By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
If you are asking how much are outlet covers, the honest answer is that cost depends less on the cover and more on what you need it to do. A basic snap-in plastic cover does a fine job blocking a curious toddler’s finger from a standard receptacle, while a tamper-resistant or sliding-door style cover adds a second layer of protection for homes with children who are good at problem-solving. This comparison pits the two most common approaches against each other, so you can match the right type to your outlets, your budget language and your child’s habits.
Plastic snap-in covers and tamper-resistant covers are the two options most parents weigh. Plastic covers are the familiar, low-profile choice for wall outlets that do not get much traffic from cords. Tamper-resistant covers, which often combine a shutter mechanism with a screw-secured frame, are the stronger pick for outlets near floors, beds and play areas. Read on for how the two compare on each criterion.
Quick Comparison: Plastic Snap-In vs Tamper-Resistant Covers
| Criterion | Plastic Snap-In Covers | Tamper-Resistant Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Main protection | Blocks finger access to slots when inserted | Shutters block objects from entering both slots |
| Installation effort | Snaps over the receptacle, sometimes with a screw | Usually screws into the outlet box |
| Removal by adults | Easy with a fingernail or flat tool | Requires removing the outlet cover screws |
| Fit with plugs in use | Can interfere with bulky or angled plugs | Designed to accommodate a plug inserted in the slots |
| Best location | Low-use outlets in living areas | Floor-level, bedside and play area outlets |
| Appearance | Low profile, many colors | Slightly thicker, often white or ivory |
Protection Level: Tamper-Resistant Covers Win
When the question is how well each option stops a determined toddler, tamper-resistant covers come out ahead. Their internal shutters require equal pressure in both slots, or a plug’s prongs, before they open. A child who pokes a single pointed object into one slot will not be able to open the shutter. Plastic snap-in covers are effective against fingers and simple tools, but a paperclip or key can sometimes work its way past the edge, especially in a worn cover.
That said, no outlet cover is a substitute for supervision. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar groups recommend pairing covers with other electrical precautions. If you are unsure whether your outlets meet current standards, a licensed electrician can check them.
Winner: Tamper-resistant covers, for protection level.
Ease of Installation: Plastic Snap-In Covers Win
Plastic snap-in covers are the quicker project. Many are designed to press over the receptacle with no tools, while others use a single screw through the center. Most parents can finish a room in a few minutes with a screwdriver. Tamper-resistant covers usually replace the existing outlet plate and screw into the box, which means turning off the breaker, removing the old plate and confirming the wiring is in good shape before you begin.
Plastic covers also suit renters, since many can be removed without leaving much mark. Tamper-resistant versions can still be installed in a rental, but you will want to check your lease and keep the original plate for when you move out.
Winner: Plastic snap-in covers, for installation ease.
Everyday Use and Plug Access: Tamper-Resistant Covers Win
Owners often report that snap-in covers become a nuisance when adults need to plug in a phone charger, a vacuum or a small appliance every day. Each use means pulling the cover off, and a loose one may fall out of place. Some snap-in designs also fit poorly around angled or oversized plugs, which can leave a gap.
Tamper-resistant covers are built with the plug in mind. Their shutters open when a standard two-prong or three-prong plug is pushed in, and they close again when it is removed. For a bedside outlet or a kitchen counter receptacle that gets regular use, that is a meaningful advantage. Expect a small learning curve with the shutter, though. Some adults find the first few insertions stiff until they get the motion right.
Winner: Tamper-resistant covers, for everyday use.
Removal by Adults: Plastic Snap-In Covers Win
If you plug and unplug a lot of devices, or if you need to inspect or replace an outlet, plastic covers are simpler to take off. A thumbnail or flat screwdriver is usually enough. Tamper-resistant covers require a screwdriver every time you want to remove the plate, which adds time and can frustrate people who forget a tool.
The trade-off is intentional. The screws that make tamper-resistant covers harder to pull off are the same ones that keep a child from removing them. For most households with toddlers, that is the point.
Winner: Plastic snap-in covers, for adult convenience.
