Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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Every week—often without fail—readers, colleagues, and enthusiasts approach me with questions about how I conduct my testing and, more specifically, about the equipment and measurement tools I rely on to evaluate power consumption across various devices. I’m always enthusiastic about sharing information and discussing methodology because I firmly believe that understanding the instruments used is key to interpreting results correctly. Yet, I always emphasize one important caveat: the professional-grade tools that I utilize in my lab or workshop may not necessarily be suitable, practical, or cost-effective for typical home users.

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Among the essential components of my testing setup are power meters—compact yet sophisticated electronic devices designed to measure the power draw of any mains-powered equipment connected to them. For roughly a decade, these instruments have been indispensable to my work, providing consistent and precise readings that guide accurate assessments. My current go-to model, which I’ve been using for the past few years, is the **Antai ATX 9801**. This particular power meter has proven to be a remarkably durable and dependable workhorse, combining robust construction with functionality that meets the demands of daily technical evaluations.

The operation of the ATX 9801 is strikingly straightforward. One simply connects the device to a standard mains outlet, at which point it effectively becomes a short extension lead with an integrated digital display. The universal socket on its front panel accommodates nearly all common plug types worldwide, making it especially versatile for testing hardware originating from diverse regions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and China. This global compatibility ensures that I can seamlessly analyze the energy performance of a wide range of electronic devices without the need for separate adapters or regional tools.

Once powered on, the ATX 9801’s bright and clearly legible display immediately activates, presenting a comprehensive array of real-time electrical data points. It measures instantaneous power consumption, the current draw, and the power factor—which represents the ratio between actual usable power (real power) and the total power supplied in an alternating current system. This particular metric provides valuable insight into how effectively a device converts supplied electricity into functional output. The display additionally calculates and projects annual power consumption in kilowatt-hours, enabling users to understand long-term energy costs. For those who work with variable voltages or grid frequencies, the meter also displays both voltage and frequency values for the input power. This feature is particularly advantageous for me when testing portable power stations, as it allows simultaneous monitoring of both input and output characteristics.

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Another noteworthy advantage of the ATX 9801 is its display quality. The readout remains sharp and easy to interpret even under intense ambient light, such as when working near a sunlit window or outdoors. Over the years, I have connected hundreds of devices to this meter—from small USB chargers that draw mere watts to massive power stations that consume far more—and in every instance, the meter has performed with precision and reliability. Its rugged form factor gives it a decidedly industrial appearance, and while it lacks the polish or connectivity features some users might expect—such as app-based data logging or wireless integration—it compensates for these omissions with consistency and durability. Considering its price of approximately $75, the **Antai ATX 9801** remains an excellent option for professionals or advanced users who need a dependable, no-nonsense tool for frequent testing tasks.

However, for typical home users interested in understanding and managing their household energy usage, there are better-suited alternatives that combine ease of use with modern smart features.

### Best options for home users
For everyday consumers, I generally recommend turning to **smart plugs** or **smart power strips**, such as the ones produced by **Tapo**, a sub-brand of the well-known technology manufacturer **TP-Link**—a company recognized for its extensive array of networking and home automation products. These devices offer an intuitive way to monitor electricity consumption while also providing integrated control functions that can help reduce waste.

Tapo/ZDNET
There is something uniquely compelling about observing your power consumption in real time. When you can literally see the cost of keeping a device running—displayed moment by moment through an app or dashboard—it has a powerful psychological effect. That immediate, visual feedback often prompts users to switch off devices they aren’t actively using, creating awareness that quickly translates into energy savings.

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Beyond simply showing power data, these smart plugs and strips empower users to remotely manage their household devices. Whether you want to turn a lamp off from another room or automate the shutdown of a power-hungry appliance when not in use, these features provide both convenience and tangible efficiency gains. They gather usage statistics over time, enabling owners to identify patterns of energy consumption, distinguish between essential and nonessential loads, and make informed decisions about energy management. Personally, I began with just a couple of these devices at home, initially connecting them to my 3D printers and filament dryers to track usage during fabrication. However, the convenience and insight they offered were so valuable that I soon expanded their use—eventually connecting nearly every significant household appliance to its own smart outlet.

### Why I recommend this product
While the **Antai ATX 9801** remains my preferred testing companion in the workshop because of its precision and rugged build, I generally suggest that most domestic users opt for consumer-grade power monitoring solutions. These are carefully engineered for long-term, continuous household use, have undergone extensive safety testing, and, crucially, integrate with mobile applications—eliminating the need to be physically present to view measurements. Their user-friendly design, coupled with detailed energy insights provided through apps, makes them vastly more suitable for everyday environments.

And despite their smart capabilities, these consumer-oriented solutions are remarkably affordable. A **6-outlet Tapo smart power strip** costs around **$50**, providing centralized monitoring and control for multiple appliances at once, while a **4-pack of smart plugs** is priced at approximately **$34**, making it easy for users to scale their smart energy ecosystem throughout their home without significant expense.

In short, while industrial tools like the ATX 9801 are unbeatable for professional testing contexts, smart outlets and power strips designed for consumers deliver exceptional practicality, safety, and insight for anyone hoping to monitor and optimize their household electricity use.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/power-meter-tools-for-energy-consumption-review/