If you want to turn a "dumb" lamp into a smart device, you buy a smart plug. It’s the gateway drug to home automation. But when you search for one, you are immediately faced with two bestsellers: the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug and the Amazon Smart Plug.
The Amazon plug often costs $25, while the Kasa plug can be found for as low as $10. Is the Amazon plug really twice as good? Or are you just paying for the logo? In this 2026 showdown, we reveal why the cheaper option might actually be the smarter choice.
The Deal Breaker: Compatibility
This is the first thing you must know. One of these plugs is "open," and the other is a "walled garden."
Amazon Smart Plug
As the name suggests, this plug is built for Alexa ONLY.
It does not work with Google Assistant. It does not work with Apple HomeKit (Siri). If you switch from an iPhone to Android or swap your Echo for a Nest Mini later, this plug becomes a paperweight.
TP-Link Kasa (EP25 / HS103)
Kasa is the Switzerland of smart homes. It plays nice with everyone.
It works flawlessly with Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and (on specific models like the EP25) Apple HomeKit. It is future-proof.
Feature Battle: "Away Mode" vs. Basic On/Off
The hardware inside is similar (both handle 15 Amps), but the software is where Kasa destroys Amazon.
Kasa's Killer Feature: "Away Mode"
Heading on vacation in 2026? You can set your Kasa plugs to "Away Mode." They will turn your lamps on and off at random intervals between 6 PM and 11 PM to make it look like someone is home. This is a powerful security feature that the Amazon Plug lacks natively (you have to program complicated routines to mimic it).
Setup: The "Frustration-Free" Promise
Here is where Amazon wins.
Amazon Smart Plug: It uses "Frustration-Free Setup." If you buy it from your Amazon account, your Echo device likely already knows it. You plug it in, and Alexa instantly says: "New plug found." You don't even need to type in a Wi-Fi password.
Kasa: You have to download the Kasa app, create an account, and connect it to Wi-Fi manually. It takes about 3 minutes vs. Amazon's 30 seconds.
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | Amazon Smart Plug | Kasa Smart Plug (Mini) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$25.00 | ~$12.00 (Often cheaper in packs) |
| Compatibility | Alexa Only | Alexa, Google, Siri, IFTTT |
| Size | Wide (Might block adjacent outlet) | Compact (Leaves second outlet free) |
| Energy Monitoring | No | Yes (On specific models like KP115) |
FAQ: Which One Fits Your Life?
Can I dim the lights with these?
No! Smart plugs are strictly On/Off switches (Relays). If you plug a lamp in and try to "dim" it via voice, nothing happens. For dimming, you need a smart bulb or a specific "Smart Dimmer Plug" (like the Kasa KP405).
Do they block the other outlet?
The Kasa Mini is designed specifically to leave the second outlet free. The Amazon Smart Plug is wider; if you plug it into the top socket of a standard duplex outlet, it might make using the bottom one difficult for bulky adapters.
Unless you are 100% committed to Amazon Alexa and money is no object, Buy the Kasa Smart Plug. It is cheaper, smaller, has more features (Away Mode), and works with any phone assistant. It is simply the better product.