Why did we buy Tapo cameras? Well, it all started with the doorbell. Every, now and then, someone would ring it, but when we checked our doorbell camera, the footage was too blurry to recognize their face. Was it a delivery person? A neighbor? Or someone we should be concerned about? We had no way of knowing.
At the same time, with our different work hours, we wanted a way to check in on each other after work. My wife, deeply focused on house and office tasks—reading, writing, and working—rarely checked her phone. There were times I called or texted her multiple times with no response. I knew she wasn’t ignoring me, just completely immersed in her tasks. But not knowing whether she was home yet or what she was up to made me hesitate to keep calling, not wanting to disturb her. The same went for her when I was busy.
That’s when we realized—home security cameras weren’t just for safety; they could also help us stay connected in a way that felt natural. We wanted a way to see who was at the door and quietly check in on each other without interrupting.
And as an unexpected bonus, the cameras helped us in another way—tracking down misplaced items! If we couldn’t remember where we had placed the keys, our phones, or even a missing remote, we could simply review the recorded footage. And just like that—voilà!—we could quickly find what we were looking for without turning the house upside down.
After researching different options, we found Tapo cameras—affordable, feature-rich, and easy to set up. And so, our journey with Tapo began. In this review, we’ll share our experience with three different models, comparing their features, and strengths and which one might be the best fit for you.
Why buy the Tapo camera?
Home security is more than just installing cameras and calling it a day. It’s about creating an intelligent, responsive system that works with you to protect your family and your property from any possible threats. But, with so many options out there, choosing the best camera for your specific needs can feel like standing in front of an overwhelming sea of choices.
Which camera will make a difference? Which one will blend perfectly with your home setup? This is where Tapo, a brand by TP-Link, shines. It offers a range of intelligent cameras that make home security not only affordable but also intuitive. Whether you’re looking to monitor the exterior of your house, keep an eye on your pets indoors, or safeguard your family while you’re away, this has a camera suited for nearly every scenario.
In this article, we’re going to go into the details of three popular Tapo cameras: the C520WS 1.0, the C200, and the C210. Examining their unique features, strengths, and weaknesses, we’ll help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your home security needs.
Tapo C520WS 1.0: The Outdoor Pan/Tilt Powerhouse
Think of the C520WS 1.0 like the rugged, reliable guard dog of home security. This camera isn’t just a pretty face. It’s built to withstand the elements and cover all angles. With the ability to pan and tilt, it gives you a full 360-degree horizontal and 130-degree vertical view, ensuring no corner of your yard or driveway is left uncovered.
What’s more, the 2K QHD resolution on this camera is like having crystal-clear vision at all times. It’s more than just an upgrade from 1080p – it’s sharper, crisper, and more detailed. This means you can zoom in on specific areas, like the license plate of a vehicle or the face of an intruder, and still see clearly. Plus, the starlight color night vision lets the camera deliver vivid, bright colors even when it’s dark outside, giving you a clearer picture of what’s happening around your home.
A standout feature is the customizable sound and light alarm. This is essentially your camera becoming proactive. If the camera detects something suspicious, it can trigger a loud sound and a bright light, which is designed to scare off any unwanted visitors. Think of it as your home’s way of saying, “Hey, we’re watching, and you’re not welcome.”
It also comes with AI-powered detection, which means it can recognize people, pets, or vehicles moving in the camera’s field of view and send you real-time alerts. This feature is not only handy for security but also for keeping track of what’s going on around your home, especially if you have kids, pets, or deliveries coming through.
Pros:
- Stunning resolution with a wide-angle view
- Bright, full-color night vision
- AI-powered detection (person/pet/vehicle)
- Customizable sound and light alarm for added security
- Dual networking (WiFi and Ethernet)
- Weatherproof for tough outdoor conditions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other models
- Requires a nearby power outlet
- Might not be compatible with all routers or devices
Tapo C200: The Affordable Indoor Defender
If the C520WS 1.0 is the tough, all-weather protector, the C200 is like the dependable indoor watchman that quietly does its job. This indoor camera is perfect for monitoring your living room, kitchen, or hallway. It’s more budget-friendly, offering a 1080p resolution that still delivers clear, smooth video footage. Though it may not have the high-definition power of the C520WS, it certainly holds its ground when it comes to everyday surveillance.
