Tapo P100 Smart Plug (2-Pack) Review

The TP-Link Tapo P100 is a compact Wi-Fi enabled smart plug designed to fit into standard UK sockets without obstructing adjacent outlets. It operates via the Tapo app, requiring no central hub. While it is marketed heavily on convenience features like voice control and 'Away Mode' (which toggles lights to mimic occupancy), its primary utility for the energy-conscious user is its ability to hard-kill power to devices that typically linger on expensive standby modes, such as older televisions or desktop PC setups.

In testing, the P100 is highly responsive over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The app allows for complex scheduling, which is particularly useful for ensuring chargers aren't left on overnight or that floor lamps are only active when needed. The 'Away Mode' is a nice security bonus, but the lack of power-draw data means you are essentially guessing the impact of your automation. Reliability is high, though it is worth noting that like most smart plugs, it cannot physically 'press' a soft-start button on modern appliances like washing machines once power is restored.

The energy saving potential of the P100 is indirect and modest. By automating the shutdown of 'vampire' devices that consume 2-5W on standby, a household might save between £5 and £15 per year depending on the appliance. Because this specific model (P100) does not include active energy monitoring, users won't be able to identify which specific devices are the worst offenders, making it a 'blind' saving tool compared to the P110 model.

Setup is remarkably straightforward: plug it in, download the Tapo app, and follow the Bluetooth-assisted pairing. No separate bridge or zigbee hub is required, which lowers the barrier to entry.

The plug itself consumes approximately 0.5W to 1W while active and connected to Wi-Fi. At current UK electricity prices, this represents a running cost of roughly £1.50 to £2.50 per year per plug.