If you're venturing into the realm of smart homes, it might initially seem overwhelming and pricey as you think about upgrading every room. From my experience, beginning with a few smart outlet adapters is the most efficient and budget-friendly way to start. You can enhance your lamps and a few basic appliances for under $50. This week, I'm reviewing the TP-Link Tapo P125 4-pack of HomeKit-enabled outlet adapters.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.

One of the primary reasons I adore smart outlet adapters is the ease they offer in upgrading existing lamps without the need to replace bulbs or rewire outlets. By simply plugging your lamp into the TP-Link Tapo P125, you can immediately control and schedule it remotely via HomeKit.

Smart outlet adapters also provide the convenience of managing your home devices from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind about whether you left an appliance on—assuming you have a HomeKit hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod) installed. They serve as an excellent entry point into the world of smart home products, delivering instant benefits with minimal investment and effort.

Why I Like the Tapo P125

The TP-Link Tapo P125 impresses me with its compact design, ensuring it doesn't dominate the entire outlet like many other adapters. One of its standout features is native HomeKit support, allowing seamless integration without requiring an additional app. Setting it up is swift and straightforward: just scan the code with your iPhone, and it's ready to use in no time within the Home app. This makes it a fantastic choice for those aiming to quickly and easily upgrade their HomeKit setup.

To summarize:

• Native HomeKit support (no app needed)
• Low profile design (doesn’t cover up the second outlet)
• Cost-effective for a 4-pack (generally under $40)

Installing the TP-Link Tapo P125

Installing the TP-Link Tapo P125 is incredibly easy. Plug the adapter into any standard outlet. The HomeKit code is conveniently located on the side, unlike other manufacturers who often hide it on the back, making it a challenge to scan and then plug in. This thoughtful design detail significantly simplifies the process.

Next, open the Home app on your iPhone. Tap the + icon, then select “Add Accessory.” Use your iPhone to scan the HomeKit code on the side of the Tapo P125. Once scanned, you'll be prompted to assign the device to a room in your home for organized control and automation. HomeKit will then automatically suggest various automations for your new smart plug. These automations have significantly improved in recent years. You'll choose if the outlet is a light, fan, or a traditional outlet, and it’ll suggest automations based on that.

You can purchase the TP-Link Tapo P125 from Amazon or directly from TP-Link.