Tapo C420S2 Review - A EufyCam Alternative? 2K, Starlight, 180 days Battery Life

Today, we are going to review and check out the TP-Link Tapo C420S2 Wireless Security Camera bundle. We will check out its features, do a quick unboxing, setup and install and check out its video and audio quality and run our usual tests. The Tapo C420 cameras have a starlight sensor and records in 2K quality, has local hub recording to a micro SD card..so subscription is not required, wireless and battery powered using a battery pack that can last up to 180 days before needing to be recharged. Is this Tapo C420S2 can be a good alternative to the EufyCam?
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Tapo C420S2 - amzn.to/3Jbp8Rm
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Features
02:15 Unboxing
03:34 Setup
04:12 Settings
06:37 Video Quality
07:59 Testing
11:19 Thoughts
#lifehackster #tapoc420s2 #tplink
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[@neilhansen3365]

Thank you for taking the time to review this for us. It’s very much appreciated

[@rlbk525]

Cool review, thanks. I was kinda excited when I read the title but after seeing the whole video I think this camera is a work in progress.

[@LifeHackster]

@rlbk525...Thanks for watching!

[@thomasrussell4356]

Awesome video. Super comprehensive. Just what I was looking for!

[@Squad2ND]

Kick ass review! And thanks for your honesty!

[@margingalaxy9826]

Best outdoor camera review channel. Hell yeah

[@gurkanaytekin7752]

A lot thanks. That review was so give information. Another reviews give to only some general info. This was be so specific.

[@denischarron5863]

Thanks for the review. I'm not worried about the unusable audio or the quiet alarm. But the delay in recording is a serious problem. The intruder could easily be out of field of view by the time it starts. (I noticed that when you disconnected the Rich Text Notification, the notification was sent much faster. I wonder if you turn off RTN would the recording also start sooner too?). If they could fix the delayed recording with a firmware upgrade, this could be the perfect camera for me.

[@Hollowind_]

Great review! Instantly subscribed to your channel for more in the future. I think the downsides of this camera model are not going to be an issue in my house. Thinking about a purchase now.

[@GrayTeam83]

BEST VIDEO IVE SEEN AS OF YET FOR THIS EXACT TAPO TWIN CAM AND HUB H200 SYSTEM. TOP MARKS PAL ☆☆☆☆☆

[@LifeHackster]

@neilgraybaby...Thanks for watching!

[@GrayTeam83]

@LifeHackster your very welcome. Keep making the great content, awesome to see proper reviewing and educational content all in one 👌🏼.

[@lenlen4388]

this is a very good review. Most of the questions that I wanted to ask, like scenario based, are tested and shown. By the way, is the spotlight really visibly "spot lighting" the area like an iPhone torch? or is it just the "camera exposure" that's being adjusted? My question is about the spotlight feature (the two dots beside the camera itself)... I am considering buying this but beforehand, I want to know the features before hand, if possible. Thanks.

[@leif7069]

Thank you for a great review! Which one would you recommend between TP-link TAPO C420S2, and Reolink Argus Eco (two of latter). Also, will the TAPO record if not connected to the hub (e.g. if I have it inside the car, for recording when parked)?.

[@Dubser]

Very Well covered thank you!

[@ryanwhite2606]

Hey Life Hackster, I stumbled upon a guy on KZbin talking about and reviewing light bulb security cameras. It was really interesting. I never knew those types of cameras even existed 😳 Would love to see you do a video reviewing the different types of light bulb security cameras. FYI - you're still my go to guy for security cameras. 🤜🤛

[@LifeHackster]

The problem with those light bulb cameras are the quality. That is why you will not see one from known brands. If I find one that has a decent quality, I'll check it out.

[@joaquinandal9865]

Great and comprehensive review! I just have one question, can it work without the hub? Thank you

[@chuannaigh]

Have these cameras about 2 months now and im honestly impressed by them, image quality is very good

[@virusdetected6395]

still going strong?

[@chuannaigh]

@Virus Detected yep still good, bought the tapo c500 but its hit and miss..would definitely recommend the C420S2

[@virusdetected6395]

@@chuannaigh thank you very much for the information!

[@chuannaigh]

@@virusdetected6395 no problem 👍

[@25logiky]

Hi, I just installed mine. Have you noticed the delay of motion recording? For example, the recording happens after 2-3 seconds of motion. If i walk from left to right, the recording will starts recording when I am in the middle of the screen already.

