Popular
A Smarter Approach to Everyday Living
TP Link Tapo vs Kasa: What’s the Difference and Which One is Better?
S Smart Tech Explained

TP Link Tapo vs Kasa: Which One Is Better?

Ojash
August 30, 2024
7 min read
0
Share
0
0
0

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir

Last updated: November 17, 2024

Expert verified

SVG Image

Key Takeaways

  • Choose Kasa for:
  • A diverse product range
  • More advanced features
  • Get Tapo for:
  • Affordability without compromising quality
  • Simplicity and ease of use

TP-Link offers two standout product lines: Tapo and Kasa. While both offer enhanced convenience and security, they cater to different needs. This Tapo vs Kasa guide compares their key features and ease of use to help you decide which is better for your smart home setup.

Tapo is great for beginners who want easy-to-use, affordable smart home devices. Whereas, Kasa offers more advanced features and works with a wider range of devices. If you want simple setup, go with Tapo. For more options and flexibility, Kasa is the better choice.

tapo vs kasa home integration brand

Now, let’s have a detailed Tapo vs Kasa comparison.

Tapo vs Kasa: Product Range Comparison

tapo and kasa product range

When comparing the product ranges of Tapo and Kasa, there are some clear distinctions. Below, I’ve shared an overview of Tapo and Kasa product lines.

Tapo primarily focuses on essential smart home devices like smart plugs, cameras, bulbs, and switches. These products are designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, which is ideal if you are new to smart home technology or are seeking cost-effective solutions.

Here are the key features of TP-Link Tapo products:

  1. User-Friendly Setup: Simple and quick setup process, ideal for beginners.
  2. Affordable Pricing: Budget-friendly smart home devices.
  3. Remote Control: Control devices remotely through the Tapo app.
  4. Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
  5. Smart Schedules: Set schedules and timers to automate device operation.
  6. Energy Monitoring: Monitor energy consumption with select smart plugs.
  7. Home Security: Affordable security cameras with motion detection and night vision.
  8. Privacy Mode: Cameras with privacy modes to disable video recording when needed.
  9. Compact Design: Sleek and unobtrusive designs that fit seamlessly into any home decor.

Kasa offers a more extensive and diverse product range. Besides smart plugs, cameras, bulbs, and switches, Kasa includes more advanced devices like smart light strips, power strips, outdoor plugs, and a wider variety of security cameras with features like pan/tilt and outdoor floodlights. I recommend Kasa if you want a comprehensive and customizable smart home experience.

Here are the key features of TP-Link Kasa products:

  1. Wide Product Range: Extensive selection including smart plugs, bulbs, cameras, light strips, and power strips.
  2. Advanced Device Integration: Seamless integration with a broader range of smart home devices.
  3. Enhanced Security Features: Cameras with pan/tilt, two-way audio, and outdoor floodlights for comprehensive security.
  4. Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage on multiple devices with detailed reports.
  5. Customizable Automation: More advanced scheduling, scenes, and automation options.
  6. Voice Assistant Support: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
  7. Multi-Device Control: Control multiple devices and create complex scenes for personalized environments.
  8. Outdoor Solutions: Durable outdoor plugs and cameras designed for weather resistance.
  9. High-Quality Video: Cameras offering higher resolution video, such as 2K or 4K in select models.
  10. Multi-Platform Support: Compatibility with third-party platforms like SmartThings and IFTTT.

Kasa vs Tapo: Feature Comparison

tapo and kasa feature comparison

Here’s a feature comparison between TP-Link’s Kasa and Tapo smart home products:

1. 🧑‍💻 Ease of Use

  • Tapo: Designed for simplicity and ease of setup, making it a great choice for beginners.
  • Kasa: While still user-friendly, Kasa offers more advanced features and customization options, catering to users who want more control and flexibility.

2. 🎙️ Voice Assistant Compatibility

  • Tapo: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Kasa: Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, providing broader voice control options.

3. 🔗 Device Integration

  • Tapo: Basic integration within the Tapo ecosystem, sufficient for users with a smaller number of devices.
  • Kasa: Better integration with other smart home platforms like SmartThings and IFTTT, making it ideal for a more interconnected smart home setup.

