If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart home security Camera, the TP-Link’s Tapo C100 is worth checking out. TP-Link is a well-known company in the market for affordable security cameras. Although this camera is not cordless, as it requires a power connection, it still has unique features with its Wi-Fi wireless connectivity and more.

Also, the good side is that buying the Tapo C100 camera doesn’t require TP-Link’s monthly subscription for cloud storage before you can use the security camera; the monthly subscription is entirely optional.

In this Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera review, you will discover all you need to know about this product, including the specifications, features, and pros and cons.

Key Takeaways:

• The TP-Link Tapo C100 is a cost-effective security camera with robust features, perfect for those looking to buy budget-friendly home security.
• It delivers a high-quality user experience with 1080p resolution, effective night mode, and two-way communication.
• Unique features include a privacy mode, local storage support with a MicroSD card of up to 512GB, and cloud storage available with a paid subscription.
• It offers maximum recording hours of 512 hours (16 days) with a 256GB card at 3MP (2304 × 1296) video quality or 768 hours (32 days) at 1080P (Full HD) video quality.
• Its limitation to indoor use may pose a downside for some users.

Overall, we found the C100 to offer high-quality video, excellent data protection, and easy operation, marking it a decent choice for those seeking a security camera under $50 or £50.

Pros and Cons

Here are the Pros and Cons of the TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera:

Main Highlights Of The Tp-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera

In this section, we will take a look at the main highlights of the tp-link Tapo C100 home security Wi-Fi camera. You should be able to gather the most important information about this product easily.

I’ll cover aspects such as image and video quality, features like motion detection and two-way communication, storage options, night vision, a mobile app, and other noteworthy details. 

Performance and reliability

The TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera is a reliable and high-performing device that impresses with its excellent performance and features. This camera is perfect for keeping an eye on your home, family, pets, or belongings, thanks to its advanced capabilities that provide users with peace of mind.

The camera is equipped with a high-quality lens that captures clear and sharp images at a resolution of 1080p, delivering exceptional, crystal-clear quality even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the camera boasts a night vision mode with a range of up to 30 ft, making it ideal for capturing footage in darkness.

One of the most impressive features of the TP-Link Tapo C100 camera is its motion detection capabilities. The camera comes with an advanced motion detector that can detect the slightest movements, even in the darkest conditions. When motion is detected, the camera sends notifications to your mobile device, allowing you to stay up-to-date with your home’s security status.

Moreover, the device comes with a locally stored memory card option that offers additional storage space to store video clips and recordings. This means that you can rely on something other than a subscription-based cloud recording service to store your important footage. 

With the Tapo C100, you get to keep your video clips securely stored on a memory card (MicroSD) within the device, which can store up to 256GB of 1080P (Full HD) video clips, which is about 768 hours of video, equivalent to about 32 days. However, it does not come with an SD card, so you will have to buy one.

Overall, the performance and reliability of the TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera are top-notch. The camera’s functionality and ease of use provide users with an optimal home security solution. 

With its exceptional features, this camera offers unparalleled peace of mind and reliable and high-quality recording capabilities.

Value for money

The TP-Link Tapo C100 is an exceptional home security camera that provides unbeatable value for money. Despite its low cost, the C100 is packed with top-of-the-line features that other home security cameras in the same price range cannot match.

One of the most cost-effective benefits of this camera is the ability to add more cameras to your home without breaking the bank. The C100 allows you to purchase multiple cameras for less money than other home security camera systems. This makes it easy to add more cameras around your home to ensure that every inch of your living space is covered.

For those looking to get the most out of their home security budget, purchasing the TP-Link Tapo C100 during special promotions is highly recommended. During these times, buyers can enjoy even greater cost savings when purchasing the C100. 

By purchasing this high-quality camera at a reasonable price, individuals can enjoy its benefits and feel secure without overspending. In fact, the cost is so low, at less than $25, it almost feels like a steal.

Overall, the TP-Link Tapo C100 is an excellent investment for those looking for value for money from their home security camera. With its unbeatable cost-effectiveness, multiple camera capabilities, and special promotions, this fantastic camera offers an unmatched level of benefits and high-quality performance for its price range.

User-friendliness

The TP-Link Tapo C100 home security Wi-Fi camera is incredibly user-friendly, with an easy setup process that even newbie users will find simple to use. The camera can be easily connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network through the Tapo app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices and is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google. Once connected, users can easily manage and monitor the camera’s settings and controls through the mobile app.

One of the standout features of the TP-Link Tapo C100 camera is its simplicity, which makes it accessible to users who are not tech-savvy. The mobile app is easy to navigate, with clear instructions and intuitive controls. In addition to the app’s simplicity, the camera also allows users to subscribe to Tapo Care. 