Much like a pair of eyes that follow every movement, the C200 can pan and tilt to cover a full 360-degree horizontal range and 114 degrees vertically. This ensures that you won’t miss any motion within the room. You’ll also appreciate the standard night vision on this model, allowing you to see up to 30 feet in the dark. While it’s not the most powerful night vision available, it’s perfect for indoor use.
The two-way audio feature is another key highlight. It allows you to not only see what’s happening but also communicate. Imagine being able to tell your kids to stop jumping on the couch while you’re at work or to talk to your pet while you’re traveling. The C200 lets you stay connected no matter where you are.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to set up
- Flexible view with pan and tilt
- Two-way audio for communication
- Motion detection with notifications
Cons:
- Lower resolution and night vision than other models
Tapo C210: The Smart Indoor Camera with Extra Features
The C210 is essentially a C200 on steroids. While it shares many of the same features, it offers significant upgrades, particularly when it comes to resolution and storage capacity. If you’ve ever had a favorite pair of sneakers that you just couldn’t part with, you’ll understand why the C210 might be the one to stick with.
With a 3MP resolution, the C210 offers 1.5 times more pixels than the C200, delivering sharper, crisper images. Additionally, it supports microSD cards with a larger storage capacity of up to 256 GB – double that of the C200. If you’re someone who loves to keep footage for longer periods, this upgrade will be a game-changer.
The intelligent action feature is another neat addition. It allows you to automate certain tasks, like setting specific times for the camera to start recording or creating shortcuts for commonly used actions. It’s like having a personal assistant but for your home security.
Pros:
- Improved resolution and storage options
- Intelligent action for task automation
- Same price point as the C200 with added features
Cons:
- Still doesn’t have the night vision or resolution of the C520WS
Which Tapo Camera Is Best for You?
Now that you know a little about each camera, the real question is: Which one is right for you? Choosing a camera depends on your unique needs, budget, and security goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- The Tapo C520WS 1.0 is ideal if you’re looking for the best outdoor camera with top-tier resolution, color night vision, and advanced AI detection. This model is perfect for those who need reliable security coverage in all weather conditions and want a camera that can cover every angle.
- The Tapo C200 is great if you’re on a budget and need a dependable indoor camera that can cover most of your security needs. With features like motion detection, two-way audio, and decent resolution, it’s a great entry-level option for monitoring your home’s interior.
- The Tapo C210 strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It’s perfect for those who want a slightly better resolution and larger storage capacity than the C200 but don’t need all the advanced features of the C520WS.
As you can see, each of the three Tapo camera models brings something unique to the table, catering to different budgets, preferences, and security needs. The perfect choice ultimately depends on what matters most to you.
We hope this comparison has made your decision easier and given you the confidence to choose the right smart security solution. No matter which model you pick, Tapo ensures peace of mind with its reliable, easy-to-use, and secure technology.
Thank you for joining us on this review! If you found it helpful, stay tuned for more insights and recommendations. Until next time—stay safe!
Updated Date: January 18, 2025
Original Published Date: January, 2024
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Additional References:
Tapo C520WS | Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Wi-Fi Camera | Tapo. https://www.tapo.com/en/product/smart-camera/tapo-c520ws/.
Tapo C210 | Pan/Tilt Home Security WiFi Camera – TP-Link. https://www.tp-link.com/ph/home-networking/cloud-camera/tapo-c210/.
TP-Link Tapo C210 Pan/Tilt Security WiFi Camera Wired. https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tp-link-tapo-c210-pan-tilt-security-wifi-camera-wired-tptapoc210.
Among those three cameras, which is the best and why?