TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS105From real comments

Verdict distilled from 27 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment45%
PROS 45%
CONS 55%

Rank based on 27 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a compact, stackable plug that saves outlet space versus bulkier models
  • You mainly need simple on/off scheduling for lamps or seasonal lights
  • You're new to smart home tech and want an app that's easy to understand

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need guaranteed rock-solid Wi-Fi reliability with zero dropped connections
  • You plan to switch routers often, since there's no clear factory reset for old network credentials
  • You want to avoid paying return shipping if the unit fails under warranty

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Sonoff S31~$16 · 1.2× cheaper
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashingBuilt-in power monitoringNo-solder flashing optionDifficult initial WiFi pairingFlashing/installation failuresGuest/5GHz network incompatibility
Sonoff S31~$16 · 1.2× cheaper
Easy Tasmota/ESPHome flashing
Built-in power monitoring
No-solder flashing option
Difficult initial WiFi pairing
Flashing/installation failures
Guest/5GHz network incompatibility
2Value
Sonoff Mini R3~$11 · 1.8× cheaper
Solves no-neutral wiringWorks without WiFi or hubKeeps mechanical switch functionalBulky sizeNo ESP hardware or open firmwarePhysical fit uncertainty
Sonoff Mini R3~$11 · 1.8× cheaper
Solves no-neutral wiring
Works without WiFi or hub
Keeps mechanical switch functional
Bulky size
No ESP hardware or open firmware
Physical fit uncertainty
3Upper
Lenovo Smart Plug~$25 · 1.3× pricier
Fast HomeKit SetupWorks Immediately Out of the BoxApp Disconnect IssuesDual-Band Wifi Connection ProblemsReported Setup Hassles
Lenovo Smart Plug~$25 · 1.3× pricier
Fast HomeKit Setup
Works Immediately Out of the Box
App Disconnect Issues
Dual-Band Wifi Connection Problems
Reported Setup Hassles
4Mid
TP-Link Tapo P115~$20 · similar price
Energy monitoring featurePhysical on/off switchPossible subscription fee for energy monitoringRequires continuous Wi-Fi connection
TP-Link Tapo P115~$20 · similar price
Energy monitoring feature
Physical on/off switch
Possible subscription fee for energy monitoring
Requires continuous Wi-Fi connection
5Upper
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125~$25 · 1.3× pricier
Matter and ecosystem compatibilityPower monitoring interestAutomation capability uncertainNo live power reading displayUnclear API access for developers
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug KP125~$25 · 1.3× pricier
Matter and ecosystem compatibility
Power monitoring interest
Automation capability uncertain
No live power reading display
Unclear API access for developers
6Mid
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103~$15 · 1.3× cheaper
Helpful Setup VideoSatisfaction Within TP-Link EcosystemDifficult Initial Setup for Some UsersReliability Failures Over Time
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103~$15 · 1.3× cheaper
Helpful Setup Video
Satisfaction Within TP-Link Ecosystem
Difficult Initial Setup for Some Users
Reliability Failures Over Time
7Upper
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch~$25 · 1.3× pricier
Long-term reliability for some usersWorks without a Hue bridgeGood battery lifeV2 removed useful V1 featuresConnection and pairing failuresLong-term support and subscription concerns
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch~$25 · 1.3× pricier
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
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E~$18 · similar price
Reliable pairing for many usersBroad device compatibilityCompelling price pointDifficult bootloader/flashing processInconsistent pairing especially with Aqara devicesWindows driver recognition problems
Sonoff Zigbee Dongle-E~$18 · similar price
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
9Mid
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS105~$20
Easy initial setup for many usersCompact stackable designPositive reviewer feedback on the explanation/video contentConnection drops and unreliable operation over timeDifficult or failed installation for some buyersWi-Fi setup and connection failures
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS105~$20
Easy initial setup for many users
Compact stackable design
Positive reviewer feedback on the explanation/video content
Connection drops and unreliable operation over time
Difficult or failed installation for some buyers
Wi-Fi setup and connection failures
10Value
Sonoff Mini~$10 · 2× cheaper
Strong Tasmota and Home Assistant supportBroad smart home ecosystem compatibilityCompact size fits behind switchesConfusing relay/detach behavior for blinds and garage doorsNo-neutral wiring limitationsPossible standby noise and power draw concerns
Sonoff Mini~$10 · 2× cheaper
Strong Tasmota and Home Assistant support
Broad smart home ecosystem compatibility
Compact size fits behind switches
Confusing relay/detach behavior for blinds and garage doors
No-neutral wiring limitations
Possible standby noise and power draw concerns

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Setup is simple for most, but a subset of users get stuck entirely. Several commenters say the app and setup process were easy to understand and got their plugs running quickly, even for non-technical users. But others describe the 'Add a device' step failing with no-internet errors, apps that simply won't let them finish setup, and units that took hours or never connected at all, leading to returns.

Compact, stackable design is a real upgrade over older TP-Link plugs. Users who owned the larger HS100 specifically say they wish they'd bought the smaller HS105, since the older model blocks both outlets. Multiple reviewers note the HS105 stacks nicely in outlets and appreciate the space savings, calling out the design as one of the plug's clear strengths.

Reliability and remote/away-mode behavior raise unanswered questions and complaints. Many commenters ask unresolved questions about away mode, remote access when off the home network, and behavior after power outages, suggesting these features aren't intuitive. Others report plugs that stopped staying connected over time, blinking status lights, or failing to toggle remotely after working fine initially, undermining trust in long-term reliability.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?