Protect your property with the TP-Link TC85 Kit Solar-Powered Security Camera Kit, featuring a 10000mAh battery for up to 300 days‡ of use on a single charge. Enjoy 2K QHD resolution, colour night vision, and AI detection of people, pets, and vehicles. The kit is IP66 weatherproof and supports local microSD storage (up to 512GB) or cloud backup.
Protect your property with the TP-Link TC85 Kit Solar-Powered Security Camera Kit, featuring a 10000mAh battery for up to 300 days‡ of use on a single charge. Enjoy 2K QHD resolution, colour night vision, and AI detection of people, pets, and vehicles. The kit is IP66 weatherproof and supports local microSD storage (up to 512GB) or cloud backup.
Protect your property with the TP-Link TC85 Kit Solar-Powered Security Camera Kit, featuring a 10000mAh battery for up to 300 days‡ of use on a single charge. Enjoy 2K QHD resolution, colour night vision, and AI detection of people, pets, and vehicles. The kit is IP66 weatherproof and supports local microSD storage (up to 512GB) or cloud backup.
Protect your property with the TP-Link TC85 Kit Solar-Powered Security Camera Kit, featuring a 10000mAh battery for up to 300 days‡ of use on a single charge. Enjoy 2K QHD resolution, colour night vision, and AI detection of people, pets, and vehicles. The kit is IP66 weatherproof and supports local microSD storage (up to 512GB) or cloud backup.
Last updated at 06/10/2026 09:16:33
TC85 - TP-Link TC85 Smart Wire-Free Security Camera
Delivery $10
TP-Link TAPO Smart Wire-Free Security Camera, TC85 Surveillance Cameras (CCTV)
Delivery between 15–23 June $12.95
TP-Link Tc85 Smart Wire-free Security Camera for Home Surveillance, 1080p HD, Motion Detection, Night Vision, Weatherproof
Delivery between Fri – Tue $13.50
TP-Link TC85 Tapo Smart Wire-Free Network Camera | Best Online Computer Store
Delivery between 16–23 June $9.90
Tapo TC85 | Magnetic Battery Security Camera, 2K QHD, Subscription Free 1-Pack / Camera Only
Free delivery
TP-Link TC85 V1.2 Smart Wire-Free Security Camera, 2K QHD (2560x1440), 2.4 GHz, Color Night Vision, Sound and Light Alarm, Remote Control, Two-Way A
Delivery $12.99
TP-Link TC85 Security Camera — 2K QHD Wire-Free
Delivery between Fri – Tue $14.95
TP-Link TC85, Smart Wire-Free Security Camera, 2K QHD, H.264, 850nm IR, Built-in microphone, IP66, 1 Camera System,
Delivery between 12–24 June $14.99
[TC85] TP-Link TAPO TC85 SMART WIRE-FREE SECURITY CAMERA, 1YR WTY
7-day returns
TP-Link TC85 V1.2 Smart Wire-Free Security Camera, 2K QHD (2560x1440), 2.4GHz, Colour Night Vision, Sound & Light Alarm, Remote Control, 2-Way Audio
originally posted on bestbuy.com
The TC85 is an amazing camera with clear line-of-sight and a myriad of features. It does however, have one major design issue that will prevent me from using it in the way I wish.Even though the TC85 has a tremendous field of view, and IS CAPABLE of detecting motion, people, and vehicles ANYWHERE within its field of view, it will not and can not do this without being awake. In order to wake up the camera, motion does not only have to be within its field of view, it needs to be detected within 8 meters (26 ft for us in the US). Almost nowhere will you find this information forthcoming, this is a design in the detection system that is not clear when the feature suite is listed out, but becomes apparent when placing the camera into use. I've tested and retested using ... MoreThe TC85 is an amazing camera with clear line-of-sight and a myriad of features. It does however, have one major design issue that will prevent me from using it in the way I wish.Even though the TC85 has a tremendous field of view, and IS CAPABLE of detecting motion, people, and vehicles ANYWHERE within its field of view, it will not and can not do this without being awake. In order to wake up the camera, motion does not only have to be within its field of view, it needs to be detected within 8 meters (26 ft for us in the US). Almost nowhere will you find this information forthcoming, this is a design in the detection system that is not clear when the feature suite is listed out, but becomes apparent when placing the camera into use. I've tested and retested using various settings and sensitivities and have not been able to get a satisfactory result for my purposes. I can drive my car past this camera 10 times a day, but even though I can be clearly seen in the camera's field of view during live feed, because my mounting distance is beyond 26 ft, the camera will not detect my vehicle with its PIR motion sensor and wake up. Because it is a battery operated camera, it will go to sleep during periods of inactivity. There are a few ways to awaken the camera, one being motion that is detected within the 26 ft area in front of the camera, another by viewing the live feed on the app. Once the camera is awakened by motion within 26 ft, or viewing the live feed, it can and will detect motion throughout its entire field of view, even way out into the street, which is nearly 100 ft away from its mounting point on my home. I've tested this with the camera awake and motion tagging on, and it will repeatedly notify me of motion and people anywhere in its field of view, far beyond the 26 ft, both by tagging the motion and sending me the notification.I inquired of tech support that if I would provide a full-time power source using the solar panel if it would change this sleep/awake behavior and it will not. This is not just my judgement of the camera, it was confirmed to me by TP Link support:"Thank you for contacting TP-Link support.""I appreciate your in-depth understanding of the product details. You're absolutely right in terms of the working principles and limitations you’ve described.Regarding your concern, I regret to inform you that the solar panel is designed solely to supplement battery power and does not alter the camera's operating mode. The camera will still rely on the PIR sensor for activation, and as you mentioned, the optimal range for this sensor is indeed 26 feet."I am not a total newbie to security cameras as I own 2 Wyze OG wired cameras installed at a vacation home and they alert me to any movement within the camera's field of view, unless I restrict the detection area. If you have a mounting point close to where you wish to detect motion, the Tapo camera may be great for you, but do not count on it to awaken to motion at distances greater than 26 ft. I do not know if all battery cameras have this limitation, I just wish the manufacturer would clearly state this in the feature suite.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
We have been using the same security cameras for several years now and either they’ve ran their course and life span or there’s been something off with them lately. Therefore, after weighing our options, we decided to delve back into the security camera market to see what the competition looked like and perhaps that would solve our problems. That’s when I came across the new TP-Link TAPO solar powered security camera kit. Having used TP-Link products before in the past including smart devices, light switches, routers, etc. I knew they were a reputable company you can trust and will be around for a while in comparison to some of those other knock off brands you’ve never heard of where you would be lucky to find customer support in the event something were to go wrong ... MoreWe have been using the same security cameras for several years now and either they’ve ran their course and life span or there’s been something off with them lately. Therefore, after weighing our options, we decided to delve back into the security camera market to see what the competition looked like and perhaps that would solve our problems. That’s when I came across the new TP-Link TAPO solar powered security camera kit. Having used TP-Link products before in the past including smart devices, light switches, routers, etc. I knew they were a reputable company you can trust and will be around for a while in comparison to some of those other knock off brands you’ve never heard of where