TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini Review
Compact Control
Updated Apr 10, 2023
By Jason Rogers
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4.5/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a compact, yet powerful tool to bring smart automation into your home. It allows you to control your devices remotely through an intuitive app, offering convenience and efficiency. Its sleek design ensures it fits into any outlet without obstructing other plugs, making it an ideal choice for tech-savvy homeowners looking to modernize their living spaces.
PROS
✅ Compact Design: Small footprint that fits into any electrical setup without blocking adjacent outlets.
✅ Remote Access: Control your devices from anywhere using the Kasa app on your smartphone.
✅ Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana for hands-free convenience.
✅ Schedule and Timer: Set your devices to operate automatically at specific times, enhancing energy efficiency.
✅ Easy Setup: Installation is straightforward with no need for a hub, connecting directly to your home Wi-Fi network.
✅ Grouping Feature: Combine devices into groups for unified control, simplifying the management of multiple smart devices.
CONS
❌ Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which may be a limitation for some users.
❌ No Energy Monitoring: Lacks the ability to monitor energy usage of connected devices.
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◦ Space-Saving Design: Boasts a compact form that easily integrates into any electrical setup, avoiding interference with adjacent outlets.
◦ Convenient Remote Control: Allows for the remote operation of connected devices through the Kasa app, offering control from anywhere at any time.
◦ Hands-Free Operation: Supports voice commands via integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, enhancing the ease of use.
◦ Automated Scheduling: Features the ability to set schedules and timers, automating device operation to align with your routine and improve energy efficiency.
◦ Simplified Installation: Connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network without the need for a separate hub, facilitating an easy setup process.
◦ Unified Device Management: Enables the grouping of multiple devices, allowing for coordinated control and simplifying the management of your smart home ecosystem.
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◦ Streamlined Smart Home Setup: Ideal for users seeking to easily integrate and manage smart devices without the clutter or complexity of additional hardware.
◦ Energy-Efficient Homes: Perfect for those looking to automate their home's electrical devices to operate more efficiently and only when needed, potentially reducing energy consumption.
◦ Voice-Controlled Environments: Enhances homes equipped with smart speakers, offering the convenience of voice-activated control over household appliances and lighting.
◦ Remote Appliance Management: Suitable for individuals who desire the ability to control their home devices remotely, whether for convenience or security purposes.
◦ Multi-Device Households: A great solution for users looking to centralize control of multiple smart devices, making it easier to manage their home environment seamlessly.
◦ DIY Smart Home Enthusiasts: Appeals to DIY enthusiasts interested in creating a connected home without extensive technical requirements or complicated setups.
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Can the Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini handle high-power appliances?
The plug is rated for 15A, 120VAC, making it suitable for most household appliances. However, it's recommended to check the power requirements of your appliance against the plug's rating to ensure compatibility and safety.
Is it possible to control the Smart Plug when I'm not at home?
Yes, one of the key features of the Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini is its remote access capability. Using the Kasa app, you can control the plug and connected devices from anywhere with an internet connection.
How does the scheduling feature work?
The scheduling feature allows you to set specific times for the plug to turn on or off automatically. This can be managed through the Kasa app, offering a convenient way to automate your devices based on your daily routines.
Can I use the Smart Plug outdoors?
The Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini is designed for indoor use only. Its construction is not suited for outdoor conditions or exposure to the elements.
How many devices can I control with the Kasa app?
The Kasa app can manage an unlimited number of Kasa devices. You can group devices for unified control and create scenes for automating multiple devices with a single command.
Do I need a separate smart home hub to use the Smart Plug?
No, the Smart Plug connects directly to your Wi-Fi network without the need for an additional hub. This simplifies setup and reduces the cost and complexity of building a smart home.
What happens if my Wi-Fi network goes down?
If your Wi-Fi network is unavailable, you won't be able to control the Smart Plug remotely. However, the plug's manual switch allows for local control, and previously set schedules will continue to run based on the plug's internal clock.
Can the Smart Plug track energy usage?
The Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini does not have built-in energy monitoring features. If energy tracking is important to you, consider looking for a smart plug model that includes this capability.
Is it compatible with all voice assistants?
The Smart Plug is compatible with major voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. This allows for hands-free control of your connected devices.
What are the privacy implications of using the Smart Plug?
The Kasa app requires some personal information to function, including your Wi-Fi network details. TP-Link, the manufacturer, states they use standard encryption and security practices to protect user data. You can use the microphone off switch for added privacy.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (No hub required) |
Compatibility | Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana for voice control; compatible with the Kasa Smart app |
Electrical Rating | 15A, 120VAC |
Outlet Type | Single outlet, compact design to keep adjacent outlets accessible |
Features | Remote Control, Scheduling, Timer, Away Mode |
Installation | Plug-in (no special wiring required) |
Dimensions | 2.61 in. x 1.49 in. x 1.57 in. |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Certifications | UL certified, FCC compliant |
Color | White |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Jason, your guide in the smart home tech world. My tech passion began in childhood, leading me to become an avionics technician in the Air Force and later earn a Computer Engineering degree. With a background in software and data engineering, I bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to my product reviews and guides. I focus on the practical use of technology, offering insights on the latest smart home innovations rooted in both technical accuracy and real-world application.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: jason@smarthomebydesign.com