4. ⚡ Energy Monitoring

  • Tapo: Available on select smart plugs, allowing users to monitor energy consumption for basic usage.
  • Kasa: Offers more detailed energy monitoring and reporting across multiple devices, providing insights into overall energy usage.

5. 🔒 Security Features

  • Tapo: Offers basic security features like motion detection, night vision, and privacy mode in its cameras.
  • Kasa: Provides more advanced security options, including cameras with higher resolution (up to 2K or 4K), pan/tilt capabilities, two-way audio, and outdoor floodlights.

6. 🤖 Customization & Automation

  • Tapo: Offers basic scheduling and automation, sufficient for simple smart home setups.
  • Kasa: Provides more advanced scheduling, scenes, and automation options, allowing for more personalized and complex smart home environments.

7. 🌦️ Outdoor Solutions

  • Tapo: Limited outdoor options.
  • Kasa: Includes weather-resistant outdoor plugs and cameras, better suited for users needing outdoor smart home solutions.

8. 📱 Tapo App vs Kasa App

  • Tapo: The Tapo app is simple and user-friendly, perfect for beginners or those looking for easy, hassle-free operation.
  • Kasa: The Kasa app offers more features and customization, ideal for users who want greater control and flexibility in their smart home setup.

With the Tapo 3.0 release in late 2023, Kasa devices can now be controlled through the Tapo app, though not the other way around. This update lets you manage both Kasa and Tapo devices in a single app. While some Kasa devices are still incompatible, most sold in the US can be added to the Tapo app.

Kasa and Tapo Pricing

Both Kasa and Tapo offer pocket-friendly solutions, but there’s a slight difference in pricing. Tapo devices typically range from $20 to $30, making them great for budget-conscious buyers. Kasa devices, while slightly more expensive, offer more advanced features and better ecosystem integration.

For me, Tapo wins on affordability, but Kasa provides greater value in terms of features and integration.

Quick Comparison of Tapo vs Kasa Products

Here’s a quick comparison between some popular Tapo and Kasa smart home products:

Product TypeKasa ModelKasa FeaturesTapo ModelTapo Features
Smart PlugKP303Voice control
Energy monitoring
3 outlets		P100Voice control
Compact design
Remote access
Smart CameraKC1101080p Video
Two-way audio
Night vision		C2001080p Video
Pan and Tilt
Night vision
Smart Light SwitchHS200Remote control
Away mode
Voice control		S500Remote control Countdown timer Compact size
Smart BulbKL130P4Multicolor
Dimmable
Scheduling		L510EDimmable
Warm white light
Voice control
  1. 🔌 TP-Link Tapo vs Kasa Smart Plug: Kasa’s KP303 provides energy monitoring and three outlets for managing multiple devices. In contrast, Tapo’s P100 has a compact design, perfect for those needing a space-efficient solution.
  2. 📷 Tapo vs Kasa Camera: Kasa KC110 and Tapo C200 have 1080p video quality and night vision. The KC110 stands out with its two-way audio feature for interactive monitoring, while the C200’s pan and tilt capabilities offer a broader viewing area.
  3. 🎚️ Tapo vs Kasa Smart Switch: Both Kasa’s HS200 and Tapo’s S500 support remote control and voice commands, but only the HS200 offers ‘Away mode’ for enhanced home security.
  4. 💡 Tapo vs Kasa Smart Bulb: The Kasa KL130P4 smart bulb offers multicolor lighting and dimming options, perfect for customizable lighting. In contrast, Tapo’s L510E provides warm white light and voice control but lacks the multicolor feature.

