TP-Link Tapo P316M V1.6 Matter power strip review

Document-based assessment of the US Tapo P316M V1 family, using TP-Link’s product page, support selector, V1.6-labelled datasheet and quick-start guide. The seller’s exact hardware suffix must still be checked; I did not connect appliances, measure output or test surge protection.

Six switched AC outlets make this a power strip, not six separate plugs

The P316M is one corded power strip with six individually controlled AC outlets and three built-in USB charging ports. TP-Link says each AC outlet can be switched on its own from the Tapo app, supported Matter ecosystem or its physical button. The product page calls the USB sockets always-on, so do not count them as three more app-switched outlets. The strip includes a master power button and indicator lights, and TP-Link specifies a 37-inch cord. Its profile is useful when several devices share one location, but all connected equipment still draws through the same strip and branch circuit.

TP-Link specifies a 125 V, 15 A, 1,875 W maximum aggregate rating. The versioned quick-start guide also lists load examples at 120 V, including a general/resistive rating of 15 A and 1,800 W, a separate 1/6 hp motor rating, and lower examples for some appliances such as a toaster, coffee maker, lamp and computer. I use the guide’s stated 1,800 W figure for the finder’s 120-volt field; it is not a claim that each of six outlets can draw that amount. Read the appliance table and the appliance’s own manual, especially for motors or compressors, rather than multiplying the strip rating by the number of sockets.

Matter, Tapo energy reports and local app access

The P316M supports Tapo app control and a Matter setup route. TP-Link lists Apple Home and compatible voice assistants on the product page, and its instructions show adding the strip through a Matter-compatible app. The setup guide says a Matter controller is needed for that route; Bluetooth is used during onboarding, while the strip connects to a secured 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. This is a Matter path, not a Kasa-app or legacy HomeKit-only claim. Verify that the controller and platform you already use support the relevant Matter features.

TP-Link documents per-outlet energy monitoring in the Tapo app, along with custom schedules, timers, remote control and an automatic shutoff feature for a fully charged device. The product page also says that, after setup, the Tapo app can manage devices over the local network during an internet outage. That statement does not establish offline first-time setup, operation if the router or Wi-Fi fails, or equivalent energy history in Apple Home or another Matter controller. The reviewed sources do not document Away Mode. If energy history is the reason to choose this strip, plan to use Tapo as the confirmed reporting surface.

Indoor placement and physical size

The dimensions are about 14.2 × 2.5 × 1.5 inches in TP-Link’s height × width × depth order, without the cord. Measure the shelf, desk or mounting area for the strip’s full length, cable bend and access to its master switch. Do not interpret the 2.5-inch body width as the space needed around a wall receptacle or connected plugs. TP-Link specifies indoor use only and directs the user to a grounded outlet. The guide warns against connecting it to another relocatable power tap or extension cord. A 15-amp label does not override the receptacle, wiring, appliance instructions or aggregate capacity of the circuit.

The strip advertises surge protection, overload protection and an ETL certification. The published protection-voltage values are not consistent across the current product page and V1.6 datasheet, so I do not compare or repeat a single surge-voltage number as settled. The product page, datasheet and quick-start guide also disagree on the total USB output: the page says 4 A total, while the quick-start guide and datasheet say 2.4 A total. Check the exact unit’s supplied documentation if aggregate USB charging output matters. These conflicts do not change the six-outlet count or the stated AC load table, but they limit what can be promised about charging and surge performance.

One package and a version bridge worth checking

The US page lists one P316M strip and quick-start guide. TP-Link’s support page defaults to V1.60 and links a datasheet labelled V1.6; its version notation groups V1.x0 with V1.x6/V1.x8. The product page and its image describe the US P316M family, but they do not reveal which suffix is printed on a particular seller’s stock. Ask for or inspect the box/unit label if the revision matters. The image shows one strip, not a multi-unit bundle.

This model suits a buyer who wants individually controlled outlets in one indoor location, Matter-based control, and Tapo energy tracking. It is not a collection of six electrically independent 15-amp devices, and the USB ports are not additional smart AC outlets. No hands-on test of current, energy accuracy, surge suppression, charging speed, connection stability or durability was performed. An exact-name CPSC SaferProducts query for “Tapo P316M” returned an empty array on October 29, 2026; that dated search is not a safety warranty or a promise about future recalls. Check the seller’s exact version, grounding, total connected load, setup controller and relevant USB instructions before ordering.