Ikea Is Back With Its Own Smart Plug, the Most Affordable Model I've Ever Tried

Why It Matters

At under $8, the plug lowers the entry barrier for consumers to expand their smart‑home ecosystems, accelerating Matter adoption. Its low price forces competitors to rethink pricing and feature bundles in the crowded smart‑plug segment.

Key Takeaways

• $8 price makes it the cheapest smart plug currently tested
• Full Matter support works with Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung hubs
• Includes a physical remote, a rare feature for smart plugs
• Requires a Matter hub, adding potential extra cost
• No energy‑monitoring, limiting utility‑tracking capabilities

Pulse Analysis

Ikea’s entry into the low‑cost smart‑plug market reflects a broader shift toward affordable, interoperable home automation. By pricing the Grillplats at roughly $8, the Swedish retailer undercuts traditional players such as Belkin and TP-Link, whose entry‑level models typically start near $15. The move aligns with Ikea’s 2026 smart‑home roadmap, which aims to offer a cohesive ecosystem that leverages the industry‑wide Matter standard. This strategy not only expands Ikea’s product portfolio but also encourages consumers who are hesitant about high‑priced smart devices to take the first step toward a connected home.

The Grillplats distinguishes itself with a tiny handheld remote, a feature rarely seen in the segment. This hardware button appeals to users who prefer tactile control over app‑based interfaces, especially in households with mixed tech comfort levels. Setup is streamlined: a QR code scan or Matter PIN connects the plug to any compatible hub within seconds, eliminating the lengthy onboarding often associated with Wi‑Fi‑only devices. However, the requirement for a Matter hub—whether a third‑party device like a HomePod or Ikea’s own Dirigera hub—introduces a hidden cost. For consumers lacking an existing hub, the additional $100 investment can diminish the plug’s overall value proposition.

From a market perspective, the Grillplats forces competitors to reassess the balance between price, features, and ecosystem lock‑in. While the lack of energy‑monitoring limits its appeal to power‑savvy users, the plug’s ultra‑low price and Matter compatibility make it an attractive gateway product. As more households adopt Matter‑enabled devices, manufacturers that bundle essential functionality with minimal cost will likely capture the bulk of first‑time adopters, shaping the next wave of smart‑home growth.