TP-Link’s solar-powered Tapo C660 Kit security camera provides crisp 4K video and clear night vision for an affordable price
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/nico-arboleda · TechRadarTechRadar Verdict
TP-Link’s Tapo C660 Kit packs 4K video, local microSD storage and solar charging into a relatively affordable outdoor security camera. While its smart-home support is uneven, with Alexa getting the best integration, the easy-to-use Tapo app and subscription-free storage make it a strong option for home owners and renters alike.
Pros
- +Great 4K image quality
- +No wiring required
- +No subscription needed for storage
- +Helpful in-app features
Cons
- -Motion detection zones can’t be locked to fixed positions
- -No HomeKit support and limited Google Home support
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- One-minute review
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- Software and smart home support
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- How I tested
TP-Link Tapo C660 Kit: One-minute review
The TP-Link Tapo C660 Kit is a feature-packed 4K outdoor security camera that delivers many of the perks usually reserved for pricier models, including solar charging, pan-and-tilt coverage, color night vision and local microSD storage.
That last feature means you won’t need to pay for a subscription for video playback and download, but there are still some great (but non-essential) features in the paid Tapocare subscription, especially if you plan to expand your home's security with more than a single camera.
The Tapo app is also easy to use, and the C660 Kit will slot in alongside other Tapo smart home gear like lights, plugs and more to form its own smart home ecosystem. On the other hand, if you have other smart devices in the mix and would prefer a hub to control them all, Alexa has the strongest support, while Google Home only works with voice commands and video streaming to smart displays and TVs. There’s no native support for Apple HomeKit.
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While it doesn't necessarily stand out in a crowded market with its design, the white casing looks sleek and stylish, and the IP65 waterproof rating means the C660 Kit is dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction (aka rain, splashes or hose spray).
TP-Link Tapo C660 Kit review: Price and availability
- Starts at $169.99 / £179.99 / AU$299 for a single camera unit
- Available in multipacks of 2, 3 and 4-camera bundles
- Optional Tapocare subscription plans start at $3.49 / £2.99 / AU$3.99 per month
The Tapo C660 Kit costs $169.99 / £179.99 / AU$299 for a single camera unit, although multipacks of 2-, 3- and 4-camera kits are available either as set bundles or as part of a build-your-own package option directly from Tapo as well as through third-party retailers like Amazon.
While you may not need a subscription package, especially if you use a single camera unit, Tapocare might well be worthwhile for some users. It offers cloud storage, extended video clip history for up to 30 days and enhanced notifications, with plans starting at $3.49 / £2.99 / AU$3.99 per month for one camera on the Basic Tapocare tier. Prices increase as you add more cameras.
You can also buy the camera on its own without the solar panel under the TP-Link Tapo C560WS name for $99.99 / £109.99 / AU$199.
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