you would be lucky to find customer support in the event something were to go wrong with your product(s).The cameras, solar panels and mounting hardware was very easy to install with little to no reliance on the instructions. Once you fully charge the cameras via the provided USB cable, download the Tapo application, you are ready to sync the cameras to your account and begin the installation process. The syncing process did not take very long and each camera had an update that needed to be installed. The smart device application walks you through the process using simple, easy to understand, instructions providing you pictures and video as well. It even ensures you are mounting the hardware in a good place to ensure everything you want is in view. The mounting hardware provided allows for installation of the cameras and solar panels on one bracket and the option to use the provided long USB cables to mount the solar panels in a separate area in the event the area you want to view is not in the sunlight for power and charging. The whole installation process for all three cameras and solar panels took less than an hour, not including the initial charge time for the cameras.Within the application, you can live view video and/or recordings. Speaking of the video, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the cameras which offer 2K QHD video. The cameras and software are also able to identify and differentiate between people, animals and vehicles and has color infrared night vision. They have a 150 degree super-wide field of view and you are able to set up activity zones through the app to target or ignore certain areas (think a waving tree or flag that may constantly think there is movement detected you don’t want to worry about). Another benefit to this security camera kit is the lack of a “hub” that you need to plug into your existing modem/router as they simply run directly through your existing WiFi and to the smart phone/device app. The cameras and solar panels are IP66 weatherproof so no need to worry when it rains or snows.One thing we were looking for when shopping for security cameras was the wireless ability to install them without running wires all over your home or office. Our previous security cameras had solar panels as a power source however they would still die within days even though our house has full sun most of the day. The rechargeable battery in each camera is 10000mAh (almost twice the capacity than the high-end laptop I’m currently using) which makes the battery life relatively long when going between charges or at night when the solar panels aren’t able to charge them; I’m talking days on end because I tried it both ways and was surprised to see the battery percentage barely move even when there’s high traffic and they are constantly recording. I was surprised to see the cameras charging in daylight even when the solar panels were not getting full sun. According to the specs, the cameras can last up to 300 days on a single charge and the solar panels can keep the battery fully charged with just 45 minutes of daily sunlight.The smart device application is also very easy to use and understand, is very responsive with little to no delay and has plenty of options including to set alarms if a camera senses motion, use them as two-way audio, adjust the video quality, frame rate, turn on/off night vision infrared mode, etc. During the initial set up, you have the option to sign up for a free 30-day trial of their monitoring/recording which allows you to view/cloud store up to 30 days of events anywhere from the application. However, if you’re not a fan of paying subscription fees, each camera also has local storage where you can insert your own micro-SD cards (which are not included) which could run out of storage relatively fast considering the quality of the video these take.Overall, we have been impressed thus far with our new Tapo security camera kit and will probably eventually expand this system to replace the remainder of our previous system in due time. I would recommend this security camera kit over our previous manufacturer to anyone in the market for a user-friendly, high-quality security camera kit at a reasonable price.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
TP-Link's Tapo sub-brand (and it's Kasa predecessor) have been making solid DIY home automation and security devices for a number of years now and this 3 camera kit is a great addition to their lineup. It's really everything you need to monitor the outside of a small to medium sized property - with no hassle of wiring or building a special network.In the box you get 3 cameras, 3 solar panels and all the mounting kits, batteries, etc. that you need to get going. Each camera can be mounted on it's own (you can use them without the solar kits if you want, but you'll have to take them down to charge them about 2x a year or so depending on how much you use things like live view/motion detection) or either near or combined with the solar panels (the mounts allow for ... MoreTP-Link's Tapo sub-brand (and it's Kasa predecessor) have been making solid DIY home automation and security devices for a number of years now and this 3 camera kit is a great addition to their lineup. It's really everything you need to monitor the outside of a small to medium sized property - with no hassle of wiring or building a special network.In the box you get 3 cameras, 3 solar panels and all the mounting kits, batteries, etc. that you need to get going. Each camera can be mounted on it's own (you can use them without the solar kits if you want, but you'll have to take them down to charge them about 2x a year or so depending on how much you use things like live view/motion detection) or either near or combined with the solar panels (the mounts allow for options - if you want to mount the camera in one place and the solar panel nearby but in a better position to catch sun, you can do that, or you can put the panel directly above the camera for a more streamlined setup). The mounts are solid and seem durable and the solar panels easily produce enough power to keep the batteries topped up (oddly, the solar panels have a USB-C output but the cameras take micro USB input, so the kit comes with USB-C female to microUSB male adapters in short or longer lengths - odd but effective).The cameras connect via wifi, so between the batteries/solar kit and wifi connection, you can put them anywhere you get a wifi signal. Pairing the camera to your network and adding it in the Tapo app is a breeze, but note that you'll likely want to do this BEFORE mounting the camera as it's easier when you have full physical access to the camera. You'll also want to full charge the cameras from a power outlet before mounting them, even if you're using the solar panels, just to give it some buffer charge.Once paired and in place, the cameras have a super sharp picture, day or night (with the built-in spot lights) - it's easy to check in on whatever you have the cameras watching. They do have a pretty wide field of view, which is nice, but they don't move on their own (I.e., they don't have motors inside to pan/tilt, they have to be moved manually), so consider that when placing them/during install. Using the app, you can set up motion detection, exclusion zones, notifications, people / pet / vehicle alerts and more - it's pretty straightforward to use and there are a lot of options. Given the solid build quality here and the attention to detail in waterproofing the connections, these cameras should last a good long time in use. They're a bit bigger than you would expect to accommodate the large batteries, but find the right place for them was still quick / easy. The cameras can also accommodate a micro SD card for onboard video recording if you like.So if you're in the market for a DIY home video monitoring system for the outside of your house and don't want to deal with running wiring or a complicated DVR, these Tapo cameras are a great option and should be on your list to check out. Give them a try today!
