Review · Lighting
TP-Link Kasa and Tapo smart home devices in 2026
The affordable Matter lineup is finally the reason to care. The old Wi-Fi-only Kasa pile is not.
Our pick: Buy current Matter SKUs; skip legacy Kasa Wi-Fi
TP-Link
Kasa / Tapo Matter plug
8.2$15–$25
Best inexpensive Matter plug we keep in the drawer.
Pros
- • Price
- • Easy Google/Apple commission
- • Widely stocked
Cons
- • Wi-Fi, not Thread
- • Energy features vary by SKU
TP-Link
Tapo cameras
7.2$25–$80
Fine for a driveway if you accept the app.
Pros
- • Cheap
- • Often SD storage
Cons
- • Cloud tugs
- • Not a privacy showcase
TP-Link smart home devices used to mean a reliable cheap plug and an app that looked like 2017. The Matter generation is the first time we recommend them on purpose for a new house.
What to buy
Current Matter plugs and in-wall switches. Commission into Apple Home or Google Home and ignore the leftover Tapo screens unless you want energy charts. These are Wi-Fi devices — do not put forty of them on a sad access point.
What to skip
Legacy Kasa SKUs with no Matter path. Tapo cameras if you care about a clean local story — Reolink or a HomeKit cam is less of a lecture. Bundles that mix old and new firmware families.
TP-Link is the Toyota Corolla of plugs. That is not an insult. Do not ask it to be a Thread border router.
Lab note, 2026
Questions we get
Are Kasa devices compatible with Matter?
Some newer Kasa and Tapo SKUs are. Older Wi-Fi Kasa plugs are not and will not become Matter by wishing. Read the exact model code on the box.