TP-Link Smart Plug Range Reviewed: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

 Smart Plugs are some of the most essential and affordable smart devices for your home. Smart plugs can essentially convert any standard home into a smart home without having to shell out thousands on smart devices.

You can connect traditional devices like microwaves and coffee makers to your smart plug and control them remotely. You don’t have to replace all your devices — you can simply connect your existing ones to a smart plug.

TP-Link has one of the most exhaustive ranges of smart plugs on the market currently. They are affordable, extremely advanced, and generally equipped with the latest smart plug features like scheduling, timers, voice control, and usage reporting.

In this article, we give you a detailed overview of the TP-Link Smart Plug range, complete with a review of each TP-Link smart plug and answers to frequently asked questions.

TP-Link is an umbrella organization that handles smart plugs designed by two companies — Tapo and Kasa. The following is a detailed overview of every smart plug in the TP-Link range of smart plugs.

Tapo P100 — Mini Smart Wi-Fi Socket

Pros:

• Remote control.
• Scheduling and timers.
• Voice control.
• Compact.
• Away mode (to deter theft).
• Family sharing.
• Extremely safe.
• Simple installation.

Cons:

• No energy usage data.
• Doesn’t work with devices with a heavy power load (over 10A), such as air conditioners.

Price:

$9.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 3.52 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Can instantly turn connected devices on or off using the smartphone app or voice control.
• Schedule: Can establish schedules for different devices to turn on or off.
• Timer: Can set a countdown timer for devices.
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Away: Randomly turns the connected devices on or off to simulate someone being at home.
• Family Sharing: Can establish management permissions for different family members.
• Easy Installation: Can be connected and installed via the app, without a smart hub.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: AC 100-125 V~50/60 Hz 10A
• Maximum Load: 1200 W, 10A

Compatibility:

• Android 4.3+
• iOS 9.0+

App:

TP-Link Tapo app on App Store or Google Play.

HS100 — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug

Pros:

• Remote control.
• Voice control.
• Away mode.
• Scheduling and timers.
• Grouping.
• Easy installation.
• Controls devices with a high power rating.

Cons:

• No energy monitoring.
• Can’t set management preferences for different family members.

Price:

$16.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.6 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the smartphone app.
• Schedule: Set schedules for different devices to turn on or off.
• Timer: The countdown timer can turn the devices off after a specified time.
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Away: Automatically turn devices on or off at random intervals to make it seem like you’re at home.
• Groups: Connect several devices to a single group to control them with a single tap.
• Easy Installation: Can be connected and installed via the app, without a smart hub.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 100 - 120VAC, 15A
• Maximum Load: 1.8KW, 15A

Compatibility:

• Android 5.0+
• iOS 10.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

HS103 — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Lite (2-Pack)

Pros:

• Extremely compact design that doesn’t block the surrounding sockets in an outlet.
• Remote control.
• Scheduling.
• Voice control.
• Grouping of devices.
• No smart hub required.

Cons:

• Can only control devices with low power output.
• No timer to automatically turn the devices off.

Price:

$24.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 2.62 x 1.57 x 1.50 inches
• Weight: 8.8 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the smartphone app.
• Schedule: Set schedules for different devices to turn on or off.
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Groups: Connect several devices to a single group to control them with a single tap.
• Easy Installation: Works with a secured wireless network using an app and without a smart hub.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 100 - 120VAC 60Hz
• Maximum Load: 1200W, 12A

Compatibility:

• Android 4.1+
• iOS 9.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

HS105 — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

Pros:

• Compact design.
• Remote control.
• Scheduling.
• Voice control.
• Grouping of devices.
• No smart hub is necessary.
• High power output, so it can control devices like air conditioners.

Cons:

• No timer.

Price:

$18.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 2.61 x 1.49 x 1.57 inches
• Weight: 3.52 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the smartphone app.
• Schedule: Set schedules for different devices to turn on or off.
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Groups: Connect several devices to a single group — for example, all the lamps in a bedroom — to control them with a single tap.
• No Smart Hub: Works with a 2.4GHz wireless, without a smart hub.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 100 - 120VAC, 15A
• Maximum Load: 1.8KW, 15A

Compatibility:

• Android 4.1+
• iOS 9.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

HS107 — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug, 2-Outlets

Pros:

• Two outlets in one smart plug.
• Remote control.
• Voice control.
• Set smart schedules.
• Create groups for devices.
• No smart hub needed for installation.

Cons:

• No timers.
• It’s large and will take up the entire wall power strip.
• No energy reporting feature.

