We compared two simple Wi-Fi smart plugs that turn ordinary appliances into smart ones: the TP-Link Tapo P100 and the Amazon Basics Single Outlet Smart Plug.
What we looked at
Voice assistants, app and scheduling features, extras such as away mode and device sharing, Wi-Fi requirements, and price.
The verdict
If you use Google Home as well as Alexa, or want an away mode and device sharing, at under £8, the Tapo P100 is the flexible, cheaper pick. If your home runs entirely on Alexa and you want to manage the plug in the Alexa app with sunrise and sunset schedules and no extra app, the Amazon Basics plug is the simple option, at £2 more and with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
A cheaper plug that works with Alexa and Google Home and adds away mode and sharing, but it needs its own Tapo app.
A plug managed entirely in the Alexa app with sunrise and sunset schedules, but it costs £2 more and is Alexa-only.
TP-Link Tapo P100 (1-Pack) Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Works with Alexa and Google — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a mini Wi-Fi smart plug with voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, scheduling and timers, app remote control, device sharing, an away mode and no hub required.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Amazon Basics smart plug on these listings
- Works with both Alexa and Google Home
- Schedule and timer to switch appliances on and off automatically
- Remote control from anywhere through the Tapo app, and device sharing with family members
- Away mode that switches devices on and off at different times to look like someone is home
- No hub required
Worth knowing
- The listing says EV charging is not supported because it needs higher power
- Needs the Tapo app for remote control
Best for
- Buyers who use Google Home or a mix of Alexa and Google
- Anyone who wants an away mode and device sharing
- Budget-conscious smart-home starters
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to run everything through the Alexa app only
- People who want to charge an electric vehicle from it
Amazon Basics Single Outlet Indoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Works with Alexa Only, 1 Pack, White, UK — Best for Alexa
Intended for: Marketed as a compact indoor Wi-Fi smart plug that works only with Alexa, set up and managed in the Alexa app with schedules and routines, needing no third-party apps or hubs, on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
What we liked
- Set up and managed directly in the Alexa app, with no third-party apps or hubs
- Schedules and routines at set times, by voice command, or at sunrise and sunset
- Compact design that fits one socket and leaves the remaining sockets free
- Control plugged-in appliances such as lights or fans remotely through the Alexa app
Worth knowing
- Costs £2 more than the Tapo P100 on these listings
- Works exclusively with Alexa, not Google Home
- Works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
Best for
- Alexa and Echo households that want everything in one app
- Anyone who wants sunrise and sunset schedules
- Buyers who like an Amazon-branded accessory
Not ideal for
- Google Home users
- Homes with a 5GHz-only Wi-Fi setup
