TP-Link HS100 Smart Plug, 1-Pack

I had this up and running within about 15 minutes of opening the package. We love the fact that it works directly with the Google Assistant as fast as you can say it

This is a review of a free product received from TP-LINK for testing and feedback as part of their review program. These are my own honest opinions along with a comprehensive performance report that has not been reviewed or edited by anyone at TP-LINK. Connect Appliances to Wi-Fi for a Smart Home & Internet of Things (IoT). The HS100 works with Android and Apple iOS (tablets and smartphones). The free Kasa app can turn appliances On and Off from anywhere in the world. That includes things like lamps, lights, air conditioners, fans, space heaters, alarm systems, and coffee makers. Voice commands work with Amazon Alexa technology enabled devices, Echo, Echo Dot, and Tap. Alexa can group several Smart Plugs into a single group name. HS100 Smart Plugs operate exclusively on the 2.4GHz band so they are compatible with all routers, even older models. While the 5.0GHz band accommodates higher speeds it has less range than 2.4GHz. There is no point to Smart Plugs using 5.0GHz because they require little bandwidth and their maximum Wi-Fi distance from the router would be reduced. I've been using Smart Plugs at home for more than a month. My Wi-Fi connections are stable and reliable. I'm in a rather large house and all my HS100's are located several rooms away far from the router. I've never had a Smart Plug disconnect. My router is an Archer C3150. So for anyone having Smart Plug disconnects, I'd recommend looking at the router as the suspect. With the Kasa app on my tablet/smartphone I can control all my Smart Plugs, Locally (from anywhere in the house, same LAN) or Remotely (wherever Internet is available). For anyone paranoid about security, Remote control can be disabled by skipping the Cloud Account registration. One reviewer mentioned that for Remote use it was necessary to assign static IP addresses to Smart Plugs and assign Plugs different names, within the router. This may be a myth because it was not needed in my case. I tested several Smart Plugs, and they all worked fine both Locally and Remotely. Just plugged them in and configured with Kasa. Didn't have to play any games or modify my router's configuration in any way. Just plug and play. My take is that TP-LINK designed these Smart Plugs so anyone can get them working simply, with little effort or expertise. TP-LINK even has a 24x7 telephone help line and a Support Team to assist in resolving issues. When I called to test their support phone number, after a brief hold, I got connected to a smart guy in California. Was even emailed a follow-up survey asking how he did. Apparently TP-LINK tries to please customers. One of my HS100 controls a large bedroom through-the-wall Air Conditioner (8,000 BTU, 8 Amp, 850 Watts). When it's hot, I power On this AC remotely from my office, just before leaving for home. It's been a pleasure coming home to a room that's already cool. The HS100 is saving me from having a bigger energy bill. I frequently unexpectedly work late. Now I can turn the AC On at the optimum time, just before leaving. The HS100 ratings are Maximum Load=15 Amp, Maximum Power=1,800 Watts. So the Smart Plug has ample Amps and Watts to accommodate my AC. Remote control has worked every day without any issues. My other HS100 powers a TP-LINK NC250 Wi-Fi Cloud Security Camera, which can email me Motion and Sound Detection Alerts. I use the HS100 to turn On this camera whenever leaving the house. Any emailed alerts have pictures attached and TP-LINK's tpCamera app allows me to remotely monitor what's happening at home, on my tablet, in real time. Best of all, I'm save money since there are no recurring monthly charges for this security system, thanks to the free TP-LINK cloud servers. Aside from connecting appliances to the Internet, Smart Plugs are also sophisticated digital rule-based timers. “Schedule” events to turn a device On/Off, selecting the times and days of the week; even different times on different days. In “Away Mode” a time period is specified during which the connected device will turn On/Off randomly, mimicking someone being at home. “Timer” turns the connected device either On/Off after a specified period of time. I wish Kasa ran on Windows 10. Hopefully a future version of Kasa will be Windows compatible. I'd also like a User Interface Menu to appear when a Smart Plug's IP address is entered into a Windows browser. I did get Kasa installed on a Windows PC using “androVM for VM VirtualBox”. Smart Plugs are UL certified. They are barely warm when the plugged in device is Off. After devices are On for a while, my Smart Plugs feel lukewarm. Even my HS100, which has the air conditioner plugged in and running continuously, never gets hot. The HS100 comes with a 2-year warranty and unlimited 24x7 toll-free technical support by telephone and email. Calls made during regular business hours are usually answered in California, after-hours by English speakers in China. A complete User Guide (12 pages) can be downloaded as a PDF file from the TP-LINK website. TP-LINK also sponsors Tech Support Forums. These are attractively priced, clever, simple, and versatile devices which can control/automate your home appliances and make life more enjoyable. After trying one Smart Plug, you'll likely decide that you need a few more. I presently own four. The Internet of Things (IoT) craze is addictive. Your imagination will run wild with additional opportunities and situations.