
Smart Home Fit
9/10
Highly versatile smart bulb with Matter support for seamless integration across platforms.
Starting at
$29.99
Works With
The TP-Link Tapo A19 is a solid, budget-friendly multicolor smart bulb best suited for casual users who want easy voice control without a hub but can tolerate occasional connectivity hiccups.
The TP-Link Tapo A19 Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb (2-Pack) offers solid multicolor lighting with decent brightness and compatibility across major ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. It’s a budget-friendly option at around $30 for two bulbs, making it accessible for users wanting to dip their toes into smart lighting without a hub. The bulbs support a wide color range and adjustable white tones, which work well for mood lighting or basic smart home setups. However, the bulbs rely solely on Wi-Fi, which can cause occasional connectivity drops in congested networks, and the app experience, while functional, is less polished compared to competitors like Philips Hue. The brightness at about 800 lumens is sufficient for most rooms but may fall short in larger spaces or for task lighting. Setup is straightforward but can be slower if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. These bulbs are perfect for users who want easy voice control and color options without investing in a hub or premium ecosystem. However, those looking for ultra-reliable performance, faster response times, or deeper integration with advanced smart home platforms might want to consider alternatives. Overall, it’s a good entry-level smart bulb for casual users but not ideal for demanding smart home enthusiasts.
8
Value
7
Setup
6
Reliable
6
App
7
Ecosystem
TL135E is Tapo's Matter-Compatible high-lumen multicolor smart bulb that seamlessly integrates with certified smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. With 1100 lumens of crisp, high-quality lighting, it is ideal for any space in your home that requires brighter lighting. You can easily design scenarios for your daily routine or activities by customizing the schedule, light brightness, light temperature, and colors–with millions of hues to choose from via the Tapo app.
Connectivity
Full feature set requires Tapo app; limited offline functionality
Compared to Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs, the Tapo A19 lacks a dedicated hub, which simplifies setup but can reduce reliability and responsiveness. Hue bulbs generally offer more consistent brightness and smoother app control but come at a higher price. Compared to the LIFX A19 bulbs, Tapo bulbs are more affordable but have less vibrant colors and a less intuitive app. LIFX bulbs also boast stronger Wi-Fi performance and no hub requirement, similar to Tapo, but with better color accuracy. TP-Link’s Tapo bulbs strike a balance between cost and features but fall short in app polish and network stability compared to these competitors.
Installation is quite simple, rated around 2 out of 5 in difficulty. Screwing in the bulb and connecting to Wi-Fi via the Tapo app usually takes about 5-10 minutes per bulb. No additional tools are needed. Common issues include weak Wi-Fi signals causing setup failures or delays. Professional installation isn’t necessary unless you have complex lighting setups or poor Wi-Fi coverage.
In daily use, the Tapo A19 bulbs generally respond within 1-2 seconds to app or voice commands, which is acceptable but not instantaneous. Users report occasional connectivity drops, especially in homes with crowded Wi-Fi networks. The Tapo app is functional but can feel clunky compared to more mature apps like Philips Hue or LIFX. Battery life isn’t applicable since these are wired bulbs. Firmware updates are occasional but can improve stability.
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Ideal for homeowners seeking customizable lighting solutions compatible with multiple smart home ecosystems.
Consider purchasing for enhanced lighting control and energy savings in a smart home setup.
Buy the Tapo A19 bulbs if you want affordable, hub-free smart lighting with decent color options. Pair them with a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network to minimize connectivity issues. Avoid buying if you need very bright bulbs or a highly polished app experience. Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender if your signal is weak to improve reliability.
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Matter Protocol

Cync - A19 LED Light Bulb, Matter Compatible, Color Changing, 2pk - Full Color
Matter support for future-proofing and compatibility
Budget Option

Govee - A19 800 Lumens Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb (2-Pack) - Multi
Cheaper 2-pack with high rating and similar features
Premium Option

Philips - Hue Lightguide Ellipse A19 Bluetooth 60W Smart LED Bulb - White and Color Ambiance
Higher quality with 5.0★ rating and broader compatibility

Philips - Hue Smart A19 E26 Bulb, 2pk - White and Color Ambiance
$71.99
Philips Hue with similar features and high rating

Govee - A19 800 Lumens Smart LED Bulb (4-Pack) - Multi
$28.99
Govee 4-pack offers more bulbs for a similar price

Philips - Hue A19 Bluetooth 75W Smart LED Bulb (2-Pack) - White and Color Ambiance
$94.99
Philips Hue with Bluetooth and high rating
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