Tapo P110M Review: Matter certified smart plug with power monitoring

Tapo P110M is an updated Wi-Fi enabled smart plug product by TP-Link. For this latest version, it finally received the Matter certification which makes it compatible with almost all major smart home ecosystem such as Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and more. With that, it’s even more versatile as it can now integrates with more smart home products and home automation.

The Tapo P110M maintains the minimalistic and unobtrusive design language. Measuring 72.5 × 51.5 × 30.6 mm, it’s compact enough to avoid blocking adjacent outlets. Constructed from flame-retardant material, the Tapo P110M prioritizes safety without compromising aesthetics. There’s a physical power button on the smart plug for manual control, useful for quick toggles without reaching for a smartphone.

The P110M handles a maximum load of 2990W and 13A, suitable for most household appliances. In practical use, it can support high power devices like an electric kettle or even a washer dryer. The unit that I purchased in Malaysia comes with the UK standard 3-pin plug and it’s certified by the Malaysian local authorities (SIRIM and SKMM) for safety and compliance.

Tapo P110M Matter Certified

Setting up the P110M is straightforward with the user-friendly Tapo App. It will automatically detects the Tapo P110M via Bluetooth for initial configuration and it will connect to your home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Although it’s a product by TP-Link, it works with wireless routers or mesh Wi-Fi systems from any brand as long as it has a 2.4GHz network.

Where the Tapo P110M truly shines is in its Matter certification. This new standard for smart home devices ensures unprecedented interoperability. During testing, the plug integrated seamlessly with Matter supported ecosystem such as Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings. The response time when controlled through these platforms was impressively quick, with actions executing almost instantaneously.

The Matter certification of the Tapo P110M ensures it works seamlessly with major smart home ecosystems. Once configured, the plug can operate without the Tapo app, integrating directly with other platforms. Since it’s a certified product, it’s fully compatible with all the automation features offered by those smart home ecosystem without having to use the Tapo App.

Apple Home Integration

How to add Matter supported device to Apple Home (iOS 18)

  1. Make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4GHz WiFi network
  2. Reset the Tapo smart plug, make sure it’s not linked to other smart home ecosystem or Tapo App
  3. Scan the Matter QR code on the side of the Tapo P110M
  4. Once the Tapo P110M is added, you can add it to the Tapo App if needed

The Tapo P110M works reliable with Apple Home and I’ve not notice any disconnection issue throughout my extensive testing. It’s also fully compatible with Siri, enabling voice control seamlessly with all Apple devices including HomePods and Apple TV. However, you will need to use an iOS 18 in order to add Matter supported device to Apple Home without the use of a Home Hub.

The great part of the Apple Home ecosystem is the reliability and seamless integration with all other Apple devices. Upon adding the Tapo P110M on my iPhone, it syncs automatically to my other Apple devices such as my iPad, Apple Watch and MacBook. Apple’s emphasis on privacy extends to devices integrated through Apple Home, which may be an important consideration for security-conscious users.

Tapo App Functionality

While the Tapo P110M is compatible with the Matter ecosystem, it’s also fully integrated into TP-Link’s own Tapo ecosystem as well. The Tapo app offers plenty of control including the timer function, power on scheduling, energy tracking and power protection features. It’s also possible to use both the Tapo App and other smart home ecosystem at the same time, offering flexibility for this product.

I used the P110M to control decorative LED lights around my house. Setting up a schedule on the Tapo App is very easy and straightforward, eliminating the daily task of manually turning the lights on and off. This simple automation not only enhanced convenience but also contributed to energy saving. I found myself occasionally forgetting to turn off the lights, but with the P110M, this was no longer an issue.

More impressively, I connected another unit of the P110M to an exhaust fan. Paired with the Tapo T310 smart temperature sensor, I configured the system to activate the roof exhaust fan when the temperature inside my ceiling exceeded 40°C and shut-down once the temperature is lower. Similarly, this automation provided convenience and also optimized power consumption as well.

These applications merely scratch the surface of the Tapo P110M’s capabilities. The plug’s compatibility with various sensors and smart home ecosystems opens up endless possibilities for automation and energy management. Whether it’s climate control, appliance automation, or energy-saving initiatives, the Tapo P110M proves to be a versatile tool in creating a more intelligent and efficient home environment.

Energy Monitoring and Insights

The energy monitoring capabilities of the P110M are comprehensive and user-friendly. The plug tracks power consumption over time, allowing users to view daily, monthly and yearly usage trends. The ability to export detailed usage reports to a spreadsheet and set local electricity rates for cost forecasting transforms the P110M from a simple smart plug into a powerful tool for energy management.

During testing, these features provided valuable insights into the energy consumption of various appliances. For instance, it revealed that my water purifier was consuming more power than expected as the cooler is not shutting down properly when not in use. This discovery led to the unit being replaced by the manufacturer as I have the data on the Tapo app as an evidence to support my claim.

Charge Guard Feature

The Tapo P110M’s Charge Guard feature stands out as a unique feature to Tapo. This feature allows users to set a power draw threshold, below which the plug automatically turns off. It’s particularly useful for preventing trickle charging and eliminating standby power consumption of device chargers. Once a device is fully charged and its power draw drops below the set threshold, the P110M cuts off the power supply.

This not only saves energy but can also protect battery health by preventing unnecessary charging cycles. Setting up the Smart Charge Guard is straightforward on the Tapo app. The default setting works well for most smartphones, but the threshold can be adjusted to accommodate different devices with varying charging profiles. This flexibility makes the feature versatile enough to use with a wide range of electronics.

While the Smart Charge Guard adds considerable value, especially for the energy-conscious user, it’s worth noting that the benefits might be negligible as newer devices often have integrated charging optimization. However, for most electronics, this feature operates seamlessly in the background, providing an effortless way to optimize charging and reduce energy waste.

Power Protection Feature

Another standout feature on the Tapo P110M is the power usage limitation function. I can configure a maximum power draw threshold in the Tapo app, and the plug will automatically turn off if my electrical appliances exceeded this limit. This feature adds an extra layer of safety and energy management, particularly useful for older electrical appliances that might draw too much power if they are faulty.

It’s worth noting that it does not function like a dimmer as it wouldn’t limit the power draw. Instead, it will just shut off power supply to the connected appliance if the configured power threshold is exceeded. However, this is still a valuable tool to be used especially on some devices such as an electric motor or heater element which might be prone to overload under certain conditions.

Closing Thoughts

The Tapo P110M stands out as a versatile and powerful smart plug in an increasingly connected world. Its Matter certification ensures broad compatibility across major smart home ecosystems, while the robust Tapo app provides granular control and insightful energy monitoring. Features like Smart Charge Guard and power protection demonstrate TP-Link’s commitment to both convenience and safety.

Whether you’re looking to automate your home, manage energy consumption, or simply add smart functionality to traditional appliances, the P110M offers a compelling package. Its seamless integration with other Matter-supported platforms like Apple HomeKit. At an affordable price of just RM (~$30), it offers exceptional value for money, making smart home technology accessible to a wider audience.

Tapo P110M

9.5

Tubi Rating

pros

  • Affordable price
  • Support Matter right out of the box
  • User-friendly Tapo app and plenty of value-added features

cons

  • None
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