When you're trying to figure out which appliance is eating the most electricity, a smart power meter needs to fit your panel, your loads, and the way you like to read data. SONOFF offers two very different approaches. The LCD Smart Power Meter Switch puts real-time readings on a built-in screen and records six months of hourly usage you can export. The POWCT takes a different path with a split-core current transformer that handles up to 100 amps and connects to Alexa and Google Home. Both work over Wi-Fi, but they're priced differently at $17.99 and $34.99, so the choice comes down to circuit size and how you want to view the numbers.
Quick verdict: If you want a display on the device itself and the ability to pull a six-month hourly history into Excel, the SONOFF LCD Smart Power Meter Switch is the lower-priced pick at $17.99. If you need to monitor higher-current circuits up to 100A and prefer a no-contact split CT design that works with Alexa and Google Home, the SONOFF POWCT at $34.99 is the more capable option.
| Feature | SONOFF LCD Smart Power Meter Switch 20A | SONOFF POWCT Smart Power Meter Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $17.99 | $34.99 |
| Price view | ||
| Display | LCD shows live power, voltage, current, cumulative energy | Not specified |
| Max monitoring | 20A | 100A via split current transformer |
| History | 6-month hourly data, exportable to Excel | Not specified |
| Voice platforms | Not specified | Works with Alexa/Google Home |
| App | Not specified | eWelink APP |
Where the LCD model does best: When you want data right on the device, the built-in LCD gives you live power, voltage, current, and cumulative energy without pulling out your phone. The 20A rating suits individual appliances or smaller circuits, and the 6-month hourly history gives you a clear picture of usage trends that you can export as an Excel file.
Where the POWCT does best: The split-core current transformer is the standout feature here. You can install it around a conductor without making physical contact with live wires. It can handle up to 100A, making it a better match for whole-panel or high-load monitoring. Voice control through Alexa and Google Home means you can check power usage hands-free.
SONOFF LCD Smart Power Meter Switch 20A
At $17.99, this is the more direct monitoring tool for smaller circuits. The LCD is the headline: it shows real-time power, voltage, current, and cumulative energy right on the unit, so you don't need an app for a quick check. The 20A max with overload protection suits a single high-powered appliance or a branch circuit with moderate load. The included six months of usage history at hourly accuracy is handy for spotting patterns, and exporting it to Excel makes it possible to build your own reports. The limitation is the 20A ceiling-if you want to monitor a full service panel or larger feeds, this won't cover the range that the POWCT's 100A rating can.
SONOFF POWCT Smart Power Meter Switch
The POWCT sits at the top of this pairing at $34.99. Its split-core current transformer lets you latch around a conductor to sense current without making physical contact with the live wire, which is an appealing installation approach for indoor electrical panels. With current detection up to 100A, it can handle heavier circuits and even whole-room or panel-level monitoring. The SMA antenna helps with Wi-Fi reception, and the eWelink app gives you remote visibility. It also works with Alexa and Google Home, so voice check-ins are possible. The listed features focus on app-based monitoring through eWelink, so you'll rely on the app for readings rather than glancing at the device. That extra capability comes at a higher listed price.
Final choice by use case: Choose the SONOFF LCD Smart Power Meter Switch if you're monitoring a single appliance or a 20A circuit and want on-device readings plus exportable history. Choose the SONOFF POWCT if you need 100A monitoring, want to avoid contact with live wires, and plan to use Alexa, Google Home, or the eWelink app for data.
