Tapo vs. Eufy: A Real User’s Take on Choosing the Best Security Camera

I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with home security cameras, trying to find the perfect balance of quality, affordability, and peace of mind. If you’re like me, you want a system that’s reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank.

That’s why I’m comparing two popular brands, TP-Link’s Tapo and Eufy, to help you decide which is the better fit for your home. From video quality to smart features, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, and answer common questions to guide you toward a smarter choice.

Comparison Table: Tapo Vs. Eufy

My Journey With Home Security Cameras

When I first set out to secure my home, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. I wanted something that could keep an eye on my front porch, check on my dog while I was at work, and not force me to sell a kidney to afford it. After testing various brands, I narrowed it down to Tapo and Eufy—two names that kept popping up for their value and features. I’ve installed both in my home, fumbled through their apps, and dealt with their quirks. Here’s what I’ve learned about how they stack up.

Key Features Of Tapo Security Cameras

Tapo, a sub-brand of TP-Link, is known for budget-friendly tech that doesn’t skimp on quality. I started with the Tapo C120, a compact indoor/outdoor camera that’s become a fan favorite for its versatility. Here’s what stood out to me:

• Video Quality: Most Tapo cameras, like the C120 and C210, offer 2K resolution (2560×1440), delivering crisp images. The C325WB even boasts 4K for those who need every detail, like reading a license plate. I found the C120’s footage brighter and sharper compared to some competitors, especially in well-lit conditions.
• Night Vision: Tapo’s ColorPro night vision is a game-changer. The C325WB uses a starlight sensor and dual spotlights to produce vibrant colors even in near-darkness, unlike the grainy black-and-white footage I’ve seen from older cameras. The infrared mode is solid too, reaching up to 98 feet.
• Storage: You can pop in a microSD card (up to 256GB) for local storage, which I love for avoiding subscription fees. Tapo Care, their cloud service, costs $3.50/month for one camera, which is reasonable but not mandatory.
• Smart Features: Tapo’s AI detection (person, pet, vehicle) is free on models like the C120, and it’s impressively accurate. I got alerts when my dog bolted across the yard but ignored swaying trees. The Tapo app is snappy, letting me pan and tilt the C225 camera with ease.
• Smart Home Integration: Tapo plays nice with Alexa and Google Assistant. I’ve set my C210 to trigger a smart light when it detects motion, which is handy for scaring off raccoons rummaging through my trash.

Also Read: My Thoughts on Hearth Vs. Greensky.

Key Features Of Eufy Security Cameras

Eufy, a brand under Anker Innovations, leans into premium features with a focus on privacy. I tested the EufyCam 3 and Indoor Cam E220, and they’ve got some serious tricks up their sleeves:

• Video Quality: Eufy’s range includes 2K and 4K options. The eufyCam 3’s 4K resolution is stunning, especially for outdoor use, where I could zoom in to see details like a delivery person’s badge. The Indoor Cam E220’s 2K footage is smooth, though its 15 fps frame rate can feel choppy with fast motion.
• Night Vision: Eufy’s night vision is reliable, with color and infrared options. The eufyCam 3’s color night vision is decent but not as vibrant as Tapo’s ColorPro. It reaches about 50 feet, which was enough for my backyard.
• Storage: Eufy emphasizes local storage with its HomeBase hub (up to 16TB) or microSD cards. This is a huge win for privacy-conscious folks like me who don’t want videos in the cloud. Their cloud plan starts at $4/month per camera.
• Smart Features: Eufy’s AI is top-notch, detecting people, pets, and even packages without a subscription. My EufyCam 3 nailed identifying my neighbor’s cat versus a random squirrel. The HomeBase adds facial recognition, which is creepy but useful.
• Smart Home Integration: Eufy supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and select models work with Apple HomeKit. This was a big plus when I wanted to view footage on my iPad via HomeKit.

Pros of Tapo

• Affordability: Tapo cameras start as low as $20, making them accessible for anyone on a budget.
• Free AI Detection: Models like the C120 offer person, pet, and vehicle detection without extra fees, which is rare at this price point.
• Vibrant Night Vision: The ColorPro technology delivers colorful footage in low light, outshining many competitors.
• User-Friendly App: The Tapo app is intuitive, with quick access to live feeds and settings. I had it set up in under five minutes.
• Flexible Storage: MicroSD support up to 256GB means you can store weeks of footage without a subscription.

Cons of Tapo

• Limited Apple HomeKit Support: Tapo doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit, which was a bummer for my Apple-centric household.
• Subscription for Advanced Features: Rich notifications and 30-day cloud storage require Tapo Care, which adds up with multiple cameras.
• Gaps Between Clips: The C120 sometimes leaves 3–4 second gaps between motion clips, which could miss critical moments.
• Outdoor Limitations: While some models are weatherproof (IP65–IP66), the lack of a weatherproof cord limits outdoor use for wired models.

