Frustrated by soaring electricity costs and the hidden energy drain of idle devices? A smart power strip could be the solution for you. By intelligently managing your devices’ power consumption, you can save energy, extend the lifespan of your electronics, and enjoy added convenience. Whether you want to automatically disconnect power to your home entertainment system during idle moments or create custom power schedules for your office equipment, a smart power strip can help.
For some time, I had been searching for a smart power strip to manage the power supply to my home entertainment setup and discovered that the market for smart power strips was quite limited, especially Matter-certified ones. So, when TP-Link launched the Matter-certified Tapo P304M Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip in Singapore recently, my interest was immediately piqued, prompting me to make a purchase. In this review, I’ll share insights on the Tapo P304M, covering everything from its strengths to its weaknesses. Let’s dive in and explore what this little powerhouse has to offer.
Review Summary
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Device Specifications
Connectivity
Matter over Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only)
Works With
Apple HomeKit
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Samsung SmartThings
Home Assistant
Rating Voltage
250 V~, 50/60Hz
Maximum Load
3250W, 13A
Dimensions
260 × 62.7 × 31.4 mm
Cord Length
1.5 m
Power Button
Individual On/Off button for each outlet
Status LED
Individual LED for each outlet
Wi-Fi indicator
Surge Protection indicator
Resume Last State
Yes, configurable
Usage
Indoor
Operating Temperature
0 ºC – 35 ºC
Operating Humidity
10%–90% RH, Non-condensing
Safety
PC (V-0, UL 94), Flame-Retardant material
CE, UKCA, RoHS certifications
Overload and surge protection
Product Unboxing
The Tapo P304M power strip is packaged in a compact cardboard box (measuring 35.7 x 11.2 x 5.4 cm) and contains the following items:
- Tapo P304M Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip
- Quick Start Guide
- Matter FAQ/Setup Guide
- Matter Setup Code
Design
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The Tapo P304M power strip has a compact form factor, measuring 260 × 62.7 × 31.4 mm and its sleek design compliments any home decor. Its compact size doesn’t sacrifice build quality, as it feels solid and well-made.
On the front are 4 Type G (UK) power outlets equipped with child safety shutters to prevent foreign objects from entering the outlet. The outlets are well-spaced apart and can accommodate plugs of various sizes.
A clever design point is the Tapo’s plug size. It’s small enough to squeeze through the 50mm hole on my TV cabinet with some maneuvering (to find the right angle).
The Tapo P304M features discreet, flush-mounted power buttons (measuring 10mm in diameter) for each outlet, offering a convenient manual control option. This is a practical addition, allowing you to physically turn devices on or off without relying solely on app or voice commands. The button design seamlessly complements the power strip’s sleek aesthetic while minimizing the risk of accidental presses.
Each outlet on the Tapo P304M is equipped with an individual power status LED, providing clear visibility of device power states. Additional LEDs indicate Wi-Fi connection and surge protection status. For those who prefer a darker environment, the LED indicators can be fully disabled or configured for “Night Mode,” which automatically turns them off at a specified time.
Want to free up some desk space? The Tapo P304M can be securely attached to the wall using the two provided mounting points.
Based on the Quick Start Guide, attaching the power strip to the wall seems to be a simple and easy process, needing only two screws (4-8mm diameter) fastened to a wall.
The Tapo P304M is designed with safety and durability in mind, adhering to strict CE, UKCA, and RoHS product safety and environmental protection standards.
To enhance reliability, it incorporates Zero-Crossing Detection technology to address relay contact welding, a common cause of smart plug failure. This occurs when the relay’s contacts fuse together, preventing the plug from switching between on and off states.
Setup & Compatibility
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The Tapo P304M offers versatile control options, working seamlessly with the Tapo app and popular smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. A standout feature is its Matter compatibility, enabling local control for improved responsiveness and privacy. Unlike cloud-based systems, Matter allows you to manage your devices directly on your home network without relying on an internet connection.
Setup on Tapo App
Setup on the Tapo app is simple and can be completed in a few minutes by following instructions provided in the Quick Start Guide.
Once the setup is completed, 4 separate plugs will be available in the Tapo app, one for each power strip outlet.
Toggling individual plugs on and off via the Tapo app was impressively snappy. However, I anticipate relying more on Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, or Home Assistant for automation and control. This provided an opportunity to thoroughly test the Tapo power strip’s Matter compatibility and interoperability with these platforms.
Setup on Matter Controller
The Matter setup process was straightforward. Simply scan the device’s Matter setup code (QR) using a compatible smart home app and follow the on-screen prompts. Detailed instructions are available on TP-Link’s website, and a quick reference guide is included in the Matter FAQ booklet.
Adding the Tapo power strip into the Apple Home app was a seamless process, mirroring the familiar steps for adding any HomeKit device. Setup was completed in a matter (no pun intended) of minutes and just like in the Tapo app, 4 individual plugs appear in the Apple Home app.
