The main difference between Kasa and Tapo lights is that Kasa is a premium smart home brand that offers a wider range of products, while Tapo is a budget-friendly brand that focuses on simple and affordable devices. Both brands are owned by TP-Link, a leading manufacturer of networking and smart home products. However, they have different features, compatibility, and functionality that may suit different needs and preferences. In this article, we will compare and contrast Kasa and Tapo lights in terms of their design, performance, integration, and price.
Kasa and Tapo lights have similar designs, as they are both LED bulbs that can be screwed into standard light sockets. They also come in different shapes and sizes, such as A19, BR30, and GU10, to fit different fixtures and lamps. However, there are some subtle differences in their appearance and packaging.
Kasa lights have a sleek and modern look, with a smooth white surface and a silver base. They also have a logo and a model number printed on them. Kasa lights come in individual boxes or multi-packs, with a user manual and a warranty card included.
Tapo lights have a more basic and plain look, with a frosted white surface and a white base. They do not have any logo or model number on them, except for a small QR code sticker. Tapo lights come in simple plastic bags or cardboard boxes, with a quick start guide and a warranty card included.
Performance
Kasa and Tapo lights have similar performance, as they are both energy-efficient and long-lasting bulbs that can be controlled remotely via a mobile app or voice commands. They also have different features and functions, depending on the type and model of the bulb.
Kasa lights have more advanced and diverse features, such as dimming, color changing, scene setting, scheduling, and away mode. They also have higher brightness and color temperature ranges, as well as more color options and presets. Kasa lights can also monitor and report their energy usage and savings.
Tapo lights have more basic and limited features, such as on/off, brightness, and color temperature adjustment. They do not have color changing, scene setting, or energy monitoring functions. Tapo lights have lower brightness and color temperature ranges, as well as fewer color options and presets.
Integration
Kasa and Tapo lights have similar integration, as they are both compatible with popular smart home platforms and devices, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. They also use the same Wi-Fi network and protocol to connect and communicate with other devices. However, they have different apps and hubs that may affect their compatibility and functionality.
Kasa lights use the Kasa Smart app, which is a comprehensive and user-friendly app that allows you to control and manage all your Kasa devices in one place. You can also create groups, scenes, and routines, as well as access advanced settings and features. Kasa lights do not require a hub to work, as they can connect directly to your Wi-Fi router.
Tapo lights use the Tapo app, which is a simple and intuitive app that allows you to control and manage all your Tapo devices in one place. You can also create schedules and timers, as well as access basic settings and features. Tapo lights may require a hub to work, depending on the model and frequency of the bulb. Some Tapo lights can connect directly to your Wi-Fi router, while others can connect to the Tapo H100 hub, which uses a 922MHz network to reduce Wi-Fi congestion.
Kasa and Tapo lights have different prices, as they are aimed at different segments of the market. Kasa lights are more expensive, as they offer more features, functions, and quality. Tapo lights are cheaper, as they offer fewer features, functions, and quality.
The price of Kasa and Tapo lights may vary depending on the type, model, and quantity of the bulb. However, based on the average prices on Amazon.com as of January 2024, here are some examples of the price differences between Kasa and Tapo lights:
A single Kasa KL130 color-changing bulb costs $24.99, while a single Tapo L530E color-temperature-adjustable bulb costs $9.99.
A two-pack of Kasa KL110 dimmable bulbs costs $19.99, while a four-pack of Tapo L510E dimmable bulbs costs $19.99.
A four-pack of Kasa KL50 vintage filament bulbs costs $39.99, while a four-pack of Tapo L630 GU10 spotlights costs $29.99.
Conclusion
Kasa and Tapo lights are both smart LED bulbs that can enhance your home lighting and ambiance. However, they have different features, compatibility, and functionality that may suit different needs and preferences. Kasa lights are more suitable for those who want more options, control, and quality, while Tapo lights are more suitable for those who want more simplicity, affordability, and convenience. Ultimately, the choice between Kasa and Tapo lights depends on your personal taste, budget, and smart home ecosystem.
