TP-Link Kasa HS300From real comments

Verdict distilled from 32 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 32 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want individual outlet control, scheduling and energy monitoring on multiple devices from one strip
  • You plan to use Alexa or Google Assistant with individual plugs and want remote access away from home
  • You value a feature set that would otherwise cost far more in separate smart plugs or PDUs

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need to reliably turn the entire strip on/off as a single unit without per-plug routines
  • You are sensitive to unexpected reboots or power cycling that could disrupt sensitive equipment like alarm clocks or aquariums
  • You need a plug shape for international outlets or worry about difficult WiFi network changes and resets

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Budget
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashingBuilt-in power monitoringNo-solder flashing optionDifficult initial WiFi pairingFlashing/installation failuresGuest/5GHz network incompatibility
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashing
Built-in power monitoring
No-solder flashing option
Difficult initial WiFi pairing
Flashing/installation failures
Guest/5GHz network incompatibility
2
Solves no-neutral wiringWorks without WiFi or hubKeeps mechanical switch functionalBulky sizeNo ESP hardware or open firmwarePhysical fit uncertainty
Solves no-neutral wiring
Works without WiFi or hub
Keeps mechanical switch functional
Bulky size
No ESP hardware or open firmware
Physical fit uncertainty
3
Fast HomeKit SetupWorks Immediately Out of the BoxApp Disconnect IssuesDual-Band Wifi Connection ProblemsReported Setup Hassles
Fast HomeKit Setup
Works Immediately Out of the Box
App Disconnect Issues
Dual-Band Wifi Connection Problems
Reported Setup Hassles
4
Energy monitoring featurePhysical on/off switchPossible subscription fee for energy monitoringRequires continuous Wi-Fi connection
Energy monitoring feature
Physical on/off switch
Possible subscription fee for energy monitoring
Requires continuous Wi-Fi connection
5
Utility Program PerkWi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
Utility Program Perk
Wi-Fi Reconfiguration Lockout
6
Matter and ecosystem compatibilityPower monitoring interestAutomation capability uncertainNo live power reading displayUnclear API access for developers
Matter and ecosystem compatibility
Power monitoring interest
Automation capability uncertain
No live power reading display
Unclear API access for developers
7Mid
Long-term reliability for some usersWorks without a Hue bridgeGood battery lifeV2 removed useful V1 featuresConnection and pairing failuresLong-term support and subscription concerns
Long-term reliability for some users
Works without a Hue bridge
Good battery life
V2 removed useful V1 features
Connection and pairing failures
Long-term support and subscription concerns
8Mid
Custom firmware unlocks local controlActive community supportAttractive design and buildRisky, technical flashing processBuggy thermostat and sensor readingsWeak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
Custom firmware unlocks local control
Active community support
Attractive design and build
Risky, technical flashing process
Buggy thermostat and sensor readings
Weak out-of-box Home Assistant integration
9
Helpful Setup VideoSatisfaction Within TP-Link EcosystemDifficult Initial Setup for Some UsersReliability Failures Over Time
Helpful Setup Video
Satisfaction Within TP-Link Ecosystem
Difficult Initial Setup for Some Users
Reliability Failures Over Time
10Budget
Reliable pairing for many usersBroad device compatibilityCompelling price pointDifficult bootloader/flashing processInconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devicesWindows driver recognition problems
Reliable pairing for many users
Broad device compatibility
Compelling price point
Difficult bootloader/flashing process
Inconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devices
Windows driver recognition problems
You are here
18Mid
TP-Link Kasa HS300
Individual outlet control and monitoringVoice assistant integrationRemote access away from homeCannot control entire strip as one unitInconsistent voice command behaviorRandom reboots and power cycling
TP-Link Kasa HS300
Individual outlet control and monitoring
Voice assistant integration
Remote access away from home
Cannot control entire strip as one unit
Inconsistent voice command behavior
Random reboots and power cycling

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Per-outlet control and monitoring impress users, especially for the price. Reviewers highlight that having six individually controllable and monitored outlets, plus USB ports, is a huge value compared to buying single TP-Link smart plugs at $25-30 each or commercial PDUs costing hundreds of dollars. One commenter called $45 for this feature set 'a crazy level of features.' Energy monitoring in watts and kWh, plus scheduling and timers, add practical utility for tracking devices like cable boxes or heaters.

Grouping and voice control work per-plug but frustrate users wanting one-touch control. Multiple commenters ask repeatedly whether they can turn the whole strip on/off at once or group several outlets under a single voice command, since Alexa and Google Assistant seem to only control individual slots reliably. Some report inconsistent voice command behavior, where a device turns on but not off, or commands are acknowledged but nothing actually happens, undermining the promised convenience.

Reliability issues like random reboots and tricky WiFi setup are real concerns. Several owners describe the strip randomly power cycling or rebooting itself multiple times a month, killing power to everything plugged in, including an alarm clock. Others could never get it to connect to WiFi at all and returned it, or found there is no way to reset the device after a WiFi network change since the physical reset button was replaced by a software switch, alongside complaints about a flimsy wall mount and non-international plug.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?