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MQTT vs TP-Link Kasa

MQTT logo

MQTT

Software

Lightweight messaging protocol for IoT devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TP-Link Kasa logo

TP-Link Kasa

Software

Affordable smart home devices with easy setup

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MQTT has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MQTT mQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec; 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: MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MQTT and TP-Link Kasa actually diverge.

Attributes where MQTT and TP-Link Kasa differ
AttributeMQTTTP-Link Kasa
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsAny platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computingIOS, Android, Web
Founded19991996

Identical on both: 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 MQTT

  • Publish-Subscribe
  • Lightweight
  • QoS Levels
  • Retained Messages
  • IoT platforms
  • Home automation
  • Cloud services
  • Edge devices

Only in TP-Link Kasa

  • Affordable
  • No Hub Required
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Scheduling
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IFTTT

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MQTT

  • IoT messagingnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Sensor datanot TP-Link Kasa
  • Real-time updatesnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Device telemetrynot TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa

  • Energy monitoringnot MQTT
  • Automationnot MQTT
  • Voice controlnot MQTT
  • Budget smart homenot MQTT

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MQTT

  • MQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec

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

MQTT

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Publish-subscribe
    • Lightweight
    • QoS levels

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 MQTT if

  • You need publish-subscribe.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing.
  • You also want lightweight.
MQTT review

Choose TP-Link Kasa if

  • You need affordable.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want no hub required.
TP-Link Kasa review

Questions people ask

Is MQTT or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. MQTT starts at Free 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, MQTT or TP-Link Kasa?
MQTT has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MQTT and On request for TP-Link Kasa.
Does MQTT or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
MQTT runs on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing. TP-Link Kasa runs on IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use MQTT for free?
Yes. MQTT has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. TP-Link Kasa starts at On request.
What is MQTT best used for?
MQTT is most often used for iot messaging, sensor data, real-time updates, device telemetry. Of those, iot messaging and sensor data are not what TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
What can MQTT do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, Lightweight, QoS Levels, Retained Messages. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Energy Monitoring, Scheduling.
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