This Subscription-Free Security Camera Is $20 Right Now
The TP-Link Tapo C402 is $19.99 on Woot for the next two days or until it sells out. If you’re a Prime member, you get free shipping; otherwise it will cost you an extra $6.
This camera is IP65 rated , which means it can withstand rain and dust, and has a bullet-shaped design that makes it easy to install. You get Woot’s 90-day limited warranty , which doesn’t last long, but at this price it’s hard to complain about it. It records in 1080p with a 125-degree viewing angle, delivering crisp, color-rich daytime footage. At night, it switches between full color video (though colors reportedly appear a bit washed out) using built-in floodlights and black-and-white infrared video, depending on lighting conditions.
For storage, the C402 supports microSD cards up to 512GB, but if you need local storage, you’ll have to buy one card separately. If you prefer to store your footage online, TP-Link offers a Premium Tapo Care plan ($3.49/month or $34.99/year) that includes 30 days of video history, smart sorting of recorded clips, and advanced notifications. Even if you skip the subscription, you’ll still get free smart alerts for people, pets and vehicles, privacy zone controls, two-way audio and real-time viewing through the app, PCMag’s review notes. Additional controls in the app include adjusting the brightness of the spotlight, formatting the microSD card, manually recording video, and enabling or disabling the built-in 94dB siren, among others.
The C402 connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT applets for integration with other compatible smart home devices. It does not support Apple HomeKit. A 6,400mAh battery powers the device, which TP-Link claims can last up to 180 days on a single charge, although this actually depends on usage. For those wanting a more self-sufficient power solution, the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 kit is available for $44.99 (down from $50.98), which allows the camera to run indefinitely on solar power, allowing for a set-it-and-forget-it experience.