Winner
24% OFF
$18.99
$24.99
Updated November 2026
Data from the official TP-Link and YoLink sites.
2026 verdict
For a backyard outlet that has to run two things, the TP-Link Kasa EP40 is the pick over these two plugs.
It puts two independently switched sockets in an IP64 body that keeps working in freezing weather, works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant, and carries a two-year warranty. The YoLink Mini Plug answers a problem the Kasa cannot: its LoRa wireless reaches basements and detached buildings hundreds of feet from the router, and it meters energy, but it needs the YoLink hub and is not weather resistant. Choose the TP-Link Kasa EP40 for a patio, a yard or two outdoor devices, and the YoLink Mini Plug for an outlet far from the house where range is the whole point.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
vs
News by email
Still comparing? Get what's new by email
New releases and the smart home news worth knowing, in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
| Feature | TP-Link Kasa EP40 | YoLink Mini Plug | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $18.99 | $19.99 | TP-Link Kasa EP40 |
| Weather Resistance | IP64 | NO | TP-Link Kasa EP40 |
| Maximum Load Power | 1875W | 1800W | TP-Link Kasa EP40 |
| Energy Monitoring | NO | YES | YoLink Mini Plug |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | None | TP-Link Kasa EP40 |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter | YoLink Mini Plug |
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.6 | Tie |
| Plug Format | Type B | Type B | Tie |
| On/Off Button | YES | YES | Tie |
| Zigbee Router | NO | NO | Tie |
What the differences mean
Indoor or outdoor
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 is IP64 rated and built for patios and yards, with covers for unused sockets. The YoLink Mini Plug has no weather resistance, so it belongs indoors or in a covered spot.
How it connects
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 joins 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi directly and needs no hub. The YoLink Mini Plug uses YoLink's long-range LoRa radio and only works through the YoLink hub, which is what gives it its reach.
Energy monitoring
The YoLink Mini Plug reports real-time energy with exportable reports, so it can show what a pump or heater uses. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 has no energy monitoring, so it switches and schedules but does not measure.
Number of outlets
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 has two grounded sockets that switch independently, each with its own button and timer. The YoLink Mini Plug is a single-socket plug, so it controls one device.
Range
The YoLink Mini Plug is designed for outlets far from the router, and owners report reliable operation from detached buildings and basements hundreds of feet away. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 relies on normal home Wi-Fi range.
Platforms
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant directly over Wi-Fi. The YoLink Mini Plug covers Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant, and reaches Apple Home, SmartThings and Matter only through the YoLink Local Hub.
Which one to buy if
- the outlet is a normal patio or yard outlet
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 is the IP64 outdoor plug with two sockets, and the YoLink Mini Plug is indoor only.
- the outlet is in a detached garage, barn or basement far from the router
The YoLink Mini Plug uses LoRa range that reaches buildings where Wi-Fi plugs drop off, through its hub.
- you want to meter a pump's power draw
The YoLink Mini Plug reports real-time energy with exportable reports, and the TP-Link Kasa EP40 does not measure.
- you need two loads switched separately
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 has two independent outlets, where the YoLink Mini Plug has one.
- you want no extra hub on the shelf
The TP-Link Kasa EP40 connects over Wi-Fi directly, while the YoLink Mini Plug always needs the YoLink hub.
Winner
24% OFF
$18.99
$24.99
- + Price: $18.99
- + Weather Resistance: IP64
- + Maximum Load Power: 1875W
- - Energy Monitoring: NO vs YES
- - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
$19.99
- + Energy Monitoring: YES
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
- - Price: $19.99 vs $18.99
- - Weather Resistance: NO vs IP64
What owners say
TP-Link Kasa EP40 owners describe a heavy, weatherproof plug that lasts outdoors and keeps switching in deep cold, with setup in the Kasa app taking about two minutes and no hub, and pairing to Alexa or Google Home just as quick. They value the two sockets, each with its own button and schedule, for holiday lights or a pump. A few mention pairing needing several attempts or a unit that stopped connecting. YoLink Mini Plug owners talk about distance instead: rock-solid control of a pump or heater in a detached building or concrete basement where Wi-Fi plugs failed, useful real-time energy monitoring, and an easy drop into Home Assistant automations; their gripes are the required YoLink hub and scheduling that is basic next to outdoor-plug apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: TP-Link Kasa EP40 or YoLink Mini Plug?
