Software · head to head
Aqara vs TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa
Software
Affordable smart home devices with easy setup
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Aqara a hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first; TP-Link Kasa devices are sold individually rather than as a subscription, for example the Smart Video Doorbell Camera costs 49.99 USD and the 4-pack Smart Light Bulb costs 39.99 USD
- They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Aqara and TP-Link Kasa actually diverge.
| Attribute | Aqara | TP-Link Kasa |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | IOS, Android | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2016 | 1996 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (one-time), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Aqara
- Zigbee protocol
- Sensor ecosystem
- Automation scenes
- Long battery life
- Local processing
- Apple HomeKit
- Apple HomeKit
- Google Assistant
Only in TP-Link Kasa
- Affordable
- No Hub Required
- Energy Monitoring
- Scheduling
- Alexa
- Google Home
- SmartThings
- Web support
Both cover
- IFTTT
- IOS support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Aqara
- Smart home sensors, switches and cameras on Zigbeenot TP-Link Kasa
- Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot TP-Link Kasa
- Matter-based smart home setupsnot TP-Link Kasa
- Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot TP-Link Kasa
TP-Link Kasa
- Energy monitoringnot Aqara
- Automationnot Aqara
- Voice controlnot Aqara
- Budget smart homenot Aqara
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Aqara
- A hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
- Primarily a hardware company, so the app exists to run devices you have bought
- Zigbee devices depend on the hub remaining supported
TP-Link Kasa
- Devices are sold individually rather than as a subscription, for example the Smart Video Doorbell Camera costs 49.99 USD and the 4-pack Smart Light Bulb costs 39.99 USD
Pricing, plan by plan
Aqara
On request- Door Sensor$15/month
- Zigbee
- Long battery
- Instant alerts
- Motion Sensor$20/month
- Light sensor
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Pet immune
- Hub M2$60/month
- Zigbee hub
- IR control
- HomeKit support
TP-Link Kasa
On request- Smart Plug$10/month
- WiFi
- Voice control
- Scheduling
- Smart Switch$20/month
- In-wall installation
- Dimming
- 3-way support
Which should you pick?
Choose Aqara if
- You need zigbee protocol.
- You work on IOS, Android.
- You also want sensor ecosystem.
Choose TP-Link Kasa if
- You need affordable.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want no hub required.
Questions people ask
- Is Aqara or TP-Link Kasa better?
- Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and TP-Link Kasa at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Aqara or TP-Link Kasa?
- Aqara starts at On request and TP-Link Kasa at On request.
- Does Aqara or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
- Aqara runs on IOS, Android. TP-Link Kasa runs on IOS, Android, Web.
- What is Aqara best used for?
- Aqara is most often used for smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee, automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings, matter-based smart home setups, door locks and curtain controllers tied to routines. Of those, smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee and automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings are not what TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
- What can Aqara do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
- Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Energy Monitoring, Scheduling. Both handle IFTTT, IOS support, Android support.
Related pages
More on TP-Link Kasa
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