| Connection | Wireless |
TC85 - TP-Link TC85 Smart Wire-Free Security Camera
Delivery $10
TP-Link TAPO Smart Wire-Free Security Camera, TC85 Surveillance Cameras (CCTV)
Delivery between 15–23 June $12.95
TP-Link Tc85 Smart Wire-free Security Camera for Home Surveillance, 1080p HD, Motion Detection, Night Vision, Weatherproof
Delivery between Fri – Tue $13.50
TP-Link TC85 Tapo Smart Wire-Free Network Camera | Best Online Computer Store
Delivery between 16–23 June $9.90
Tapo TC85 | Magnetic Battery Security Camera, 2K QHD, Subscription Free 1-Pack / Camera Only
Free delivery
The TC85 is an amazing camera with clear line-of-sight and a myriad of features. It does however, have one major design issue that will prevent me from using it in the way I wish.Even though the TC85 has a tremendous field of view, and IS CAPABLE of detecting motion, people, and vehicles ANYWHERE within its field of view, it will not and can not do this without being awake. In order to wake up the camera, motion does not only have to be within its field of view, it needs to be detected within 8 meters (26 ft for us in the US). Almost nowhere will you find this information forthcoming, this is a design in the detection system that is not clear when the feature suite is listed out, but becomes apparent when placing the camera into use. I've tested and retested using ... MoreThe TC85 is an amazing camera with clear line-of-sight and a myriad of features. It does however, have one major design issue that will prevent me from using it in the way I wish.Even though the TC85 has a tremendous field of view, and IS CAPABLE of detecting motion, people, and vehicles ANYWHERE within its field of view, it will not and can not do this without being awake. In order to wake up the camera, motion does not only have to be within its field of view, it needs to be detected within 8 meters (26 ft for us in the US). Almost nowhere will you find this information forthcoming, this is a design in the detection system that is not clear when the feature suite is listed out, but becomes apparent when placing the camera into use. I've tested and retested using various settings and sensitivities and have not been able to get a satisfactory result for my purposes. I can drive my car past this camera 10 times a day, but even though I can be clearly seen in the camera's field of view during live feed, because my mounting distance is beyond 26 ft, the camera will not detect my vehicle with its PIR motion sensor and wake up. Because it is a battery operated camera, it will go to sleep during periods of inactivity. There are a few ways to awaken the camera, one being motion that is detected within the 26 ft area in front of the camera, another by viewing the live feed on the app. Once the camera is awakened by motion within 26 ft, or viewing the live feed, it can and will detect motion throughout its entire field of view, even way out into the street, which is nearly 100 ft away from its mounting point on my home. I've tested this with the camera awake and motion tagging on, and it will repeatedly notify me of motion and people anywhere in its field of view, far beyond the 26 ft, both by tagging the motion and sending me the notification.I inquired of tech support that if I would provide a full-time power source using the solar panel if it would change this sleep/awake behavior and it will not. This is not just my judgement of the camera, it was confirmed to me by TP Link support:"Thank you for contacting TP-Link support.""I appreciate your in-depth understanding of the product details. You're absolutely right in terms of the working principles and limitations you’ve described.Regarding your concern, I regret to inform you that the solar panel is designed solely to supplement battery power and does not alter the camera's operating mode. The camera will still rely on the PIR sensor for activation, and as you mentioned, the optimal range for this sensor is indeed 26 feet."I am not a total newbie to security cameras as I own 2 Wyze OG wired cameras installed at a vacation home and they alert me to any movement within the camera's field of view, unless I restrict the detection area. If you have a mounting point close to where you wish to detect motion, the Tapo camera may be great for you, but do not count on it to awaken to motion at distances greater than 26 ft. I do not know if all battery cameras have this limitation, I just wish the manufacturer would clearly state this in the feature suite.
