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Kasa KS205

KS205 is a capable basic wall switch, but it needs a better price to be our first choice. The checked $17.99 offer buys less than Tapo’s cheaper S515 for a lighting circuit, while S505 covers the same simple on/off job for $12.99. Keep one that already works; compare prices before adding more.

Matter over Wi-FiBuying review
By Matterhome Editorial TeamEditorial lead JC Martinez
Kasa KS205 Matter smart Wi-Fi light switch

What we like

  • Ordinary wall control plus app and voice switching
  • Auto-off timer for lights that get left on
  • Works with Kasa and can also be managed in Tapo

What could be better

  • Cheaper Tapo models make the current offer less attractive
  • No dimming or energy readings
  • Single-pole only, with neutral wiring required

Useful, but not the best-priced basic switch

KS205 makes an ordinary lighting circuit easier to live with. The wall button still switches the lights, while schedules, voice commands and an auto-off timer cover the times when nobody wants to walk back to the switch. That is a sensible upgrade for a utility room or cupboard where brightness control would add little.

At the checked $17.99 B&H price for one switch, though, its value is unremarkable. Tapo S505 is $12.99 for the same basic single-pole on/off job. For lighting, S515 is also cheaper at $15.99 and adds energy monitoring plus support for suitable multi-way circuits. KS205 needs a discount or a specific reason to match existing switches.

Familiar controls are its appeal

The large on/off button and locator LED make the physical purpose clear. There is no brightness slider, display or elaborate control panel to explain to a guest. Kasa's auto-off timer is particularly useful for a light that regularly stays on after a brief visit; a fixed schedule alone would not address that habit as directly.

Matter over Wi-Fi adds control from your chosen smart-home system without a Kasa hub. Existing Kasa devices can also be linked into the Tapo app, so buying the Kasa name does not oblige you to keep two daily control apps. Equally, that shared app support weakens the argument for paying extra just to stay within one brand label.

Keep it simple, or choose a different switch

This is an indoor, neutral-wired single-pole model: one wall location controls the circuit. It cannot dim the lights or replace one end of a three-way arrangement. Have the circuit and installation checked by a qualified electrician; the low hardware price is only part of the cost of changing a wall switch.

For a dimmable fixture, KS225 adds physical brightness buttons, although Tapo's dimmer prices deserve a look too. For an existing KS205 already doing its job, there is little reason to replace it. As a new purchase, it is competent hardware facing stronger value elsewhere in the same manufacturer's range.

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Compare the options

How it compares with other switches

Ecosystem support shows what maker and platform documentation lists, not our own testing.

Swipe the table sideways to see all 4 devices.

Kasa KS205 compared with Tapo S505, Tapo S515, Kasa KS225
Kasa KS205 Matter smart Wi-Fi light switch
KasaKS205This review
Tapo S505 Matter smart Wi-Fi light switch
TapoS505
Tapo S515 Matter smart Wi-Fi light switch with energy monitoring
TapoS515
Kasa KS225 Matter smart Wi-Fi dimmer switch
KasaKS225
Our takeKS205 is a capable basic wall switch, but it needs a better price to be our first choice.S505 is a good inexpensive switch for a light that simply needs to turn on and off.S515 is a particularly good-value choice for lights controlled from several wall locations.KS225 offers useful wall dimming and adjustable fades, but its checked $24.99 single-switch price is difficult to defend against an S505D two-pack at the same price.
Price$17.99From $12.99$19.99$24.99
ConnectionMatter over Wi-FiMatter over Wi-FiMatter over Wi-FiMatter over Wi-Fi
NeedsNo brand hub or Thread router requiredNo brand hub or Thread router requiredNo brand hub or Thread router requiredNo brand hub or Thread router required
MarketsNorth AmericaNorth AmericaNorth AmericaNorth America
LaunchAugust 202320232024August 2023
Works with
Apple HomeSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
Google HomeSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
AlexaSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
SmartThingsSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
Home AssistantSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
HomeyNot listedSupportedNot listedLimited

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