Why is it great for tinkerers/homelabs you may ask?
It's a power strip that's regularly on sale for $45. You may think that's a lot for a power strip, but once you realize that it has not only INDIVIDUAL CONTROL on each outlet, but also power monitoring on each outlet? That's an INSANE feature to have.
Currently, I have one on a 3D printer. It controls the printer itself, the light, and the monitor (which doesn't always have to be on) - the ability to see a rough estimate (I haven't verified the accuracy of the power usage) of the power usage, and integrate with OctoPrint to automatically turn the printer and light on/off is amazing. I ordered a second one to use for the server rack and be able to monitor the power usage of the core network (Modem, Router, Switch) as well as a quick "remote reboot" for them all.
It's plastic, so it's not the most sturdy power strip ever. WiFi signal is actually pretty good, never had communication issues with it even when other devices struggle. The firmware is old enough that it can be directly accessed/toggled, though this isn't guaranteed to be the case for long - the smart plug minis have been updated (so I hear) to disable it due to security concerns, who knows if that affects or will be applied to this.
Sure, you can get more open ones, or even ones that work better with your setup. But for the price, and the feature set, I'd 100% recommend this hidden gem just because it has much more than you expect at first glance. But only on sale, I don't believe it's worth the full price of $80.
| Manufacturer | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Part Number | HS300 |
| Item Weight | 1.55 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.17 x 2.49 x 1.48 inches |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
| Item model number | HS300 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 6 Outlets |
| Color | White |
| Style | Smart Power Strip w/ 6 Outlets |
| Pattern | Power Strip |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | 1 HS300 Kasa Smart Power Strip,Quick Start Guide |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 2-year warranty |