We have been using the same security cameras for several years now and either they’ve ran their course and life span or there’s been something off with them lately. Therefore, after weighing our options, we decided to delve back into the security camera market to see what the competition looked like and perhaps that would solve our problems. That’s when I came across the new TP-Link TAPO solar powered security camera kit. Having used TP-Link products before in the past including smart devices, light switches, routers, etc. I knew they were a reputable company you can trust and will be around for a while in comparison to some of those other knock off brands you’ve never heard of where you would be lucky to find customer support in the event something were to go wrong ... MoreWe have been using the same security cameras for several years now and either they’ve ran their course and life span or there’s been something off with them lately. Therefore, after weighing our options, we decided to delve back into the security camera market to see what the competition looked like and perhaps that would solve our problems. That’s when I came across the new TP-Link TAPO solar powered security camera kit. Having used TP-Link products before in the past including smart devices, light switches, routers, etc. I knew they were a reputable company you can trust and will be around for a while in comparison to some of those other knock off brands you’ve never heard of where you would be lucky to find customer support in the event something were to go wrong with your product(s).The cameras, solar panels and mounting hardware was very easy to install with little to no reliance on the instructions. Once you fully charge the cameras via the provided USB cable, download the Tapo application, you are ready to sync the cameras to your account and begin the installation process. The syncing process did not take very long and each camera had an update that needed to be installed. The smart device application walks you through the process using simple, easy to understand, instructions providing you pictures and video as well. It even ensures you are mounting the hardware in a good place to ensure everything you want is in view. The mounting hardware provided allows for installation of the cameras and solar panels on one bracket and the option to use the provided long USB cables to mount the solar panels in a separate area in the event the area you want to view is not in the sunlight for power and charging. The whole installation process for all three cameras and solar panels took less than an hour, not including the initial charge time for the cameras.Within the application, you can live view video and/or recordings. Speaking of the video, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the cameras which offer 2K QHD video. The cameras and software are also able to identify and differentiate between people, animals and vehicles and has color infrared night vision. They have a 150 degree super-wide field of view and you are able to set up activity zones through the app to target or ignore certain areas (think a waving tree or flag that may constantly think there is movement detected you don’t want to worry about). Another benefit to this security camera kit is the lack of a “hub” that you need to plug into your existing modem/router as they simply run directly through your existing WiFi and to the smart phone/device app. The cameras and solar panels are IP66 weatherproof so no need to worry when it rains or snows.One thing we were looking for when shopping for security cameras was the wireless ability to install them without running wires all over your home or office. Our previous security cameras had solar panels as a power source however they would still die within days even though our house has full sun most of the day. The rechargeable battery in each camera is 10000mAh (almost twice the capacity than the high-end laptop I’m currently using) which makes the battery life relatively long when going between charges or at night when the solar panels aren’t able to charge them; I’m talking days on end because I tried it both ways and was surprised to see the battery percentage barely move even when there’s high traffic and they are constantly recording. I was surprised to see the cameras charging in daylight even when the solar panels were not getting full sun. According to the specs, the cameras can last up to 300 days on a single charge and the solar panels can keep the battery fully charged with just 45 minutes of daily sunlight.The smart device application is also very easy to use and understand, is very responsive with little to no delay and has plenty of options including to set alarms if a camera senses motion, use them as two-way audio, adjust the video quality, frame rate, turn on/off night vision infrared mode, etc. During the initial set up, you have the option to sign up for a free 30-day trial of their monitoring/recording which allows you to view/cloud store up to 30 days of events anywhere from the application. However, if you’re not a fan of paying subscription fees, each camera also has local storage where you can insert your own micro-SD cards (which are not included) which could run out of storage relatively fast considering the quality of the video these take.Overall, we have been impressed thus far with our new Tapo security camera kit and will probably eventually expand this system to replace the remainder of our previous system in due time. I would recommend this security camera kit over our previous manufacturer to anyone in the market for a user-friendly, high-quality security camera kit at a reasonable price.
TP-Link's Tapo sub-brand (and it's Kasa predecessor) have been making solid DIY home automation and security devices for a number of years now and this 3 camera kit is a great addition to their lineup. It's really everything you need to monitor the outside of a small to medium sized property - with no hassle of wiring or building a special network.In the box you get 3 cameras, 3 solar panels and all the mounting kits, batteries, etc. that you need to get going. Each camera can be mounted on it's own (you can use them without the solar kits if you want, but you'll have to take them down to charge them about 2x a year or so depending on how much you use things like live view/motion detection) or either near or combined with the solar panels (the mounts allow for ... MoreTP-Link's Tapo sub-brand (and it's Kasa predecessor) have been making solid DIY home automation and security devices for a number of years now and this 3 camera kit is a great addition to their lineup. It's really everything you need to monitor the outside of a small to medium sized property - with no hassle of wiring or building a special network.In the box you get 3 cameras, 3 solar panels and all the mounting kits, batteries, etc. that you need to get going. Each camera can be mounted on it's own (you can use them without the solar kits if you want, but you'll have to take them down to charge them about 2x a year or so depending on how much you use things like live view/motion detection) or either near or combined with the solar panels (the mounts allow for options - if you want to mount the camera in one place and the solar panel nearby but in a better position to catch sun, you can do that, or you can put the panel directly above the camera for a more streamlined setup). The mounts are solid and seem durable and the solar panels easily produce enough power to keep the batteries topped up (oddly, the solar panels have a USB-C output but the cameras take micro USB input, so the kit comes with USB-C female to microUSB male adapters in short or longer lengths - odd but effective).The cameras connect via wifi, so between the batteries/solar kit and wifi connection, you can put them anywhere you get a wifi signal. Pairing the camera to your network and adding it in the Tapo app is a breeze, but note that you'll likely want to do this BEFORE mounting the camera as it's easier when you have full physical access to the camera. You'll also want to full charge the cameras from a power outlet before mounting them, even if you're using the solar panels, just to give it some buffer charge.Once paired and in place, the cameras have a super sharp picture, day or night (with the built-in spot lights) - it's easy to check in on whatever you have the cameras watching. They do have a pretty wide field of view, which is nice, but they don't move on their own (I.e., they don't have motors inside to pan/tilt, they have to be moved manually), so consider that when placing them/during install. Using the app, you can set up motion detection, exclusion zones, notifications, people / pet / vehicle alerts and more - it's pretty straightforward to use and there are a lot of options. Given the solid build quality here and the attention to detail in waterproofing the connections, these cameras should last a good long time in use. They're a bit bigger than you would expect to accommodate the large batteries, but find the right place for them was still quick / easy. The cameras can also accommodate a micro SD card for onboard video recording if you like.So if you're in the market for a DIY home video monitoring system for the outside of your house and don't want to deal with running wiring or a complicated DVR, these Tapo cameras are a great option and should be on your list to check out. Give them a try today!
