Review: TP-Link WiFi Smart Plug (HS100)

The TP-Link HS100 WiFi enabled Smart Plug has been available (depending on where you live) for about a year now and provides a decent amount of useful features… all for a relatively low price point of £24.99 ($24.99)! You may have read my review on the Belkin WeMo Switch, which I’ve been using daily for quite some time – but is TP-Link’s offering the better choice?

Table of Contents

Features

WiFi enabled – No hub required!
Works with Amazon Alexa
Can be controlled from anywhere, via WiFi or 3G/4G
Low power usage when On/Off
Away Mode – simulate being at home, when you aren’t
Create schedules
Control via the Kasa app, which can also remotely control TP-Link bulbs and other plugs

Install and setup of the HS100

Installation of the TP-Link HS100 is incredibly simple. Plug it in, download the Kasa app (iOS/Android), create yourself a Kasa Cloud account and follow the onscreen instructions for connecting your plug to your WiFi (network name + network password).

Once you’ve connected the HS100 to your WiFi network, you can add, assign and name it within the Kasa application.

TP-Link Kasa app

The Kasa app is extremely clean as apps go. Launching the app brings you straight in to all of your configured bulbs, plugs and even WiFi range extender! The functionality is basic and simple – without digging further into the app you have the option to turn your device on and off.

TP-Link Kasa iOS application — Image courtesy of TP-Link via the iTunes App Store

If you tap on the name of each device, you’re welcomed with another extremely clean/tidy screen, containing some extra functionality and even statistics!

One of the things that makes the Kasa app and TP-Link smart plugs stand out against the likes of Belkin’s WeMo Switch is the statistics. With the TP-Link HS100, you can see total and average Runtime (how long your plug has been turned on) for the day, as well as totals and averages for the past 7 and 30 days! If you invest slightly more in the TP-Link HS110, you’ll also get detailed statistics showing the total and average amount of ENERGY used.

You also have the ability to set schedules, timers and the ability to turn on “Away Mode”. Away Mode will randomly turn your switch on and off to make it look like you’re actually at home, when as a matter of fact – you aren’t.

Day-to-day usage

The TP-Link HS100 has now replaced my Belkin WeMo Switch in managing one of my more problematic home security cameras. The only reason being is that the HS100 is significantly less bulky when compared to the WeMo Switch – I can now easily fit another plug in the spare socket to the side!

Operation is quick when turning the switch on/off remotely, even via 3G/4G. The plug also makes a rather satisfying “click” sound when it is turned on/off.

If you don’t have your phone handy, you’re still able to turn the plug on and off, it’s just a case of pressing the button on the front of the device. The button isn’t overly clicky (the plug still makes that audible “click” though) and I equate it to feeling more like a touch button.

Summary

I’m a massive fan of this device. It’s compact, cheap to run (some report only £2.50/year), quick to operate and simple to use. It contains all of the essential features and can integrate with the rest of the TP-Link family of devices and comes with a 2 year warranty.

It’s worth noting though, the HS100 doesn’t yet integrate with IFTTT or Stringify, however it’s worth noting that there are articles/posts noting that integration is currently in development – so it shouldn’t be long before you can start integrating these products into your smart home!