Gain real-time insight into your electricity consumption and avoid surprises on your annual bill. A P1 meter connects to your energy supplier’s smart meter and provides per-second insight into your consumption. We tested the best models available right now.
The HomeWizard Energy P1 scored best in our test: easy installation, free app and integration with popular smart home systems such as Home Assistant and Homey. For €29.95, it is an excellent investment that quickly pays for itself through more conscious consumption.
What is a P1 meter and how does it work?
Almost every smart meter in the Netherlands has a so-called P1 port: a connection to which you can attach a readout device. Whereas your smart meter only passes its readings to your supplier every few minutes, a P1 meter reads your consumption every second. Via an app or dashboard you see directly how much electricity (and gas) you are using at that moment, which appliances are the biggest consumers in your home, and how much your solar panels are feeding back. That direct feedback is the fastest way to use energy more consciously — and more economically.
The best P1 meters of 2026
| Model | Price | Strong point |
|---|---|---|
| HomeWizard Energy P1 | €29.95 | Free app, easy installation, integration with Home Assistant and Homey |
| Youless LS120 | ± €90 | Also works with older meters without a P1 port |
| Smart Gateways P1 | ± €40 | MQTT support, ideal for home automation enthusiasts |
For most households, the HomeWizard Energy P1 is the best choice: it is inexpensive, installed in five minutes and works out of the box with a free, clear app. If you want to integrate your data into an extensive home automation system, the Smart Gateways P1 or Youless are interesting alternatives.
What to consider when choosing
- P1 port present? Check whether your smart meter has a P1 port (RJ12 connection). If it doesn’t, choose a model like the Youless that reads it differently.
- App and subscription: Some meters offer a free app, others work with a subscription or require additional software.
- Integration: Do you use Home Assistant, Homey or Google Home? Check whether the meter supports it.
- Wi-Fi or wired: Most P1 meters send data via Wi-Fi; make sure your meter cabinet has sufficient signal.
Installation in 3 steps
- Plug the P1 cable into the P1 port of your smart meter.
- Connect the device to your Wi-Fi via the accompanying app.
- View your real-time consumption directly in the app or on your dashboard.
Installation is completely plug-and-play — you don’t need an electrician or technical knowledge.
What does it deliver?
Research shows that people who can track their consumption in real time save an average of 5 to 10% on their energy bill. With an average bill, a P1 meter of €29.95 therefore pays for itself within a few months. Moreover, you see the immediate effect of measures such as switching off standby consumption or shifting your usage to cheap hours — handy if you have a dynamic energy contract.
Combine your P1 meter with a green energy supplier: Vandebron connects you directly to a local wind turbine or solar farm. New customers currently receive up to €420 welcome discount when switching.
Frequently asked questions
Does a P1 meter work on every smart meter?
On virtually all smart meters installed since 2015. Check whether your meter has a P1 port (RJ12). Older or analogue meters require a different type of readout device.
Do I need a subscription?
Not with the HomeWizard Energy P1: the app is free. Some other systems do work with a paid subscription or extra software.
Can I also see my gas consumption?
Yes, if your smart meter also passes on your gas readings via the P1 port, the app shows your gas consumption alongside your electricity.
Read also: Green Electricity Comparison 2026
Related guide: our Home Battery guide 2026.
