TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite Review
An effective and inexpensive way to track how often you use your appliances
Credit: TP-Link
By Max Mutter ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 3, 2019
Contributions From: Michelle Powell
RELATED: The Best Smart Plug
Our Verdict
Largely due to its well-designed smart power strip, we think TP Link is a great choice for those looking to create a large network of smart plugs throughout their home, and the Kasa WiFi Lite is the best way to expand that network indoors. It provides basic functionality in a relatively slim package, and easily communicates with TP Link's power strips and outdoor plugs. See how it measures up versus competitors in our review of smart plugs.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Runtime Tracking on a Budget |  Best Basic Smart Plug |  Best for Outdoor Use | Best Bang for the Buck for Alexa Users | |
| Price | $35 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $40 List | $35 List | $45 List | $25 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An effective and inexpensive way to track how often you use your appliances | Basic functionality in a reliable and inexpensive package | A good option for crowded outlets with large plugs | A great option to individually control two outdoor appliances | An inexpensive and easy way to expand Alexa smart home systems |
| Pros | Inexpensive, compact design, runtime tracking | Quick setup, broad smart home compatibility, inexpensive | Small size doesn't block other outlets, fairly straightforward interface | 2 independent outlets, weatherproof, individual run time monitoring | Fast setup for Alexa users, relatively inexpensive |
| Cons | Setup relatively involved, slower reboot after WiFi outage | Hard to change networks, slower recovery when WiFi cuts out | Lacks any advanced features | Setup relatively involved, slow to reboot after WiFi outage | Limited smart home compatibility, only a single outlet |
| Rating Categories | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | WeMo Mini | Leviton WiFi | TP-Link Kasa Outdoor | Amazon |
| Ease of Setup (40%) | |||||
| Reliability (30%) | |||||
| Interface (15%) | |||||
| Voice Assistants (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | TP-Link Kasa WiFi Lite | WeMo Mini | Leviton WiFi | TP-Link Kasa Outdoor | Amazon |
| Number of Outlets | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Maximum Power | 1.2kW | 1.8 kW | 1.5kW | 1.875kW | 15A |
| Smart Home Compatability | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Nest | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, August | Alexa, Google Home IFTTT, Nest, Home and Away | Alexa |
| Warranty | 2 Year Limited | 3 Year Limited | 5 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited | 1 Year Limited |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Kasa Lite is relatively small and slim, and can often be purchased in a 2-pack for a fairly low price. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Ease of Setup
When it comes to TP Link plugs, the initial setup is the one thing we really wish was better. Though not incredibly laborious, the process could certainly be more streamlined. Once downloading the app you have to create a new account and confirm it via email. If you want to control the plug with a voice assistant, you'll generally have to go into a seperate app and add it into your voice assistant's network manually.
Smart Home and Voice Assistant Compatibility
TP Link link plays nice with the majority of major smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home, If This Then That) with the notable exception of Apple HomeKit. It even offers some functionality with Nest products, as well as the Ecobee Home and Away system.
A plug with the outlet on the front (like the TP-Link Kasa Lite pictured here) creates a larger profile that may not fit behind a couch or other furniture. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Reliability and Responsiveness
Like most of the smart plugs we tested, the Kasa WiFi Lite offers immediate responsiveness to commands entered into its smartphone app. Also like most of the other models we tested, it often remained confused for a few minutes after we simulated a WiFi outage before finally regaining its balance and responding to our smartphone again. This problem was much worse when the plug was off as we cut power to the WiFi router. If the plug was clicked on when the WiFi disappeared, it often sprung right back to life right after the WiFi rebooted.
This small plug barely impedes the second outlet. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Advanced Features
Runtime monitoring is the only feature beyond the basics offered by the Kasa WiFi Lite. While we don't like this feature as much as the actual energy usage monitoring available on some other plugs, it is still nice to have some sort of usage statistics for your favorite devices.
Value
It can be a bit hard to pin down the value of the TP Link Kasa WiFi Lite as its price tends to fluctuate a bit at many online retailers, and it is often sold in packs of two or three. That being said, we've never seen a per-plug cost that we've thought of as anything other than relatively cheap, so you can generally rest assured that you're getting a good deal when investing in this plug.
The TP-Link Kasa Lite is a great option for expanding your TP-Link smart network. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
The TP Link Kasa WiFi Lite is an inexpensive and effective smart plug that can easily slide right into to your existing TP Link smart plug network.
—Max Mutter and Michelle Powell
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