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Smart EV charger mounted on garage wall with smartphone app displaying charging status
We tested 12 WiFi-enabled EV chargers to find the 7 best smart picks for 2026.
Expert Review

Best Smart EV Chargers in 2026

After testing 12 WiFi-enabled Level 2 EV chargers over 6 months, we selected the 7 best smart EV chargers that deliver reliable app control, accurate energy monitoring, and genuinely useful scheduling features. Our picks range from $249 to $649 and cover every smart charging need — from budget-friendly WiFi chargers to premium units with utility integration and dynamic load management.

Every charger on this list connects to WiFi, has a dedicated smartphone app, and is UL-listed for safety. We prioritized app reliability, scheduling accuracy, energy reporting precision, and real-world value so you can make an informed decision. If you do not need smart features, see our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers roundup for basic options that cost less.

By CheapEVCharger Team

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Quick Comparison

Charger Price Power Cable Rating Best For
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A
Wallbox
$449 48A / 11.52 kW 25 ft 4.4 Homeowners who want the most polished app experience, Power Boost for panel protection, or multi-charger power sharing. View Deal
Emporia Energy Smart Level 2 Charger
Emporia Energy
$249 48A / 11.52 kW 24 ft 4.5 Budget-conscious buyers who want full smart features and 48A charging speed at the lowest possible price. View Deal
ChargePoint Home Flex
ChargePoint
$649 50A / 12.0 kW 23 ft 4.5 EV owners who want premium smart features, voice assistant integration, and seamless connection to ChargePoint's public network. View Deal
Grizzl-E Smart
Grizzl-E
$449 40A / 9.6 kW 24 ft 4.2 Homeowners in extreme climates who need a smart charger built to survive harsh outdoor conditions year-round. View Deal
JuiceBox 48
Enel X
$589 48A / 11.52 kW 25 ft 4.3 EV owners on time-of-use electricity plans who want automatic rate-optimized scheduling and utility rebate eligibility. View Deal
BougeRV Smart Level 2 EV Charger
BougeRV
$279 40A / 9.6 kW 25 ft 4.6 Value-focused buyers who want smart features and a long cable without spending more than $300. View Deal
Tesla Wall Connector
Tesla
$429 48A / 11.52 kW 24 ft 4.7 Tesla owners who want the cleanest integration with their vehicle and the Tesla app ecosystem. View Deal
1

Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A

Wallbox — Homeowners who want the most polished app experience, Power Boost for panel protection, or multi-charger power sharing.

Best Overall Smart

Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A

Wallbox

$449
4.4/5 (1230 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.52 kW
Cable: 25 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth)
App Features: Scheduling, energy tracking, Power Boost, power sharing
Best-in-class myWallbox app with granular scheduling and energy history
Power Boost dynamically adjusts amps to prevent breaker trips under heavy load
Dual WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity ensures reliable connection in weak signal areas

The Wallbox Pulsar Plus earns our top spot for smart EV chargers because its app and connectivity features are a cut above everything else we tested. The myWallbox app delivers granular scheduling — you can set different charge windows for weekdays and weekends, track energy consumption by session or month, and enable Power Boost mode that dynamically reduces charging amps when your home's electrical load spikes. If you have solar panels, the Wallbox integrates with your system to prioritize solar-generated electricity over grid power.

At 48 amps (11.52 kW), it adds roughly 37 miles of range per hour — matching the Emporia Energy Smart and outpacing the Grizzl-E Smart at 40 amps. The 25-foot cable is the longest in our smart charger roundup, and the unit itself is impressively compact. Dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity is a genuine advantage: Bluetooth handles initial setup and serves as a fallback when your garage WiFi is spotty, a common complaint with WiFi-only chargers like the JuiceBox 48.

The trade-off is installation: the Pulsar Plus requires hardwiring, which adds $100–$300 in electrician costs compared to plug-in models like the Emporia or BougeRV Smart. At $449, it sits in the middle of our price range and delivers the best overall balance of app quality, features, and charging speed. Wallbox is a publicly traded company with a strong track record — see their official Pulsar Plus product page for full specifications.

