Kasa KL135 vs Filament Smart Bulb Comparison & Review
Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular in Bangladesh, and at the heart of many smart home setups are smart bulbs. They offer convenience, energy savings, and a touch of modern flair. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. Today, we're going to shine a light on two popular contenders from TP-Link's Kasa line: the Kasa KL135 and the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb. While both promise to elevate your home lighting, they cater to different needs and aesthetics. So, if you're wondering which one will brighten up your life, you've come to the right place!
Specifications
Let's start by breaking down the core technical aspects of these two bulbs. Understanding their specifications is crucial for deciding which one aligns with your lighting preferences and smart home ecosystem.
Feature | TP-Link Kasa KL135 | TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb |
---|---|---|
Brightness | 800 lumens (equivalent to 60W incandescent) | 800 lumens (equivalent to 60W incandescent) |
Color Options | Full RGB (16 million colors) + Tunable White | Warm White (2700K) with dimming |
Color Temperature | 2500K-9000K | Fixed 2700K |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) |
Lifespan | Up to 25,000 hours | Up to 15,000 hours |
Dimmability | Yes, via Kasa app or voice control | Yes, via Kasa app or voice control |
Form Factor | Standard A19 bulb | Edison-style ST19 or G25 bulb |
Energy Usage | 10W | 7W |
As you can see, the most significant difference lies in their color capabilities. The KL135 is a chameleon, capable of producing a full spectrum of colors and various shades of white. Imagine setting the mood with a calming blue for relaxation or a vibrant red for a party – the KL135 makes it possible. On the other hand, the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb embraces a classic, vintage look, offering a fixed warm white light that's perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's like comparing a modern art installation to a timeless antique lamp; both beautiful, but serving different artistic visions.
Performance
Beyond the numbers, how do these bulbs actually perform in your home? Let's talk about responsiveness, brightness accuracy, and the overall ease of use.
Responsiveness
Both Kasa bulbs boast excellent responsiveness. Since they connect directly to your Wi-Fi network, there's no need for a separate hub, which often translates to quicker command execution. Whether you're turning them on/off, dimming them, or changing colors (for the KL135), you'll find the response time almost instantaneous. This is a huge plus, especially when you're accustomed to the immediate feedback of traditional light switches. You won't be left waiting in the dark, wondering if your command registered.
Brightness Accuracy
The KL135 delivers its promised 800 lumens consistently. Its color reproduction is generally accurate, though like most smart bulbs, very subtle color variations might be less precise at the extreme ends of the spectrum. The filament bulb also hits its 800-lumen mark, and its warm white light is exactly what you'd expect from a traditional incandescent bulb, but with the added benefit of smart controls. Dimming on both bulbs is smooth, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments without flickering or abrupt changes. For those who are particular about their lighting, this level of control is a delight.
Ease of Use
Setting up both bulbs is refreshingly simple. The Kasa app guides you through the process step-by-step. You simply screw in the bulb, open the app, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi. It’s a straightforward process that even tech novices in Bangladesh will find manageable. Once connected, managing your lights through the app is intuitive, with clearly labeled controls for brightness, color (for KL135), and scheduling.
Smart Home Integration
The true magic of smart bulbs lies in their ability to integrate seamlessly with your existing smart home ecosystem. Both the KL135 and the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb are part of the TP-Link Kasa ecosystem, which is known for its broad compatibility.
Voice Assistants
Both bulbs play nicely with the most popular voice assistants:
- Amazon Alexa: You can easily link your Kasa account to Alexa and control your lights with voice commands like "Alexa, turn on the living room light" or "Alexa, dim the bedroom light to 50%." For the KL135, you can even say "Alexa, change the living room light to blue."
- Google Assistant: Similarly, Google Assistant integration is robust. Commands like "Hey Google, set the kitchen light to warm white" or "Hey Google, turn off all lights" work flawlessly.