These are some pretty nice outdoor cameras. The biggest draw, obviously, being the solar panel that can feed in some extra juice when placed in decently sunny spots. You don't NEED the solar panels, these will "just work" on the pretty hefty battery (the cameras themselves are quite heavy and I assume most of that is battery). Visual quality is quite nice. Setup was pretty easy. App is actually not bad. Overall, good cameras.Installation is probably going to be the most time consuming part depending on where you want to install these. If you're putting them all outdoors, you'll need to consider both the camera placement and the solar panel placement (installing indoors is pretty straightforward). While it looks like you need to mount the solar panel and the camera ... MoreThese are some pretty nice outdoor cameras. The biggest draw, obviously, being the solar panel that can feed in some extra juice when placed in decently sunny spots. You don't NEED the solar panels, these will "just work" on the pretty hefty battery (the cameras themselves are quite heavy and I assume most of that is battery). Visual quality is quite nice. Setup was pretty easy. App is actually not bad. Overall, good cameras.Installation is probably going to be the most time consuming part depending on where you want to install these. If you're putting them all outdoors, you'll need to consider both the camera placement and the solar panel placement (installing indoors is pretty straightforward). While it looks like you need to mount the solar panel and the camera in the same spot, that's actually not the case. There are even little covers included that fill in the camera mounting hole on the solar power mount so you can mount the solar panel separately. They also give you a decent amount of cable to work with. My biggest complaint is that the solar panels have a USB-C plug but the cameras have a Micro USB input. They include an adapter and everything looks pretty nicely waterproof, but it makes it feel like the solar panels were tacked on to an existing model and they couldn't be bothered to update the charging port. Not a deal breaker, just makes the installation feel needlessly complicated and clunky. Anyways, just figure out where you want your camera, decide whether that spot will get enough sunlight (they claim 30 minutes of sun a day is enough to keep your camera running but I'm sure more would be better), and then either install the solar panel and camera together in that spot or mount the camera and run a cable to your solar panel in a better spot.Setting everything up on the app was pretty easy. The camera broadcasts a wifi signal and you need to connect to it in order to set it up. It's a little clunky because the app directs you outside of the app to connect to the wifi network manually (I've seen better setup processes that find and connect to their device's wifi network automatically before), but after you do, it's a pretty straightforward setup process. A few minutes per camera should have you all set.Using the app isn't so bad which can definitely be hit or miss on a lot of smart devices. Unfortunately there's no HomeKit support, so if you want something that natively supports HomeKit on Apple devices, you'll need to look elsewhere. There appears to be a Homebridge plugin if you want to get your hands dirty but I didn't try it out. There is also RTSP support so you should be able to view these camreas from many third party apps. I'm fine just using the app. There are some neat features that seem like no brainers but I haven't found in any of the many cameras I've tested before. Like a privacy screen where you can select a part of the picture and it will black out that section of the image. Seems like something almost every camera on the market should support. The floodlight is fairly bright for getting a good image at night outside without using IR. The infrared light is pretty good too and extends a decent amount.Recording can be done a couple ways. You can subscribe to their online recording subscription service to always have access to your recordings in the cloud. Or you can pick up a few, cheap MicroSD cards and have all of your camera recordings right on your device. The fact that there's no base station for these cameras mean that the microSD card is inside the actual camera so if someone wanted to remove the recordings, it would be pretty trivial. I don't know how much this is an actual problem (especially if they're mounted high enough).Battery usage seems pretty on par with their statements and definitely depends on how sensitive you have things set as well as how often you're using the live stream. They claim 300 days of battery life (I obviously haven't been able to test that claim) without the solar panels but they also say if you change some settings the battery life gets cut in half to about 150 days. Both great numbers. It doesn't really matter, though, because if you have the solar panels connected and in view of the sun for an hour or so per day, you'll always have a topped up battery. If the cameras can't get sun for a day or two, the battery does dip a little bit but it doesn't take much sun to fill them back up. I don't like needing to remove cameras to charge them, no matter how infrequently, so the solar cells are a definite game changing feature of these.Bottom line, these are good cameras, with huge batteries and work wonderfully outside but you can use them inside too (you'll just have to charge them a few times a year depending on how often you're recording or viewing). A base station would be nice just to have recordings in a separate locations from the physical cameras without needing their subscription service. Otherwise, picture quality is good. Accessing via the app is good. The solar panels charge the cameras nicely. I wouldn't recommend the solar panel variety unless you're planning on mounting these outside, so if that's you and this is in your budget, go for it.
