10 Best Electricity Usage Monitors 2025 in the United States

The Sense Energy Monitor is designed to help users track electricity usage in real-time and save on energy costs. One of its standout features is its ability to provide real-time data through iOS, Android, and web apps, allowing you to monitor your home's energy use from anywhere. The display and interface are user-friendly, making it easy to understand your energy consumption and identify patterns that can help you save money and energy.

The Sense Energy Monitor also supports time-of-use rate plans, which can be particularly beneficial for optimizing energy costs based on peak and off-peak times. Additionally, it offers custom notifications for critical devices, which is a valuable feature for avoiding potential disasters, such as a sump pump failure. It meets rigorous ETL/Intertek safety standards, ensuring safe installation and operation within the electrical panel.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The device is currently only available and compatible in the United States and Canada, which restricts its usability for international users. Installation might also require some technical knowledge, as it involves integrating the monitor into the electrical panel. Despite some occasional issues with device recognition and accuracy, the Sense Energy Monitor is a solid choice for those looking to gain detailed insights into their home's energy usage and save on energy costs, provided it aligns with their regional availability and installation capabilities.

The Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor excels in providing real-time, accurate energy monitoring for your home. With a precision of ±2%, it ensures you have trustworthy data to manage your energy consumption effectively. The device includes an intuitive app compatible with iPhone and Android, allowing you to monitor real-time energy usage and receive actionable notifications. This feature is particularly beneficial for users looking to lower their electricity bills through active energy management and participation in energy-saving programs.

Another advantage is its UL certification, ensuring the monitor meets rigorous safety standards, which is reassuring for users concerned about electrical hazards. However, the system requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, which might be a limitation for those with different network setups. Also, while the installation is relatively straightforward with clamp-on sensors, it does involve working with the circuit panel, which might be daunting for some users.

On the data logging front, the monitor retains minute data for 7 days and hour data indefinitely, which is useful for tracking long-term energy trends. The ability to export data provides flexibility for detailed analysis. The device's compatibility with various electrical systems (single, split, and three-phase) makes it versatile, although users with three-phase systems will need an additional sensor. With its ease of use, reliable data, and safety certifications, the Emporia Gen 3 is well-suited for homeowners looking to optimize their energy usage and reduce costs.

The Smart Home Energy Monitor by Refoss offers a range of features suited for tracking and optimizing household energy usage. It provides 98% accuracy, making it reliable for monitoring energy consumption. The display and interface are managed through the Refoss app, which supports real-time tracking and detailed analysis of energy use. Users can monitor various parameters like power, current, voltage, and power factor of major appliances. This can help in identifying inefficient devices and potentially save 10%-20% on energy bills.

Additionally, the device supports solar metering and wind turbine energy generation monitoring, aiding in optimizing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing electricity costs. The monitor is compatible with Home Assistant, allowing for seamless integration with smart home systems and centralized control. Installation is relatively straightforward with clamp-on design sensors, although care is needed to avoid damaging the current transformers. Data logging and storage are robust, with up to 36 months of detailed electricity usage data available. This information can be exported for further analysis.

However, the product has a few drawbacks. While it features smart consumption alerts and detailed data visualization, it requires users to update the firmware regularly to access new features. Also, the device is dependent on a 2.4G Wi-Fi connection, which may not be compatible with all home networks. This energy monitor is best suited for homeowners looking to optimize their energy usage and integrate their energy management with smart home systems.