That’s right, Kasa has two different types of smart plugs to choose from. The KP200 Kasa Smart WiFi Outlet and two Mini Smart Plugs. Both are backed by the Kasa Smart Home App, so they will definitely work with your voice assistant devices and IFTTT recipes.

I have used and tested both of these devices in my home with daily tasks and they are really great for reliably controlling your lights and appliances. I have noticed some things after a few weeks that I would like to share with you in this head to head three round bout.

Before we get started with counting the punches I want to clarify that currently, Kasa has two similar smart plugs with different model numbers. The HS105 is able to support up to 15 amps max and the HS103 Lite model is able to handle 10. Plugging that into Ohm’s Law (promise this is the most technical I will get) tells me that HS105 allows up to 1800 watts while the Lite HS103 only allows up to 1200 watts at 120 volts. Because the KP200 Outlet has a 15 amp limit, I will be putting the HS105 into the ring for this match. Thanks for holding on with my quick math, now let’s get into the action!

Price

The HS105 Mini Smart Plug is currently priced on Amazon at roughly $31 for a “kit” that includes two devices in one box. The KP200 Smart Outlet Switch is currently running for roughly $30 for one outlet with two controlled sockets. Small insignificance in price here points towards the Smart Outlet, but just marginally unnoticeable. But in the fashion of comparisons, there’s a difference and a win is a win. One point goes to the Smart WiFi Outlet but just marginally!

Outlet Space

Focusing on how much space these two devices occupy during normal operation is the main goal of this category. If it sticks out like an eyesore, you might not like seeing it every day. With the design almost identical to a regular outlet it’s easy to say the KP200 Smart Outlet wins this category hands down.

Why I really like the KP200 is because I don’t have to worry about bumping into the Mini Plug in the hallway when moving a table and chair set that my wife wanted to see if it would look “better” on the other side of the house. I also don’t have to worry about my little guy getting handsy with my tech because it’s sticking out and has a light ring that attracts little eyes with attached hands. That leads me to another plus for the KP200 Outlet, you can turn them off when not being occupied by an appliance plug. You don’t have to worry about junior sticking a utensil in the socket because the socket is turned off, easy peasy.

Another point goes in favor of the KP200 Outlet. I do have one thing about this category though, I dig the white glossy outlet cover, but I did find myself wanting to replace it with another matte outlet cover to match my eggshell walls. If I could make a suggestion to these product designers it would be to change up the cover to a less glossy finish. I can hear my two cents hitting the bottom of the barrel!

Installation

The Mini Outlet is going to win this round with no doubt, with a simple plug and play device requiring no electrical experience to install. More time will probably be spent on where and what it will be controlling than the actual install.

The Smart Outlet is another story here. You will need to know how to change out an electrical outlet and what to expect inside your outlet box. The Kasa App has a wonderful tutorial on how to install their switch but regrettably doesn’t mention how to handle shoddy wiring, that is a life lesson that must be learned from experience or even better, rented by hiring an electrician.

In my experience of installing these devices for friends and family, I have witnessed some wiring jobs that made me questions some electricians state of mind. With that I have to say the winner of installation is a no brainer with it going to the Mini Smart Plug.

Final Tally and Winner

Seems like the best choice for real-world scenario is the KP200 Smart Wifi Outlet. Winning two out of three categories with the only issue being it requires a more involved installation compared to the simple plug and go Mini Smart Plug.

Both the KP200 Smart Out and the Mini Smart Plugs are great devices and I definitely recommend it. My best feature of the KP200 device is that you get two power outlets that can be independently controlled. I have one currently installed in our bathroom, with one socket being used for a night light and the other is being used for my wife’s hairdryer and curling irons. This takes care of not having to worry about a night light running during the day and prevents those morning phone calls of whether I can check to see if her curling iron is still on right before I step out of the house, Perfect!