The 11 Best Outlet Covers of 2023

We researched safe, easy-to-install, durable designs for every room in the home.

Every outlet needs a cover, and while wall plates are relatively basic products, they can vary in terms of style and features. You can find options to add color or a finishing touch to your decor—as well as added safety features—and luckily, most covers you can install yourself. “An outlet cover, specifically, does not require a professional electrician to change,” electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark tells The Spruce.

What to Look for

Best Overall

Leviton 1-Gang Midway Duplex Outlet Nylon Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

• Unbreakable thermoplastic

• Several colors available

• Easy to install

• Easy to clean surface

What We Don’t Like

• Visible screws

Our number-one pick for outlet covers is the Leviton Midway Duplex Wall Plate. Boasting an unbreakable design and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, it’s made of ultra-durable and impact-resistant thermoplastic that’ll hold up to frequent use for years to come.

This product is sold individually or in packs of 10. You can choose from several colors to match your walls or trim, including white, ivory, almond, gray, brown, or black. It’s also available with one or two gangs.

The Midway Wall Plate is easy to install with a screwdriver and comes with the necessary hardware. While the screws are visible (rather than a snap-on design), they match the color of the plate.

Price at time of publish: $8

Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1–10

Best Safety

Mommy’s Helper Safe-Plate Electrical Outlet Safety Cover

Amazon

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What We Like

• Child-safe design

• Helps prevent electrical hazards

• Monochrome, minimalist aesthetic

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly narrow

• High price per plate

If you’re looking for a design that helps prevent electrical hazards, your best bet is the Mommy’s Helper Safe-Plate. Designed to stop children from sticking objects into outlets, this wall plate has safety shutters over each opening that automatically slide into place as soon as you remove a plug.

Available in plain white or almond, the monochrome design has a versatile, minimalist appeal. The price per plate is a bit higher than average, and at 2.5 inches wide, it’s on the narrower side, so it might not hide all existing wall imperfections.

Price at time of publish: $5 (1-pack)

Dimensions: 5 x 2.5 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Sliding covers | Covers Included: 1–4

Best Child-Proof

Jool Baby Outlet Cover Box for Child Safety

Walmart

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What We Like

• Prevents tampering

• Heat-resistant

• Easy for adults to open

What We Don’t Like

• Bulky

• High price per plate

Another option for child-proofing your home is the Jool Baby Outlet Cover Box. The heat-resistant encasement is designed to prevent tampering (or curious fiddling) from small children or pets while still being easy for adults to open.

These outlet covers are a little pricier than average, though the manufacturer backs them with a generous 10-year warranty. They’re pretty bulky, so consider furniture placement and whether this is an issue for your home decor.

Price at time of publish: $14

Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 3.5 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Heat-resistant encasement | Covers Included: 2–5

Best Screwless

Enerlites Screwless Decorator Wall Plates Outlet Covers

Walmart

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What We Like

• Easy snap-on installation

• Streamlined design

• 17 colors available

What We Don’t Like

• Partially visible upper notches

Not a fan of visible screws? This one’s for you. Enerlites Screwless Wall Plates snap into place rather than being installed with a screwdriver, creating a more seamless, streamlined appearance.

Though there’s no hardware on the front, you might be able to see part of the “hidden” child-safe lock from above. Still, the minimalist design is tough to beat. We also like that these outlet covers come in two sizes and a whopping 17 colors ranging from white to black to nickel.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 inches | Installation: Snap-on | Features: Screw-free plate, child-safe lock | Covers Included: 1–10

Best Lighted

SnapPower GuideLight 2 Electrical Wall Plate for Outlets

Walmart

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What We Like

• Frees up outlets

• Energy- and cost-efficient LED

• Easy snap-on installation

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Interested in a wall plate-nightlight hybrid? The multifunctional SnapPower GuideLight is the best of both worlds, offering two standard openings while freeing up both outlets by eliminating the need to plug in a nightlight.

The energy-efficient design features a long-lasting, low-wattage LED light. According to the brand, it’ll cost you only 10 cents per year on your utility bill. While the price per cover is pretty steep, it might be worth investing in a few for your bathrooms, hallways, and child’s bedroom.

