I'm a tech editor, and this $28 Echo Dot / smart plug deal is one of the best I've seen

Have you thought about dipping your toes into the world of smart home technology? One of the easiest ways is to use a smart plug to turn your "dumb" appliances into "smart" ones. Of course, you need something to control it with. Right now, the Echo Dot with Kasa Smart Plug is less than the Echo Dot by itself on a normal day — you're saving almost the full price of the Dot thanks to this deal.

Amazon

Echo Dot (5th Gen) | Charcoal with Kasa Smart Plug Mini

$28$73Save $45

This 5th-gen Echo Dot, paired with the Kasa Smart Plug, makes it easy to control anything plugged into it — just ask Alexa to turn the power on or off. 

$28 at Amazon

The Echo Dot 5th gen is the latest model of the Echo Dot, capable of powerful routines that simplify day-to-day life. For example, you can set it up so that your lights automatically turn on at sunset. With the addition of the Kasa Smart Plug Mini, you can plug in an old lamp and have it turn on or off remotely. You can also monitor how much energy it uses; if you're worried an appliance might be drawing more than it should, the smart plug can tell you.

It's a great purchase for a first-time smart home user, but it's also just a fantastic deal for someone that already has a setup and wants to expand it. The new Echo Dot has a lot of awesome features, like the ability to serve as a router extender for Amazon's Eero mesh router. When you consider that the Echo Dot is normally $50 and the Kasa Smart Plug is $15, getting both for $28 is an absolute steal.

"First time having this type product, and I'm really loving it. I asked Alexa about termites and she (it is a female voice) gave me the info, then asked if I wanted to add a specific product to my Amazon order. Who knew Alexa could do that? Great feature. I keep learning more new things daily. Obviously the music is used frequently but anxious to learn more as time goes on," one user said.

Another fan raved, "It turns on items that I would normally have to bend my old aching back to do it! Absolutely LOVE this!"

Amazon

Echo Dot (5th Gen)

$28$73Save $45

Whether this is your first foray into smart home stuff or you're an old hand looking to expand, this is a great deal. 

$28 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

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