Pros

  • Best-in-class myWallbox app with granular scheduling and energy history
  • Power Boost dynamically adjusts amps to prevent breaker trips under heavy load
  • Dual WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity ensures reliable connection in weak signal areas
  • Compact, modern design — smallest 48A smart charger on the market
  • Compatible with solar panels and home energy management systems

Cons

  • Hardwire installation only — no plug-in option increases install cost by $100–$300
  • Bluetooth setup can be finicky on some Android devices
  • Customer support response times vary based on user reports
2

Emporia Energy Smart Level 2 Charger

Emporia Energy — Budget-conscious buyers who want full smart features and 48A charging speed at the lowest possible price.

Best Budget Smart

Emporia Energy Smart Level 2 Charger

Emporia Energy

$249
4.5/5 (1847 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.52 kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi)
App Features: Scheduling, energy monitoring, load management, usage history
Lowest price for a 48A smart charger — half the cost of most competitors
Full-featured Emporia app with scheduling, energy tracking, and usage history
Integrates with Emporia Vue energy monitor for whole-home energy visibility

The Emporia Energy Smart is the best value in smart EV charging, period. At $249, it delivers 48 amps and a full suite of WiFi smart features — scheduling, energy monitoring, load management, and usage history — for less than half the price of the ChargePoint Home Flex and significantly under the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. If you are on a budget and want app control, this is the obvious starting point.

Charging performance matches the Wallbox at 48 amps (11.52 kW), adding roughly 37 miles of range per hour. The 24-foot cable handles most garage layouts comfortably. Where the Emporia truly shines is its integration with the Emporia Vue whole-home energy monitor — pair the two, and you get a unified dashboard showing your EV charging costs alongside your total household electricity consumption. The built-in load management feature is also smart: it automatically reduces charging amps when other high-draw appliances are running, preventing breaker trips without manual intervention.

The downsides are fit and finish. The plastic housing does not feel as robust as the Grizzl-E Smart's aluminum enclosure, and WiFi-only connectivity (no Bluetooth fallback) means you need decent signal in your garage. Some users report occasional app disconnections, though these are software issues rather than safety concerns — the unit is fully UL-listed. If you want more budget options without smart features, check our best EV chargers under $300 guide. You can learn more at Emporia Energy's official site.

Pros

  • Lowest price for a 48A smart charger — half the cost of most competitors
  • Full-featured Emporia app with scheduling, energy tracking, and usage history
  • Integrates with Emporia Vue energy monitor for whole-home energy visibility
  • Built-in load management prevents circuit overloads automatically
  • UL-listed and ETL safety certified with 24-foot cable

Cons

  • WiFi-only connectivity — no Bluetooth fallback for weak garage signals
  • Plastic housing feels less premium than Wallbox or Grizzl-E builds
  • App can experience occasional connectivity drops per user reports
3

ChargePoint Home Flex

ChargePoint — EV owners who want premium smart features, voice assistant integration, and seamless connection to ChargePoint's public network.

Best Premium Smart

ChargePoint Home Flex

ChargePoint

$649
4.5/5 (2847 reviews)
Power: 50A / 12.0 kW
Cable: 23 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi)
App Features: Scheduling, energy tracking, Alexa/Google Home, charge reminders
Highest output in our roundup at 50A — up to 37.5 miles of range per hour
ChargePoint app integrates with their massive public charging network
Alexa and Google Home voice control for hands-free charging management

The ChargePoint Home Flex is the premium choice in our smart charger roundup, and its strongest selling point is ecosystem integration. ChargePoint operates the largest public EV charging network in North America, and the Home Flex ties directly into their app. You manage home charging, find public stations, and track all your charging history from a single interface — something no other charger on this list can match. The unit delivers 50 amps (12.0 kW), the highest output in our roundup, adding approximately 37.5 miles of range per hour.

Smart features are comprehensive and refined: scheduled charging with per-day customization, detailed energy usage reporting, Alexa and Google Home voice control, and automatic plug-in reminders if you forget to connect your car by a set time. The Home Flex is also ENERGY STAR certified, which may qualify you for utility rebates — potentially bringing the effective cost closer to the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. Unlike the Wallbox, the ChargePoint offers both plug-in (NEMA 14-50) and hardwire options, saving on installation costs.

At $649, the honest question is whether the premium justifies itself over the Emporia at $249. If you use ChargePoint public stations regularly, want voice assistant integration, or value ENERGY STAR rebate eligibility, the answer is yes. If you just need basic scheduling and energy tracking, the Emporia delivers 90% of the functionality at a fraction of the cost. For a broader comparison including non-smart options, see our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers roundup.

