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US Tech & AI

Your favorite smart lights: TP-Link is a Mashable Readers Choice Award winner

By Eric November 16, 2025

In Mashable’s recent Smartest Home Readers’ Choice survey, readers shared their experiences and preferences regarding smart home devices, with a particular focus on smart lighting. Among the various brands evaluated, TP-Link’s Kasa line emerged as a standout choice, praised for its affordability and user-friendly features. Smart lighting is often considered one of the most accessible entry points for consumers looking to enhance their homes with technology, and TP-Link’s offerings provide a budget-friendly option that appeals to many. Despite some concerns regarding security vulnerabilities related to its routers and allegations of predatory pricing, TP-Link has garnered positive feedback from users, making it a popular choice in the smart lighting category.

The survey results indicated that TP-Link (Kasa) and Philips Hue were the only brands to receive a Readers’ Choice Award, with TP-Link scoring an impressive 8.1 for likelihood to recommend and an 8.6 for overall satisfaction. Users highlighted the convenience of controlling their lights remotely, especially through smart assistants like Alexa and Google Home. One respondent noted the ease of managing multiple lights in their business, emphasizing the practicality of being able to turn off lights without leaving bed. Another user appreciated the ability to schedule lighting based on sunset and sunrise times, showcasing the versatility of TP-Link’s smart bulbs. With a four-pack of color-changing smart bulbs priced at just $26.99, TP-Link offers a compelling alternative to more expensive brands like Philips Hue, attracting consumers who prioritize both functionality and cost-effectiveness.

Overall, the positive reception of TP-Link’s smart lighting products in Mashable’s survey reflects a growing trend among consumers who are increasingly interested in smart home technology that is both accessible and reliable. As smart home devices continue to gain popularity, TP-Link’s Kasa line stands out as a practical choice for those looking to enhance their living spaces with innovative lighting solutions. With the combination of affordability, ease of use, and strong user satisfaction ratings, TP-Link is well-positioned to remain a leading player in the smart lighting market.

In Mashable’s
Smartest Home Readers’ Choice survey
, we asked our readers about the smart home devices and gadgets they use. One of the easiest entry points into smart homes is smart lighting, thanks to its relative affordability and ease of use.
A winner among Mashable readers is TP-Link, a budget-friendly smart light brand.
Just a note: TP-Link has been under investigation for
security vulnerabilities
with its routers and
predatory pricing
.

SEE ALSO:

Readers’ Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands

How Mashable readers rate TP-Link (Kasa)
Of all the smart light brands we asked about in our survey, only two were selected for a Readers’ Choice Award: Philips Hue and TP-Link. 
We asked readers to score their smart bulbs on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including lifetime of bulbs, routines and automation, and integration with smart assistants. Here’s how TP-Link (Kasa) fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from TP-Link (Kasa) users
A couple of survey respondents mentioned that they have multiple TP-Link lights in their homes and businesses. One wrote, “We have our whole business lit up with Kasa plugs and light switches so we can control remotely as well as through Alexa. Really handy for when you have your hands full, or when you just got into bed and remember you forgot to turn off some lights. I can just tell Alexa to turn off all lights, and it is done without me getting out of bed.”
And another said, “I have a bunch of these bulbs throughout the interior and exterior of the house. The exterior ones had issues, but after upgrading to a mesh router, I haven’t had any since. I can set them up for specific times, on and off at sunset/sunrise, and they have the ability to change colors. They integrate into my Google Home system without any problems.”
Compared to Philips Hue and other premium brands, TP-Link lights are more budget-friendly, with a
four-pack of color-changing smart bulbs
costing $26.99. On the cost, one reader said, “I had another brand before and found them so frustrating. I was glad to find these worked to my liking at a lower cost.”
TP-Link (Kasa) scored an 8.1 likelihood to recommend rating, and an even higher 8.6 overall satisfaction score.

Shop TP-Link smart lights

Kasa A19 dimmable smart light bulb KL110

$20.00 at Walmart

Shop Now

Kasa dimmable smart light bulbs (4-pack)

$26.99 at Amazon

Shop Now

Kasa color-changing smart light bulbs (4-pack)

$26.99 at Amazon

Shop Now

TP-Link Tapo color-chaning smart light bulbs (4-pack)

$29.99 at Amazon

Shop Now

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