[@ceycey8216]

Thanks for the review. TP-LINK Tapo C420S2 or Anker Eufy Security Eufycam 2C which is better? which one to buy

[@YukonHawk1]

Video and audio is really good.

[@sonakondelova4686]

Nice review. But my question is that if it is possible for the footage to be connected with the Synology server? Thanks.

[@virtualvortech]

Good review, as always. Can I ask that you try the camera on a connected power source so it has full power. I know some (like ring) this opens better capture and pre-recording. I’m sure others would like to know this. Please 🙏 Thanks again.

[@LifeHackster]

Not with this one.. it will just charge the batteries.

[@robwynn6299]

Thanks for the review - the tech sheet is now saying this unit is IP 65 weather resistant (dust and sprayed water but not submerged water as I understand it)

[@thomashaasum9734]

HI great Review, thinking about bying this, but are there something better out there for the same price ? Regards from Denmark.

[@zuhairhlayel]

Thank you. Great.

[@LifeHackster]

@zuhairhlayel...Thanks for watching!

[@sparksmorales4889]

Thank you Very MUCH REVIEW

[@LifeHackster]

@sparksmorales4889...Thanks for watching!

[@sameers2699]

Hi, nice video! Can we use one camera without the hub - for instance I would like to put one in my car and is it possible to stream without the hub ? completely wireless

[@superbaggio87]

notification delay is a major flaw in ip camera's imho. i know it depens on many factors like waking up the device, wifi range, etc.. but still! anyway muchas gracias for the vid

[@FKAT420]

Nice job 👏

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks 😁

[@kinocchio]

Any idea when the Tapo C425 camera will be released? They announced it at CES and still not available.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you sir.

[@LifeHackster]

@ronm6585...Thanks for watching!

[@prateekj5431]

Tplink says on their global platform that they have a battery replacement product called Tapo A100, but so far I don't know if they even sell it in the US. I am still on the edge if I cannot replace the battery in case they go bad.

[@PatrickC139]

Question for LH or anyone that has this camear. - I saw there's a little speaker on the hub (At least on the website) what is that used for? Does it send alert sounds there or is it just a voice prompt when you first setup the cameras? -2nd Q. Did TPLINK release anymore updates that improved any of the issues talked about? Such as Notification speed when you are using the cloud subscription or the the low volume on the speaker? Thanks

[@srikanthch8055]

Do we need to Turn On both Motion sensor detection and AI detection? Please suggest the best option. Thanks

[@chrisb9960]

For the algorithm.

[@LifeHackster]

@chrisb9960...Thanks for watching!

[@jordanlee5002]

Are you able to review a tapo camera like this one which is setup to trigger a tapo smart bulb? I'd love a response because I am interested in the time delay between the camera trigger and light bulb action. Also ease of use of setting this up in the app. The reason for all of this is because I'd like to use the camera as a light sensor at the top of my stairs when it's dark to turn on the stair lights but also around 6 other tapo smart bulbs

[@hassanetazi]

Hello Must we use the hub? Can we use the camera WITHOUT the hub ? Thanks

[@morgoth345]

Hi, a quick question. Power and battery. Can it be olugged as plug-in camera? So basically connected most of the time to usb charging and in case of power outage or someone cur power, will it automatically switch to battery without any pause in operation? I believe it seems that usb cable goes through the body and is directly connected to the battery pack. So the question is, will the camera work while charging at the same time ? Thanks!!

[@cats362]

any recommendation for a camera for a grandma who doesnt need all the hassle with phone settings. I just looking for a camera to record outside at night and just look at video in the morning. Been having trouble with kids breaking in car

[@tuonoryder1715]

Good review, I have these cameras and want to ask you when you received this, did you try using the hub with WIFI connection? Both my hubs don't need to be wired but run via WIFI. Want to ensure people get the correct information.

[@eaglezapper9366]

Thanks for that bit of info. I just bought two, yet to set up! Did I hear him correctly in saying the one hub will collect data for 4 such cameras?...such that the one micro SD card will collect all data? Have you any idea what the biggest SD card is and how long it would last for 4 cameras?

[@-1.3.3.7-]

Does the hub make your LAN connection worse? I already use 1 LAN cable for my PC.

[@matthewcooper7702]

UK here, got two of these cameras and they are next to useless. They rarely catch any motion and when we tinker with the sensitivity it picks up everything and I mean everything so I'd give these a miss if I was you!

[@LifeHackster]

Their person detection is ok..didn't miss any or give me false notifications. I did have to turn off the regular motion detection though.

