Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I already own several WeMo switches, but when this TP-Link went on sale for one day at Amazon, I decided to use it to expand my system. Installation was identical to the Belkin F7C030FC (WeMo equivalent of the TP-Link). This switch requires a common line in addition to the two wires that connect directly to the switch. The ground is optional, but should be used if present. I had the switch installed in 10 minutes and downloaded the TP-Link Kasa app in order to pair the switch with my WiFi. Again, it works exactly the same as the WeMo devices and found my wireless with no problems. The software sets up any schedule or timer you want associated with the switch. In addition there are "scenes" you can create to do things like dim the lights. Unfortunately, my LED bulbs aren't dimmable, so the only thing that happens when I enable the scene to dim them is that they shut off. I like the idea though, and if I ever upgrade the bulbs it'll be a cool feature, one that isn't available on the WeMo app. The differences between the WeMo and TP-Link switches are minor. As an example, with the WeMo switch, the on and off times can be set up as one rule. With TP-Link's device it needs to be two rules: one for when it comes on, and one when it turns off. One thing I like much better about the WeMo is that you can gear events based on sunrise and sunset. As an example, turn the lights on 15 minutes before sunset and turn them off at midnight. Since it's an Internet-connected device, it will change the time every day by a minute or two. It's a bit strange that TP-Link doesn't offer that feature in their app as it would make it significantly more functional. On the other hand, upgrading the firmware is easier on the TP-Link than the WeMo. The WeMo pops up an alert telling you there's a firmware update for your device(s.) I've owned them for over 3 years now, and my experience is that installing the upgrade is a hit or miss affair. There is no area of the WeMo app that will allow you to trigger the firmware upgrade manually. The TP-Link, however, has a separate function under settings that will tell you the current firmware version and whether there is an update available. From there you can trigger it manually. It's a much better design, and more straightforward. I love the Alexa integration and had it up and running in under a minute. Now this light switch can be voice controlled as well as from my iPhone. The only real disappointment I have is the color. The switch is only available in white. As you can see from the photo that accompanies this review, it stands out against the beige switches that are already installed. It sure would be nice if these devices were available in the same colors as, say, a Leviton switch. To be fair, the WeMo is also only available in white, so if TP-Link decided to offer it in colors, I'd definitely consider it over the competition. This switch is installed in a room that is not highly decorated so I'm not too concerned about the mismatch, but I'd definitely hesitate installing it in an area like the living room where the difference in color would make a stylistic difference. In summary, a very good device for automating a light switch, but the WeMo app is superior to TP-Link's Kasa for scheduling. My advice is to wait for them to go on sale, as they do periodically on Amazon. I'd bet money that TP-Link will be adding features to their software in the future that will put it on an even keel with Belkin's WeMo switch.