Pros

  • Highest output in our roundup at 50A — up to 37.5 miles of range per hour
  • ChargePoint app integrates with their massive public charging network
  • Alexa and Google Home voice control for hands-free charging management
  • ENERGY STAR certified — may qualify for utility rebates in many states
  • Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwire installation flexibility

Cons

  • Most expensive charger on this list at $649 — significant premium over Emporia
  • Plastic housing is less rugged than Grizzl-E for harsh outdoor environments
  • Shorter 23-foot cable compared to Wallbox's 25 feet
4

Grizzl-E Smart

Grizzl-E — Homeowners in extreme climates who need a smart charger built to survive harsh outdoor conditions year-round.

Best Durable Smart

Grizzl-E Smart

Grizzl-E

$449
4.2/5 (156 reviews)
Power: 40A / 9.6 kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi)
App Features: Scheduling, energy monitoring, amperage adjustment
Tank-like aluminum enclosure rated NEMA 4 — handles extreme weather from −30°C to +50°C
WiFi app with scheduling, energy tracking, and remote amperage adjustment
Designed and assembled in Canada with premium materials and build quality

The Grizzl-E Smart takes the legendary durability of the Grizzl-E Classic and adds WiFi connectivity with app control. Its NEMA 4-rated aluminum enclosure is tested to operate from −30°C to +50°C, making it the toughest smart charger in our roundup by a wide margin. If you need a WiFi-enabled charger for an exposed driveway, unheated garage, or Canadian winter, this is the one that will not quit on you.

The app provides scheduling, energy monitoring, and remote amperage adjustment (16A/24A/32A/40A) — the core features most users need from a smart charger. It is not as polished as the Wallbox myWallbox app or as feature-rich as the ChargePoint app, but it gets the job done reliably. At 40 amps (9.6 kW), it delivers about 30 miles of range per hour — roughly 20% slower than the 48A units from Wallbox and Emporia, but more than sufficient for overnight charging of any EV on the market.

At $449, the Grizzl-E Smart costs the same as the Wallbox Pulsar Plus while offering fewer amps and a less refined app. The Wallbox is the better buy for indoor garage installations. But for outdoor mounting in harsh conditions, the Grizzl-E's build quality is in a different league — the Wallbox's plastic housing simply cannot match this unit's ruggedness. Grizzl-E backs it with a 3-year warranty; see their official site for full specifications and dealer information.

Pros

  • Tank-like aluminum enclosure rated NEMA 4 — handles extreme weather from −30°C to +50°C
  • WiFi app with scheduling, energy tracking, and remote amperage adjustment
  • Designed and assembled in Canada with premium materials and build quality
  • Adjustable amperage (16A/24A/32A/40A) for flexible panel compatibility
  • 3-year warranty from a well-established EV charging brand

Cons

  • Limited to 40A — slower than 48A competitors like Wallbox and Emporia
  • App interface is functional but less polished than ChargePoint or Wallbox
  • WiFi-only connectivity can be unreliable in garages with weak signal
5

JuiceBox 48

Enel X — EV owners on time-of-use electricity plans who want automatic rate-optimized scheduling and utility rebate eligibility.

Best for TOU Rates

JuiceBox 48

Enel X

$589
4.3/5 (890 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.52 kW
Cable: 25 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi)
App Features: Scheduling, utility rate integration, dynamic load management, JuiceNet Green
JuiceNet app pulls live utility rate data to auto-schedule cheapest charging windows
Dynamic load management shares circuit capacity across multiple chargers intelligently
JuiceNet Green mode charges during periods of high renewable energy on the grid

The JuiceBox 48 is the smartest charger on this list when it comes to saving money on electricity. Its JuiceNet app pulls live time-of-use (TOU) rate data from your utility and automatically schedules charging during the cheapest hours — no manual programming required. If you live in a state with aggressive TOU pricing like California or Texas, this feature alone can save $20–$50 per month compared to charging at peak rates. Over a year, that pays back much of the charger's $589 price tag.

The JuiceNet Green mode is a unique feature we did not find on any other charger: it shifts your charging to periods when the electrical grid has the highest percentage of renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience. Dynamic load management is also excellent — if you install multiple JuiceBox units (two-car household), they intelligently share circuit capacity so both cars charge without overloading your panel. At 48 amps and 11.52 kW, raw charging speed matches the Wallbox Pulsar Plus and Emporia Energy Smart.

