ConsFirst / Smart plugs / Compare
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25) vs Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25) ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on energy monitoring & schedules, size (doesn't block outlets). Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25) wins on stays connected.
The biggest complaint about the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25) is frequent disconnections for some owners; for the Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25) it's some units fail early. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25) | Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart plugs | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi | Outdoor |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 8% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| Stays connected | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Setup | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Smart-home compatibility | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Energy monitoring & schedules | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Size (doesn't block outlets) | 3.5 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $15 · $$ $15–30 · $$$ over $30 (per plug). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25)
- Frequent disconnections for some owners
Amazon's review summary says connectivity issues are common, with frequent disconnections, and that reliability, compatibility and setup are mixed. Some units fail to connect to HomeKit.
- Sold only in packs
Wirecutter says it is sold only in two- or four-packs, so you may pay for plugs you don't need.
Source: Wirecutter - Not as slim as the name suggests; Apple Home setup quirks
Wirecutter found it about the size of non-slim plugs, sticking out about 1.5 inches. On an iPhone it may push you to set up Apple Home first, and if you control it only through Apple Home you lose energy monitoring and Away Mode. Some Amazon owners dislike needing another app.
Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25)
- Some units fail early
Amazon's review summary says durability is mixed: some owners say it holds up well, while others report it breaking within six weeks. Value is also mixed.
- Run time only; Matter can be finicky
Wirecutter says it tracks only run time, not kWh. It adds that Matter has a reputation for being finicky and needs a compatible hub, though it worked in Wirecutter's tests.
Source: Wirecutter - Bulky
Tom's Guide lists 'on the large side' as its con (5.43 by 5.35 by 2.52 inches).
Source: Tom's Guide
Who should pick which
Pick the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25) if
Tracking the power use of individual devices
Homes that mix Alexa, Google and Apple Home
Buying several plugs at once
Skip it if: You need only one plug; Your Wi-Fi is spotty; The plug must fit behind tight furniture
Pick the Tapo Matter Outdoor Smart Plug (P400M / TP25) if
Holiday and string lights outdoors
Cold or wet climates
Controlling two outdoor devices separately
Skip it if: You need kWh energy data; Your outdoor outlet box is cramped; You have no Matter hub and want Apple Home (consider the Kasa EP40A)
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