The TP-Link Tapo 3-pack Outdoor Battery-Powered Wireless 2K QHD Security Camera with 3 Solar Panels is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile security camera system that can be used both indoors and outdoors, though with solar panels the system is geared more towards outdoor use. The bundle comes with three cameras, three solar panels, and the associated mounting hardware. The system offers 24/7 monitoring and is weatherproof with an IP66 rating, making it suitable for use in any weather condition.The cameras are capable of capturing high-quality footage with 2K QHD clarity during the day and 2K color night vision with an integrated starlight sensor that captures low light images in high definition color with reasonable detail up to about ... MoreThe TP-Link Tapo 3-pack Outdoor Battery-Powered Wireless 2K QHD Security Camera with 3 Solar Panels is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile security camera system that can be used both indoors and outdoors, though with solar panels the system is geared more towards outdoor use. The bundle comes with three cameras, three solar panels, and the associated mounting hardware. The system offers 24/7 monitoring and is weatherproof with an IP66 rating, making it suitable for use in any weather condition.The cameras are capable of capturing high-quality footage with 2K QHD clarity during the day and 2K color night vision with an integrated starlight sensor that captures low light images in high definition color with reasonable detail up to about 100 ft. The cameras also come with built-in dual spotlights that illuminates darkness and low light conditions for enhanced viewing at night while still being displayed in full color.The Tapo TC85’s smart AI technology detects and identifies people, pets, and vehicles, sending you only relevant notifications while effectively avoiding unnecessary alerts. The system also comes with customizable sound and light alarms that can be adjusted to suit your preferences for a completely customized alarm system to deter intruders.The installation process was easy and hassle-free for the most part. To setup and configure the system only requires to scan a QR code to download the app the your smartphone. Connecting to your phone app and TP-Links cloud service is a breeze.Mounting is not quite that simple. In this kit with solar panels the TC85’s magnetic base isn’t used. The camera and the panel are both attached to a mounting plate, which in turn is mounted on a wall or an eave. In my opinion, this is significantly lacking. TP-Link should’ve have included the TC85’s magnetic mounting system and a separate mount for the small solar panel. Another oversight – perhaps more significant than the mounting system, is that the cable which attaches the solar panel to the camera. The solar panel uses a USB-C cable, but the camera uses USB-A/B and mini USB port, requiring the use of an extra adapter cable. Also, rather than having a 90 degree end like the solar panel cable, the adapter plug is straight. This works to connect the two, but now we have extra cables hanging off the camera that needs be dealt with, or wires just hang off the camera (see one of the attached photos).Configuring and installing the three cameras took a bit over 90 minutes, and that included installing the included solar panels. Running for several days with intermittent cloud cover, the cameras maintained a battery level of 85-100%. No more having to manually recharge.The TC85 allows you to store your video to their cloud service, which runs about $10/mo for 3 cameras. It also supports SD Card storage, as well as ONVIF so you can configure it to record to a local DVR on your own PC using a third party app such as Blue Iris or iSpy (more on this later).Overall I found the TP-Link Tapo 3-Camera Indoor/Outdoor 2K QHD Wireless Home Security Surveillance System is a good value and a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use security camera system that offers high-quality footage, smart AI detection, and customizable alarms. If not for the oversight of using a cable on the solar panel that is not compatible with the camera – requiring the use of an adapter cable, I would give this kit the highest rating. I hope they fix this.
This is my 4th Tapo (TP Link) product so I knew I was getting a quality product. I was not dissapointd.Inside the box younhave 3 camera's, 3 solar panels, 3 multi-use mounts, 3 short cable, 3 long cables and various mounting hardware.Per instructions, I charged all 3 camera's. Took 2.5 / 3 hours per camera. I already had the Tapo app loaded so next step, I powered on a camera (hold power down 3 seconds), then in app chose the add device (big + symbol, upper right)... After a few seconds, you will need to go into youe WiFi settings and connect to the Tapo device displayed on your screen. Once connected in the app, you enter your WiFi ESSID and password. Then reconnect to your network and in a couple mintes you are up and running.Lather, rinse repeat 3 times ... MoreThis is my 4th Tapo (TP Link) product so I knew I was getting a quality product. I was not dissapointd.Inside the box younhave 3 camera's, 3 solar panels, 3 multi-use mounts, 3 short cable, 3 long cables and various mounting hardware.Per instructions, I charged all 3 camera's. Took 2.5 / 3 hours per camera. I already had the Tapo app loaded so next step, I powered on a camera (hold power down 3 seconds), then in app chose the add device (big + symbol, upper right)... After a few seconds, you will need to go into youe WiFi settings and connect to the Tapo device displayed on your screen. Once connected in the app, you enter your WiFi ESSID and password. Then reconnect to your network and in a couple mintes you are up and running.Lather, rinse repeat 3 times naming each camera and creating an icon as you go.Physically mounting, you have a a couple choices... You can (as I did) mount the camera and solar panel as one piece, or if needee, you can remove the camera mount and place it seperately while using the main mount and long chords to get the solar panel where it can catch.For me, I just grabbed my handy chordless drill, 3 included screws for each plate and in less than 30 seconds each, they were mounted. Then mount the camera and solar panel, plug them in, adjust the camera to prefered angle and the solar panel where it will catch the sun and you are good to go.Once installed, you can add MIcro SD's for local storage pr pay a small fee for cloud. Each camera, you can use the mic, operate the lights, turn alarm on/off, camera and tag. Nice set of items to have.End of the day, this is a great system to afford camera's without having to pull electricity to power them. Great choice if you have the need and means!