[@xhivo97]

​@@LifeHackster Is that feature paywalled?

[@gzramiro]

Are the cameras wireless connected to the hub? Or they can connect wireless to existing wifi a then reach the hub over LAN?

[@jaytrivedi7489]

I hop you had also shown the number plate test with the night vision. Really wanted to see if it would be able to capture enough to read plates at night

[@LifeHackster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKLRiGNrobp7sLssi=6ptQSO5QdNvoSjmK

[@JVon999]

Is there any way to connect the camera or the hub to the internet without Ethernet Cable?

[@MostynDuVal]

Will it detect though a glass window i.e. from a windowsill looking into a garden or a driveway?

[@Draconis8888]

Seems like as is, it has potential to be a good system for a "No Cloud Services" user. Would you do a re-review if/when Tapo comes out with new firmware to address your issues?

[@LifeHackster]

I'll see if I can make an update video. Thanks for watching.

[@mingcuangcu]

Hi. I'd like to know how is the battery doing as of today. And I wonder what will happen if the battery depleted/dead? is there after market battery available for this? Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

It has a rechargeable battery. You can also get a solar panel for it to keep it continuously charged.

[@chucknorris8704]

Is it possible to connect an external solar panel to this to power and charge the battery? I couldn't recall if you showed the camera had a external usb port or not?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, micro USB port on the back.

[@weasel101]

So it uses your local network, or is it a proprietary signal with the hub? I thought your local network but your last comments made it sound proprietary because we never discussed your network setup. Great video tho! 👍

[@weasel101]

It uses its own radio frequency so it just uses your local networks for viewing and alerts.

[@mm.661]

Can I unplug hub from the internet after set-up if I only need local recording?

[@naredes]

Please review the newest Arlo Pro 5s when you have a chance

[@LifeHackster]

Will see...Thanks.

[@CinHalCedHerChance]

can you use a wifi extender from TP link with this or is it not recommended?

[@glafkosobion9085]

Would a USB power bank be useful to charge the battery locally where the camera is mounted instead of dismounting it and charging it at home?? Just a thought.

[@LifeHackster]

I bet you got it from this video ;) -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooG8aqx6ZrmSea8

[@obnoxioustermite7932]

hi. Are the ir lights visible at night?

[@sairamos2210]

Dang, the notification delay is as bad as eufy cameras. I am trying to get away from eufy due to the app freezing my phone and making it unusable. Thank you for doing a review on these. I am deleting from my shopping cart and I will continue to look around.

[@paulm0573]

Have you found a reliable replacement camera yet? I’m searching for one and so confused with the vast range of cameras available

[@SueRosalie]

from what I've seen, all brands have a slight delay in notification

[@bartheramil1660]

Hi just want to ask which one is better for the hallway of my condo v3 pro or og 3x

[@LifeHackster]

If it is a long hallway, then the OG3X will probably work. As to the V3 PRO, there is not a lot of difference as to video quality between it and the V3 or even the OG.

[@bartheramil1660]

Thank you so much really appreciate your help and response.

[@justrobin1234]

I expected these to be a step up in video quality compared to the 320WS but it seems not :(

[@jedzosa]

Do you have information in how far the maximum distance is from the hub to the camera? Thank you

[@yourwifesboyfriend6081]

Interested in this too. Did you find out? Assuming it would be further than the router’s coverage, given it’s 922MHz

[@hawjiang5349]

25meter

[@jonilakso6508]

Little winter weather update. I got tapo c400 and battery do not like when temperature drops below -25 c / -13 F. When it was -25 degrees Celsius yesterday, the battery in the camera was still about 60%, but now today, as the temperature dropped to around -29 degrees Celsius ( -20 F ), the battery is just now 9%. The battery seems to deplete very quickly when it's cold

[@Latvijasfans]

Did you check product info before purchasing? Then you will find some useful info about temperatures.

[@joshmathew26]

how do u add multiple cameras

[@ac7384]

They fix the night vision issues ?

[@motorcycleriderscy]

Review the d230s pls from tapo

[@MrSaitama00]

The hub needs to be connected via ethernet right? Or can i use wifi?

[@tsuperman]

Please review the arlo home security system

[@LifeHackster]

Will see. Thanks.

[@johncollier7617]

Does the camera need to be near the hub? I’m looking for a camera that I can put on a site 10km from my house where there is no power or internet access?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes. Look for LTE/celllular based security cameras.

