TP-Link - Tapo Battery/Wired Smart Video Doorbell 2K 5MP with Chime - No Monthly Fees - Black

I waited and purchased this doorbell camera just for the battery feature and support for ONVIF. After the latest firmware update the ONVIF feature has been removed. Contacted support and they are less than helpfull. Keep saying that it was removed on the battery cameras due to not enough power being provided with a solar panel. I have let them know twice that the TD25 is hardwired but keep replying saying it decreases battery life. They then suggest I purchase the C325WB, which is a standard camera and not a doorbell camera. I will be returning this one and purchasing something different.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Video Doorbell 2K 5MP with Chime is a brand new model, with an innovative approach to front door security that helps with package delivery security thanks to the super wide angle camera coverage. The setup instructions are easy to follow and physical installation is pretty much two screws. I installed this as a replacement for an older Ring Pro doorbell. The Tapo Doorbell is much larger, mainly because it has a larger wide angle camera and a large battery pack that’s supposed to last 8 months between charges. Initially I wasn’t looking forward to taking the doorbell off the wall to recharge a couple of times per year, but as it turns out you don’t have to because it also supports hard wiring to standard wired doorbells with a powered transformer which is what I already had. I ended up installing the vertical wedge that angles the camera down by 5 degrees, so it will now capture most of your front door steps/landing where packages are usually delivered. Image quality at 2k 5 MP is superior and sound is also better being full duplex. Night vision is very good and can be in full color with the powerful white LED spotlight light built-in to the button. The App is very intuitive being part of the Tapo ecosystem of smart devices which I own plenty of, so it’s nice to have all cameras, lights, plugs in one place. It also offers plenty of customizations, video and recording settings, notifications and alert settings. The built-in AI helps detect motion, people, cars, pets, packages and notifies you almost instantly. The included wireless chime plugs into a standard outlet and can be installed anywhere else in the house where you have WiFi coverage. If you have a bigger house and can’t hear the chime from another floor/room, you can add more than one chime which is what I’m planning to do. One feature worth picking this over the more popular competition is the local SDcard capability of up to 512 GB of storage that allows you to record locally, so no need for yet another monthly subscription, though that is an option if you prefer cloud storage. So if you want to pay no monthly fees and not worry about your privacy being at risk in the cloud, the Tapo Smart Video Doorbell 2K 5MP with Chime is the way to go.

TP Link Tapo Smart Doorbell + Chime (TD25) This is what thoughtful engineering does. It anticipates potential issues I might have and gives me options. I get choices. This is a very easy to setup doorbell/chime solution that performs exactly as promised and gives me the flexibility to use it as I need it. I can take advantage of its VERY long-life battery or connect it hardwired, using my own home doorbell wiring. And, I can change my mind later on a switch from one approach to another. SETUP: Download the TP-Link TAPO App. You need it for the connection process. Take the surprisingly solid doorbell-camera assembly and pop the back off so you can access the still hidden USB-C charging port under the cover. [HINT: Look for the special PIN in the package used to push the concealed holding clip down so the back cover pops off. Insert in the top hole and REALLY push down. It’s a stiff locking plate you must force down.] Now you can charge for a recommended 6 hours. While your device is charging you must decide which installation path you want to pursue. WIRED INSTALLATION requires checking to be sure your existing chime setup has the correct power and still works. There is even a modification instruction diagram showing how to modify your home chime box to allow constant power.This particular setup includes a few steps preparing to replace your existing setup. The BATTERY setup is just the single step of charging and turning on the device using that rear power button. In either case, mounting is straightforward and then it’s on to the TAPO App which is a joy to use. This has clearly been well tested to ensure no hiccups. I was connected within about 15 minutes, and most of that time was waiting for the typical Wi-Fi connection processing which begins by logging onto the very temporary TAPO network, and then onto the Wi-Fi linkage. The App takes you step by step. PERFORMANCE and FEATURES: It’s all about the very well thought out App interacting with a high performing device. I already have a couple of TAPO security cameras, so for me, it was no more than ADDING NEW DEVICE, and the App found it, adding to my camera list. The TAPO App sees this doorbell as a camera, but with more features. I’ll refer you to my accompanying photos, where you will see a stuffed menu of parameters that allow: Detection types and Zones, motion detection adjustments, specific person Detection, pet Detection, and even PACKAGE DETECTION for those deliveries we all worry about! (Some of these setting are in a submenu.) TAPO recognizes that not all users want to become doorbell experts and allows us to simply select generalized operating modes, High performance, Balanced, Power Saving, Custom, so the device makes the detail decisions. We can add Auto Power Saving so battery life is further conserved if it drops to 10%. A microSD Card CAN BE inserted if you want to avoid a subscription service for your videos.The device formats for you and allows a number of parameter changes. There is a spotlight, and of course, Spotlight control. And, there is a Privacy Mode which immediately suspends recordings.Auto updating is another feature. [Photos of the porch are taken from a temporary location in a window frame, not doorbell height.] RECOMMENDATION: It’s hard to imagine a more complete set of features or options. The quality of imaging starts with the 5MP Camera and continues with the hidef imaging. A subscription service is available, but completely unnecessary with the memory card inserted. There are notification you can control and videos available in the memory card library. Mounting choices cover anything you might need. This is easy to recommend.