Kasa Smart
Kasa Smart provides an easy and affordable way to add lighting, plugs, switches, and cameras to your home with simple Wi-Fi–based setup. The Kasa app gives you clear control over devices, groups, and schedules, making it a great choice for users who want a straightforward system that works across Alexa, Google Home, and Matter-enabled ecosystems.
Features
Simple Wi-Fi Setup
Kasa Smart devices connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a dedicated hub. Most products can be paired in minutes through the app.
Affordable Smart Home Devices
The Kasa lineup includes smart plugs, light bulbs, switches, cameras, and power strips designed to cover everyday needs without raising costs.
Reliable App Control & Monitoring
The Kasa app provides a clean interface for turning devices on or off, adjusting brightness, checking cameras, and managing groups.
Kasa Schedules & Automation Tools
You can create schedules, timers, and grouped actions to control lights and appliances automatically. These simple tools help streamline daily routines.
Matter Support On Newer Devices
Many new Kasa products support Matter, allowing them to integrate smoothly with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings for broader compatibility.
Voice Assistant Integration
Kasa works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you hands-free access to lighting, outlets, cameras, and scenes throughout your home.
Energy Monitoring On Select Devices
Some Kasa smart plugs and power strips offer built-in energy monitoring. These insights help you manage usage and identify high-consumption appliances.
Flexible Remote Access
Kasa devices can be controlled from anywhere through encrypted cloud connectivity. You can check device status and run automations even when you are away.
Integrations
Kasa Dashboards
The Kasa app organizes your devices and rooms in a simple, straightforward dashboard. You can view activity, adjust lighting, manage schedules, and access cameras with a layout designed for quick everyday use.
Kasa Smart Automations
Kasa automations let you schedule lights, manage timers, and group actions without complex configuration. For more advanced routines, Kasa devices can be linked to Matter-enabled platforms and voice assistants that support deeper automation logic.
When
Kasa Smart Camera
Detects people in living room
And if (optional)
Kasa Smart Lights
Living room lights are off
Then do
Kasa Smart Plug
Turn on plug to living room lamp
Related Resources
View allCompare Kasa Smart Platform
Each smart home platform offers different strengths in compatibility, automation, and device flexibility. This comparison tool helps you understand how Kasa Smart compares across key features so you can decide whether it fits your home and long-term plans.
Kasa Smart
Home Assistant
Device Compatibility
Kasa Smart supports TP-Link’s growing lineup of smart plugs, switches, cameras, lighting, and power strips. While primarily focused on its own ecosystem, many devices also integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.
Home Assistant supports thousands of smart devices across nearly every major brand and category. Its open-source nature and extensive integration library make it one of the most versatile platforms available.
Protocols Supported
Kasa products connect over Wi-Fi, removing the need for a separate hub. Select new devices and upcoming releases are adding Matter support for improved cross-platform compatibility.
Home Assistant connects with almost every major protocol, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, and Bluetooth. Additional support for APIs, MQTT, and custom integrations extends compatibility even further.
Ecosystem Size
The Kasa ecosystem includes dozens of affordable smart devices designed for easy setup and reliability. It integrates well with TP-Link’s other platforms, such as Tapo and Deco, for a unified experience.
With hundreds of native integrations and a thriving developer community, Home Assistant’s ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. Users can connect proprietary hubs and third-party systems under a single, unified platform.
Setup Process
Setup is simple using the Kasa Smart app, where devices connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. Each product includes step-by-step pairing guidance and automatic firmware updates.
Setup is more technical than plug-and-play but offers full flexibility. Installation varies by hardware, and once configured, devices integrate seamlessly through community-supported add-ons and guided setup flows.
Mobile App & Interface
The Kasa Smart app offers a clear interface for controlling devices, creating groups, and scheduling automations. It emphasizes ease of use and quick access to common controls.
The Home Assistant Companion app provides local and remote control, notifications, and sensor data. Its Lovelace dashboard system gives users deep customization over layout, appearance, and functionality.
Voice Assistant Integration
Kasa integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control for individual devices or groups. Users can adjust lights, power outlets, and scenes without opening the app.
Home Assistant supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri through official integrations, along with its own local “Assist” voice control. Advanced users can add privacy-focused options like Rhasspy for local-only processing.
Automation Capabilities
Automations can be built around schedules, device status, or sensor inputs when paired with compatible products. While simple, these automations work reliably for routine energy and lighting control.
Home Assistant’s automation engine supports simple routines and complex logic with triggers, conditions, and scripting. Users can build from templates or import community-created Blueprints for faster setup.
Remote Access
The Kasa Smart app connects through TP-Link’s secure cloud, allowing users to control and monitor devices from anywhere. No VPN or special setup is required for remote access.
Users can access their Home Assistant setup locally or remotely through Nabu Casa’s cloud service, VPN, or self-hosted solutions. Core automations continue to function even when offline.
Customization
Users can organize devices by room, create schedules, and combine actions into scenes. The platform focuses on simplicity over deep customization but covers most practical use cases.
Everything in Home Assistant can be customized, from dashboard design to automation logic and integrations. Users can build completely personalized interfaces and experiences tailored to their needs.
Cloud vs. Local Control
Kasa operates mainly through the cloud for remote connectivity and automation syncing. Local control through Matter will improve performance and reduce cloud reliance for newer devices.
Home Assistant prioritizes local control to keep your data private and automations fast. Cloud services are optional, giving you the choice between full independence or added convenience.
Data Privacy
Data is managed through TP-Link’s encrypted cloud service. Users can review connected devices and privacy settings directly within the Kasa app.
Because it’s open source and locally hosted, you decide where data is stored and who can access it. There are no hidden cloud dependencies or required external connections.
Security Standards
TP-Link employs strong encryption, secure pairing, and frequent firmware updates to maintain device security. Each product connects directly to the network without requiring a third-party bridge.
Security depends on user configuration but is generally strong. Regular updates, encryption, and community transparency make it easy to maintain a secure setup.
Hub Requirement
Kasa devices connect directly to Wi-Fi and do not require a hub. This makes it an accessible entry point for users who want to build a simple smart home system.
A dedicated hub isn’t required, though most setups use a central device like a Raspberry Pi or server. USB radios or bridges may be needed to connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread devices.
Hardware Options
Kasa’s hardware lineup includes smart plugs, dimmers, light bulbs, power strips, and cameras. Most products are designed for plug-and-play operation with minimal setup effort.
Home Assistant can run on Raspberry Pi, mini PCs, NAS units, or official hardware like the Home Assistant Green and Yellow. This flexibility lets users scale from basic setups to enterprise-grade control.
Pricing Model
The Kasa platform is free to use, with no subscriptions required. Users only pay for the devices they add to their network.
The core software is free and open source. Optional paid services, like Nabu Casa for remote access and cloud-assisted voice control, add convenience without limiting local features.
Third-Party Integrations
Kasa integrates with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Matter support will further extend compatibility with other ecosystems.
Home Assistant integrates with IFTTT, Node-RED, MQTT, and open APIs. Users can also build their own integrations or install thousands of community-made ones.
Community Support
TP-Link provides a knowledge base, community forum, and responsive customer support. Tutorials and setup guides are widely available for most Kasa devices.
An active global community drives development through forums, GitHub, and tutorials. Frequent updates and shared Blueprints make it easy for new users to find help and inspiration.
Future-Proofing
Kasa is expanding Matter compatibility across new product lines. Ongoing updates ensure older devices remain supported while bridging the platform into next-generation ecosystems.
Home Assistant evolves quickly with support for new standards like Matter and Thread. Its open-source foundation ensures adaptability and long-term compatibility across devices and protocols.