Plugs · Head to head

Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) vs TP-Link Kasa EP40

Full Smart Plugs comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official Philips and TP-Link sites.
2026 verdict
Type F or Type B? The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) wins this comparison for a European socket, ahead on load, platform reach and Zigbee routing.
Its 2300W ceiling beats the 1875W of the TP-Link Kasa EP40, it works with Apple HomeKit and acts as a Zigbee router, and its owners report a link that survives power and internet outages. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 is the outdoor answer: IP64 rated, hub-free over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and usually cheaper, but it cannot fit a European wall and skips HomeKit and Matter. The two are not really cross-shopped, since the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) is a 220 to 240V Type F device and the TP-Link Kasa EP40 is a 110 to 125V Type B one. Pick the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) for an indoor European lamp or appliance in a Hue or HomeKit home, and the TP-Link Kasa EP40 only for a North American outdoor outlet.
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FeaturePhilips Hue Smart plug (EU)TP-Link Kasa EP40Winner
Price$144.06$18.99TP-Link Kasa EP40
Rating4.74.6Philips Hue Smart plug (EU)
Weather ResistanceNOIP64TP-Link Kasa EP40
Maximum Load Power2300W1875WPhilips Hue Smart plug (EU)
ConnectivityBluetooth, Zigbee2.4 GHz WiFiPhilips Hue Smart plug (EU)
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantPhilips Hue Smart plug (EU)
Zigbee RouterYESNOPhilips Hue Smart plug (EU)
Plug FormatType FType BDifferent strengths
Warranty2 years2 yearsTie
Energy MonitoringNONOTie
On/Off ButtonYESYESTie
Local ControlYESYESTie

What the differences mean

Socket standard and voltage

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) is a Type F plug for 220 to 240V sockets and the TP-Link Kasa EP40 is a Type B plug for 110 to 125V ones. They belong to different electrical markets, so only one will fit a given wall.

Load ceiling

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) is rated 2300W, ahead of the 1875W of the TP-Link Kasa EP40. For a lamp it is irrelevant, but it widens what the plug can switch with a margin to spare.

Weather rating

Only the TP-Link Kasa EP40 is rated IP64 and built for the outdoors. The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) has no weather resistance and is meant for indoor sockets.

Platform support

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) works with Apple HomeKit and acts as a Zigbee router, while the TP-Link Kasa EP40 skips HomeKit and Matter. Both reach Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant.

Hub and setup

The TP-Link Kasa EP40 joins 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with no hub, while the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) runs over Bluetooth alone but needs the Hue Bridge for its Zigbee link and full feature set.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Owners of the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) and the TP-Link Kasa EP40 are mostly comparing notes across two markets rather than the same shelf. Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) owners praise a setup that takes under a minute in the Hue app, a link they describe as rock solid, HomeKit and Siri control, and the way the plug turns any lamp into part of the Hue system; their complaints are the wide body that blocks neighboring sockets and the price. TP-Link Kasa EP40 owners focus on a thick, rugged outdoor housing that keeps working through severe cold, two sockets they schedule separately, and quick pairing over Wi-Fi with no hub, while a few report connection trouble and remind buyers that an empty socket is only protected while its cover is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) or TP-Link Kasa EP40?

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) wins on maximum load, connectivity, integrations and Zigbee routing, and it is the one that fits a European socket. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 wins on weather resistance and price, and it is the North American outdoor option.

Can I use the TP-Link Kasa EP40 in Europe instead of the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU)?

Not directly. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 uses a Type B plug rated for 110 to 125V and the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) uses a Type F plug rated for 220 to 240V, so each belongs to a different electrical market.

Which plug handles heavier loads?

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) is rated up to 2300W, compared with 1875W for the TP-Link Kasa EP40.

Is either plug weatherproof?

Only the TP-Link Kasa EP40, which is IP64 rated for outdoor use. The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) has no weather resistance rating and belongs indoors.

Does either plug work with Apple HomeKit?

The Philips Hue Smart plug (EU) works with Apple HomeKit and also acts as a Zigbee router. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 supports Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant but not HomeKit or Matter.

Who should buy the Philips Hue Smart plug (EU)?

European buyers with Philips Hue or Apple Home who want a dependable indoor Zigbee plug that also strengthens their mesh.

Who should buy the TP-Link Kasa EP40?

North American buyers who need to control outdoor lights or garden gear without a hub.

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