Tapo C425 Security Camera Review

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We recently got our hands on the Tapo C425, a bullet-style security camera from TP-Link. Priced around $120, this camera offers a range of features, including 2K video, color night vision, and local storage without needing a subscription service. Over the past three weeks, I've tested the Tapo C425 on my front porch, and I'm here to share my insights on its performance.

Video: A Quick Look at the Tapo Cam C425

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Tapo C425 pros and cons

pro
Tapo C425 Pros
pro Affordable price for a high-quality camera
pro No mandatory subscription fees for essential features
pro Extensive video settings and customization options
pro Easy installation and user-friendly app
pro Excellent microphone quality
pro Long battery life
pro Multiple motion zones with custom alerts
con
Tapo C425 Cons
con Initial setup issues with constant low battery notifications
con Slow live view loading times
con Infrared night vision could be improved

Design and installation

The Tapo C425 boasts a sleek bullet design similar to the Google Nest Cam but at a significantly lower price point. Installation is straightforward, requiring just two drill holes to secure the metal plate and magnetic base. Once mounted, the camera is easy to adjust and control through the Tapo app, which is also used for TP-Link's Kasa smart home devices, providing a seamless user experience.

Video quality and performance

One of the standout features of the Tapo C425 is its impressive video quality. You can choose between battery-saving 720p and sharp 2K QHD resolution, or leave it on "Auto" to optimize for bandwidth. The adjustable frame rate settings (15, 20, or 25 fps) ensure smooth motion in recordings. Paired with the 12x digital zoom, the camera captures detailed footage, even allowing you to see individual leaves on trees.

The color night vision is another highlight, offering clear video even in low-light conditions. However, the infrared night vision could be improved for better clarity in complete darkness.

Local and cloud storage

The Tapo C425 supports local storage with a microSD card slot that can hold up to 512 GB. This allows you to save and view video clips without any recurring fees. During testing, a 32GB card was sufficient to store several weeks of footage. For those who prefer cloud storage, TapoCare offers subscriptions ranging from $3.50 to $12 per month, providing features like rich notifications, 30 days of unlimited cloud storage, and enhanced video sorting.

Customization and features

The Tapo app offers extensive customization options, including the ability to set multiple motion zones with specific alerts for people, vehicles, and pets. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring different areas such as the front door, driveway, or yard. You can also adjust recording settings like retrigger time, record buffer, and maximum clip length, giving you control over how and when the camera records events.

Final thoughts on the Tapo C425 security camera

The Tapo C425 is a high-quality security camera at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their home security without breaking the bank. While it has a few quirks, such as slow loading times and initial setup issues, its impressive video quality, customizable settings, and lack of mandatory subscription fees make it a strong contender in the market. 

Katie McEntire
Written by
Katie McEntire
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel. She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.

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