The downside is price and app experience. At $589, the JuiceBox costs more than twice the Emporia while delivering similar base specs. The JuiceNet app is functional but feels dated compared to Wallbox's or ChargePoint's interfaces, and it requires account creation before first use. If you have flat-rate electricity pricing, this charger's main advantage disappears, and the Wallbox or Emporia are better buys. But for TOU households serious about minimizing charging costs, the JuiceBox pays for itself. Use our charging cost calculator to estimate your potential savings, and read our guide on the best time to charge your EV.

Pros

  • JuiceNet app pulls live utility rate data to auto-schedule cheapest charging windows
  • Dynamic load management shares circuit capacity across multiple chargers intelligently
  • JuiceNet Green mode charges during periods of high renewable energy on the grid
  • Utility integration qualifies for demand response rebates in participating areas
  • Generous 25-foot cable with clean wall-mount design and cable management

Cons

  • Priced at $589 — significantly more than Emporia for similar base specs
  • JuiceNet app requires account creation and is slower to load than competitors
  • Enel X brand transition has caused some user confusion around support channels
6

BougeRV Smart Level 2 EV Charger

BougeRV — Value-focused buyers who want smart features and a long cable without spending more than $300.

Best Value Smart

BougeRV Smart Level 2 EV Charger

BougeRV

$279
4.6/5 (725 reviews)
Power: 40A / 9.6 kW
Cable: 25 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth)
App Features: Scheduling, energy monitoring, charging history, amperage control
Excellent value at $279 for a 40A smart charger with WiFi and Bluetooth
Longest cable in its price class at 25 feet reaches any parking position
Dual WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity like the Wallbox at a fraction of the price

The BougeRV Smart Level 2 is the charger that makes you wonder why anyone pays $500+ for smart features. At $279, it delivers 40 amps, a 25-foot cable, WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity, and a functional app with scheduling and energy monitoring. That is a remarkable feature set for a price that undercuts even the Emporia Energy Smart — though the Emporia does offer 48 amps versus the BougeRV's 40 amps.

The dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity is a standout feature at this price. Among our picks, only the Wallbox Pulsar Plus (at $449) also offers Bluetooth as a WiFi fallback. This matters in detached garages or workshops where WiFi signal can be unreliable. The 25-foot cable is the longest in this roundup tied with the Wallbox and JuiceBox, and the IP66 weatherproof rating means outdoor mounting is no problem. Adjustable amperage (16A to 40A) provides flexibility if your electrical panel has limited capacity.

The trade-offs are expected at this price: the app is functional but basic compared to the polished experiences from Wallbox or ChargePoint, and BougeRV is better known for solar panels and RV gear than EV chargers. Long-term reliability data is limited. Still, the unit is UL-listed, early reviews are strongly positive (4.6 stars across 725 reviews), and the value proposition is hard to argue with. For more budget-friendly options, see our best EV chargers under $300 guide, and check BougeRV's official site for warranty details.

Pros

  • Excellent value at $279 for a 40A smart charger with WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Longest cable in its price class at 25 feet reaches any parking position
  • Dual WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity like the Wallbox at a fraction of the price
  • IP66 weatherproof rating for reliable outdoor installation
  • Adjustable amperage (16A/24A/32A/40A) for flexible panel compatibility

Cons

  • Limited to 40A — slower than 48A options from Emporia and Wallbox
  • Newer brand with less long-term reliability data compared to ChargePoint or Grizzl-E
  • App is basic compared to premium offerings from Wallbox and ChargePoint
7

Tesla Wall Connector

Tesla — Tesla owners who want the cleanest integration with their vehicle and the Tesla app ecosystem.

Best for Tesla Owners

Tesla Wall Connector

Tesla

$429
4.7/5 (3200 reviews)
Power: 48A / 11.52 kW
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE) / NACS
WiFi: Yes (WiFi)
App Features: Tesla app integration, scheduling, Power Sharing for multiple units
Seamless integration with the Tesla app — no separate charger app needed
Power Sharing intelligently distributes current across up to 6 Wall Connectors
Highest-rated charger in our roundup at 4.7 stars with 3,200+ reviews

The Tesla Wall Connector is the obvious choice if you drive a Tesla — and a harder sell if you do not. For Tesla owners, the experience is unmatched: plug in your car and everything is managed through the Tesla app you already use. Scheduling, energy monitoring, charge limit settings, and departure-time optimization all work seamlessly without installing a separate charger app. Power Sharing is Tesla's killer feature for multi-car households — install up to 6 Wall Connectors on a single circuit, and they intelligently distribute available current so every car charges without tripping breakers.