- Apple HomeKit: This is where the KL135 shines. The TP-Link Kasa KL135 is one of the few Kasa bulbs that natively supports Apple HomeKit, allowing iPhone and iPad users to control it via the Home app and Siri. This is a significant advantage for Apple enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb does not support HomeKit directly. This could be a deal-breaker for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- SmartThings: Both bulbs are compatible with Samsung SmartThings, expanding their reach to a wider range of smart home users who prefer this platform for centralized control.
Unique Automation Features
Through the Kasa app, you can set up various automations and schedules for both bulbs:
- Schedules: Set your lights to turn on or off at specific times, perfect for simulating occupancy when you're away or waking up to a gradually brightening light.
- Scenes: Create custom lighting presets. For the KL135, this means combining specific colors and brightness levels for different moods (e.g., "Movie Night" scene with dim, warm lights). For the filament bulb, it's about dimming levels.
- Away Mode: This feature randomly turns your lights on and off to make it look like someone is home, adding an extra layer of security.
- Grouping: You can group multiple Kasa bulbs together to control them as one, which is incredibly convenient for rooms with several lights.
When considering other Kasa smart bulbs, you might find other interesting comparisons. For example, if you're curious about how the KL135 stacks up against another popular Kasa bulb, check out this detailed comparison: TP-Link Kasa KL135 vs TP-Link Tapo L630.
App Experience
The Kasa Smart app is the command center for both of these bulbs, and it's generally well-regarded for its user-friendliness and robust features.
Functionality and User Interface
The app features a clean and intuitive interface. On the main dashboard, you'll see all your connected Kasa devices. Tapping on a bulb brings up its individual control panel. For the KL135, you get a color wheel, brightness slider, and white light temperature slider. For the filament bulb, it's primarily a brightness slider. The app also allows you to:
- Monitor Energy Usage: Keep an eye on how much electricity your smart bulbs are consuming.
- Firmware Updates: Easily update your bulb's firmware to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
- Remote Control: Control your lights from anywhere with an internet connection, a fantastic feature if you've ever left home and wondered if you turned off the lights.
Customization Options
The KL135 truly shines here. You can:
- Choose from millions of colors.
- Adjust white light from a cool, crisp daylight to a warm, cozy incandescent glow.
- Save your favorite color/brightness combinations as "Scenes" for quick access.
- Set up "Effects" like flickering candlelight or a gentle color fade for ambient lighting.
The filament bulb, while limited to warm white, still offers excellent dimming customization, allowing you to set the perfect level of warmth and brightness for any occasion.
Security & Privacy
In an increasingly connected world, security and privacy are paramount concerns, especially with devices connected to your home network. TP-Link, as a reputable brand, generally adheres to industry standards for smart home device security.
Remote Access and Data Handling
Kasa devices connect to TP-Link's cloud servers to enable remote access and smart home integrations. This means your commands go through their servers. TP-Link states that they use encryption to protect data in transit and at rest. Like most smart home companies, they collect usage data to improve their services, but this is typically anonymized.
While no system is 100% impervious to breaches, TP-Link regularly releases firmware updates that often include security patches. It's crucial for users to keep their device firmware updated to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. When considering any smart home device, it's always wise to use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and Kasa account, and to enable two-factor authentication if available.
User Reviews & Feedback
What do real users in Bangladesh and around the world say about these bulbs? Let's dive into the common sentiments.
TP-Link Kasa KL135
Pros:
- Vibrant Colors: Users consistently praise the rich and accurate color reproduction.
- HomeKit Support: A major selling point for Apple users, often cited as a key differentiator.
- Reliable Performance: Many report stable Wi-Fi connectivity and quick response times.
- Easy Setup: The setup process is frequently highlighted as straightforward.
- Versatility: The ability to change colors and white temperatures makes it adaptable for various moods and tasks.
Cons:
- Price: Can be more expensive than basic smart bulbs, especially if you need many.
- Brightness at Certain Colors: Some users note that certain deep colors might appear less bright than white light.
