If you’re in need of automating some of your home appliances such as coffee makers, lamps, and TVs/ Home Entertainment Systems, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip may be something to consider. In today’s review, we are taking a look at TP-Link’s Kasa Smart KP303 versatile three-outlet smart strip that can be controlled with both Android or iOS mobile devices and works with Alexa, and, Google Assistant voice commands. It also has support for IFTTT, so that you can make it work with other smart home devices, such as hubs like Smarthings. All in all, it sounds like a great outlet but is it?. Let’s Find out.
So who is Kasa Smart?
Well other than it being bad spelling for home in Spanish. Kasa Smart is actually part of TP-Link Research America – TP-Link’s think tank for all things smart home. Building a name in the land of everything tech, known as Silicon Valley, the KASA team was tasked with doing a deep dive into the smart home market to create customer-centric, reliable and quality products.
Learn more about Kasa Smart Here
For those of you who dont know who TP-Link is, well they just happen to be one of the largest Networking product companies in the industry next to other companies like D-Link, Netgear, Linksys and many more.
Learn more about TP-Link Here
Let’s take a closer look
Specifications:
Power Description
- Maximum Input Current: 10 A
- Min/Max Frequency: 50 Hz/60Hz
- Power Switch: Yes
Physical Characteristics
- H x W x D: 1.5″ x 10.2″ x 2.5″
- Weight (Approximate): 1.03 lb
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information:
Communication:- Wi-Fi Protocol: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Wi-Fi Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Kasa App System Requirement: Secured home Wi-Fi connection required
- Wi-Fi Requirements: iOS 10 or Android 5.0 or higher
General:
- Operating Temperature: 0ºC ~ 40ºC (32° F ~ 104° F )
- Operating Humidity: 10%~90% RH, Non-condensing
- Environment: Indoors only
Working Status:
- Clamping Voltage: 1200 V(L-N)
- USB: 5 V? 2.4 A Total
Build Quality:
TP-Link’s Kasa Smart KP303 Wi-Fi Power Strip is pretty impressive. I know that sounds strange to say for a power strip but the feel and protection is not your standard power strip
Feel: When pulling it out of the box it has a great quality material feel with a light satin finish feel (Not matt finish). It is a boring color but, which power adapter isn’t. Overall it has a quality feel to it.
Layout: The KP303 design was very well thought out starting with the outlets facing outward allowing for 3 power adapters to be plugged in without it blocking out one of the other plugs. At the same time allowed for enough room where the manual on and off switch is easily accessible. Even when using abnormally sized adapters. I tried several different adapters and had no trouble accessing the manual on/off switch for each power plug. Now, this is a 3 plug option with two always-on 5V 2.4A USB ports, but TP-Link also offers a 6 plug 3 USB option as well, the HS300 for $69.99.
Protection: The KP303 offers ETL Certified surge protection that helps shield sensitive electronics and appliances from sudden power surges or outages.
Installation and Performance
Installing the Kasa Smart KP303 was very quick and easy. I downloaded the app, tapped a few buttons, selected to add new devices, and followed the prompts. Before I knew it I was ready to start naming my plugs.
At this point you can start deciding on what type of device will be plugged into each of the 3 outlets (lamp, toaster, TV, etc.).
The APP
The app is very intuitive and easy to use. including features like
Schedule: This feature allows you to set up a set schedule for the outlet to turn off or on. You can set up a daily or weekly schedule for it to turn on or off. The best part if you can do this for each plug meaning each individual plug could be set for a different schedule.
Timer: This feature allows you to turn on or off the desired slot for a certain amount of time. For example; if I were to have this power my son’s TV and PlayStation, it could be set it to turn off for the next 2 hrs. Of course, it would take some tinkering to not have easy access to the power strip but a nice tool.
Away: This allows you to set up a scheduled weekly away mode. For example; If I had a night out the schedule, I could set up a schedule where the power would be cut off during a set weekly schedule and a time for it to turn back on.
Runtime: As you can imagine this option will show you the plug’s current total run time, as well as weekly and monthly average use. I wish it also showed energy monitoring but that option only comes with the 6 outlet option.
Voice control: Although this is not part of the app I want it to include it here as it does require the user to deal with an app. In this case, you will need to link your Kasa account with Google Assistant or Alexa. This part maybe a little tricky for most non-techy consumers. I say this as I can not see my mother or a non-millenial doing this part without the need for help.
As part of the Kasa APP, you also have Smart Actions you could set up with other Kasa Products. So you could set up that a certain plug turns on when you turn on your Kasa smart lights or when your Kasa security camera detects movement.
Conclusion
The TP-Link’s Kasa Smart KP303 is definitely a versatile power strip. It may only have 3 outlets but it offers independent control for all 3, has 2 handy USB charging ports, and also functions as a surge protector.
The only feature that should have been thought about was the ability to send a reset command to each individual outlet. I know this sounds strange but I ran into an issue when trying to put this in my NAS cabinet where my Fios Modem plugged in. I, unfortunately, I have to reset my modem from time to time and if I turn off the plug I have no way of turning it back on remotely as the internet connection is also cut.
Now I managed to find a workaround using the scheduler, where I set it up to turn off in 5 min and then turn back on a minute or two after. It surprisingly worked as it turned back on every time even with no internet available.
Anyway, if TP-Link could add this small option in the app, and add energy monitoring to it. The Kasa Smart KP303 would be perfect. Till then, based on features, and pricing (Currently at $29.99 on AMAZON) we here at rwlabs award the Kasa Smart KP303 3-outlet power strip our Best Value and Recommended Awards.