One minor quirk I observed was the plug order between the Tapo app and Apple HomeKit. The plug sequence is reversed in Apple HomeKit, meaning Plug 1 in the Tapo app becomes Plug 4 in HomeKit.
Setup Matter Multi-Admin
The Tapo P304M supports Matter’s Multi-Admin feature, allowing you to control the device across multiple Matter-enabled ecosystems. I successfully added the power strip to both Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant after the initial setup in Apple Home. The process was straightforward, following instructions in the Matter FAQ booklet.
For security reasons, the Matter setup code can only be used once. To add the device to a second or subsequent Matter-enabled ecosystem, a new setup code must be generated within the first ecosystem where it was initially added.
In SmartThings, I was able to control each of the 4 plugs independently, just as in the Tapo app and Apple Home.
Home Assistant also recognized the Tapo power strip as 4 individual plugs that can be controlled independently.
Unlike Apple HomeKit, the plug sequence in both SmartThings and Home Assistant mirrors the sequence displayed in the Tapo app.
Overall, the Tapo P304M proved to be a reliable performer during two weeks of continuous use and thanks to Matter’s local connectivity, commands issued through HomeKit, SmartThings and Home Assistant were executed instantly.
Features & Performance
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Safety
The Tapo P304M has a maximum load rating of 13A, 3250W at 250V and features Power Protection (overload protection) to automatically shut off an outlet when the power consumption exceeds the predetermined threshold. This can be configured separately for each individual outlet.
Additionally, the power strip is equipped with surge protection to safeguard your valuable electronics from damage caused by sudden power spikes.
Energy Monitoring
One of the standout features of the Tapo P304M is its comprehensive energy monitoring capabilities. Users can track the power consumption of each individual outlet on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis through the Tapo app or export energy data to Excel files. While this detailed energy data is currently exclusive to the Tapo app, I’m hopeful that TP-Link will introduce energy management capabilities to Matter-enabled ecosystems in a future update, given that the Matter 1.3 Specification now supports this functionality.
The Tapo app offers a convenient way to estimate your electricity costs by calculating your energy bill based on your specific electricity rate. Whether you have a single or periodic rate plan, the app can provide an estimated cost for your power consumption.
Automation
The Tapo P304M can be controlled with multiple automation options on the Tapo app:
- Schedule
- Timer
- Away mode
- Smart Actions
Schedule individual outlets to turn on or off based on custom time, sunrise and sunset.
Timer sets specific time durations for individual outlets to automatically turn on or off.
Away Mode simulates occupancy by randomly turning outlets on and off to deter potential intruders.
Smart Actions allow you to create Shortcuts (Scenes) and Automations.
Automations are built upon three core components: Triggers, Conditions, and Actions.
Triggers initiate the automation process. These can be Device Status Change, Time of Day or when you Arrive/Leave home.
Conditions determine whether the automation should proceed based on specific criteria.
Actions are the tasks performed once the trigger is activated and conditions are satisfied. Shortcuts in the Tapo app are manually triggered actions.
Last Device State
Default State enables the power strip to resume its “last state” after a power failure. This can also be configured to “On” or “Off”. Default state can be configured separately for each individual outlet.
What’s Missing?
One notable omission from the Tapo P304M is the lack of USB ports. This feature would have significantly enhanced its utility by allowing users to charge or power additional devices directly from the power strip. Competitors like Meross have incorporated USB ports into their smart power strips, offering a more convenient and versatile solution to replace multiple power adapters.
Value for Money
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At the time of writing, the Tapo P304M Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is competitively priced on the official TP-Link Lazada store. Considering its Matter-certification, wide compatibility with smart home ecosystems, comprehensive feature set and 3-year warranty period (in Singapore), this power strip is affordable and offers good value for money.
For comparison, other smart power strips on the market, such as Meross Smart Power Strip MSS425FHK and Meross Smart Fast Charging Power Strip MSP843P, command a higher price point.
Related: Looking for a smart plug instead? Check out our comprehensive Smart Plug Buyer’s Guide.
Final Thoughts
The Tapo P304M is a compelling choice for anyone looking to enhance their smart home setup with intelligent power management. Its four independently controlled outlets, coupled with detailed energy monitoring for each, provide granular control and valuable insights into power consumption.
Matter compatibility is a significant advantage, ensuring seamless integration with popular smart home ecosystems. Throughout my 2 weeks of usage, the power strip consistently delivered reliable performance without any hiccups. The ability to create custom scenes and automations further expanded its utility.
While the Tapo P304M excels in many areas, there’s room for improvement. The addition of USB ports would undoubtedly enhance its versatility. Furthermore, expanding energy monitoring capabilities to Matter-enabled ecosystems would be a welcome enhancement.
Even though Wi-Fi connectivity works well, incorporating Thread support would elevate the Tapo P304M to a more active role within a smart home. As a constantly powered device, it could serve as a valuable Thread router, expanding the reach and responsiveness of Thread networks.
Overall, the Tapo P304M is a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich and reliable smart power strip that works across multiple smart home ecosystems.
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