The honest truth about these little gadgets
The
Tapo P100 2-Pack is ideal for anyone wanting to dip their toes into home automation without the headache of a central hub. It is reliable and easy to set up, though it is strictly for small appliances and won't handle heavy-duty machinery.
What We Liked 👍
- Dead simple to set up
- No external hub required
- Solid build quality for the price
- Handy scheduling and timer functions
What Could Be Better 👎
- Not for heavy power loads
- Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Takes up a bit of space
Built to last or just another electronic paperweight?
I have seen enough cheap plastic junk in my time to know when something is going to fall apart, but these
Tapo plugs actually feel sturdy enough to hold their own. Made from polycarbonate, they do not feel like they will crack if you look at them sideways. They have enough heft to make me think they won't just turn into e-waste the moment you plug them into the wall.
The tolerances are decent, and they fit into a standard UK socket without feeling like they are going to wiggle loose. While I am always wary of anything that relies on a Wi-Fi connection, the build quality here is a step above the usual flimsy rubbish you find online. If you treat them right, they should be kicking around your house for a good while.
What they do, and what they definitely cannot do
These plugs are designed to give you remote control over your lamps, fans, and coffee makers via the app or your voice assistant. Setup is a breeze, and since they do not need a hub, you are up and running in minutes. The scheduling feature is the real star here, letting you automate your home without needing to be an IT expert.
Just keep in mind that these have limits. With a 13A maximum output, they are fine for household electronics, but do not even think about plugging a high-powered heater or a massive compressor into them. They are smart, not magic, so keep the heavy-duty machinery plugged directly into the wall.
The final verdict from the workshop
Buy the
Tapo P100 if you want a reliable, no-nonsense way to automate your lights or small kitchen gadgets without the hassle of a hub. Skip this if you are trying to control high-draw appliances or if you are still living on a 5GHz-only network, as these only talk to the 2.4GHz band.