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Particle vs TP-Link Kasa

Particle logo

Particle

Software

Edge-to-cloud IoT platform for connected 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 Particle has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Particle paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200; 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: Particle covers Device OS, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Particle and TP-Link Kasa differ
AttributeParticleTP-Link Kasa
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsParticle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile appsIOS, Android, Web
Founded20131996

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 Particle

  • Device OS
  • Cloud Platform
  • Device Management
  • OTA Updates
  • REST API
  • WebHooks
  • Integration marketplace
  • 3rd party services

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.

Particle

  • Connecting cellular and wifi IoT devices to a managed cloud platformnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Deploying firmware updates and collecting device telemetry at fleet scalenot TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa

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

Where each one falls short

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

Particle

  • Paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200
  • The Basic block is $299 a month and the Plus block $599 a month
  • The free tier allows 100 devices and 100,000 data operations a month
  • Data operations are the billing unit, so chatty firmware costs more than the device count suggests
  • No overage rates are published at any tier, so exceeding an allowance has no stated cost

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

Particle

Free
  • MakerFree
    • 5 free devices
    • Cloud access
    • Basic features
  • Production$100/month
    • Unlimited devices
    • Advanced analytics
    • Enterprise 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 Particle if

  • You need device os.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps.
  • You also want cloud platform.
Particle 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 Particle or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. Particle 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, Particle or TP-Link Kasa?
Particle has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Particle and On request for TP-Link Kasa.
Does Particle or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
Particle runs on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps. TP-Link Kasa runs on IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Particle for free?
Yes. Particle has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. TP-Link Kasa starts at On request.
What is Particle best used for?
Particle is most often used for connecting cellular and wifi iot devices to a managed cloud platform, deploying firmware updates and collecting device telemetry at fleet scale. Of those, connecting cellular and wifi iot devices to a managed cloud platform and deploying firmware updates and collecting device telemetry at fleet scale are not what TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
What can Particle do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
Particle covers Device OS, Cloud Platform, Device Management, OTA Updates. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Energy Monitoring, Scheduling.
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