[@user-er4hz7tk7p]

From saudi 👍

[@chuannaigh]

Have these cameras a few months now and initially i was really impressed but the last few weeks I'm starting to have my doubts..when the motion detection is triggered the camera only records for a few seconds. I have the camera set to record for 60 seconds when motion is detected but it only records for 8 or 10..very frustrating

[@BM-dl2qz]

Did the issue fixed?

[@chuannaigh]

@BM-dl2qz nope, still the same..contacted the company and did all the reset instructions they asked me to do but still the same but then they came back with more instructions that i had didn't have a clue what to do so i just gave up. I wouldn't get these cameras again

[@BM-dl2qz]

@@chuannaigh you should request replacement I think it's 2 years warranty

[@dollyacabal7724]

Hi . Will this camera still working without WiFi?

[@christiancadungog2077]

How many hours til full charge

[@Secret_staycation21]

bro can i view or use the app say if im from uk and the camera is installed in house in the phil 🇵🇭

[@LifeHackster]

Yes you can.

[@kumarbhatia6566]

This camera is a fail - records only on a trigger. We had a break in by thieves and could hear them loud and clear through this camera but the lens was facing in the opposite direction so the audio was only streaming and not recording. Lucky that we had another backup camera (Wyze) that does record 24/7 and caught the audio of thieves. 1 star review for this design. As a design engineer, fully understand the power budget to record in HD but we are fine to recharge even every 1-2 days if able to record 24/7. BTW - not even close to being 180 days to charge the battery - more like a few weeks at best and that is based on the motion trigger recording setting. TP Link needs to upgrade their firmware to allow 'continuous recording' even if it is battery powered.

[@SueRosalie]

all wireless cameras record only on trigger otherwise the battery will be drained in a very short time. If you want that feature, you need a hard wired system. And it's your fault you had the camera pointing in the wrong direction lol what kind of design engineer are you, how do you not understand basic concepts lol

[@eriktoupal8437]

Kolik vydrzi baterie v realnem provozu dni?

[@valourboy]

How can turn the light

[@gintautasaleksandravicius3636]

Good afternoon. I bought the same camera. Maybe you can help? My camera can't see my cat. The camera sees people and sends a signal to the phone. But the cat passes by the camera and it does not send a signal. Maybe some additional settings are needed? Thank you

[@LifeHackster]

Most likely your cat is too small for the camera to detect. It uses a PIR sensor that detects heat movement. You might need to lower the camera and increase its sensitivity if you want your cat to be detected.

[@gintautasaleksandravicius3636]

@@LifeHackster thanks for answering👍. Firstly, the cat is quite big (6 kg). secondly, the store promised me that the camera reacts to animals. I wrote to the support. maybe they can help me there.

[@SueRosalie]

@@gintautasaleksandravicius3636 that usually means dogs. People need to check on their dogs, but why do you need to know what your cat is doing?

[@MoiTreeLuv]

Can I use this camera with wifi without the hub?

[@edwardli217]

i wonder why they never test on the camera whether they can record the car plate while it is on the car

[@SueRosalie]

If you need that feature you probably need a more powerful wired in system that has a good zoom function.

[@macadamianuts6363]

was happy but the sad that microphone was so weak that you could not hear anything

[@khao1412]

Great review and i will pass this.

[@LifeHackster]

@khao1412...Thanks for watching!

[@TY-cx2vb]

Which ones price/performance is the best do you think? Tapo C420S2 or Tapo C320WS? regardless of one having cable connection and the other not..

[@TejasBelvalkar]

I find it ridiculous that if the camera gets stolen / resetted you can't see footage. I find that to be a major flaw defeating the whole point of having the camera.

[@3dScience8]

he didn't say that! this happens to another model from another company. -> if the camera is stolen.or destroyed, you can take off the micro sd and watch the recorded videos on your laptop

[@SueRosalie]

yes you can, it's on the sd card in your hub. Unlike the C425 where the card goes into the camera itself and the thief can take the whole thing

[@1112dejon]

can i mount the tp link tapo cameras outside up side down

[@SueRosalie]

yes

[@yoksgaming7804]

High Quality pero maganda ba talaga yan kababayan sa presyo nya?

[@chrisb9960]

Have you done a review of Ring with a base station without an internet connection? I’m curious on the functionality. I recall you reviewing the base station somewhere but my search isn’t showing it. You do have a lot of videos.