Price:

$29.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.9 x 2 inches
• Weight: 10.4 ounces

Features:

• Two Outlets: This is a single smart plug device with two outlets; you can control two devices with a single smart plug.
• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the smartphone app.
• Schedule: Set schedules for both devices connected to the smart plug.
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Groups: Connect several devices to a single group so they can be controlled with a single tap or command.
• Easy Installation: No smart hub required for installation.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 100-120V, 60Hz, 15A
• Maximum Load: 1.8KW, 15A

Compatibility:

• Android 4.4+
• iOS 10.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

HS110 — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug with Energy Monitoring

Pros:

• Remote control.
• Voice control.
• Set smart schedules.
• Create groups for devices.
• No smart hub needed for installation.
• Monitor energy consumption.
• Away feature to deter break-ins.
• Controls devices with a high power-rating like coffee makers and air conditioners.

Cons:

• No timers.
• Large and may occupy surrounding sockets.

Price:

$22.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.6 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 5.3 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the Kasa Smart app.
• Schedule: Set schedules for different devices to turn on or off automatically
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Away: Automatically turn devices on or off at random intervals to make it seem like you’re at home. This deters break-ins and burglaries.
• Groups: Connect your smart plug with other Kasa Smart devices to control them with a single command.
• Energy Monitoring: Monitor your device’s power consumption, set up goals, receive weekly and monthly power consumption reports, and lower your electricity bill.
• Easy Installation: Can be connected and installed via the app and wireless network, without a smart hub.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 100 - 120VAC, 15A
• Maximum Load: 1.8KW, 15A

Compatibility:

• Android 4.1+
• iOS 9.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

KP400 — Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug

Pros:

• Remote control with a long Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet.
• Easy to install.
• Voice control.
• Control up to two devices simultaneously — either as a group or individually.
• ETL certified for safety.
• IP64 weatherproof rating.
• Set smart schedules.
• Create groups for devices.
• No smart hub is necessary.
• Controls devices with high power ratings.

Cons:

• No Away feature.

Price:

$34.99 on Amazon.

Design:

• Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.38 x 2.29 inches
• Weight: 15.8 ounces

Features:

• Remote Control: Control your devices connected to the smart plug from anywhere using the Kasa Smart app.
• Long Wi-Fi Range: Being an outdoor smart plug, it has an incredible Wi-Fi range of 300 feet.
• Schedule: Set schedules for different devices to turn on or off automatically
• Voice Control: Responds to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
• Groups: Create smart groups for your Kasa Smart devices based on location, function, or others.
• Easy Installation: Can be installed in five minutes, without a smart hub.
• Away Mode: Can randomly turn the lights on or off when you’re not at home to deter burglaries.
• Weatherproof and Safe: This smart plug is ETL certified, and it has an IP64 rating, which ensures that the device is protected from rain, water, dirt, and fire.

Specifications:

• Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz
• Power: 125V~, 60Hz, 15A Max
• Maximum Load: 1875W, 15A
• Certification: FCC, ETL, IP64

Compatibility:

• Android 4.4+
• iOS 10.0+

App:

Kasa Smart app on App Store or Google Play.

Comparison of all TP-Link Smart Plugs

	Tapo P100	HS100 Wi-Fi Plug	HS103	HS105	HS107	HS110	KP400
Smart Outlets	1	1	2	1	2	1	2
Power Rating	10A	15A	12A	15A	15A	15A	15A
Dimensions	2.2 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches	3.9 x 2.6 x 2.5 inches	2.62 x 1.57 x 1.50 inches	2.61 x 1.49 x 1.57 inches	4.3 x 2.9 x 2 inches	3.9 x 2.6 x 2.5 inches	4.9 x 2.38 x 2.29 inches
Weight	3.52 ounces	6.4 ounces	8.8 ounces	3.52 ounces	10.4 ounces	5.3 ounces	15.8 ounces
No Hub Required	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Remote Control	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Voice Control	Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana
Away Mode	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Grouping	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Scheduling	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Timers	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Energy Monitoring	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Price	$9.99	$16.99	$24.99	$18.99	$29.99	$22.99	$34.99

TP-Link Smart Plug Installation
How to Install Tapo Smart Plugs

• Download the TP-Link Tapo app for iPhone or Android.
• Connect your smartphone to a 2.4GHz wireless network.
• Plug the smart plug into the socket.
• Access the Tapo app.
• Tap the ‘+’ icon to add your smart plug.
• The app will automatically locate the smart plug and connect.
• Name the device and group it into a room.
• Your Tapo smart plug is now online and connected.

