Review: Tapo P304M Smart Strip – A Smart Power Strip with Matter Integration and Power Monitoring

Tapo P304M Smart Plug Power Strip Review

I reviewed the TP-Link Tapo P110M two years ago, and it is by far my favorite smart plug. It is, more or less, the most affordable smart plug with energy monitoring on the market, Matter works well, it integrates into Home Assistant perfectly, and the Tapo app is reasonably decent. Plus, I have other Tapo and Kasa products, so it is good to keep everything in one ecosystem.

The Tapo P304M appears to have launched a little over a year ago. It is basically a power strip version of the P110M with four sockets.

Obviously, the initial benefit here is that you can plug four devices into one socket.

However, what really sold it to me was the fact that this works out cheaper per socket than the P110M, and this provides superior control and monitoring over combining the P110M with a dumb power strip.

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Specification

The maximum 13A load is the UK standard and handles pretty much anything you would plug into a power strip, excluding heavy appliances like kettles or heaters, which you shouldn’t be using on a power strip anyway.

Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip – Key Features

Matter Certification

The P304M is certified for Matter, the industry-standard connectivity protocol for smart home devices. This allows integration with multiple ecosystems including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Matter certification enables multi-admin functionality, meaning the device can be controlled through different platforms simultaneously or shared across multiple user accounts. Communication operates over the local network (LAN) using established encryption protocols.

A compatible hub is required for third-party platform integration.

Energy Monitoring

The power strip includes real-time energy monitoring capabilities that track power consumption across connected devices. Users can input their electricity rates (supporting both single-rate and time-of-use tariff structures) to calculate estimated running costs. The monitoring system provides data visualization showing usage patterns over time.

Additional power management features include configurable power thresholds and automatic shut-off to prevent devices from remaining connected beyond their charge requirements.

Electrical Protection

Surge Protection

Built-in surge suppression circuitry protects connected equipment from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or power grid fluctuations.

Zero-Crossing Detection

The unit employs zero-crossing detection technology in its relay switching mechanism. This addresses relay contact welding, which is a common failure point in smart plugs. The technology switches the relay when AC voltage crosses zero, reducing arc formation. According to manufacturer testing, this extends relay lifespan by approximately 9 times compared to standard relays, though actual performance varies based on the type of connected load. The technology is most effective with capacitive loads such as LED lighting, televisions, computers, and phone chargers.

Child Safety

Each outlet socket features protective shutters that prevent foreign object insertion when not in use.

Control Methods

Voice Control

Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant for voice-activated switching of connected devices.

Remote Control

The Tapo mobile application provides remote switching capability when the device is connected to a network with internet access.

Local Control

Physical push buttons allow manual operation of each outlet independently.

Scheduling and Automation

The device supports time-based automation through the Tapo application:

• Scheduling: Configure specific times for outlets to activate or deactivate
• Auto-Off Timer: Automatically disconnect power after a preset duration
• Away Mode: Randomized switching patterns designed to simulate occupancy

Design

The physical design of the P304M is reasonably well thought out. The unit measures 260 x 62.7 x 31.4mm, which makes it compact enough to fit behind furniture or mount on a wall without being obtrusive.

The Tapo P304M Smart Strip has a solid build quality, with a thick flame-retardant plastic casing that gives it some weight. The four sockets are well-spaced, allowing for larger adapters without blocking adjacent sockets, a common issue with cheaper power strips. Each socket also features protective shutters for child safety, requiring even pressure from both pins to open.

The strip includes mounting points for wall installation, though screws are not included. The status LEDs for each socket are bright but not obnoxiously so, with options to disable them entirely or enable “Night Mode.” One drawback is the lack of USB ports, which are found on competing smart power strips.

Setting up the Tapo P304M Smart Strip can be done through the Tapo app using Bluetooth or via Matter for compatibility with various controllers. The app setup process is straightforward, while the Matter setup requires scanning a QR code or entering a manual pairing code. Overall, both setup methods work well, with the Matter setup requiring proper configuration of your Matter controller. When setting up your first Matter device, it is important to spend some time understanding how Matter threading works with your specific ecosystem. The Tapo app provides a straightforward interface for the P304M device, offering features such as on/off toggles for the outlets, power usage details, energy statistics, overflow threshold settings, schedules, and integration shortcuts with services like Alexa and Google Assistant.

In the energy section of the app, you can set electricity prices, time-of-use pricing windows, monthly budgets, and view historical usage graphs. For more advanced analysis, the P304M can be combined with P110M plugs and integrated with Home Assistant for a more detailed energy monitoring experience.

While the Tapo app is user-friendly and provides useful information, it may not offer the same level of detail as a dedicated monitoring stack. Firmware updates can sometimes be slow, and deeper configuration options may require additional taps. However, for mainstream users, the app strikes a good balance between usability and depth.

For Home Assistant users, integrating the P304M with Matter can enhance the energy monitoring capabilities. By setting up the device within the Tapo app and providing TP-Link credentials, users can easily access the native Tapo support within Home Assistant. I already had a significant number of smart plugs with energy monitoring, but I expanded my setup by adding three Tapo P304M smart strips and four more P110M plugs. I utilize the “Today’s consumption” option to monitor my whole home usage under Electricity Grid, and I also set up individual device monitoring.

The integration with Home Assistant is where the Tapo P304M becomes truly powerful. Each socket appears as a separate switch entity with energy monitoring sensors once integrated. This allows for creating sophisticated automations based on power consumption, setting alerts for devices exceeding certain thresholds, and incorporating the strips into broader home automation routines.

I have set up several useful automations, such as automatically powering off office equipment when my workday ends, sending notifications for excessive power draw indicating potential faults, and tracking monthly energy costs per device to identify efficiency opportunities.

The energy dashboard in Home Assistant provides excellent visualization of consumption patterns, allowing me to see hourly, daily, and monthly usage, compare costs between devices, and identify trends over time, helping me reduce electricity costs.

In routine use, the Tapo P304M behaves similarly to a collection of P110M plugs assembled into a single strip. Switching is responsive both from the Tapo app and Home Assistant or voice assistants. The strip remains cool to the touch under continuous load, and the energy monitoring is consistent with other smart plugs.

At a price of around £25, the Tapo P304M Smart Strip offers incredible value for money, working out to just £6.25 per socket. Compared to other options, the P304M stands out for its features and affordability. Overall, the Tapo P304M is my favorite smart plug due to its performance, power monitoring capabilities, and reasonable price.

Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip Review

The Tapo P304M is a remarkable smart power strip that offers all the features of the P110M in a convenient and cost-effective four-socket format. Its energy monitoring capabilities are precise enough for effective home optimization, and its Matter support ensures compatibility with future ecosystems. Seamless integration with Home Assistant further enhances its appeal. Despite minor drawbacks such as the absence of USB ports and a slightly short cable, the core functionality of the P304M is exceptional. At its price point, it stands out as one of the best-value smart power strips in the UK market.

Pros:

• Outstanding value per socket
• Precise energy monitoring
• Matter support
• Strong integration with Home Assistant
• Compact and well-designed hardware

Cons:

• No USB ports
• Short cable length

Overall, the Tapo P304M is the top choice for a smart power strip with energy monitoring in the UK market. Its reliable performance and detailed per-socket monitoring make it a highly recommended option for those looking for smart control without breaking the bank.

Last update on 2025-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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