TP-Link Tapo 2K Indoor Security Camera for Baby Monitor, Dog Camera w/Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio Siren, Night Vision, Cloud & SD Card Storage(Up to 256 GB), Works w/Alexa & Google Home(Tapo C110)

I now have 8 of these cameras for home security use, for 16 dollars you can't beat the price.I purchased these knowing the risks of ordering inexpensive cameras manufactured in China and the serious security risks that come along with some of them. These are labeled as being manufactured in Vietnam which is not currently on the list of banned IT products by the DoD. I have not had the time to Wireshark then to verify that no personal information is being sent to any unknown servers. I chose these because they supposedly support both ONVIF and RTSP streams over a local network.Pros:- These cameras DO support the ONVIF protocol and also RTSP streaming, and it works very well. This allows you to integrate them with other 3rd party software, NVRs, and custom applications. They can also be streamed using VLC media player.- The image quality is great for such an inexpensive camera. They can be set up on a flat table surface or ceiling mount.- They are lightweight and cheaply put together, however sturdy and can take a bit of a beating without breaking.- The TAPO android app is far superior to other apps I have used. It provides lots of features and initial setup was relatively simple.- Once the cameras are set up on the TAPO app, they will continue to work when connected to an air-gapped (no internet access) LAN. The TAPO app will also work without an internet connection, so these can be placed on a VLAN without internet access.Cons:- Although ONVIF and RTSP are supported, you DO need to install the TAPO app to set the cameras up initially. As mentioned, they will work on an air-gapped network after initial setup.- The base shaft of the cameras are not removable (only the base itself), so if you are building custom stands or mounts, this will have to be broken off.- Ceiling mounting these can be slightly painstaking, as the screws that are required to be removed to mount the base are the same screws that provide tension to the ball-in-groove adjustment.- Unlike most small cameras available, these are powered by a 9VDC plug-in transformer and not a standard USB-C or Micro-USB phone charger. The charger IS included, but ceiling mounting these can be an issue if no local receptacle is available to plug into.

As someone who has delved into the world of home security cameras, purchasing and testing models from Meross, Ubiquiti, Nest, Ring, and others, I've encountered my fair share of unique challenges with each brand. I've even invested over $200 on some Ubiquiti cameras, all in the pursuit of finding the perfect balance of functionality, ease of use, and affordability. However, it wasn't until I came across the TP-Link Tapo 2K Indoor Camera that I felt I had found a device that stood out in the crowded market, especially for a very specific need: ensuring the safety and monitoring of my in-laws who have recently moved into an assisted living community.The aspect of this camera that immediately caught my attention was its affordability combined with its robust feature set, something I had begun to think was impossible to find. Unlike other systems that nickel and dime you for every additional feature, the TP-Link Tapo offers a comprehensive package without the need for a subscription service. This was particularly appealing as it enabled me to keep an eye on my in-laws' well-being without incurring ongoing costs.Installation and setup were astonishingly straightforward. I opted for a 256GB SD card, which was more than adequate for our needs and was incredibly easy to install and configure. This ease of setup is not something I can say for all the cameras I've tested in the past, where sometimes the setup process seemed almost deliberately complicated.The video quality is another point where the Tapo 2K Indoor Camera shines. It delivers crisp, clear images that make it easy to see what's happening, even from a distance. But perhaps the feature that sets it apart the most is the ability to playback footage remotely. This has given me peace of mind, knowing that I can easily check in on my in-laws at any time, from anywhere.Price-wise, the Tapo 2K is unbeatable. Considering the high costs of some competitors' cameras that still require additional outlays for full functionality, the value proposition of the Tapo 2K is clear. It's an affordable, effective solution for anyone looking to secure their home or, in my case, keep a watchful eye on loved ones in a care setting.In conclusion, the TP-Link Tapo 2K Indoor Camera has proven to be a little gem in a market saturated with overpriced and overcomplicated alternatives. Its combination of ease of use, excellent video quality, remote playback capability, and affordability make it a standout option. It's a purchase I've been thoroughly pleased with and would recommend to anyone in a similar situation or anyone looking for a reliable home security camera without unnecessary frills or expenses.

Clear 2K video, easy setup, and works great with Alexa. Love the motion alerts and 2-way audio. Perfect as a baby or pet cam—great value!