Xiaomi Smart Plug 3 Review: Budget-Friendly Home Automation for Under $8.6

Smart plugs are the easiest way to dip your toes into home automation, and the Xiaomi Smart Plug 3 (米家智能插座3) is one of the most affordable options on the market. At just $5.6–59 ($5.50–8.30), it transforms any dumb appliance into a smart one with remote control, scheduling, and real-time energy monitoring.

But is the third-generation model a worthy upgrade, or did Xiaomi cut too many corners? Let’s dig in.

Design and Build

The Smart Plug 3 retains the compact, matte-white design that made its predecessors popular. One welcome improvement is the smaller footprint—it no longer blocks adjacent outlets, a common complaint with earlier versions. The V0-rated flame-retardant shell provides peace of mind, and the manual button on the side lets you toggle power even without the app.

Specification	Detail
Model	Xiaomi Smart Plug 3 (基础款) / Smart Plug 2 (Bluetooth Gateway)
Price	$5.6–59 (Plug 3) / $8.4–79 (Plug 2)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4GHz / Bluetooth Mesh (Plug 2)
Max Load	2500W / 10A
Safety	V0 flame-retardant shell, overload protection
Features	Remote on/off, timer, schedule, energy monitoring
Dimensions	Compact, does not block adjacent outlets

Smart Features

The Smart Plug 3 connects via Wi-Fi 2.4GHz to the Mi Home app, where you can:

• Remote control — turn devices on/off from anywhere
• Scheduling — set timers and recurring schedules
• Energy monitoring — track real-time power consumption and historical usage
• Scene integration — trigger with Xiaomi sensors, Aqara devices, or location
• Voice control — works with Xiao Ai (小爱同学) and Google Assistant

The energy monitoring feature is particularly useful. You can see exactly how much power your space heater, humidifier, or aquarium pump is drawing—helping identify energy hogs and optimize usage.

The Bluetooth Gateway Controversy

Here’s the catch: the Smart Plug 3 removed Bluetooth gateway functionality that was present in the Smart Plug 2. On SMZDM and Zhihu, this has been a significant point of contention.

The Smart Plug 2 could act as a Bluetooth Mesh gateway, allowing other Bluetooth Xiaomi sensors (temperature, motion, door/window) to connect to the internet through the plug. The Plug 3 cannot do this. If you need gateway functionality, you should buy the Smart Plug 2 (still available) or a dedicated Xiaomi gateway hub.

“The Plug 3 is a downgrade for anyone building a sensor network. It’s cheaper, but losing Bluetooth Gateway is a real loss.” — SMZDM user discussion

What Chinese Users Are Saying

We aggregated feedback from Zhihu, SMZDM, Sohu, Sina, and Taobao:

Praises:

• ✅ Incredible value — smart control for $5.7 ($5.50) is unbeatable (SMZDM, Zhihu, Sohu)
• ✅ Excellent Mi Home integration — seamless with Xiao Ai and sensors (Zhihu, Sohu, SMZDM)
• ✅ Accurate energy monitoring — helpful for tracking appliance power usage (Zhihu, SMZDM)
• ✅ Reliable remote control — app responds quickly (ZOL, Sohu)
• ✅ Quality build — nice matte texture, sturdy feel (Taobao, Sohu)

Criticisms:

• ⚠️ Plug 3 removed Bluetooth Gateway — a step backward from the Plug 2 (SMZDM, Zhihu)
• ⚠️ WiFi-only connection can crowd your 2.4GHz network with multiple plugs

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Incredibly affordable ($5.6–59)	No Bluetooth Gateway (Plug 3)
Accurate real-time energy monitoring	Wi-Fi only; no Zigbee support
Compact design doesn’t block outlets	2.4GHz-only WiFi
Works with Xiao Ai voice assistant	Limited to 10A max load
V0 flame-retardant safety certification	No USB ports (unlike some competitors)
Easy setup via Mi Home app

FAQ

Q: Should I buy the Smart Plug 2 or Smart Plug 3?
A: If you need Bluetooth Gateway functionality to connect Xiaomi sensors, buy the Plug 2. If you just need a basic smart plug with energy monitoring, the Plug 3 is cheaper and equally capable for core features.

Q: Can I use the Xiaomi Smart Plug with Apple HomeKit?
A: No, the Xiaomi Smart Plug does not support HomeKit. It works exclusively with Mi Home, Xiao Ai voice assistant, and Google Assistant.

Q: Does the energy monitoring feature require a subscription?
A: No, energy monitoring is free and built into the Mi Home app. You can view real-time power draw, daily/weekly/monthly usage, and estimated cost.

Q: Can I connect multiple Smart Plugs to one scene?
A: Yes. In the Mi Home app, you can group multiple plugs into scenes—for example, turning off all plugs with a single voice command or schedule.

Q: Is the Smart Plug safe for high-power appliances?
A: The plug is rated for 2500W (10A), which covers most home appliances: fans, lamps, humidifiers, TVs, space heaters (check your specific model’s draw). It includes overload protection that automatically cuts power.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Smart Plug 3 is a no-brainer purchase for anyone in the Mi Home ecosystem. For the price of a lunch, you get reliable smart control, accurate energy monitoring, and voice assistant integration.

The removal of Bluetooth Gateway is a real loss—it limits the plug’s usefulness as a sensor hub. But as a straightforward smart plug for controlling lamps, fans, and small appliances, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re building a sensor-heavy smart home, get the Plug 2. If you just want an affordable, reliable smart plug, the Plug 3 is perfect.

Score: 8.5/10

• Features: 8.0/10
• Value: 9.8/10
• Build Quality: 8.5/10
• Ecosystem Integration: 8.5/10
• Energy Monitoring: 8.5/10