TP-Link Kasa vs Meross: Outdoor Smart Plugs Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
An outdoor smart plug can help you control your outdoor devices with ease. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
TP-Link Kasa and Meross are two options you may want to consider. In this article, we will compare the two products based on a few key consideration aspects including price, design, features, and installation process.
Key Takeaways
One key difference is Kasa smart plug offers more features unavailable in Meross, such as Runtime and Away Mode. However, while Kasa is only compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, Meross takes it one step further by being compatible with Apple HomeKit as well.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400
Feature-Rich
✓ 2.4GHz WiFi networks
✓ Schedules, timers, scenes, runtime, away mode
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
✓ Weatherproof IP64
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug MSS620B
Affordable but Great Value
✓ 2.4GHz WiFi networks
✓ Schedules, timers, scenes, sunrise and sunset
✓ Woks with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit
✓ Weatherproof IP44
#1 Price
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug comes in two versions. The older version has 2 sockets and is priced at $27.91. Meanwhile, the newer version has only 1 socket but is more affordable at $16.99. This can be a great option if you're on a budget and only need to control one outdoor appliance.
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug also comes in two versions. The first version does not support compatibility with Apple HomeKit and is priced at $21.99. The second version is compatible with Apple HomeKit but is more expensive at $28.99. If you're not an Apple user, you might as well opt for the cheaper version that equally offers great features.
#2 Design
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug MSS620B
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug is designed to be weather-resistant. With an IP64 rating, it has total protection against dust and protection against splashes of water from all directions. Meross Outdoor Smart Plug is also weatherproof, even though it has a lower IP44 rating. This rating means that it has protection against solid objects over 1mm and protection against splashes of water from all directions. Both outdoor smart plugs can resist water and allow limited ingression. But still, you can't immerse them in water or any other liquid.
For more protection against the elements, both outdoor smart plugs also have socket covers. The socket cover of the Meross Outdoor Smart Plug is attached to its body, so you can just cover the socket when not in use. On the other hand, the socket cover of the TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug is detachable and can be lost if not stored properly.
Both outdoor smart plugs are also equipped with fire prevention. The shell of the TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug is made of UL94-V0 PC, a material ideal for fire prevention. Meanwhile, Meross Outdoor Smart Plug is equipped with a fire-retardant housing design and overload protection circuit, with FCC certification.
Both TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug and Meross Outdoor Smart Plug have a physical power button that lets you turn on and off the sockets manually. However, Meross only has one button that controls both outlets together. This is different from Kasa which provides two buttons for independent control of each outlet. Moreover, TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug also has an LED that lights up when the corresponding smart outlet is on.
#3 Features
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug allows you to control your plugged-in outdoor appliances remotely via the Kasa Smart App. Voice control is also possible as the smart plug is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Vera. Some features available in the app include setting schedules, timers, and scenes. There is also a Runtime feature that lets you check how long your plugged-in devices have been running. However, it does not tell you the power usage for energy monitoring.
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug also offers similar features. You can control the smart plug from anywhere via the Meross app even if your home internet is down. Voice control is also possible as the smart plug works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Smart Things, and even Apple HomeKit (depending on the version). You can also set schedules, timers, and scenes, and customize settings based on sunrise and sunset.
When it comes to features, the main difference between both smart plugs is that Kasa provides Away mode, while Meross does not. Away mode is a feature that automatically turns on and off your plugged-in devices at random intervals to make it look like someone is home. If you're often away from home and want to keep your home secure, this feature can be a crucial consideration point.
#4 Installation
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug MSS620B
Both the TP-Link Kasa and Meross outdoor smart plugs are easy to install. Simply plug the device into a standard outdoor outlet, open the Kasa Smart or Meross app on your smartphone, add the outdoor smart plug, and follow the instructions in the app.
Both outdoor smart plugs don't require any smart hub for installation and can connect only to a 2.4GHz network.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug vs Meross Outdoor Smart Plug
Final Thoughts
TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400
TP-Link Kasa and Meross outdoor smart plugs are great options for controlling your outdoor devices remotely. TP-Link Kasa offers some additional features like Runtime and Away mode, but it is slightly more expensive. The Meross has a version that supports HomeKit and is equipped with a non-attachable socket cover.
Ultimately, you should consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when choosing between TP-Link Kasa and Meross outdoor smart plugs.
If you like to read more about Smart Plugs, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Plugs of 2023
Best Smart Plugs for 5GHz WiFi
BroadLink Smart Plug Mini SP4D-US Review
Leviton Decora Smart Plug DW15P-1BW Review
Alexa Smart Plug Exioty Review: PROS and CONS
Amazon Smart Plug Review: PROS and CONS
Amazon Smart Plug vs Alexa Smart Plug Exioty: Which One is Better for Alexa?
TP-Link Kasa HS300 vs KP303: Smart Power Strip Comparison
TP-Link Kasa vs Wyze: Smart Plugs Comparison
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