- Bulb Size: Being an A19, it might not fit all lamp fixtures perfectly.
For a broader perspective, you might find it helpful to compare the KL135 with other popular smart bulb brands available in Bangladesh. Take a look at this comparison: Kasa KL135 vs Philips Hue Smart Bulb and Kasa KL135 vs Yeelight](https://www.sohojtech.com/2025/06/kasa-kl135-vs-yeelight-which-smart-bulb.
TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb
Pros:
- Aesthetics: The vintage filament design is a huge draw, perfect for exposed fixtures.
- Warm, Inviting Light: Users love the cozy ambiance it creates.
- Dimmable: Smooth dimming capabilities are highly appreciated.
- Affordable: Often more budget-friendly than color-changing bulbs.
- Simplicity: For those who only need warm white light, its straightforward functionality is a plus.
Cons:
- No Color Changing: The most obvious limitation, which users are aware of but sometimes wish it had.
- Fixed White Temperature: Cannot adjust between cool and warm white.
- Shorter Lifespan: Compared to the KL135, its rated lifespan is shorter.
Overall, both bulbs receive positive feedback for their reliability and ease of integration into the Kasa ecosystem. Your choice largely depends on your aesthetic preference and functional needs.
Pricing & Value
Pricing for smart bulbs can fluctuate, but generally, the Kasa KL135 is positioned at a higher price point than the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb. This is primarily due to the KL135's advanced color-changing capabilities and HomeKit support.
In Bangladesh, you can expect to find the KL135 typically retailing for BDT 2,500 - 3,500, while the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb usually ranges from BDT 1,800 - 2,500. These are approximate figures, and prices can vary based on retailers and ongoing promotions.
Value for Money:
- TP-Link Kasa KL135: Offers excellent value for users who desire full color control, tunable white light, and especially Apple HomeKit integration. If you're looking to set moods, create dynamic lighting scenes, or need HomeKit compatibility, the extra investment is well worth it. It's a versatile choice that can adapt to many different lighting scenarios within your home.
- TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb: Provides superb value for those who appreciate a classic, warm aesthetic and primarily need dimmable white light. If you have exposed light fixtures where the bulb itself is a design element, or if you simply want to add smart functionality to a traditional look without breaking the bank, this bulb is an outstanding choice. It's an affordable way to bring smart dimming to your cozy corners.
Ultimately, the "value" depends on your specific needs and priorities. Neither bulb is inherently better; they simply cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
So, which TP-Link Kasa smart bulb should you choose for your Bangladeshi home? The answer, as always, depends on your unique needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
Choose the TP-Link Kasa KL135 if you are:
- A power user or someone who loves customization: The full RGB color spectrum and tunable white light offer endless possibilities for setting the mood, creating scenes, or even using lighting for productivity.
- An Apple HomeKit user: This is a key differentiator, making the KL135 a seamless addition to your Apple-centric smart home.
- Looking for versatility: This bulb can serve multiple purposes, from bright task lighting to subtle ambiance, making it a great all-rounder for various rooms.
- Less concerned about the bulb's visible aesthetic: The KL135 is a standard A19 bulb, designed to be functional rather than a statement piece.
Choose the TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb if you are:
- Someone who values aesthetics and a vintage look: Its Edison-style design is perfect for exposed fixtures, creating a warm, inviting, and stylish atmosphere.
- Looking for warm, cozy lighting: The fixed 2700K warm white is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas where a comforting glow is desired.
- Budget-conscious: It offers smart dimmable functionality at a more accessible price point compared to its color-changing counterpart.
- Not concerned about color-changing capabilities or HomeKit support: If you simply need a smart bulb to dim and control wirelessly, and you love the classic look, this is your go-to.
Both bulbs offer reliable performance, easy setup, and seamless integration with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, making them excellent choices for expanding your smart home in Bangladesh. Consider your priorities, and you’ll find the perfect TP-Link Kasa bulb to illuminate your life!