Best Location: Tamper-Resistant Covers Win
Location matters more than brand. Outlets close to the floor, behind furniture, beside beds and in play areas are where toddlers spend the most time, and these are the spots where a stronger cover earns its place. Manufacturers specify that outlet covers should be used on every unused receptacle, and tamper-resistant versions are often recommended for outlets a child can reach.
For a rarely used outlet on an upper wall, or a receptacle behind a heavy piece of furniture that a toddler cannot access, a plastic snap-in cover is a reasonable, lower-effort choice. For anything at toddler height, lean toward tamper-resistant.
If you are working through a full room, our room-by-room checklists can help you map which outlets need which type. You may also find Leviton Electrical Outlet Covers: How to Choose and Install Them Safely useful for specific brand guidance, and Outlet Covers and Tamper-Resistant Outlets Explained for a deeper look at how the two designs differ.
Winner: Tamper-resistant covers, for toddler-accessible locations.
Appearance and Finish: Plastic Snap-In Covers Win
Plastic covers come in many colors and fit most standard wall plates with little visual disruption. If you want an outlet cover that blends in, or you are matching a specific wall color, plastic is the easier option. Tamper-resistant covers are usually white or ivory and sit a little proud of the wall, though many homeowners find them unobtrusive once installed.
If color is a deciding factor, our guide to What Color Outlet Covers Should I Use? White vs Ivory (2026) walks through how to match your walls and fixtures.
Winner: Plastic snap-in covers, for appearance.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose plastic snap-in covers if you have a home with mostly wall-height outlets, rarely used receptacles, or a rental where you want a quick, removable fix.
- Choose tamper-resistant covers if you have a toddler who is actively exploring, outlets at floor level or near beds, or outlets you plug into every day.
- Use a mix if your home has both low-traffic and high-risk outlets. Many families combine tamper-resistant covers in play areas with plastic covers elsewhere.
- Consider a specialty design if you need a sliding-door cover for a specific room or a decorative style for a visible wall.
Whichever you choose, check each cover for a snug fit. A loose cover is easier for a child to pull away, and a poor fit can leave a gap in protection.
Shopping for Outlet Covers on Amazon
Both categories are widely sold. Look for listings that specify the cover type, the number of receptacles it fits, and whether screws are included. For plastic snap-in covers, browse options like the Safety 1st Outlet Covers (38-Pack) by Safety 1st: View on Amazon. For tamper-resistant covers, a common choice is the Leviton Tamper-Resistant Outlet Covers: View on Amazon. Check that the product is compatible with your wall plate size before ordering.
FAQ
How much are outlet covers, roughly?
Prices vary by type, pack size and finish, so the most reliable approach is to compare the listing details on a retailer’s site directly. Simple plastic covers sold in multi-packs are generally the lowest-cost option, while tamper-resistant and decorative designs cost more per cover.
Do I need tamper-resistant outlets if I already have covers?
Not necessarily, but tamper-resistant receptacles built into the outlet itself offer a different layer of protection. If you are unsure what your home has, a licensed electrician can identify it.
Can I install outlet covers myself?
Plastic snap-in covers are typically a simple do-it-yourself task. For tamper-resistant covers that require replacing the outlet plate and checking wiring, consider hiring an electrician if you are not comfortable turning off the breaker and working inside the box.
Are outlet covers a choking hazard?
Small pieces, such as the cover itself or a screw, can be. Keep packaging and loose parts away from young children, and check covers periodically for cracks or missing pieces.
How often should I check my outlet covers?
Look over your covers every few months. Replace any that are cracked, loose, discolored from heat, or no longer snug against the wall. Owners often report that covers near heavy-use outlets wear out faster than the rest.
Conclusion
For most homes with toddlers, the stronger choice is tamper-resistant covers on any outlet a child can reach, especially near the floor and in play areas. Plastic snap-in covers still have a place on low-traffic, higher-wall outlets where you want quick installation and easy removal. Use both where they fit best, check the seal on every cover, and consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure about your wiring or about replacing outlet plates.
Related reading
- Wood Look Outlet Covers: How to Choose and Install Them Safely
- Taymac Outdoor Outlet Covers: How to Choose and Install Them Safely
About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
