perfect for identifying energy-hogging appliances and managing their usage more efficiently. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive data collection, it's a practical option for anyone looking to start small in their energy-saving journey.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$19.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Kasa Smart Plug Mini? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What's the warranty on the Kasa Smart Plug HS103?
Hey! So, the Kasa Smart Plug HS103 from [TP-Link](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtp-link%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) comes with a 2-year limited warranty. Basically, this means it covers any material or workmanship defects under normal use during that time. If it stops working because of a covered defect within those two years, TP-Link will fix or replace it for free. Just a heads-up, though—the warranty doesn't cover damage from misuse, accidents, or altered products. For the nitty-gritty details, it's best to check directly with [TP-Link](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtp-link%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or look at the documentation that came with your smart plug.
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Does the Kasa Smart Plug HS103 have energy monitoring?
The [Kasa Smart Plug HS103](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) by [TP-Link](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtp-link%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is pretty handy with its remote control, scheduling, and voice command abilities. It works well with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Google Home](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bhome%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and the [Kasa Smart app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dkasa%2Bsmart%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). But, keep in mind that it **does not have energy monitoring**. If tracking energy usage is a must-have for you, you'll need to consider other options. Setting it up is quite easy. According to the manufacturer, you just need the Kasa Smart app. Once connected to your Wi-Fi, you can manage your devices without much hassle. However, our research shows that while many people find the setup simple, some folks have run into connection and app issues. For example, some have had the smart plug drop its Wi-Fi connection or need a bit of troubleshooting. The scheduling feature is quite popular. You can set up on/off schedules in the app and even use [IFTTT](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Difttt%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for more complex automation. That said, we found that the app can sometimes be hit or miss with scheduling commands, which can be annoying. One more thing to note: it only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. So, if you have a mixed or 5GHz network, you might face some connectivity problems. Overall, the Kasa Smart Plug HS103 is a good basic option if you don't need advanced features like energy monitoring. It handles basic tasks well and adds some convenience to your home setup.
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How compact is the Kasa Smart Plug HS103?
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103 from TP-Link is pretty small, making it a good pick if you're tight on space. According to the manufacturer, its compact design ensures it won't block nearby outlets, so you can use multiple plugs side by side without issues. This is handy for those tight spots like behind furniture or next to another plug. It’s designed to handle devices that use less than 15 amps, so it works well with things like lamps, fans, and small appliances like [coffee makers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcoffee%2Bmakers%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). You’ll be able to control these devices from your phone or with voice commands via [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Setting it up seems to be straightforward. You just plug it in, download the [Kasa app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dkasa%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and follow the instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi. Keep in mind it only works with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, so that might be a limitation if you prefer 5GHz. According to our research, connectivity is generally solid, though a few people have mentioned occasional issues with delays, especially when using [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). But this doesn't seem to be a common problem. A lot of folks like the scheduling feature, which lets you set timers so devices can turn on and off automatically. This is really useful for things like lights and [coffee makers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcoffee%2Bmakers%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Plus, you can even randomize your lights when you're not home to make it look like someone is there. Overall, it’s a good starting point if you're new to smart home gadgets. It’s compact and versatile, and most people think it works well.
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