Your favorite smart lights: TP-Link is a Mashable Readers Choice Award winner
In a recent survey conducted by Mashable, readers shared their experiences and preferences regarding smart home devices, with a particular focus on smart lighting—a popular and accessible entry point for many into the world of home automation. Among the various brands evaluated, TP-Link, specifically its Kasa line of smart lighting products, emerged as a standout choice for budget-conscious consumers. Despite some concerns surrounding security vulnerabilities and pricing practices related to TP-Link’s routers, the Kasa smart lighting range received commendations for its affordability and user-friendly features.
In the survey, Mashable readers rated their smart bulbs based on several criteria, including lifetime, automation capabilities, and compatibility with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. TP-Link (Kasa) secured a solid 8.1 likelihood to recommend rating and an impressive 8.6 overall satisfaction score, putting it on par with more established brands like Philips Hue. Users praised the practicality of Kasa products, with one respondent highlighting the convenience of controlling multiple lights remotely or through voice commands, making it easier to manage home lighting without having to physically interact with the switches. Another user appreciated the ability to schedule lights to turn on and off at specific times, which adds a layer of automation that enhances the smart home experience.
What sets TP-Link apart is its affordability; for instance, a four-pack of color-changing smart bulbs is priced at just $26.99, making it a more economical option compared to premium brands. This budget-friendly pricing, combined with positive user experiences—like seamless integration with existing smart home systems—positions TP-Link as a compelling choice for those looking to enhance their home lighting without breaking the bank. As smart home technology continues to evolve, brands like TP-Link demonstrate that quality and affordability can coexist, providing users with the tools they need to create a smarter, more efficient living environment.
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
