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Shelly vs TP-Link Kasa

Shelly logo

Shelly

Software

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

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 Shelly has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup; 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: Shelly covers Local Control, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Shelly and TP-Link Kasa differ
AttributeShellyTP-Link Kasa
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local networkIOS, Android, Web
Founded20161996

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 Shelly

  • Local Control
  • Open API
  • MQTT Support
  • Home Assistant
  • Local API support

Only in TP-Link Kasa

  • Affordable
  • No Hub Required
  • Scheduling
  • IFTTT

Both cover

  • Energy Monitoring
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Shelly

  • Smart home automation and controlnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Energy monitoring and managementnot TP-Link Kasa
  • WiFi/Bluetooth/Matter device integrationnot TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa

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

Where each one falls short

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

Shelly

  • Premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • Device-specific capabilities vary; not all features available across entire product range

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

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly review.

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 Shelly if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
  • You also want open api.
Shelly 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 Shelly or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. Shelly 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, Shelly or TP-Link Kasa?
Shelly has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Shelly and On request for TP-Link Kasa.
Does Shelly or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network. TP-Link Kasa runs on IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Shelly for free?
Yes. Shelly has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. TP-Link Kasa starts at On request.
What is Shelly best used for?
Shelly is most often used for smart home automation and control, energy monitoring and management, wifi/bluetooth/matter device integration. Of those, smart home automation and control and energy monitoring and management are not what TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
What can Shelly do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Home Assistant. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Scheduling, IFTTT. Both handle Energy Monitoring, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings.
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