This subscription service provides access to a range of features that make using the camera even easier, such as extended cloud storage for video clips and remote management assistance.

The TP-Link Tapo C100 camera offers a variety of modes and settings that users can easily activate to personalise their surveillance preferences. One of these features is the privacy mode, which allows users to easily shut down surveillance when desired, providing extra control over their privacy. This is especially helpful for users who want to ensure that their camera is only recording when they want it to.

By using the TP-Link Tapo C100 camera, users can enjoy the long-term benefits of hassle-free remote management. The mobile app allows users to monitor their homes from anywhere and receive rich notifications easily. 

Users can set up activity notifications that let them know when the camera detects motion. This ensures that they are always up to date on what is happening in their homes, even when they are away.

Overall, the user-friendliness of the TP-Link Tapo C100 camera makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an accessible, affordable home security solution. With its simple mobile app, Tapo Care subscription, and privacy mode, users can enjoy peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.

Unboxing the TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera

The unboxing experience is very clean and simple. The box is well-designed, and it contains a lot of information about the security camera, its features, and its capabilities. I enjoyed opening the box because it was very easy to do. 

If you open the Tapo C100’s box, the gadget, a three-meter power wire, and two screws with wall plugs will be there to welcome you. A useful sticker that specifies the precise spacing for the screws is also included. The sticker makes installation simple by preventing you from having to measure the distance.

Specifications

Here are a few of the key Specs for the TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Camera

Design and Build Quality

The camera is packaged in a small, light container that is 2.7 inches broad by 2.1 inches deep. The total height of the assembly, including the stand, is 3.9 inches. The primary 1080p camera is located above the LED status light. The microphone for two-way communication and the IR sensors for night vision are likewise located on the device’s front.

The TP-Link Tapo C100 home security camera is a sleek and modern-looking device that is designed to blend seamlessly into any home decor. With dimensions of 2.7″x2.1″x3.9″ and a weight of just 0.2 kg, the Tapo c100 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to mount anywhere.

The camera features a cylindrical shape that is both stylish and functional, allowing for a wide-angle view of the surrounding area. The front-facing camera lens is placed at the top of the device, providing an unobstructed view of the room.

Material quality and durability

The TP-Link Tapo C100 is crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring the durability and longevity of the product. The camera is built to withstand wear and tear, making it a reliable option for home security. The device is compact but sturdy, allowing it to hold up against accidental bumps or minor impacts. Its material quality is further enhanced by a sleek and modern design, making it a stylish addition to any home.

Despite its sturdy construction, the camera remains lightweight, making it easy to handle and mount. The design of the Tapo C100 allows for easy installation using foam double-sided tape, which ensures a secure hold and prevents any damage to walls or ceilings. The lightweight nature of the camera and easy mounting options make it ideal for those looking for a simple and efficient home security solution.

Key design choices and their implications for users

 The TP-Link Tapo C100 camera boasts several key design choices that make it a reliable and convenient home security option. Firstly, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and instal. 

Users can choose to wall-mount it using screws or foam double-sided tape, which ensures a secure hold without damaging walls or ceilings.

Additionally, the camera’s flexible ball joint mount allows for versatile positioning, while the image rotation feature enables flexibility when adjusting the camera angle. This ensures that you can monitor every corner of your space effectively, providing peace of mind for homeowners concerned with security.

Another important design choice is the inclusion of a reset button, a power port, rubber feet, and an LED status light. The reset button provides a quick and easy way to reset the camera if needed, while the power port allows users to conveniently power the device. The rubber feet provide stability when placed on a flat surface, and the LED status light indicates the camera’s operating status.

Overall, these design choices promote ease of use and successful installation while ensuring user privacy and the safekeeping of recorded footage. The Tapo C100 camera is a reliable home security option that offers flexibility and convenience to users.

Setup and Installation

One of the many positive aspects of the Tapo C100 is how easy it is to set up. It only takes three steps to set it up. You can download the Tapo app for Android or iOS by scanning the QR code in the quick start guide. After installing, you create an account, connect your device, and the app will walk you through the rest. I was up and running in less than five minutes overall.

While the camera setup may seem easy, there have been reports of some users experiencing difficulty during the process. However, it should be noted that such occurrences are not common.

 Step-by-Step Installation

The installation process is very simple; you only have to get your hammer and Phillips head screwdriver. It also comes with a mounting sticker to show you the ideal position needed for you to set it up. 

Once you have found an ideal mounting location, you can take your hammer, nail down the bolts to your bracket, and screw in your Tapo C100 security camera. 

