Independent buying advice · Updated October 23, 2026

Kasa vs. Tapo: Which TP-Link Smart Home Brand Should You Buy?

Kasa and Tapo are both TP-Link smart home brands, which makes choosing between them confusing. They overlap on smart plugs and bulbs, differ in app, Matter support and camera range, and can now share one app. This guide explains the differences and pairs comparable Kasa and Tapo models so you can pick the right one for your home.

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The short version

Both are TP-Link. Kasa is the older brand; Tapo is the newer one, with a wide camera range, sensors and Matter-certified lighting.
One app is possible. TP-Link says most Kasa devices can be managed in the Tapo app (version 3.0 or later).
Matter is model by model. Some Kasa and Tapo devices are Matter-certified; many are not. Check the exact model, not the brand.
New buyers: start with Tapo for cameras and Matter bulbs; choose either brand for Matter plugs.

How we compared

We used TP-Link's own product pages and its support article on linking Kasa devices to the Tapo app, and checked that each model below is currently sold on Amazon in the US. Several of these products already appear in our other guides. We have not tested them ourselves.

Kasa vs. Tapo at a glance

Topic	Kasa	Tapo
App	Kasa Smart app; most devices can also be linked into the Tapo app	Tapo app, which can also control most Kasa devices
Smart plugs	Wide range, including Matter (KP125M) and HomeKit (EP25) models	Wide range, including Matter indoor (P125M) and outdoor (P400M) models
Smart bulbs	Wi-Fi bulbs such as the KL135; not Matter-certified	Matter-certified color bulbs such as the L535E
Cameras	Kasa-branded cameras exist; check current availability. Optional Kasa Care	Broad range of indoor, outdoor, battery and solar cameras; optional Tapo Care
Hub needed?	No for Wi-Fi plugs, bulbs and switches	No for Wi-Fi devices; some sensors and buttons need a Tapo hub
Voice assistants	Alexa and Google Assistant on most models	Alexa and Google Assistant on most models

Support varies by model and firmware. Confirm Matter, HomeKit and voice assistant support on each product's page.

Apps: Kasa, Tapo, or both?

Kasa devices were designed for the Kasa Smart app, and Tapo devices for the Tapo app. TP-Link now lets you bring most Kasa devices into the Tapo app, either by linking your Kasa account (Tapo app, then Me, then Link Tapo with Kasa) or by adding a Kasa device directly. Both apps must use the same TP-Link ID. TP-Link says devices, groups, smart actions, scenes, schedules, timers and away mode carry over; rooms must be reassigned, and the Kasa KE100 and KE110 are not supported. If you own Kasa cameras with Kasa Care, the old cloud clips stay in the Kasa app.

Matter support

Matter lets a device work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings from one setup code, and keeps local control working over your home network. Both brands sell Matter-certified Wi-Fi plugs, but on the lighting side the Matter-certified bulb here is from Tapo; the Kasa KL135 bulb is Wi-Fi only. Matter devices from either brand need a Matter controller. For background, read Matter vs. Thread explained and do smart plugs need a hub?

Smart plugs: Kasa KP125M vs. Tapo P125M

Both are compact Matter-over-Wi-Fi plugs that work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through Matter. The Kasa model adds energy monitoring; the Tapo model is a simple on/off plug that leaves the neighboring outlet free. Our best Matter smart plugs guide covers both in more depth.