This review is for a set of TP-Link Tapo wireless battery powered cameras with solar panel chargers. The cameras connect via WiFi and are paired/added using the TP-Link Tapo app. Note, if you have Kasa devices, you already have a valid TP-Link login. In fact, the Tapo app showed my smart outlets once I signed in. For initial setup, you'll charge each camera over USB. After doing that, pair by turning on the camera and waiting for it to enter pairing mode. Then let the app find it and walk you through adding it to the network and the app.The cameras come with installation hardware and to my relief, the solar panel can be located separately though nearby to the camera. This is nice for when you're better off placing the camera under a overhanging roof but as a ... MoreThis review is for a set of TP-Link Tapo wireless battery powered cameras with solar panel chargers. The cameras connect via WiFi and are paired/added using the TP-Link Tapo app. Note, if you have Kasa devices, you already have a valid TP-Link login. In fact, the Tapo app showed my smart outlets once I signed in. For initial setup, you'll charge each camera over USB. After doing that, pair by turning on the camera and waiting for it to enter pairing mode. Then let the app find it and walk you through adding it to the network and the app.The cameras come with installation hardware and to my relief, the solar panel can be located separately though nearby to the camera. This is nice for when you're better off placing the camera under a overhanging roof but as a result, the solar panel needs to be on the roof or overhang to actually get sun.The cameras are 2K so hands down will likely be have the highest quality video feed you've seen yet with a security camera. That plus the color night vision really stands out. The color night vision is even better with the spotlight feature. You can record video locally to a micro SD card installed in the camera or to the cloud or both. As usual, I'm always concerned about cloud features, particularly when they require the company or a third party to have working servers. For these, things are a bit mixed. You need the app and a TP link login for initial setup and configuration. But once that's done, you could theoretically use the cameras with just the SD card and manually retrieve the cards periodically to review footage. So some use without needing go outside your home network, but you pretty much lose just about every advantage of having a “smart” camera.Accessible functionality with just the account is camera configuration, two way audio (they have mic and speakers), live feeds, and the ability to set activity and privacy zones. The former the camera uses to trigger notifications and the latter to ignore. The notifications are a mixed bag. With premium, you get a still of what triggered the notification and are able to rewind and watch video on the app requires premium. Without, hopefully the feed will show you whats going on. You do get a free month to try things out. But even though it seems all the processing is happening locally, because you need to be signed in, functionality depends on the continued operation of TP-link authentication servers.Overall, the pros are the 2K video resolution, color night vision, two way audio, being able to record locally, and getting notifications on the free tier. Setup is also pretty straightforward so if you need to move things around, that's not an issue. I really like that the solar panel can fully charge what's a pretty decent capacity battery with 45 minutes of optimistic direct sunlight but that means even on cloudy winter weeks, unless there's snow that completely blankets the panels for days at a time, I don't have to worry about recharging the cameras which means these can be placed with zero concerns about how you're going to do an end run of wiring to a DVR or just power. As someone who has needed to carry out this task multiple times, this benefit is not to be underestimated.
The Tapo x3 Solar Security Camera kit is a great starter kit for those looking for a quick and easy solution for your basic security needs. With a wireless set up no need to spend time running wires. Magnetic mounts for hassle free installation or when needing to quickly remove the camera to charge or change the micro SD card, or mount them directly for a more secure mount.Quick glance at the features:• 45 mins of sunlight is enough charge to keep the camera powered all day.○ Built-in batteries (10,000mAh) can provide enough juice for the camera for up to 300 days without needing a recharge.• Excellent night vision quality aided by the built-in spotlights along with a Starlight sensor and infrared for brighter detailed images at night.• 2K QHD (2560 by 1440) ... MoreThe Tapo x3 Solar Security Camera kit is a great starter kit for those looking for a quick and easy solution for your basic security needs. With a wireless set up no need to spend time running wires. Magnetic mounts for hassle free installation or when needing to quickly remove the camera to charge or change the micro SD card, or mount them directly for a more secure mount.Quick glance at the features:• 45 mins of sunlight is enough charge to keep the camera powered all day.○ Built-in batteries (10,000mAh) can provide enough juice for the camera for up to 300 days without needing a recharge.• Excellent night vision quality aided by the built-in spotlights along with a Starlight sensor and infrared for brighter detailed images at night.• 2K QHD (2560 by 1440) recording resolution at 25fps.• 150 Diagonal FOV• Smart AI features to identify people, pets, and vehicles. Thus resulting in fewer false alarms and unnecessary notifications.• IP66 Weatherproof provides protections from the outdoor elements like heavy rain showers and dust.• Local and Cloud storage options are available. You don't have to pay for subscription-based cloud storage. It supports up to 512 GB micro SD card.• No Hub is required to connect directly to your Wi-Fi.• 2-way audio communication with the built-in speaker.The Tapo works well compared to other apps I’ve used before, where it would lag whenever I tried to view the live feed or access the cameras. You can take a snapshot from the app, record a live view, listen in, and start a voice call. If someone approaches your property, you can talk to them over the camera to identify themselves or thwart thieves snooping around. Another feature I like is the ability to set an alarm that goes off based on detected motion. There’s a privacy mode that pretty much turns off the camera. Spotlights can also be turned on or off via the app. There are so many options available that I highly recommend reviewing them to take advantage of everything the camera offers.Overall, as I mentioned, this starter kit provides excellent image quality at a reasonable price. Solar power is a great solution for areas that don’t have easy access to a power source. It also has excellent features that are not locked behind a subscription paywall, like Smart AI for face or vehicle detections and local storage. It’s compatible with established smart home platforms like Google Home and Alexa.
