TP-Link is expanding its smart lighting lineup once again with the launch of a pair of recessed lighting kits under its Tapo home line. The all-new Tapo L730-4 and Tapo L730-6 Smart Recessed Downlight kits put millions of colors and Matter functionality directly into the ceiling for a cleaner look and seamless control.
Tapo Matter Smart Recessed Downlights: dual lighting zones, dual sizes, dual protocols
Available in four and six-inch sizes, the Tapo Matter Smart Recessed Downlights are designed as a hardwired replacement for indoor cans and other ceiling light fixtures. The new lights feature an ultra-thin white aluminum frame with a pair of spring-loaded clips around the back, which should make installation approachable for most DIYers—although Tapo still recommends consulting an electrician before proceeding.
As is the case with traditional LED wafer lights and other Matter recessed light offerings, Tapo's downlights sport a large integrated LED panel on the downward-facing portion of the units. However, what truly sets them apart from others is the inclusion of LEDs positioned around the outer trim ring, providing users with four distinct lighting modes to choose from: downlight, nightlight, RGB ring light, and downlight+ ring light.
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Both downlight sizes support the same set of base features, including full RGB capabilities with the ability to produce over 16 million colors, 2700K-6500K white color temperature ranges, sound-sync, and 1-100% dimming—just like Tapo's TL135E and 535E light bulbs. However, they vary when it comes to their light output, with the 4-inch size coming in at 850 lumens vs 1,100 lumens for the larger model.
Both models also support over 70 unique lighting effects and Tapo's Auto Biorhythm Lighting+, which automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature throughout the day—similar to Apple Home's Adaptive Lighting feature. For additional convenience, Tapo provides its S310D companion Mate Switch alongside the downlights with purchase, but unfortunately, the remote is not compatible with Matter—a rather odd omission.
Speaking of Matter, in a departure from previous Tapo releases, the company's recessed downlight kits feature dual wireless protocols for smart home connectivity. For their primary connection to Matter—and smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Apple Home, SmartThings, and Google Home—the downlight kits utilize tried-and-true 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi without the need for an additional hub, but the lights also support Bluetooth 1.1 Mesh technology for direct local control.
According to TP-Link, dual-protocol connectivity ensures that the lights remain responsive during Wi-Fi outages, and it also brings expanded coverage to areas with a weaker signal. Presumably, this functionality is limited to lights that are connected to the Tapo mobile app, as the CSA dropped Bluetooth device setup and commissioning late last year, but we will keep you updated if we hear otherwise.
Tapo Matter Smart Recessed Downlights: pricing and availability
Tapo's new Matter Smart Recessed Downlight Kits are available for purchase now through Amazon in the United States. Pricing starts at $159.99 for the four-inch kit (Tapo L730-4 KIT), while the six-inch kit is priced slightly higher at $169.99 (Tapo L730-6 KIT).
The six-inch kit is currently available for two-day Prime shipping with deliveries beginning next week. Deliveries for the four-inch set are currently slated for late May/early June.