At 48 amps (11.52 kW), charging speed matches the Wallbox Pulsar Plus and Emporia Energy Smart. The 24-foot cable is adequate for most installations. Build quality is excellent — the sleek, minimalist housing looks premium and has earned a 4.7-star rating across 3,200+ Amazon reviews, the highest in our entire roundup. WiFi connectivity enables firmware updates that add new features over time, a practice Tesla is well known for.

The catch is ecosystem lock-in. The Wall Connector's smart features are deeply tied to the Tesla app and Tesla vehicles. Non-Tesla EVs can charge using a J1772 adapter, but they lose access to scheduling, energy monitoring, and Power Sharing — essentially turning the Wall Connector into a basic charger. If you own a non-Tesla EV (or plan to in the future), the Wallbox Pulsar Plus or ChargePoint Home Flex offer universal smart features that work with every vehicle brand. For Tesla households, though, this is the gold standard. Check Tesla's official Wall Connector page for installation requirements and specifications.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with the Tesla app — no separate charger app needed
  • Power Sharing intelligently distributes current across up to 6 Wall Connectors
  • Highest-rated charger in our roundup at 4.7 stars with 3,200+ reviews
  • Sleek, minimalist design that matches Tesla's aesthetic
  • WiFi firmware updates ensure ongoing feature improvements over time

Cons

  • Hardwire installation only — no plug-in option available
  • Smart features only accessible through the Tesla app — limited for non-Tesla EVs
  • J1772 adapter needed for non-Tesla vehicles adds extra cost and bulk

How We Tested

Smart vs Basic: Is WiFi Worth It?

Smart Charger Features Explained

Related Guides & Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart EV charger and how is it different from a basic charger?

A smart EV charger connects to your home WiFi and offers app-based features like scheduled charging, energy monitoring, and remote control through your smartphone. A basic charger simply delivers power when you plug in — no app, no scheduling, no usage tracking. Both charge at the same speed for a given amperage. The smart features mainly help you save money through off-peak scheduling and provide visibility into your energy consumption. If your utility offers time-of-use rates, a smart charger like the Emporia Energy Smart can save $15–$50 per month on electricity costs.

Do smart EV chargers work without WiFi?

Yes, every smart charger on our list will still charge your car normally without an active WiFi connection. You just lose access to app-based features like scheduling, energy monitoring, and remote control. Chargers with Bluetooth (the Wallbox Pulsar Plus and BougeRV Smart) can still be configured via the app over Bluetooth even without WiFi. If your garage has weak WiFi signal, consider a Bluetooth-equipped charger or install a WiFi extender.

Can a smart EV charger really save me money on electricity?

Absolutely, if your utility offers time-of-use (TOU) pricing. In many states, off-peak electricity rates are 30–60% cheaper than peak rates. A smart charger automatically schedules charging during these cheap hours, typically between 11 PM and 6 AM. Based on average U.S. electricity rates and 12,000 miles of annual driving, this can save $180–$600 per year. Use our EV charging cost calculator to estimate your specific savings. If you have flat-rate pricing with no TOU tiers, a basic charger gives you the same results for less money upfront.

What is load management and do I need it?

Load management automatically reduces your charger's amperage when other high-draw appliances are running (dryer, oven, A/C) to prevent your circuit breaker from tripping. You need it if your electrical panel is near capacity and you cannot afford a panel upgrade ($1,000–$3,000). The Wallbox Pulsar Plus (Power Boost) and Emporia Energy Smart have the best load management in our testing. If your panel has plenty of spare capacity on a dedicated circuit, load management is a nice safety net but not essential.

Which smart EV charger has the best app?

In our testing, the Wallbox myWallbox app is the most polished overall — fast, intuitive, and feature-rich with detailed energy dashboards and easy scheduling. The ChargePoint app is a close second and has the added benefit of integrating with ChargePoint's public charging network. For Tesla owners, the Tesla app provides the most seamless experience since it manages both the car and the charger. The JuiceBox JuiceNet app has the best utility rate integration but feels dated in comparison. The Emporia and BougeRV apps are functional and cover the basics well, but lack the polish of premium offerings.
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CheapEVCharger Team

We're an independent team of EV charging experts who have been testing home chargers since 2024. Our reviews are based on hands-on testing, technical analysis, and real user feedback — never influenced by manufacturers.

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