I’ve used and tested a LOT of security cameras from the cheap eBay specials back in the day to full featured suites from name brands like Ring, Eufy and Arlo. I have to say that the Tapo setup has become my new favorite pick and if it weren’t for one small flaw, I’d be replacing at least one or two of my current platforms.I’m kind of surprised because I have more than a few TP-Link (which is the parent company of the Tapo brand) is the smart home devices and I’ve never really considered their cameras until now. I’ve always been happy with my TPLink smart switches and Smart Power strips, but I guess I never thought of them as a security cam company. And I saw there were cameras in an announcement about the merging of the Kasa branding and Tapo, but again I didn’t ... MoreI’ve used and tested a LOT of security cameras from the cheap eBay specials back in the day to full featured suites from name brands like Ring, Eufy and Arlo. I have to say that the Tapo setup has become my new favorite pick and if it weren’t for one small flaw, I’d be replacing at least one or two of my current platforms.I’m kind of surprised because I have more than a few TP-Link (which is the parent company of the Tapo brand) is the smart home devices and I’ve never really considered their cameras until now. I’ve always been happy with my TPLink smart switches and Smart Power strips, but I guess I never thought of them as a security cam company. And I saw there were cameras in an announcement about the merging of the Kasa branding and Tapo, but again I didn’t look into it that closely.Wow that was a mistake on my part!These Tapo cameras come with so many on board options and features and include local storage giving you a real option if you don’t want or need to get a subscription. However, the subscription fee is very reasonable, especially given the market so I’m definitely going to check out the free 30-day trial that is included in package! Tapo gives you up to 10 cams for one price and that price is lower than I am paying for my other subscription platforms. But if you want to avoid that and don’t need the extra features a sub provides, the TC85 includes an Mini SD card slot that supports up to a 512gb card. So you have plenty of options!They were incredibly easy to install, and I loved the design of the mounting bracket that gives you the option to mount the camera and the solar panel separately from each other. This provided some flexible options for mounting. Plus, with the solar panel, I could mount them in places where I wouldn’t put a camera I’d have to take down to recharge (even with the great battery life the TC85 has).The picture is clear and crisp, even at night and has an extremely wide field of view yet little to no barrel distortion common on other wide-angle cams. The starlight gives you great night color vision, and this can be augmented by the on-board spotlight as well. Given its size I was impressed with the alarm, which scared the daylights out of a rabbit about to check out my garden; proving that the AI pet detection works well! Overall, I found the detection and notifications worked well on average a bit faster than my Eufy and Ring cameras. Options for detection zones were great, but this also included privacy zones where detections can be suppressed, which was a first for me and added to the options for placement.Given the price, I can’t recommend this highly enough in terms of the features included and the local storage and overall performance. The build quality and engineering are top notch. It’s in the details like the way that everything seals up watertight and gaskets are provided for the connections.If I had to find a downer in all of this, it’s that the TC85 does not have support for Onvif or RTSP protocols, so using them with third party applications like a DVR or Home Assistant is currently out of the question. This may not be a big deal to many, but I mention it because it’s currently keeping me from purchasing additional cams to replace my others. It’s also a bit disturbing because on my research, many if not most of the other Tapo cams DO come with Onvif/RTSP support. I’m hoping this isn’t a trend, but I am holding out hope that a new API that is being developed will include support for the TC85. Because I’d really like to buy more and replace my other subscription platforms with one Tapo subscription. Yeah, they’re really that good! I’m going to start looking at more of the Tapo offerings.
I recently received the Tapo 3-pack 2K Indoor/Outdoor Cameras with 3 Solar Panels and have been extremely impressed with this kit. This product, with its high-quality build, has exceeded my expectations in every way, instilling confidence in its durability and performance.Out of the box, every piece of the kit feels well-crafted with a durable and solid feel. The kit boasts an industry-leading IP66 weatherproof rating, ensuring that both the camera and solar panels can withstand rain, dust, snow, and harsh sun, making them incredibly durable in any environment. I will add that where I am in central Texas, we do get a good hailstorm from time to time, so we will see how durable they are in the future. The Installation process was a breeze. The step-by-step within ... MoreI recently received the Tapo 3-pack 2K Indoor/Outdoor Cameras with 3 Solar Panels and have been extremely impressed with this kit. This product, with its high-quality build, has exceeded my expectations in every way, instilling confidence in its durability and performance.Out of the box, every piece of the kit feels well-crafted with a durable and solid feel. The kit boasts an industry-leading IP66 weatherproof rating, ensuring that both the camera and solar panels can withstand rain, dust, snow, and harsh sun, making them incredibly durable in any environment. I will add that where I am in central Texas, we do get a good hailstorm from time to time, so we will see how durable they are in the future. The Installation process was a breeze. The step-by-step within the app instructions guided me to a professional-looking installation of each camera and solar kit. I am not a very handyperson and was worried when one of the zones I wanted to set up monitoring was primarily blocked by trees. The flexibility offered by the 13-foot-long cable was a lifesaver and allowed me to place the camera where I wanted with the solar panel offset. The setup said that each camera needed to be pre-charged for about five hours. Then, the app had a firmware update for the cameras that took about another ten minutes per camera. I was able to name the cameras for an easy location reference. The app is user friendly, and I would feel confident in saying that if you can send an email on your phone, then you can navigate the app. A quick tip: I am not a fan of subscription-only products. My kit came with a free thirty-day trial with a month-to-month plan afterward. The plan's cost ranged from $3.49 to $11.99 monthly or $34.99 to $119.99 annually, depending on the number of cameras on the system. If you, too, are not a fan of subscriptions, make sure you grab three SD cards when you purchase if you plan not to use the subscription-based service. I understand that the subscription plan builds passive revenues for the company, which they tend to use to develop new and better products. So I admire Tapo for caring and taking into consideration the wants and needs of their consumer market. Aside from that, once installed, I was able to see the trickle charge from the solar panels keep the massive 10,000mAh batteries well charged even in my higher activity zone.The performance and features packed away in these little devices are simply stunning. The images are crystal clear, with 1.7x more pixels than 1080p, and the 150-degree field of view covers a wide area, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed. The full-color night vision with a spotlight and a starlight sensor is particularly impressive, providing clear-ish images even in low-light conditions. I know we have all seen the footage of someone doing something probably wrong, but you cannot make out any facial features. These cameras during the day are quite picturesque, but at night, the view is grainier and more saturated. The smart AI technology is able to distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles. This means the camera in my backyard is not constantly sending me notifications that my furry friends are up to shenanigans. Going further, you are able to customize detection zones to help reduce the number of unnecessary notifications as well. The cameras do offer two-way audio which can be used to communicate with guests or delivery couriers in real time. The real-time aspect is based on network connectivity capabilities. But the coolest feature is the sound and light alarm deterrent. I like to use this on my son when he comes home past curfew.In conclusion, I am overall quite satisfied with the Tapo TC85 2K camera and solar panel kit. It provides unparalleled security, convenience, and peace of mind. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, dependable, and easy-to-install security camera system.
| Connection | Wireless |
