Kasa Smart Bulb Review – Multicolor Lighting & Easy Control
Explore the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb. Features, benefits, review, setup, compatibility, & more. Is it right for your smart home?
Introduction
Tired of fumbling for light switches in the dark? Or wishing you could set the perfect ambiance for a movie night without getting up? The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb (LB130) by TP-Link offers a simple, elegant solution, transforming ordinary lighting into a smart and customizable experience. It eliminates the need for a separate hub, allowing you to control your lights directly from your smartphone or via voice commands, opening up a new level of convenience and personalization in your home.
Overview
The TP-Link Kasa LB130 is a dynamic and versatile A19 LED smart bulb designed for effortless integration into your existing lighting fixtures. Unlike many smart bulbs requiring a dedicated hub, the Kasa connects directly to your home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Its core technology lies in its seamless integration with the Kasa Smart app, offering robust control and customization options. Ideal for homeowners, renters, or anyone seeking to enhance their home’s smart capabilities and create custom lighting scenes for any occasion, the LB130 is a straightforward entry point into the world of smart home automation.
Features
Voice Assistant Integration: Effortlessly control your lights with your voice. The Kasa LB130 seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, enabling hands-free operation and adding a layer of convenience to your daily routine. Simply issue voice commands to dim, brighten, or change the color of your lights.
Energy Efficiency & Longevity: The LB130 is designed for energy efficiency, consuming just 11 watts while providing the brightness of a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. Furthermore, its extended lifespan of up to 25,000 hours reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving you money and minimizing waste.
Easy Setup & 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity: Setting up the Kasa LB130 is incredibly straightforward. Simply screw the bulb into a standard E26 fitting, connect to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (5 GHz networks are not supported), and follow the simple instructions in the Kasa app. The absence of a hub simplifies the process and reduces clutter.
Smart Scheduling & Scenes: Beyond simple on/off control, the Kasa app allows you to create custom schedules and lighting scenes. Automate your lights to turn on and off at specific times, simulate occupancy while you’re away, or create personalized scenes for movie nights, reading, or dinner parties. This level of customization enhances both convenience and security.
Vibrant Multicolor Spectrum: The Kasa LB130 boasts an impressive 16 million color options, allowing you to tailor your lighting to match any mood or event. From a calming blue for relaxation to a vibrant red for a festive party, the possibilities are endless, all easily adjustable through the intuitive Kasa app. This dramatically elevates the ambiance of any room.
Benefits
Effortless Control: Manage your lighting from anywhere with your smartphone, whether you’re at home or on vacation.
Customizable Ambiance: Create the perfect mood for any occasion with millions of color options.
Enhanced Security: Simulate occupancy while you’re away to deter potential intruders.
Energy Savings: Reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.
Voice-Controlled Convenience: Enjoy hands-free control with your favorite voice assistant.
Usages
Perfect for Home Automation: Integrates seamlessly with existing smart home ecosystems for unified control.
Ideal for Entertainment Areas: Create immersive lighting experiences for movie nights or gaming sessions.
Great for Vacation Homes: Remotely manage your lighting to give the appearance of occupancy.
Useful for Bedrooms: Set a relaxing mood and create a gentle wake-up light for a more natural start to your day.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy setup and intuitive app control
- Wide range of color options and dimming capabilities
- Voice assistant compatibility
- No hub required
- Energy efficient and long-lasting
Cons
- Requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network
- Connectivity issues reported by some users
- Brightness at maximum setting may not be sufficient for all needs
- Value for money questioned by some
- Limited integration with non-compatible smart home systems
FAQs
Does the Kasa LB130 work with all smart home devices?: The LB130 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. While direct integration with other systems may be limited, it can often be integrated through IFTTT (If This Then That).
What if I lose my Wi-Fi connection?: While the bulb will revert to its last known setting, control will be lost until the Wi-Fi connection is restored. The app provides notifications for connectivity issues.
Does the bulb dim smoothly?: Yes, the Kasa LB130 offers smooth dimming capabilities through the Kasa app, allowing you to adjust the brightness to your desired level.
What is the lifespan of the Kasa LB130?: The Kasa LB130 is rated for up to 25,000 hours of use, which translates to approximately 22 years based on an average usage of 3 hours per day.
How do I connect the Kasa LB130 to my Wi-Fi?: Download the Kasa Smart app (available on iOS and Android), create an account, and follow the in-app instructions. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is operating on the 2.4 GHz band.
Product Specifications
| Light Color | Multicolor |
| Shape | A19 |
| Bulb Base | E26 |
| Part Number | LB130 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Brightness | 800 Lumen |
| Power Source | AC |
| Included Components | Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb LB130, Quick Installation Guide |
| Wattage | 60 watts |
| UPC | 845973096038 |
| Bulb Shape Size | A15 |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | 60 Watts |
| Light Type | LED |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Color |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
| Model Name | Dimmable LED WiFi Smart Bulb |
| Color Temperature | 9000 Kelvin |
| Color | Dynamic – Multiple Color Options |
| Item model number | LB130 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Brand | TP-Link |
| Light Output Maximum | 800 Lumens |
| Item Weight | 7 ounces |
Ratings
| Design | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.3 |
| Value | 3.9 |
| Connectivity | 3.7 |
| Ease of Use | 4.2 |
| Performance | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb is an ideal choice for homeowners looking to enter the smart lighting space without the complexity of a hub-based system. Its ease of use, broad color palette, and voice assistant compatibility make it a great starting point for creating a personalized and automated home environment.
If you’re an existing smart home enthusiast, the LB130 provides a simple and affordable way to expand your lighting options and add a touch of color and convenience to any room. While its connectivity might be a concern for some, the overall functionality and value proposition are compelling.
Conclusion
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb LB130 delivers on its promise of simple, smart lighting. Its vibrant color options, seamless voice control, and ease of setup make it a winner for many users. While the occasional connectivity hiccup and limited integration with some smart home platforms may be drawbacks, the benefits of convenient and customizable lighting far outweigh the minor limitations. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to bring smart lighting into your home, the Kasa LB130 is an excellent choice.
