After making its first appearance in Japan in late 2024 and being followed by its European introduction early the next year, Tapo's Smart IR & IoT Hub H110 has finally arrived in the United States. The new hub not only supports the company's line of proprietary wireless devices but also features IR-blaster capabilities and a built-in alarm system.
Tapo Smart IR & IoT Hub H110: why it matters
While TP-Link's Tapo brand generally relies on Wi-Fi for devices like its Matter-compatible P125 smart plug and S505 light switch, its security sensors and climate monitors utilize Sub-1Ghz technology. The latest Tapo hub bridges these devices to Matter, acting as a central command center that relays actions and status updates, while also throwing in the ability to act as a security system with a 93dB siren onboard.
TP-Link Tapo P125M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug
The TP-Link Tapo Mini Plug P125M is a compact Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug that supports voice and remote control, automatic shutoff, and integrates with Matter for compatibility with other smart devices.
TP -Link Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
The Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch S505 enables control of lights and ceiling fans through the Tapo app, supports voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant, and can be automated with Tapo sensors, without the need for an internet connection.
However, the real star of the show is the H110's Matter-compatible IR-blaster functionality. According to TP-Link, the new hub works with 18 unique device types from over 8000 brands right out of the box, including televisions, air conditioners, fans, humidifiers, set-top boxes, projectors, lights, and more.
TP-Link is promising "exceptional compatibility" for its IR-blaster/hub combo, with the company committing to updating its device database every three months. TP-Link also touts the hub's simplified IR setup process, where users will only need to press a few buttons on their existing remotes while following step-by-step instructions through the Tapo mobile app.
Devices connected to the hub are then exposed to Matter, where they can be used in scenes and automation alongside other smart home products from various vendors. Matter support also unlocks voice assistant compatibility, so users can control their newly added devices via Alexa, Google, and Siri.
Tapo Smart IR & IoT Hub H110: pricing and availability
The Tapo Smart IR & IoT Hub H110 is now available for purchase in the United States through Amazon for $29.99. In addition to the U.S., Tapo's hub also remains available in select European markets and in Japan.
(Source: TP-Link/Tapo, Amazon)