[@LifeHackster]

I did try it out when their Alarm PRO initially came out but haven't tested it out lately...that is their edge recording. -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXcaoGgeq16ps0

[@chrisb9960]

@@LifeHackster Thanks. Guess I thought the Ring base station had something closer to the Eufy base station. Now I know it’s the alarm base station. Muc( appreciated.

[@darbany95]

Can you connect the hub to wifi without LAN cable?

[@diegob6729]

yes, it need only lan cable on first install then you can choose wifi connection

[@exterminateparasites3185]

Why isn't there an app for PC? i don't want to have to use my phone to set it up and see the live camera video.

[@jayngo23]

Can I buy 4 and connect them to save to same hub?

[@SueRosalie]

yes you can buy a set of 4 anyway

[@Arctic5fox]

Can you hardwire the camera so u don't have to charge it?

[@SueRosalie]

no, just buy one of the Tapo wired cameras. You're paying more for wireless.

[@highwayouttakes4570]

Pass

[@Capetowncoverband]

I really started out with an open mind but am so disappointed with this camera. Have had it only 5 days and it has proved to be glitchy to the point of being useless. Camera works but will often not send notification no matter what you do. Take out battery and put back it works for short while then starts to malfunction again. If im lying in bed and some one is walking of with my lawn mower or breaking in and I get no warning then whats the point. Tried with cable in and wifi. Still as glitchy. I think to review a camera you should use and test it for a couple of days to determine its reliability. I think the main problem is the apps communication with the hub. Changes made in app often do not reflect in camera.

[@eaglezapper9366]

Perhaps the hub needs to be closer to the camera? Also router will need to have a wide span. Just got TPlink and I'm amazed at the distance

[@Capetowncoverband]

I kinda got it figured now. I dont use the home and away function. It is very glitchy. I deleted all cameras from it and dont go near it. I manually turn on the AI person and motion detection and it seems to work pretty well. @@eaglezapper9366

[@rodhonrada8545]

just curious, how far is your camera from hub???

[@Capetowncoverband]

4m @@rodhonrada8545

[@Crayzirussian]

Like 😊

[@thomasharner92]

Hate to be that guy, but it seems crazy to have micro-usb on a new device in 2023

[@Noodles.FreeUkraine]

Thanks for being that guy. It's 2023 and they offer the same plug they used back in the day when they ran CCTV while building the pyramids. Mind-boggling.

[@3dScience8]

⚠️⚠️⚠️PLEASE CHECK MY NEXT ANSWER. I BOUGHT THE C320WS camera AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE CAMERA IS RECORDING WHEN THERE IS NO INTERNET CONNECTION..CHECK MY NEXT ANSWER BELOW ⚠️⚠️⚠️ AFTER INITIAL SET-UP using internet etc... ⚠️does the hub record/store footage from the cameras without an internet connection ? THIS COULD BE THE MAIN BENEFIT OF THESE CAMERAS but you didn't make it clear! 😖😵‍💫 Please answer to this if you know, i think that many users want to know. initial question: ????DO YOU NEED AN ACTIVE INTERNET CONNECTION for the hub to store video from the cameras ???? ( i know that you initially need an internet connection to make the first set-up of the system)

[@eaglezapper9366]

Pity no answer!

[@3dScience8]

@@eaglezapper9366 i bought the C320WS TAPO camera, and this is how i use it : I installed the camera at home where there is no fixed internet connection. I downloaded the Tapo android app and i shared my internet connection from my mobile phone 😊 with the Tapo camera!!!! The camera is recording video normally without any internet connection to the 256gb mini sd i bought and installed inside the camera (the mini usb that we will install inside the CCTV camera must be suitable for CCTV cameras because it needs to be able to record and re-write data for many times without getting damaged). When i am coming back home, i open internet sharing from my mobile, then i open the Tappo app and check all the past recordings or "events" like line-crossing/person detection/area intrusion !!!!!!!! 😊. All the events are stored in the mini-sd that we installed inside the CCTV while there was no intetnet connection. Ask anything you want, just quote my name - this way i will get a notification and reply. HOPE IT HELPS !!!!!!!! useful reminder: (i think that we all understand that by sharing our mobile phone connection and use it the way i described above, if the camera gets stolen, then there is no way to see any recordings (because we have no storage device like the cloud or a dedicated CCTV-video storage device). This is why we should install the camera in a place where it is difficult to get stolen).

[@Rockaland2]

Junk... lol

[@DjLundbladh]

tapo has too bad video quality..