How I'm using a $13 smart plug to automate my house appliances - and you can too - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Why you can trust ZDNET: ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Imagine turning your holiday lights, lamps, and fans on or off from anywhere in the house or outdoors for cheap. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. For only $13, this little smart plug lets you control your household devices with your voice through Alexa or the app on your phone. Priced with a 48% discount through the Amazon Prime Day 2026 sale, you can now snag this Amazon Smart Plug and start living a little more comfortably. Also: The best early Amazon Prime Day deals Though I have several brands of smart plugs around my house, I got my first Amazon smart plug a few years ago during a Prime Day event and use it daily. It connects one of my bedroom lamps to power, so I ask Alexa on our Sonos Era 100 or Echo Show 8 to turn it on and off. I fell in love with this bedroom lamp at a thrift store years ago, so a smart plug was the perfect way to make it smart. I’ve al