Price at time publish: $43

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4 inches | Installation: Snap-on | Features: Energy-efficient LED | Covers Included: 2–6

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Best Metal

Amerelle Metallic 1 Gang Duplex Steel Wall Plate

Walmart

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What We Like

• Durable stamped steel

• Suitable for bathrooms

• Several finishes available

What We Don’t Like

• Visible screw

For a great metal option, we like these metallic wall plates from Amerelle. They’re made of ultra-durable stamped steel, which, according to electrician Brian J of SpeedyShark, is generally safe for this type of product. You can choose from several finishes to match your tile or home fixtures, from antique copper to brushed bronze to polished brass.

Suitable for bathrooms and other moisture-prone zones, the finish is resistant to peeling, cracking, and fading. The only potential drawback of this outlet cover is that the screw is visible, but it matches the metallic plate.

Price at time of publish: $13

Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1

Best Wooden

Amerelle Contemporary 1-Gang Duplex Outlet Wood Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

• Genuine oak wood

• Natural appeal

• Rustic charm

What We Don’t Like

• Screw doesn’t match

For a natural appeal and a hint of rustic charm, you might consider a wooden design. We’re big fans of this wall plate from Amerelle, which is made of genuine oak wood and comes in your choice of a light, medium, or dark finish and a chip-resistant coating.

This outlet cover has a visible screw. And unlike some screw-in designs, the hardware doesn’t match the plate. Still, this is an all-around lovely piece that’s sure to add character to your home.

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Chip-resistant finish | Covers Included: 1–4

Best Decorative

Hampton Bay Ascher 1 Gang Duplex Steel Wall Plate

The Home Depot

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What We Like

• Resembles crown molding

• Elegant, high-end appeal

• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• Visible screw

Interested in something a little more decorative? Check out the Hampton Bay Ascher Wall Plate. Made of sturdy steel, it’s stamped into a design reminiscent of crown molding, which gives it an elegant, high-end appeal.

You can choose from one or two gangs and a white, brushed nickel, or aged bronze finish. This outlet cover is easy to install, and although the screw is visible, it’s the same color as the plate.

Price at time of publish: $7

Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screws | Covers Included: 1–2

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Best Rounded

Hampton Bay Declan 1 Gang Duplex Steel Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

• Durable stamped steel

• Subtle beveled edge

• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• Visible screw

If you’re not a fan of harsh lines and sharp corners, consider a rounded design, like the Hampton Bay Declan Wall Plate. It’s crafted from strong stamped steel and features a slightly beveled edge for a subtle three-dimensional effect.

This outlet cover comes in white, black, almond, or pewter and two sizes (with one or two gangs). It’s easy to install using nothing more than a screwdriver, and although the hardware is visible, it’s the same color as the plate.

Price at time of publish: $5

Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screw | Covers Included: 1–2

Best with USB Port

ELEGRP USB Charger Wall Outlet

Amazon

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What We Like

• Type A and C ports

• Smart chip charging

• Tamper-resistant

What We Don’t Like

• May require professional wiring

• High price per plate

To minimize your use of (and need for) outlets, think about getting something with a built-in USB port. This wall plate has not one but two charging ports, including a standard Type A and Type C for iPhones and other Apple products.

It has a smart chip that detects the battery life of each device to optimize charging, while tamper-resistant shutters prevent children from sticking objects into the outlets. The price per cover is pretty high, and it may require professional wiring. However, if you find yourself charging a lot of devices, you may find this worth the price.

Price at time of publish: $99

Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 | Installation: Hardwire, screw-in | Features: USB ports, smart chip, tamper-resistant shutters | Covers Included: 1–10

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Best Blank

Leviton 1-Gang Midway Blank Nylon Wall Plate

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Covers outlets and imperfections

• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• May arrive with missing screws

If you’re looking to cover an unused (or broken) outlet or want to prevent tampering, a blank wall plate might be the perfect solution. This one from Leviton is made of impact-resistant thermoplastic and comes in three sizes to cover one-, two-, or three-gang outlets and/or any existing wall imperfections.

The screw-in design makes for easy installation. We did read a few customer reports of missing hardware, but you can use standard screws. Despite this potential downside, the budget-friendly price is hard to beat.

Price at time of publish: $2

Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Installation: Screw-in | Features: Matching screws | Covers Included: 1