TP-Link Tapo P115 Review (2026): Energy Tracking Plug

This TP-Link Tapo P115 review looks at a smart plug that does more than switch things on and off. It adds real-time energy monitoring, so you can see what a lamp, fan or charger draws and estimate what it costs to run. It sits in the mid-range part of the market, and it suits people on Alexa, Google Assistant or Samsung SmartThings who want simple automation with some insight into their power use.

This review is based on TP-Link's manufacturer specifications and what independent expert reviews report. It isn't based on hands-on testing. The P115 is recommended in 5 expert buying guides.

What the Tapo P115 is and who it's for

The P115 is a Wi-Fi smart plug that connects over 2.4 GHz and needs no separate hub. Bluetooth is used only for onboarding. That means you plug it in, open the Tapo app and let the app guide you through setup, rather than pairing a bridge first.

The obvious buyer is someone who already talks to Alexa or Google Assistant, or who runs SmartThings. They want to put a lamp on a schedule, switch off a forgotten appliance, or find out which devices quietly use the most power. If that sounds like you, the P115 is built around exactly those jobs.

Design and build

TP-Link lists the body as V-0 (UL-94) flame-retardant PC, a sensible material for something that sits between a wall socket and your appliance. The dimensions are 2.6 x 1.5 x 1.6 in. (60 x 38 x 40 mm). The compact body avoids blocking the adjacent socket.

Controls are minimal: a status LED and a power button. The plug is certified to FCC, ETL and RoHS, and the listing shows a limited 2-year manufacturer warranty.

It is specified for operation from 0 ºC–40 ºC (32°F–104°F) and 10%–90%RH, non-condensing. That covers ordinary household conditions, but keep it out of damp or condensing environments.

Features and what they mean day to day

Energy monitoring

This is the P115's main selling point, and reviewers consistently praise it. The plug shows real-time power use and can estimate bills from the electricity rate you enter. It works as an audit tool for seeing what an appliance draws and what it costs to run.

A common criticism is that the real-time power readout lags slightly.

Schedules, timers and Away Mode

The basics are well covered. You can set schedules and countdown timers, and Away Mode automates lamps and appliances while you're out. Typical uses include putting a lamp on a schedule, running an appliance for a set countdown, or using Away Mode to automate lamps and appliances while you're out.

Power Protection

Power Protection automatically shuts off the plug when the load passes a threshold you set. The adjustable range is 1W-3670W, in steps of 10W. The plug's rated maximum is 15A, 1800W for general use or resistive loads, so set your threshold with the appliance and that rating in mind. It automatically shuts the plug off when the load passes the threshold you set.

Smart Charge Guard

Smart Charge Guard works the other way round. It cuts power when a device's draw drops below a level you set, to prevent overcharging.

Performance, connectivity and load limits

A smart plug's performance is mostly about connection stability, control options and what it can safely power, rather than speed.

Connectivity and control

The P115 uses IEEE 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz. It does not support 5 GHz, which is a listed limitation.

A useful detail is local control through the Tapo app when the internet is down. If your broadband drops, you can still operate the plug from the app.

Voice assistants and platforms

The plug works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings. If you're in any of those camps, you can switch appliances by voice or fold the plug into routines. The gaps are covered below.

Load ratings

TP-Link rates the plug at 15A, 1800W for general use or resistive loads, 8A for incandescent and 1/6 HP for motors. The power requirement is 100-125 V~ 50/60 Hz, 15 A. Always check the label on your appliance against those figures. Smart plugs suit lamps, fans, chargers and small appliances well.

What experts like and what they criticise

Reviewers praise a short list of things:

• Real-time energy monitoring with bill estimates based on your electricity rate
• The compact body that leaves the neighbouring socket free
• Quick Bluetooth setup with no hub needed
• Local control through the Tapo app when the internet is down
• The safety automation from Power Protection and Smart Charge Guard

The criticisms are just as consistent, and for some buyers they will decide the matter:

• There is no Matter support, which limits flexibility across smart home ecosystems.
• There is no native Apple HomeKit support.
• It uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only.
• The real-time power readout lags slightly.

The Matter and HomeKit points are the significant ones. If you live in an Apple Home household, or you want devices that move freely between ecosystems, the P115 is the wrong tool. If you're settled on Alexa, Google or SmartThings, those limits matter far less.

Who should buy it and who should skip it

Buy it if:

• You use Alexa, Google Assistant or SmartThings and want a plug that works with them.
• You want to see how much power individual appliances use and estimate the cost.
• You want safety-minded automation such as overload shut-off or charge cut-off.
• You'd rather not buy a hub. The 2-pack and 4-pack options also suit multi-room setups.

Skip it if:

• You rely on Apple HomeKit and want native support.
• Matter compatibility is a priority for you.
• Your network only offers 5 GHz for smart devices.
• You need an instant, precise live power reading.

How it fits in the smart plug category

Smart plugs split broadly into basic on/off models and ones that add energy monitoring. The P115 sits in the second group and is in the mid-range price tier. The things that separate plugs in this category are ecosystem support (Matter, HomeKit), whether the plug monitors energy, and how much safety automation it adds. The P115 is strong on monitoring and automation. Its weak point is ecosystem breadth. The right choice depends on which assistant you use and whether you want energy monitoring.

Verdict

The Tapo P115 is a well-judged smart plug for a specific audience. Energy monitoring with bill estimates, a compact body, quick Bluetooth setup without a hub, local app control and two useful safety features make it practical for lamps, chargers and small appliances. Its limitations are clear: no Matter, no native HomeKit, 2.4 GHz only and a slightly laggy live reading. Alexa, Google and SmartThings households that want to understand and automate their power use will find a lot to like. Apple-first homes and buyers who want maximum ecosystem flexibility should look elsewhere.

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