Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug Review

The Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug review reveals an affordable and feature-rich device that brings smart capabilities to everyday appliances. This compact plug, from TP-Link’s Tapo line, offers energy monitoring, remote control, scheduling, and voice control, making it a compelling option for those looking to smarten their homes without breaking the bank. It also boasts Matter certification, promising seamless integration into various smart home ecosystems.

Design and Build Quality

The Tapo P110M maintains a classic, mini smart plug form factor, designed to be unobtrusive and not block adjacent sockets. It's compact, with dimensions similar to a standard UK plug socket, and crafted from UL94-V0 flame-retardant PC material for enhanced safety. While its small size is a definite plus, some users may find it challenging to use two plugs side-by-side in a standard double socket due to the plug's width. Credit: mightygadget.co.uk This image shows a comparison between the Tapo P110M, P110, and a Kasa smart plug, highlighting the compact size of the Tapo plugs.

Setup and Integration

The Tapo P110M offers flexible setup options, thanks to its Matter certification. Users can choose to set up the device using the Tapo app, or directly through a Matter-compatible platform like Home Assistant, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.

• Tapo App Setup: The Tapo app utilizes Bluetooth for a quick and straightforward onboarding process. This method is ideal for users who want to take advantage of all the features offered by the Tapo ecosystem.
• Matter Setup: Using Matter, the plug can be set up using the QR code on the side of the device. This allows for quick integration into your preferred ecosystem, though it may require the Matter hub to be close during initial pairing.

Features and Functionality

The Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug review would not be complete without delving into its various functionalities. Whether you choose to use the Tapo app or a Matter-compatible platform, the plug offers a range of useful smart features.

• Remote Control: Instantly turn devices on or off from anywhere using the Tapo app.
• Scheduling: Create preset schedules to automatically manage devices according to your routines.
• Timer: Set countdown timers for connected electronics to switch them on or off as needed.
• Voice Control: Manage the smart plug using voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, or Google Assistant.
• Away Mode: Simulate occupancy by automatically turning devices on and off at random intervals, enhancing home security.
• Auto-Off: Automatically turn off connected devices after a set period, reducing energy consumption.
• Energy Monitoring: The Tapo app provides detailed statistics on energy use, with intuitive visualizations that show real-time power consumption, daily usage, and historical data across 30 days and 12 months. It also allows for the input of electricity rates to estimate energy bills.

Energy Monitoring Capabilities

The energy monitoring feature is a standout capability of the Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug. Through the Tapo app, users can access real-time power consumption data and track energy usage over various time periods. This feature enables users to identify energy-hungry appliances, estimate energy costs, and implement more efficient usage patterns. The app supports both singular and periodic billing to better manage energy expenses. - Smart Charge Guard: This feature automatically shuts off the plug when a device reaches a set low-power threshold for a specified duration, preventing overcharging and reducing energy waste. - Power Protection: The plug includes a power protection feature, which will automatically turn off connected devices when the power exceeds a set limit, preventing electrical damage.

Integration with Smart Home Platforms

The Tapo P110M shines with its versatility in smart home integration.

• Matter Support: The inclusion of Matter certification allows for seamless integration with a wide range of smart home ecosystems, enabling control from a variety of apps and devices.
• Tapo App: While Matter offers basic control, using the Tapo app unlocks the full potential of the plug. This includes energy monitoring, advanced scheduling, and smart actions within the Tapo ecosystem.
• Voice Assistants: The plug is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, enabling voice control of connected devices.
• Home Assistant: For local control and advanced automation, the Tapo P110M can be integrated with Home Assistant. While native Matter integration might have limited energy monitoring, the TP-Link/Tapo integration within Home Assistant offers complete functionality, including energy data.

Performance and Reliability

The Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug review shows that it is a reliable and consistent performer. Users report that the plug operates seamlessly for controlling devices, with no significant stability issues. Both app and voice controls are responsive, and the scheduling and timer functionalities perform as expected.

Drawbacks and Limitations

Although the Tapo P110M offers a lot of value, there are a few limitations to consider:

• Matter Limitations: While Matter support is a major selling point, current Matter integration lacks full energy monitoring capabilities.
• Online Setup Dependency: The TP-Link/Tapo integration requires an initial online setup, which might be a concern for users who prefer a fully local setup.
• Size: Although compact, the plug can be a tight fit in some double sockets and might block adjacent plugs.
• Lack of IFTTT: Unlike some Kasa devices, the Tapo P110M does not support IFTTT, which can limit some advanced home automation options.

Price and Alternatives

The Tapo P110M is priced competitively, often available for around £10 or £11, making it an affordable option for most users. The regular price is generally around £17.

• TP-Link Tapo P110: The standard P110, without Matter, can often be found for a similar price when on sale.
• Meross Matter Smart Plug Mini: This is a similar option with Matter support, often available for a slightly higher price.
• Eve Energy UK Matter Smart Plug: This Thread-enabled plug offers a more stable local network, but at a significantly higher cost.
• TP-Link Kasa KP115: A Kasa alternative with energy monitoring, but lacks Matter support.
• Meross Smart Power Strip and Outdoor Plug: These are alternatives for those needing more outlets or weather resistance, respectively.

Conclusion

The Tapo P110M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug review confirms that it is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and feature-rich smart plug. Its compatibility with Matter ensures it can work with a wide range of smart home ecosystems. While there are some limitations in Matter's current implementation, the plug's reliability, energy monitoring capabilities, and ease of use, especially with the Tapo app, make it a top recommendation for value-conscious smart home enthusiasts. The P110M blends convenience and functionality, making it an ideal option for automating your home.