Then you can take your 3-metre-long power cable and attach it to your device, and you should be all set.

Alternatively, if you don’t plan on mounting it on a large wall or roof, you can just use the rubber safety grip, which should allow you to set it up easily without much hassle and provide a simple solution. 

Also, you should make sure you place it in a high enough location, like on a bookshelf or a high cabinet. It should always be placed in a location that is not easily seen.

Features and Functionality

The Tapo C100 benefits from the already-established Tapo smart home ecosystem. The camera features are significantly simpler to use and run more smoothly, thanks to the quality of the app. You can start using the camera’s features after giving it a name and location.

Monitoring your pets and babies not only enhances your home security but also allows you to observe and listen to them from different areas within your house, regardless of whether they are furry or not. The Tapo C100 home security camera offers several essential features for this purpose.

A detailed explanation of key features

• Two-Way Communication

Despite having previously utilised two-way communication on smart cameras, I really liked Tapo’s voice call capability. Instead of the walkie-talkie style of communication that is typical of other cameras, it enables continuous communication (although it is still entertaining to occasionally add in “10-4” or “Over” when talking to your cat).

Although the camera’s speakers perform satisfactorily, I suggest finding the ideal audio volume for the microphone and speaker. The Tapo app allows you to change the audio levels; a lower level prevents sound distortion.

• Privacy Mode 

When in privacy mode, a chosen camera will stop recording, allowing for discretion when changing into different costumes. It is simple to turn off the home’s security systems when guests are coming for a party or a special occasion. It only takes a few clicks in the Tapo app to complete

• Night Vision Mode

The night mode is effective. If there are stray light sources, the IR sensors can record sharp details without blowing up the picture. You can disable the LED status light in the app to make the camera less visible at night.

Functionality and performance of features

 On the C100, the video quality is sharp and clear. By default, the camera quality is set at 720p to conserve recording space, but I suggest increasing it to the full 1080p level. Although rivals and even Tapo offer 2K video-quality cameras, the outcome for the price is difficult to dispute. The C100 has a 105-degree field of view, which is less than the 110 or even 116 provided by more expensive models like the Blink Mini and Wyze Cam v3 Pro.

Without a subscription, you may also record videos on demand and save them to the storage on your phone or tablet. The files are organised using the same calendar-style arrangement as the Tapo app, which also offers fluid playback.

Pulling the plug on my Wi-Fi and the camera allowed me to create the illusion of a power failure. The C100 reconnected to my Wi-Fi once both devices were powered back on, and after a little while, I was able to use the app to access the camera. The 1080p video feed can be handled by the Tapo even if it can only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Extra features and their benefits to users

You can set off the alarm if someone attempts to get into your home uninvited. You can activate lights and hear the camera make noise if it is paired with your Alexa or Google Assistant devices. In this way, not only are you made aware of a potential issue, but any intruders may also be scared off by the ruckus.

The Tapo C100’s AI detection settings are another fantastic aspect of the device. Without a subscription, you can specify person detection and even enable infant crying detection. Additionally, you can crop the camera’s view to exclude busy areas.

You can disable movement notifications for certain areas of your camera, such as the kitchen so that no one will be alerted to your late munching.

The C100 makes use of Tapo Care as its subscription service. 30 days of cloud video storage are yours to use for $3.49 per month (per camera). You can choose the day and time you want to replay stored videos by using a calendar style that makes it simple to navigate the app. 

An extra microSD card (up to 256GB) can record 768 hours (32 days) of nonstop 1080p video if you don’t wish to subscribe.

User Experience

 When it comes to home security cameras, the user experience is of the utmost importance. After all, users need to be able to easily access and configure their cameras, view footage, and receive notifications promptly. With that in mind, let’s dive into the user experience of the TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Security Wi-Fi Camera.

Ease of use and interface

 The TP-Link Tapo C100 is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Its interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to access all its features and settings with just a few taps on your mobile phone.

One of the advantages of the TP-Link Tapo C100 is the easy installation process. You don’t need any technical expertise or professional help to set up your camera. You can easily connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network and start using it within minutes through the Tapo app on your mobile phone.

The mobile app offers a straightforward interface that makes it easy to manage and customise your camera settings. You can access features like motion detection and night mode, adjust image quality settings, enable sound effects and two-way audio, and customise push notifications and activity notifications.

The interface is user-friendly and designed to make it easy for you to monitor your home from anywhere. You can view live video footage of your home or office in real-time and manage your camera using the mobile app. The camera also allows you to save video clips locally on a storage MicroSD card or in the cloud, making it easy to review or share memorable moments.

Overall, the TP-Link Tapo C100 is