TP-Link Kasa and Tapo Devices: Are They Merging?

TP-Link’s Kasa and Tapo smart home lines are not fully merging into a single app or platform, but they are increasingly being unified under the Tapo brand. While Kasa devices continue to work with the Kasa Smart app, TP-Link has stopped releasing new Kasa products and is focusing all new development on Tapo, which now supports many older Kasa devices. This article explains the current relationship, what it means for existing users, and how to decide which ecosystem to use.

Background: Two Brands, One Company

TP-Link launched Kasa Smart in 2015 as its first smart home line, offering Wi-Fi plugs, switches, bulbs, and cameras controlled by the Kasa Smart app. In 2020, TP-Link introduced Tapo as a more budget-friendly and simplified alternative, initially focused on cameras and plugs. For several years, the two lines ran in parallel with separate apps, separate firmware, and little overlap. However, TP-Link’s strategy shifted around 2023: new product releases began appearing exclusively under the Tapo name, and the Kasa lineup was quietly phased out. Today, TP-Link’s official support pages list Tapo as the primary smart home brand, with Kasa relegated to legacy status.

What “Partial Merging” Actually Means

The merging is not a single app or a full migration of all devices. Instead, it is happening in three concrete ways:

New devices are Tapo-only: As of 2024, TP-Link is not releasing any new Kasa-branded hardware. All new plugs, switches, cameras, and sensors are Tapo.
App support overlap: The Tapo app can control a select list of Kasa devices, but not all. TP-Link publishes a compatibility list, and users must check whether their specific model is supported.
Shared cloud infrastructure: Both apps use the same TP-Link cloud backend, so account credentials and some automations can be shared, but the apps remain separate.

There is no official date for a full merger, and TP-Link has not announced a forced migration. Kasa users can keep using the Kasa app indefinitely, but they will not get new features or security updates as frequently as Tapo users.

How to Check If Your Kasa Device Works in the Tapo App

If you already own Kasa gear and want to try the Tapo app, follow these steps:

Open the Tapo app on your phone and create a TP-Link account (or log in with your existing Kasa credentials).
Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Select “Kasa” from the device type list (if available). The app will scan your Wi-Fi network for compatible Kasa devices.
If your device appears, follow the pairing instructions. If it does not, it is not compatible with the Tapo app.
Once added, the device will appear in the Tapo app and can be controlled alongside Tapo devices, but it will no longer be managed by the Kasa app (you cannot have it in both apps simultaneously).

Note that not all Kasa models are supported. For example, older Kasa smart plugs (HS100, HS103) are generally compatible, but some Kasa cameras (KC200, KC300) are not. TP-Link’s official compatibility list is the only reliable source.

Key Differences Between the Kasa and Tapo Apps

Even where devices work in both apps, the apps themselves are not identical:

Interface: The Tapo app is cleaner and more modern, with a focus on camera feeds and automation shortcuts. The Kasa app has a more traditional grid layout.
Automations: Tapo supports more advanced automation triggers, such as device state changes and sunrise/sunset times, while Kasa’s automation is more basic.
Camera features: Tapo cameras have richer motion detection zones and activity zones. Kasa cameras lack some of these newer features.
Third-party integrations: Both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but Kasa has a longer-standing integration with IFTTT. Tapo added IFTTT support later but still lacks some Kasa-specific triggers.

For most users, the Tapo app is the better choice if you are starting fresh, but Kasa users with a large existing setup may prefer to stay put.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that Kasa devices will stop working once TP-Link “merges” the lines. That is not true. Kasa devices continue to function with the Kasa app, and TP-Link has stated that existing Kasa products will remain supported for the foreseeable future. Another common issue is trying to add a Kasa device to the Tapo app and failing because the device is not compatible. Users often assume all Kasa devices are supported, but TP-Link only added a subset. If your device is not supported, you have two options: keep using the Kasa app, or replace the device with a Tapo equivalent. There is no firmware update that will make an unsupported Kasa device appear in Tapo.

How to Choose: Kasa vs. Tapo for New Purchases

If you are buying new smart home gear, the choice is straightforward: buy Tapo. Kasa products are still sold in some stores, but they are older stock and may not receive future firmware updates. Tapo devices are cheaper, have a wider range, and are actively developed. The only reason to buy Kasa is if you already have a large Kasa setup and want to match the same app experience, but even then, Tapo devices can be added to the Tapo app and controlled alongside your Kasa devices (if those are compatible). For a mixed setup, the Tapo app is the better hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Kasa devices stop working?
No. Kasa devices will continue to work with the Kasa app. TP-Link has not announced any end-of-life date for Kasa devices, and the cloud service is still running. However, new features and security updates will slow down as development shifts to Tapo.

Can I use the Tapo app to control my Kasa devices?
Only if your specific Kasa model is on TP-Link’s compatibility list. Common plugs like HS100 and HS103 work, but many cameras and some switches do not. Check TP-Link’s official support page for the current list.

Is there a way to migrate all my Kasa devices to Tapo?
No. There is no bulk migration tool. You must manually add each compatible device to the Tapo app, and incompatible devices cannot be migrated at all. You can keep using the Kasa app for those.

Which app is better for a new user?
For new users, the Tapo app is the better choice. It has a more modern interface, better camera features, and receives regular updates. Kasa is a legacy platform, and buying into it now would mean missing out on future features.

Can I control Kasa and Tapo devices together in one app?
Yes, but only in the Tapo app, and only for compatible Kasa devices. You cannot control Tapo devices in the Kasa app. If you have a mix, the Tapo app is the only way to unify them.

Are Tapo devices better than Kasa?
Generally, Tapo devices are newer, cheaper, and have more features, especially for cameras. However, some users prefer the physical design of Kasa plugs or switches. For most use cases, Tapo is the better value.

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