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In case anyone is scratching their head about the differences between Kasa and Tapo, I found this susinct explanation on and red dit post:
Regarding these prices... they're not bad, but I suggest looking at the Kee pa price graphs. Spoiler alert; the prices appear to have been steadily declining and will probably go lower if past history of TP-Link devices on Amazon is any indication.
These are okay price for the smart switches, which are often on sale at the price points. I have been holding off for a better deal on the prime day, and definitely disappointed
I have quite a few Kasa and Tapo devices, including smart plugs and smart switches. Once they're set up and working, they're generally indistinguishable from one another from a day-to-day user perspective. They both work well.
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
Does anyone have experiences with "TP-Link Tapo Sensor Starer Kit" (uses Tap Smart hub)?
Looking to get some monitoring in my home - especially doors and windows for security purposes. Not sure if this is a good smart home bundle. I came across a few blink deals recently with a bunch of cameras and doorbell, but did not include any sensors.
My whole house are Kasa switches and been very happy with them. I have been using them for over 2 years, and there is absolutely zero issue with them.
have you shared your devices with someone else? Most of my Kasa items have stopped working or get lost frequently on Google home when shared. I read it was an ongoing issue with sharing the kasa things. I ended up removing them from
have you shared your devices with someone else? Most of my Kasa items have stopped working or get lost frequently on Google home when shared. I read it was an ongoing issue with sharing the kasa things. I ended up removing them from
My son and my wife have kasa app installed. They control the lights when they need to and there is no issue. U can also download the Tapo app and is 100% compatible with Kasa equipment also.
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from simpat1zq
:
Some of their Tapo stuff supports Matter which allows for local control. However, I'm not sure how well that works. I've tried some Matter devices that are a little flaky. But I think all that will get better with time.
I have quite a few Kasa and Tapo devices, including smart plugs and smart switches. Once they're set up and working, they're generally indistinguishable from one another from a day-to-day user perspective. They both work well.
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
I have quite a few Kasa and Tapo devices, including smart plugs and smart switches. Once they're set up and working, they're generally indistinguishable from one another from a day-to-day user perspective. They both work well.
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
You seem pretty seasoned with this stuff. Any chance you've looked into cameras? I'm currently looking at getting both indoor (pet) and outdoor (general surveillance) cameras. TP-Link seems like it has one of the better protocols for delivering video, however I suspect it falls short if you start wanting a bit more granular settings. Reolink seems like it has better granularity, but probably isn't quite as polished and the video protocol isn't quite as smooth.
Of course there's always the option to go with a POE setup, but the mid-tier setups that require more networking knowledge and work kinda make my head spin. Is this anything you've gotten into?
You seem pretty seasoned with this stuff. Any chance you've looked into cameras? I'm currently looking at getting both indoor (pet) and outdoor (general surveillance) cameras. TP-Link seems like it has one of the better protocols for delivering video, however I suspect it falls short if you start wanting a bit more granular settings. Reolink seems like it has better granularity, but probably isn't quite as polished and the video protocol isn't quite as smooth.
Of course there's always the option to go with a POE setup, but the mid-tier setups that require more networking knowledge and work kinda make my head spin. Is this anything you've gotten into?
I didn't like TP-Link's cameras. I bought one once, but the subscription was a turnoff. I went Eufy because of the no subscription model they have.
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These are okay price for the smart switches, which are often on sale at the price points. I have been holding off for a better deal on the prime day, and definitely disappointed
Yeah I'm surprised the 4 pack switches aren't matter equipped and energy monitoring. It's like we should be there for a $20 4 pack by now. But they keep discounting the older ones.
Just curious if anyone knows about any of these in a small square shape instead of the wider rectangle shape? I have a double gang 4 outlet box and can't fit the rectangular ones in them.
Just curious, what would be some of the common uses for these? Want to buy them but don't want them to just sit in a box
For me:
Holiday lighting
Floor and Table lamps for away mode (randomizes lights going on/off for set periods of time like dusk to bedtime to make it appear you are home when on vaca etc)
Combine with TP-Link smart switch and you can have a wall switch turn on floor/table lamps using an automation - nice for a bedroom.
Add voice control (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google) and you can yell at your lights to turn on/off.
Seems like a decent deal. These seem to keep coming down in price. Also I prefer the ep25 with energy monitoring, may not be extremely accurate, but gives a good idea of energy consumption.
Most people probably don't care what I am about to say, but I just remodeled and replaced all of my switches to the Leviton switches and wall plates for my entire house. I also installed about 20 kasa smart switches. The "white" between the two brands are somewhat noticeable, if that matters to you if you are installing these smart switches along with other non-smart switches in a multiple gang boxes.
The smart features overwrite the off color issue for me.
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Regarding these prices... they're not bad, but I suggest looking at the Kee pa price graphs. Spoiler alert; the prices appear to have been steadily declining and will probably go lower if past history of TP-Link devices on Amazon is any indication.
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
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Looking to get some monitoring in my home - especially doors and windows for security purposes. Not sure if this is a good smart home bundle. I came across a few blink deals recently with a bunch of cameras and doorbell, but did not include any sensors.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
I use mine in a Google Home/Assistant environment, so my following comments don't cover Alexa/Apple/Samsung environments. Also, my comments below focus only on the Plugs and Switches/Dimmers.
Both product lines offer similar functionality with the TP-Link app (either the Kasa or Tapo app, although I've mostly stopped using the Kasa app, but had used it for years previously). You set the device up in the app, upgrade the firmware, setup settings and automation, and then go to Google Home and sync your devices between Google and the Kasa/Tapo app. Every time you sync, all of your devices in that app come over but the configuration and automation are controlled by TP-Link servers on the Internet. If that's the model you want, then the two product lines are nearly indistinguishable. I'm sure there's some small tertiary exceptions, but that's the main thing.
The Tapo products (plugs and switches/dimmers), however, have a second model. The second model is where you set the device up in the Tapo app, update firmware, and setup the configuration, but you generally do NOT setup automation there. Technically, you can skip the Tapo app entirely, but I don't recommend it because that's the only way to update firmware and tweak device settings (more important on dinners, motion sensor light switches, etc., but no matter what, firmware updates are important). After setup, and this is important, I NEVER sync the Tapo app with Google Home. Instead, I use Matter to connect to and control the devices from Google Home. This allows me to the create automations in Google Home that run on my Nest displays and speakers without needing to hit the Internet. The nice thing about this is that I can create automations involving multiple ecosystems, such as turning on my front porch lights (Tapo light switch) when a motion sensor (Aqara) is triggered.
I mentioned that it's important that you don't sync the Tapo app. This is because Google Home craps out and creates duplicate instances of the devices and you lose control of the devices. I wasted hours figuring that out. Fortunately, all of my devices in the Tapo app work via Matter (most plugs and switches over Thread where I use my Nest devices as a Thread Border Router), either directly or with the Tapo hub as a proxy Matter conversion device.
Happy to answer any questions anybody has as long as I don't have to set anything up from scratch to answer them. (I don't want to have to break and fix my automations.)
Of course there's always the option to go with a POE setup, but the mid-tier setups that require more networking knowledge and work kinda make my head spin. Is this anything you've gotten into?
Of course there's always the option to go with a POE setup, but the mid-tier setups that require more networking knowledge and work kinda make my head spin. Is this anything you've gotten into?
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https://www.amazon.com/KP200-Outl...r=8-1&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBNX6Q51
The smart features overwrite the off color issue for me.
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