After testing the TP-Link Tapo P115 smart plugs for weeks, I’m convinced they’re one of the best budget-friendly smart home gadgets out there. Their compact design (seriously, they don’t hog outlet space!) and energy-monitoring features make them a steal.

The Good: Setup took literal minutes—just plug in, open the Tapo app, and bam, connected. I use them for my 3D printer and grow lights, and the energy stats revealed my printer was secretly draining power overnight (whoops!). The sunrise/sunset scheduling with custom offsets is *chef’s kiss*—my patio lights now auto-dim at dusk without me lifting a finger.

The Quirks: Alexa integration works flawlessly, but response times can lag by a few seconds. Also, devices that default to ‘off’ after power loss (like some grow lights) won’t magically turn back on—this isn’t the plug’s fault, but worth noting.

Real-World Win: The surge protection saved my espresso machine during a voltage spike. For $5/plug in a 4-pack? Absolute no-brainer if you want smart-home convenience without bulk or complexity.