TP Link (now trading as Tapo for consumer smart home) makes genuinely useful automation gear that works without constant faffing. Their products are affordable, integrate with major platforms like Alexa and Google Home, and avoid the price premiums of premium brands — but they're not universally the best choice for every setup.
Why TP Link?
TP Link Technologies Co., Ltd. was founded in 1996 and built its reputation on networking hardware before pivoting heavily into consumer smart home with their Kasa and Tapo brands. They specialise in mid-range smart plugs, switches, and robot vacuums that undercut brands like Philips Hue and Ecovacs by 30–50% without sacrificing app stability. The key differentiator: their products prioritise local control and don't require subscription fees for basic functions — a rare win in the smart home market.
Top Picks
TP Link Smart Home Control Bundle — £100.00
Best for: getting started with multiple devices at once without picking individual items. This bundle combines essential smart plugs and controls to cover an entire room for less than buying products separately. Ideal if you're new to smart home and want everything working from day one.
Refurbished Kasa Smart Plug Classic 15A (HS105) — £13.99
Best for: turning any ordinary appliance into a controllable device on a budget. At under £14, this is the cheapest way to add Alexa/Google Home control to lamps, fans, or heaters. Refurbished units carry a 12-month warranty and are functionally identical to new stock.
Tapo RV30 Max Plus Lidar Robot Vacuum & Mop — £199.99
Best for: automated floor cleaning in medium homes (up to 200m²) without premium brand pricing. The lidar navigation maps your space precisely, and the auto-empty dock means you won't touch dirt for months. Self-mopping function saves time, though it's less aggressive than dedicated mop-only robots.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Smart Home Control Bundle | £100.00 | Whole-home starters | Multiple devices in one purchase | | Kasa Smart Plug Classic 15A | £13.99 | Budget automation | Cheapest Alexa/Google Home control | | Tapo RV30 Max Plus | £199.99 | Floor cleaning | Lidar mapping + auto-empty dock |
What to Look For
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Compatibility with your voice assistant: TP Link products work with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Check your existing setup before buying — switching ecosystems is annoying. The Kasa Smart Plug explicitly supports both major platforms.
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Local vs. cloud control: Look for products offering local control (no internet needed for basic operation). The RV30 Max Plus and HS105 both support this, reducing lag and keeping functionality if your Wi-Fi drops.
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Power rating and device type: The Kasa Smart Plug is rated for 15A maximum (1,800W), safe for most appliances but not high-power devices like space heaters (check your device's wattage first). Bundle contents vary — read the specific pack contents to confirm you're getting what you need.
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Warranty and support: Refurbished units like the HS105 come with 12-month guarantees. New products typically offer 3-year manufacturer coverage. Check Forage's return policy — most allow 30-day returns if the device doesn't integrate with your setup.
The Bottom Line
TP Link's smart home products are genuinely good value, especially the Kasa Smart Plug Classic 15A at £13.99 for anyone wanting to dip into automation without spending big. If you're building a whole system, the Smart Home Control Bundle at £100 gives you multiple devices cheaper than buying separately. The Tapo RV30 Max Plus at £199.99 is a competitive robot vacuum-mop hybrid, though it's best for smaller homes — larger spaces might need a more powerful model. Buy TP Link if you want affordability and Alexa/Google integration; skip if you're committed to a premium ecosystem like Apple HomeKit or Philips Hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TP Link good value for money?
Yes. TP Link's Kasa and Tapo ranges cost 30–50% less than equivalent products from Philips, Ecovacs, or Samsung while offering the same core features: smart scheduling, app control, and voice assistant integration. The trade-off is slightly less refined UI design and slower feature rollouts — but functionality is solid.
Can I use TP Link products with Alexa and Google Home at the same time?
Yes. TP Link products officially support both platforms, so you can control devices via Alexa in one room and Google Home in another. Some users mix assistants in one space for redundancy, though it adds complexity.
Do I need Wi-Fi for TP Link smart plugs to work?
Not for basic scheduling. The Kasa Smart Plug Classic (HS105) stores schedules locally, so it'll turn devices on/off at set times even if your internet drops. Remote control via the app does require Wi-Fi, but the plug itself won't stop working.
Is the Tapo RV30 Max Plus suitable for carpet?
Yes, but it performs better on hard floors. The 2,500Pa suction is adequate for light carpets and rugs, though pet hair can get tangled in the brush on thicker pile. It's best for homes with mixed flooring — mostly hard floors with some moderate carpeting.
