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Tasmota vs TP-Link Kasa

T

Tasmota

Software

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based 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 Tasmota has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it; 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: Tasmota covers Local Control, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Tasmota and TP-Link Kasa differ
AttributeTasmotaTP-Link Kasa
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devicesIOS, Android, Web
Founded20171996

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 Tasmota

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Web Interface
  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED

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.

Tasmota

  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based smart plugs and switchesnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Controlling smart home devices locally over MQTT or HTTPnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Integrating off the shelf Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant without a cloud accountnot TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa

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

Where each one falls short

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

Tasmota

  • Tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • Initial installation requires opening the device, bridging GPIO0 to ground during boot and using a 3.3V serial programmer; a 5V programmer damages the chip
  • The ESP chip needs at least 150mA at 3.3V, so an underpowered supply causes flashing and stability failures
  • The Wi-Fi setup access point stays active for only 3 minutes, after which the device must be power cycled to try again
  • The Power Cycle Recovery feature can reset a device to firmware defaults where mains power fluctuates, and the docs advise disabling it in that case

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

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

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 Tasmota if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
  • You also want mqtt support.
Tasmota 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 Tasmota or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. Tasmota 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, Tasmota or TP-Link Kasa?
Tasmota has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Tasmota and On request for TP-Link Kasa.
Does Tasmota or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices. TP-Link Kasa runs on IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Tasmota for free?
Yes. Tasmota has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. TP-Link Kasa starts at On request.
What is Tasmota best used for?
Tasmota is most often used for replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches, controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http, integrating off the shelf wi-fi devices with home assistant without a cloud account. Of those, replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches and controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http are not what TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
What can Tasmota do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, OTA Updates. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Energy Monitoring, Scheduling.
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