How to Install Kasa Smart Plugs

• Download the Kasa Smart app for iPhone or Android.
• Connect your smartphone to a 2.4GHz wireless network.
• Plug the smart plug into the socket.
• Access the Kasa app.
• Log into your TP-Link account.
• Go to ‘+’ > ‘Add a Device’ > ‘Smart Plug’.
• Choose the smart plug you want to install according to the model number.
• Make sure the Kasa Smart plug is turned on and that the Wi-Fi light is blinking orange and green.
• Connect your phone to the Kasa Smart plug’s Wi-Fi. Go to your smartphone’s Wi-Fi settings and select the network named ‘TP-LINK_Smart Plus_XXXX’.
• Return to the Kasa app and continue the setup process.
• You’ll be asked to choose a network for the app. Select your 2.4GHz home wireless network. If you can’t find it listed, go to ‘Join Other Network’ and enter your Wi-Fi network’s SSID and password.
• Your Kasa Smart plug will be online and connected.
• Name your smart plug and select a custom icon.
• Click on any smart plug and configure its settings.

TP-Link Smart Plug Compatibility

How to Connect TP-Link Smart Plugs to Amazon Alexa

• If you have a Kasa Smart plug, download the Kasa Smart App on Android or iPhone.
• If you have a Tapo smart plug, download the TP-Link Tapo App on Android or iPhone.
• Create a TP-Link account and sign in.
• Once you’re in the app, add the smart plug to your list.
• Enter your Wi-Fi credentials. Make sure you’re connected to the same 2.4GHz wireless network as your smart plugs.
• You’ll be asked what type of device you’re adding — name the device and select a custom icon.
• Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap on the ‘Home’ icon on the bottom right.
• Tap the ‘+’ icon, followed by ‘Add Device’.
• Select the Kasa Smart or Tapo icon.
• Tap ‘Enable to Use’ and enter your TP-Link account credentials.
• Tap ‘Authorise’, followed by ‘Done’.
• Tap ‘Discover Devices’ or say ‘Alexa, discover devices’. Alexa will automatically discover all of your TP-Link smart plugs.
• You can now organise your smart plugs into groups or you can skip that step and tap ‘Done’.
• You can now view all your devices and control them with your voice.

How to Connect TP-Link Smart Plugs to Google Assistant?

• If you have a Kasa Smart plug, download the Kasa Smart App on Android or iPhone.
• If you have a Tapo smart plug, download the TP-Link Tapo App on Android or iPhone.
• Create a TP-Link account and sign in.
• Once you’re in the app, add the smart plug to your list.
• Enter your Wi-Fi credentials. Make sure you’re connected to the same 2.4GHz wireless network as your smart plugs.
• You’ll be asked what type of device you’re adding — name the device and select a custom icon.
• Log into your Google Home app.
• Tap ‘Add’ > ‘Set up device’ > ‘Have something already set up?’
• From the search bar, look for Kasa or Tapo, depending on the smart plug you have.
• Enter your TP-Link account credentials to connect your account to Google Home.
• Select the devices you want to connect to Google Home.
• Organise the smart plugs based on location or skip this step altogether.
• You’ll see all the linked smart plugs on your main page.
• You can now use Google Assistant to control your smart plugs with voice control.

How to Connect TP-Link Smart Plugs to Microsoft Cortana

• Download the Kasa Smart App on Android or iPhone.
• Create a TP-Link account and sign in.
• Once you’re in the app, add the smart plug to your list.
• Enter your Wi-Fi credentials. Make sure you’re connected to the same 2.4GHz wireless network as your smart plugs.
• You’ll be asked what type of device you’re adding — name the device and select a custom icon.
• Launch the Microsoft Cortana app on your smartphone.
• Go to ‘Menu’ > ‘Notebook’ > ‘Connected Home’.
• Toggle the ‘Enable Connected Home’ option.
• Log into your Microsoft account.
• Select TP-Link Kasa from the list of smart devices.
• Tap ‘Connect’.
• All your smart plugs will automatically connect to your Microsoft Cortana app. You can now control them with Cortana voice commands.

Top 6 Uses for Smart Plugs

1. Control Your Lights Remotely

Once you connect your lights to the smart plugs, you can turn them on or off remotely. You can either do this through voice commands using Alexa, Cortana, or Google Assistant or you can do it through your smartphone app. Once you’re comfortable in your bed at night, you don’t have to get up and make sure all your lights are turned off. You can simply do so from your phone.

2. Turn Appliances Off When You’re at Work

Have you ever had to rush back home from work or another engagement because you were afraid you left the oven or iron on? Have you ever had such anxieties about burning your house down? Well, with smart plugs, you can check to see if they’re on or off from your phone wherever you may be in the world. If they’re turned on, you can turn them off remotely without having to rush back home.