For a backyard outlet and two devices, the TP-Link Kasa EP40, with its IP64 body, two sockets and four direct platforms. The YoLink Mini Plug is the better pick when the outlet sits too far from the router for Wi-Fi and you want energy monitoring.
What is the biggest difference between the TP-Link Kasa EP40 and the YoLink Mini Plug?
How they reach the network. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 is an outdoor Wi-Fi plug with two sockets and no metering, while the YoLink Mini Plug is a single-socket LoRa plug that needs the YoLink hub but reaches far and measures energy.
Does the YoLink Mini Plug need a hub?
Yes. The YoLink Mini Plug communicates over YoLink's long-range LoRa protocol rather than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so the YoLink hub is required. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 needs no hub.
Which one measures energy use?
The YoLink Mini Plug, which reports real-time energy with exportable reports. The TP-Link Kasa EP40 has no energy monitoring.
Who should buy the TP-Link Kasa EP40?
Anyone automating outdoor lighting, decorations or a small pump that needs two independent sockets and a housing that survives rain and freezing weather.
Who should buy the YoLink Mini Plug?
A home or property where the outlet is in a basement, barn or detached building that Wi-Fi cannot reach, especially an existing YoLink household that wants to add outlet control and metering to the same hub.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Tell us and we will fix it.
Our store on AmazonShop our ideas on AmazonLists of the smart home setups we would put together ourselves, ready to add to your Amazon cart.Shop on AmazonFull comparison table
Compare all 46 Plugs side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Plugs in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 46 Plugs
- 32 specs compared
- 29 filters
- Plugs
Smart Plug ZEN04 800LR
- Plugs
Smart Plug
- Plugs
Hue Smart plug (US)
- Plugs
Hue Smart plug (EU)
- Plugs
Smart Plug Pro with Energy Monitoring
- Plugs
Smart Outdoor Energy Plug
- Plugs
Decora Smart Plug D215P (2nd Gen)
- Plugs
Plug Mini
- Plugs
S61s Outdoor Type F Matter Over WiFi Smart Plug
- Plugs
Kasa EP10
- Plugs
Smart Plug Pro
- Plugs
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug KP401
- Plugs
Tapo P125M
- Plugs
Smart Plug (EU)
- Plugs
Tapo P400M
- Plugs
Plug M Gen3
- Plugs
iPlug Gen2 Type F Matter Over WiFi Smart Plug
- Plugs
Wall Plug (EU)
- Plugs
Smart Plug (US)
- Plugs
Plug PM Gen3
- Buttons
Tapo S200B
- Buttons
Tapo S200D
- Cameras
Tapo C100
- Cameras
Tapo C120
- Cameras
Tapo C210
- Cameras
Tapo SolarCam C402
- Cameras
Tapo TC34
- Cameras
Kasa EC70
- Cameras
Kasa KC420WS
- Cameras
Tapo C200
- Cameras
Tapo C246D
- Cameras
Tapo C260
- Cameras
Tapo C320WS
- Cameras
Tapo C460
- Cameras
Tapo C465
- Cameras
Tapo C500
- Cameras
Tapo C545D
- Cameras
Tapo C560WS
- Cameras
Tapo C615F KIT
- Cameras
Tapo C660
- Cameras
Uno
- Door & Window Sensors
LoRa Smart Outdoor Contact Sensor
- Door & Window Sensors
Solar Outdoor Door Sensor
- Hubs
Hub
- Motion Sensors
Indoor Motion Sensor RT
- Motion Sensors
LoRa 1/4 Mile Motion Sensor
- Plugs
Smart Outdoor Energy Plug
- Smoke & CO Detectors
Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Smart Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer
- Water Leak Sensors
Water Leak Sensor 1
- Water Leak Sensors
Water Leak Sensor 4
- Water Shutoff Valves
FlowSmart All-in-One Water Meter & Shutoff
- Water Shutoff Valves
Valve Controller 2 with EVO Valve Operator
- Water Timers
Smart Sprinkler Timer