Tapo vs Kasa: Pros and Cons

tapo vs kasa pros and cons
BrandProsCons
Kasa1. Wide range of products: switches, plugs, dimmers, cameras.
2. Reliable data speed and coverage.
3. Comprehensive customer support.
4. Compatible with major smart home platforms and assistants.
5. Dedicated app for smart home management.
6. Most Kasa devices in the US can be managed with the Tapo app.		1. Fewer budget-friendly options than Tapo.
2. Only a few products support Apple HomeKit.
3. May add strain to home Wi-Fi networks due to standard Wi-Fi connectivity.
Tapo1. Focuses on affordability with a simplified product range.
2. Uses alternative connectivity to reduce Wi-Fi interference.
3. More popular in Europe and Asia, catering to regional markets.
4. Supports Apple HomeKit, integrating well with Apple’s ecosystem.
5. Offers a modern app interface and is expanding its product lines.		1. Limited product variety compared to Kasa.
2. Some products need a Tapo Hub for connectivity.
3. Less extensive customer support resources.
4. Limited presence in some markets, like North America.
5. Needs a separate app since Tapo devices can’t be managed through the Kasa app.
Tapo vs Kasa: Pros and Cons

So all in all, Tapo is best for users who prioritize ease of use and affordability, focusing on essential smart home functions. Kasa, on the other hand, is ideal for those looking for a more extensive product range, advanced features, and broader integration capabilities.

Check out more guides on smart home integration:

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing between Kasa and Tapo depends on your needs. Kasa offers a wider range of advanced smart home devices and is ideal for comprehensive systems, while Tapo focuses on budget-friendly, security-enhanced options. Consider connectivity, control preferences, app usability, and long-term support when deciding.

Does Tapo work with Kasa app?

No, while Tapo doesn’t work with the Kasa app, you can now control almost all of your Kasa devices with the Tapo app. However, the vice versa is not possible. You can control and manage your Tapo devices only with the Tapo app.
No, TP Link has not discontinued Kasa. Despite the introduction of another smart home integration brand, Tapo, Kasa still continues to exist, and there is no such news, at least as per any official TP-Link channel. Despite the rumors online, both product lines continue to thrive so far– at least in the US.

Can I control Kasa and Tapo devices with Alexa/Google Assistant?

Yes, you can control both Kasa and Tapo with Alexa and Google Assistant using voice control. Simply give voice commands to Alexa or Google Assistant to manage your devices, like turning lights on or adjusting thermostats​​. For example, you can say, “Alexa, turn on the lights.” or “Okay Google, raise the temperature by 2 degrees.”
Tapo supports Apple HomeKit, allowing integration with Apple’s smart home ecosystem. However, only a few Kasa products are compatible with HomeKit. This difference is important to not if you have an Apple ecosystem, as it decides which devices you can seamlessly integrate into your smart home setup​​.
Yes, you can control both Kasa and Tapo devices via their respective mobile apps. This feature allows you to manage your smart home devices from anywhere, offering the convenience of turning devices on or off, setting schedules, and monitoring your homes remotely​​.
Yes, both Kasa and Tapo devices support IFTTT (If This Then That), a service that creates automated actions between different internet-connected devices and services. You can set up applets to automate tasks based on specific triggers, such as turning on lights when motion is detected.

Who owns Tapo?

Tapo is owned by TP-Link, a global provider of reliable networking devices and accessories. TP-Link developed Tapo as its brand, focusing on smart home solutions and offering a range of products like cameras, plugs, and bulbs tailored to enhance everyday living through technology.

Will Kasa support Matter?

Most likely. TP-Link had announced plans to integrate Matter support into its Kasa smart home products. Matter, the new smart home standard, aims to enhance interoperability between devices, making Kasa’s lineup more versatile and user-friendly in diverse smart ecosystems.

Ojash

Author

Hi, I’m Ojash! My journey into smart home technology began with a simple lighting upgrade that quickly turned into a passion. I was fascinated by how connected devices could completely transform everyday living. With over 7 years of experience, I now specialize in creating tailored smart home solutions that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Through my work at JustSmarter, I enjoy sharing practical advice and insights, helping readers confidently explore the smart home world.

Hashir

Reviewer

Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.

Share this article
0
0
0
Shareable URL
Prev Post

How to Prevent Ring Doorbell WiFi Jamming
Next Post

Do You Need a Ring Doorbell Chime?
Read next