3. Speed Through Your Morning

Have you overslept? Well, you can use your voice to command your coffee maker to brew a hot cup, command the toaster to start up, and handle a bunch of other electrical appliances while getting ready for work! You can also schedule your devices to turn on or off at specific times, which can help you speed through the morning.

4. Monitor Electricity Usage

Some of the advanced smart plugs allow you to monitor the energy consumption of your connected devices. These smart plugs give you a weekly or monthly report along with access to historical energy data and graphs. This information can be used to help you cut down your electricity usage.

5. Maintain Perfect Temperature

Traditionally, you have to get back home and turn the air conditioner or heater on — it takes a while for them to regulate your home’s temperature. Until then, you have to manage in extremely cold or hot situations. With smart plugs, you can schedule the air conditioner or heater to turn on before you get back from work, so your home is perfectly temperature-regulated for your arrival.

6. Prevent Burglaries When You’re Away

Burglars and thieves generally target homes they believe are unoccupied, especially when the occupants are away on holiday. With smart plugs, you can trick burglars into thinking you’re at home and wide awake whether you’re at work or vacationing in another country. With the ‘Away’ feature, you can make your lights turn on and off at random intervals to give the impression that you’re at home. This can ward off potential intruders.

Best TP-Link Smart Plug Alternatives

The following is a brief comparison of TP-Link Tapo and Kasa Smart plugs with some of the other popular smart plugs on the market — Teckin, Gosund, Alexa, Wemo, Eufy, Tantan, iHome, Etekcity, and Geeni.

	Amazon Alexa	Google Assistant	Microsoft Cortana	Apple Homekit	IFTTT	Energy Reporting	Schedules
Tapo	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Kasa	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Teckin	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
Gosund	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Alexa	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Wemo	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Eufy	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
Tantan	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
iHome	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES
Etekcity	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
Geeni	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TP-Link plugs control multiple devices? How many devices can they control?

The number of devices a TP-Link smart plug can control depends on the number of smart outlets it has. Kasa HS103 and Kasa KP400 are the only smart plugs that can control two devices simultaneously. All other smart plugs can only control one device at a time.

Do Kasa Smart plugs work away from home?

Yes, Kasa Smart plugs also work when you’re away from home. As long as you have access to a wireless network, you can control your Kasa Smart plugs remotely.

Is there a TP-Link Kasa App for iPads or Android tablets?

Yes, Kasa Smart App can also be installed on iPads and Android Tablets.

Can I control TP-link smart plugs with a PC?

There’s no official method available to control your TP-Link smart plug with a PC.

Do TP-Link smart plugs need a hub?

TP-Link smart plugs don’t need a smart hub. You only need access to a 2.4GHz wireless network and a compatible smartphone.

What do the lights on TP-Link mean?

The following is an overview of what different LED lights indicate:

• Flashing Amber and Blue: Configuring.
• Flashing Blue: Connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
• Flashing Amber: Factory reset.
• Solid Blue: Connected with a stable network.
• Solid Amber: Initialising or rebooting.
• No Light: Switched off.

Are smart plugs a fire hazard?

Smart plugs aren’t firing hazards and they’re UL tested for safety. However, every smart plug comes with a power rating — ranging from 10A to 15A. Don’t plug in devices that exceed that value and there shouldn’t be any issues.

Can I use TP-Link smart plugs outside?

Kasa KP400 is the only TP-Link smart plug that you can connect outside because it has a weatherproof plug that’s ETL certified with a weatherproof rating of IP64. This rating indicates that the smart plug is protected from dust, fire, splashes, and water.

Can I plug in a power strip into a smart plug?

Yes, you can plug a power strip into a smart plug and turn it on or off remotely. If you do, all of the devices connected to the power strip will be controlled uniformly.

TP-Link Troubleshooting

How to reset the smart plug?

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds or until the LED light flashes amber to reset the smart plug.

What to do if the light is flashing?

Flashing blue or amber light isn’t usually a problem because it indicates the smart plug is either connecting to a network or resetting. When the light is solid amber, however, you should follow these steps:

• Check the wireless network connection.
• Connect the TP-Link smart plug in some other socket and away from an area with possible radio interference.
• Repeat the configuration and reset the smart plug.
• Connect to the smartphone again.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide range of TP-Link smart plugs for you to choose from — whether you’re looking for a smart plug with energy monitoring, away feature, multiple sockets, or outdoor capacity. We hope this article has given you a thorough and comprehensive understanding of this range of smart plugs.