If you want to add smart home devices to the outside of your house, the TP-Link Kasa Matter Smart Outdoor Plug (EP40M) is a great choice. This smart plug is great for controlling outdoor devices because it is strong, works with Matter, and has two outlets. We’ll go over its features, performance, setup, and overall value in this review to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your smart home setup.
1. Matter compatibility for easy integration
The Kasa EP40M is Matter-certified, which means it works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, among other major smart home platforms. This compatibility lets you control the plug with your favorite smart home app or voice assistant. This cuts down on the number of apps you need and makes your smart home experience easier. Matter also lets you control things locally, which means that devices can talk to each other directly on your network without needing a cloud service. This makes things more reliable and secure.
2. Two separate outlets
The EP40M has two outlets that can be controlled separately, unlike many smart plugs that only have one. Each outlet can handle up to 15A/1800W. You can control two devices, such as holiday lights, pool pumps, or outdoor fans, either separately or together. This gives you more options for setting up your outdoor space. The Kasa Smart app or your smart home platform lets you set custom schedules or timers for each outlet.
3. IP64 Weatherproof
The EP40M is made for outdoor use and has an IP64 rating, which means it can handle dust and water splashes from any direction. It can handle temperatures from -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C), so it will work well in rain, snow, heat, or dust. The plug’s UL94-V0 PC material shell is flame-resistant, and the nickel-plated phosphor copper with a reinforced three-sided ground pin makes it more durable and safe. To get the most protection, though, it’s best to plug the EP40M into a GFCI outlet and use the weather-resistant cover that comes with it for any sockets that aren’t being used.
4. Wi-Fi that works over long distances
The EP40M has two antennas and can connect to Wi-Fi up to 300 feet away in open areas. This means that it will stay connected even in larger outdoor spaces. It connects to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and doesn’t need a separate hub, which makes setup easier and saves money.
5. Control with Voice and Apps
You can use Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings to control the EP40M with your voice, which means you don’t have to touch it. The Kasa Smart app, which works on both iOS and Android, has easy-to-use controls like timers, an Away Mode that randomly turns devices on and off to make it look like someone is home for extra security, and a schedule for turning devices on and off. You can also group the plug with other Kasa devices to control them all at once. For example, you can sync outdoor lights with indoor bulbs to make your smart home experience more seamless.
6. Strong construction and safety features
Ultrasonic welding, glue filling, and a silicone seal ring make the plug more waterproof. The ETL certification guarantees that it meets safety standards, and the two-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind. The design is useful because each outlet has its own control button and LED lights that show the power status.
Installation and Setup
It’s easy to set up the Kasa EP40M. To connect it to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, plug it into an outdoor outlet with GFCI protection, download the Kasa Smart app, and follow the instructions. You can also scan the Matter QR code on the plug to connect it directly to your favorite smart home platform, like Apple HomeKit or Alexa. Users say that setting up the Kasa app is quick, usually taking less than five minutes. However, some have had trouble renaming outlets in the app from time to time.
Matter compatibility makes it easier for people who work with more than one ecosystem. One user was able to set up the plug with both Alexa and HomeKit by scanning the QR code. This meant they could control it with voice commands or through multiple apps. You may need a Matter hub or controller, such as an Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo, or Google Nest, to use all of its features. Check TP-Link’s support page for a list of hubs that work with it.
Reliability and performance
In real-world tests, the Kasa EP40M works well. It responds right away to voice and app commands, and there have been no reports of delays in scheduling or remote control. The 300-foot Wi-Fi range makes sure that you can always connect, even in tough outdoor conditions. People who use platforms like Reddit say it is stable and that there are “zero instances of no response” when it is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. Some users with a lot of plugs (like 25 units) said that 10–15% of them showed up as “offline” in some setups. This could be because the network was busy or there were problems with the router, like mDNS conflicts. A dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID and a strong router, like the Firewalla Gold+ or Google Nest Wifi, can help with these problems.
The EP40M doesn’t have energy monitoring like the KP125M does, which might disappoint people who want to keep track of how much power outdoor devices like pool pumps use. If keeping an eye on energy use is important, you might want to look into other options like the Wyze Plug Outdoor or the iDevices Outdoor Switch. However, these may not support Matter or have two outlets.
Best Uses
- Holiday Lighting: Easily plan and manage your Christmas lights or other outdoor decorations.
- Outdoor Appliances: You can control pool pumps, fountains, or fans from separate outlets.
- Use Away Mode to make it look like someone is home by changing the lights’ schedules at random times.
- Multi-Platform Homes are great for families that use more than one smart home system, like Alexa and HomeKit.
For instance, Amazon customers praise how well it works for automating outdoor holiday lights, with one saying, “Perfect for outdoor lights!” Also easy to set up. All of my Kasa items are great.
Comparing to Other Options
TP-Link Tapo P400M: This outdoor plug works with Matter and has an IP65 rating (which is a little better than IP64) but has the same features. If you like the Tapo app better, this is a good option.
The Wyze Plug Outdoor is cheaper ($10.99) and can monitor energy use, but it doesn’t support Matter or dimming.
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug: This plug has light-sensing technology that turns it on and off automatically based on how much light there is, but it only has one outlet and costs more.
Kasa KP405 Outdoor Smart Dimmer Plug: Great for dimmable lights, but it only has one outlet and doesn’t work with Matter.
Value and Cost
The EP40M is a cheap outdoor plug with two outlets that works with Matter. It costs about $25–$30. It often goes on sale for $18–$20, which makes it one of the cheapest outdoor smart plugs with so many features. The EP40M is cheaper than the KP400, which was $45 when it first came out. It has the same features and also supports Matter.
The decision
The Kasa Matter Smart Outdoor Plug (EP40M) is the best option for anyone who wants a smart plug for outdoor use that is reliable, flexible, and can withstand the weather. Its Matter compatibility makes it easy to use with all major smart home platforms, and its two outlets and long Wi-Fi range make it useful for a wide range of tasks, from holiday lights to heavy-duty appliances. It doesn’t have energy monitoring, and the rubber socket covers could be stronger, but its low price, ease of use, and strong performance make it one of the best outdoor smart plugs on the market.
The Kasa EP40M is a great choice if you want a plug that works with a lot of different systems, can handle bad weather, and lets you control it in different ways. The Kasa KP405 or Wyze Plug Outdoor are good options if you need to dim the lights or keep an eye on your energy use. However, for most people, the EP40M is the best value for the features it offers.
You can get it at Amazon, B&H Photo, and other big stores. To get it for less, look for seasonal sales.
