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    Tapo P110 Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring Review

    An affordable Wi-Fi smart plug that adds real-time energy monitoring to individual appliances, helping to identify 'vampire' energy drains.

    Reviewed 3 July 2026 Updated 3 July 2026
    Tapo P110 Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring

    Quick verdict

    The Tapo P110 is a budget-friendly essential for users looking to audit their home's energy consumption. While its direct savings depend on user behaviour, the visibility it provides is unparalleled at this price point.

    PowerGuardian Rating

    Overall
    4.3out of 5
    Energy Saving3.5
    Ease of Use4.5
    Value4.8
    Features4.2
    Installation4.7
    Reliability4.0

    Who it's best for

    • Homeowners auditing 'vampire' power loads
    • Automating lamps and hard-to-reach sockets
    • Tech-savvy users on a budget

    Who should avoid it

    • You have poor 2.4GHz Wi-Fi coverage in specific rooms
    • You require Matter support (look for P110M instead)
    • You are using it for very high-draw industrial equipment

    Overview

    The Tapo P110 is a compact Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug that allows users to control appliances remotely via the Tapo app. Unlike the entry-level P100, this '110' model includes dedicated energy monitoring hardware, providing live data on power draw (Watts) and cumulative consumption (kWh). It integrates easily with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control and features a schedule/timer function to automate 'off' periods during the night or away hours.

    Key features

    • Live energy monitoring (kWh and Watts)
    • App-based remote control via Tapo app
    • Voice control (Alexa & Google Assistant)
    • Schedule and Timer functions
    • Away Mode (randomizes lighting to deter intruders)
    • Compact housing avoids blocking side sockets
    • No hub required

    Real world performance

    In testing, the app interface is intuitive, showing clear graphs of daily and monthly usage. The Wi-Fi stability is generally good, though it relies on a 2.4GHz band which can be crowded in UK terrace housing. Its compact design ensures it doesn't block adjacent sockets on a standard UK double wall outlet, a common complaint with older smart plug designs.

    Energy saving potential

    Financial savings with the P110 are indirect. By identifying a high-energy appliance (like an old secondary fridge or a PC left on standby) and using the scheduling tool to turn it off for 12 hours a day, a UK household could realistically save between £5 and £15 per year per device, depending on the load. It is most effective when used to automate devices that are difficult to reach manually.

    Installation

    Setup is straightforward via Bluetooth for initial pairing. It does not require a hub, connecting directly to your home Wi-Fi. Ensure your phone is near the plug during the first 60 seconds of setup.

    Running costs

    Negligible. The plug itself consumes less than 1W when in standby, costing approximately £2.50 per year to run, which is easily offset by the savings from the automated scheduling of larger loads.

    Pros

    • Excellent value for money under £10
    • Accurate enough for domestic energy auditing
    • Very simple setup process
    • Space-saving compact design

    Cons

    • Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands
    • Maximum load limits must be observed with heavy heaters
    • Historical data is stored in the cloud, not locally

    Alternatives

    Tapo P110M

    The newer Matter-certified version for better cross-platform compatibility.

    Tapo P100

    Slightly cheaper, but lacks the energy monitoring feature.

    Eve Energy

    A premium option for HomeKit users using Thread technology.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the P110 work with Apple HomeKit?

    The standard P110 does not support HomeKit natively; you would need the P110M (Matter-certified) version for that functionality.

    What happens to the data if the Wi-Fi goes down?

    The plug will continue to run its set schedules, but you will not be able to view live energy data or change settings until the connection is restored.

    Can it handle a 3kW electric heater?

    It is rated for 13A (roughly 2990W), but for safety and longevity, we recommend avoiding prolonged use at the maximum limit with high-current space heaters.

    Do I need a TP-Link hub?

    No, this is a Wi-Fi device that connects directly to your router.

    Final verdict

    4.3 / 5

    The Tapo P110 is a budget-friendly essential for users looking to audit their home's energy consumption. While its direct savings depend on user behaviour, the visibility it provides is unparalleled at this price point.

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