The Bottom Line
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 4-pack delivers excellent value for anyone wanting to dip their toes into smart home automation without breaking the bank. These compact, reliable plugs work seamlessly with voice assistants and offer convenient remote control, though Apple HomeKit users should look elsewhere.
Product Overview
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 represents TP-Link's entry-level solution for transforming any regular outlet into a smart, connected power source. This 4-pack of Wi-Fi enabled outlets lets you control lamps, coffee makers, fans, and other appliances from your smartphone or through voice commands. At roughly $25-30 for the full set, these plugs offer one of the most affordable ways to start building a smart home ecosystem.
Each plug measures just 2.2 x 1.5 x 3.9 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces, making them compact enough to avoid blocking adjacent outlets in standard wall receptacles. The set includes four identical smart plugs, quick setup guides, and access to the comprehensive Kasa Smart app. With a maximum load capacity of 15 amps and 1800 watts per plug, they can handle most household devices safely. The plugs connect exclusively to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks and require no additional hub for operation.
What We Love
- Space-efficient design: The slim profile means you can plug two into a standard duplex outlet without any interference - a surprisingly rare feature among smart plugs.
- Universal voice control: Works flawlessly with both Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you control devices with simple commands like "turn off bedroom lamp."
- Hub-free setup: Connect directly to your home Wi-Fi through the intuitive Kasa app in under 5 minutes per plug.
- Remote access anywhere: Control your devices from the office, vacation, or anywhere with internet connectivity for security and convenience.
- Exceptional value: At about $6-7 per plug when bought as a 4-pack, these cost significantly less than premium alternatives while offering core smart functionality.
Room for Improvement
- No Apple HomeKit support: iPhone users heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem will need to use the separate Kasa app rather than the native Home app.
- Missing energy monitoring: Unlike pricier models, these don't track power consumption, so you can't identify energy-hungry devices or monitor usage costs.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only: Won't connect to modern 5GHz networks, which may cause issues in homes with newer routers or weak 2.4GHz coverage in certain areas.
Real-World Performance
After testing these plugs across multiple rooms and device types, their reliability stands out as the biggest strength. Over six months of daily use controlling table lamps, a coffee maker, space heater, and holiday lights, I experienced zero connectivity drops or failed commands. The response time averages 1-2 seconds whether using voice commands or the smartphone app, which feels nearly instantaneous for most applications.
Standout Feature
The compact design truly shines in tight spaces. Unlike bulkier smart plugs that block the second outlet, these maintain a low profile that allows full use of standard wall receptacles. This seemingly small detail makes a huge difference when dealing with limited outlet availability behind furniture or in crowded power strips.
The scheduling feature works exceptionally well for creating automated routines. I've set up morning schedules that turn on the coffee maker at 6:30 AM and evening routines that activate multiple lamps at sunset. The app's timer function has proven reliable for temporary needs like running a space heater for exactly two hours or ensuring holiday decorations shut off automatically at midnight.
User Experience & Setup
Setting up the Kasa Smart app and connecting each plug takes about 4-5 minutes per device, following a straightforward process of scanning a QR code, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and naming the device. The app interface is clean and responsive, with large buttons that make it easy to control multiple plugs quickly. Voice assistant integration works smoothly once enabled, though you'll need to use specific device names you assign during setup for the most reliable results.
"I'm not particularly tech-savvy, but getting these plugs connected was surprisingly easy. The app walked me through each step clearly, and now I love being able to turn off my bedroom fan from bed using voice commands."
- Margaret from Ohio
The Kasa app offers useful features like grouping multiple plugs together, creating custom schedules, and setting countdown timers. The away mode randomly turns devices on and off to simulate someone being home, which provides genuine peace of mind during vacations. However, the app can feel basic compared to more advanced smart home platforms, lacking features like advanced automation triggers or integration with other smart home brands.
Value Analysis
At roughly $25-30 for four plugs, the HS103P4 4-pack offers outstanding value for basic smart plug functionality. Individual smart plugs from premium brands often cost $15-25 each, making this set a budget-friendly way to automate multiple devices. The lack of energy monitoring is the primary feature sacrifice, but most users find the core remote control and scheduling capabilities meet their needs perfectly.
💡 Compared to Similar Products: While Amazon's Smart Plugs cost less individually, they require an Echo device for full functionality. The Wyze Plug matches the price but has connectivity issues. TP-Link's higher-end models add energy monitoring for about $10 more per plug.
Long-term value looks solid based on TP-Link's reputation for reliable networking hardware. These plugs have maintained consistent performance over extended testing periods, and the company provides regular app updates that have improved functionality over time. The main ongoing cost is minimal additional electricity usage - each plug draws about 1-2 watts when connected but idle, adding roughly $2-3 annually to your electric bill for all four plugs combined.
Who Should Buy This?
The Kasa HS103P4 4-pack works best for smart home beginners wanting to automate basic devices without major investment. If you primarily use Android devices or aren't locked into Apple's ecosystem, these plugs provide excellent starter automation for lamps, coffee makers, fans, and seasonal decorations. They're also ideal for renters who want smart home convenience without permanent installations or complex setups.
Perfect For:
- Smart home newcomers: Simple setup and operation make these ideal for first-time smart device buyers who want reliable basic functionality
- Budget-conscious buyers: The 4-pack pricing delivers premium features at entry-level costs, perfect for outfitting multiple rooms affordably
- Voice assistant users: Seamless Alexa and Google Assistant integration makes hands-free control effortless for daily routines
Skip If:
- You're all-in on Apple HomeKit: The lack of native iOS Home app integration creates unnecessary friction for Apple-focused smart homes
- Energy monitoring matters: Users wanting to track power consumption and identify energy-hungry devices need pricier alternatives
"These plugs got me started with smart home automation on a tight budget. Now I can't imagine not being able to turn my living room lamps on before I get home from work. Simple but effective!"
- David from Texas
Final Verdict
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 4-pack delivers exactly what most people need from smart plugs: reliable remote control, voice assistant compatibility, and scheduling automation at an unbeatable price point. While missing advanced features like energy monitoring and HomeKit support, the core functionality works flawlessly with excellent build quality and user-friendly operation.
For anyone wanting to automate basic household devices without breaking the bank, this 4-pack represents one of the best values in smart home automation. Just ensure you're comfortable using the Kasa app rather than Apple's Home ecosystem if you're an iPhone user.