Pros of Eufy

• Superior Battery Life: Wireless models like the eufyCam 3 can last up to a year with solar panels, reducing maintenance.
• Robust Local Storage: The HomeBase hub supports massive storage (up to 16TB), perfect for those avoiding cloud services.
• Advanced AI: Free person, pet, and package detection, plus facial recognition, make Eufy’s AI a standout.
• Apple HomeKit Compatibility: Select models integrate with HomeKit, a big win for Apple users like me.
• High-Quality Build: Eufy’s IP67-rated cameras feel durable and handle harsh weather better than Tapo’s.

Cons of Eufy

• Higher Cost: Eufy cameras start at $35, and multi-camera systems with HomeBase can hit $550, which stung my wallet.
• Security Concerns: Past privacy issues (e.g., unencrypted cloud uploads in 2022) made me hesitant about Eufy’s trustworthiness.
• Choppy Frame Rate: The Indoor Cam E220’s 15 fps can make fast-moving objects look blurry.
• Complex Setup: The HomeBase requirement for some models adds setup complexity compared to Tapo’s plug-and-play approach.

My Experience With Setup And Usability

Setting up my Tapo C120 was a breeze. I downloaded the Tapo app, scanned a QR code, and had it running in minutes. The app’s interface is clean, with sliders for pan/tilt and quick toggles for motion detection. Eufy’s setup, however, was a bit more involved. The eufyCam 3 required pairing with the HomeBase hub, which meant an extra Ethernet connection and some firmware updates. Once up, though, the Eufy app felt polished, with detailed customization for motion zones and AI sensitivity.

I found Tapo’s app slightly faster for live streaming, especially over 4G, likely due to TP-Link’s use of Amazon AWS servers. Eufy’s app, while feature-rich, occasionally lagged when loading multiple camera feeds. For daily use, both are solid, but Tapo wins for simplicity, while Eufy offers deeper control.

Video Quality And Performance

When I compared footage side by side, Tapo’s C120 edged out Eufy’s Indoor Cam E220 in brightness and color accuracy. The C120’s 2K resolution popped with vibrant greens and blues during the day, while Eufy’s footage looked slightly muted. However, Eufy’s eufyCam 3 in 4K was unmatched for outdoor clarity, capturing fine details like text on a delivery box from 20 feet away.

At night, Tapo’s ColorPro night vision on the C325WB blew me away. My backyard looked like it was lit by a streetlamp, with clear colors even at midnight. Eufy’s color night vision was good but grainier, and its infrared mode was sharper for distant objects. If you prioritize nighttime clarity, Tapo’s a strong contender; for zoom and detail, Eufy’s 4K models shine.

Read More: My Thoughts on Houzz Vs. Thumbtack.

Smart Features And AI Detection

Both brands offer AI detection, but their approaches differ. Tapo’s free AI on the C120 accurately flagged my dog’s antics while ignoring passing cars. However, advanced features like package detection often require a Tapo Care subscription. Eufy, on the other hand, includes person, pet, and package detection for free on most models. The eufyCam 3’s facial recognition even learned my roommate’s face after a few days, which was both cool and slightly unnerving.

One annoyance with Tapo was occasional false alerts from moving shadows, which I fixed by tweaking sensitivity settings. Eufy’s AI was more precise out of the box, especially for distinguishing between humans and animals. If you want robust AI without extra costs, Eufy’s the way to go.

Storage And Subscription Costs

I’m not a fan of subscriptions, so local storage is a big deal for me. Tapo’s microSD support (up to 256GB) let me store about a month of clips without paying a dime. Eufy’s HomeBase, with up to 16TB, is overkill for most but perfect for long-term storage. Both offer cloud options, but Tapo Care ($3.50/month per camera) is slightly cheaper than Eufy’s ($4/month per camera). For multiple cameras, Eufy’s $14/month unlimited plan is more cost-effective than Tapo’s $12/month for up to 10 cameras.

One catch with Tapo: downloading clips from the app is a pain, as you can only save them one by one. Eufy’s app makes bulk downloads easier, which saved me time when reviewing footage after a package went missing.

Smart Home Integration

As an Apple user, I was disappointed that Tapo lacks HomeKit support. It works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, though, and I had fun setting up routines to turn on lights when motion was detected. Eufy’s partial HomeKit support (on models like the Indoor Cam 2K) was a lifesaver, letting me view feeds on my Apple TV. Both brands integrate well with Alexa and Google, but Eufy’s edge in HomeKit makes it more versatile for Apple households.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Dust and debris on the lens can blur footage. I wipe my cameras with a microfiber cloth monthly.
• Firmware Updates: Both brands release updates to fix bugs and improve AI. Check the app weekly to stay current.
• Battery Management: For wireless models, charge during low-traffic times to avoid downtime. Eufy’s solar panels reduce this hassle.
• Storage Check: Clear old clips from microSD cards to prevent them from filling up. I set my Tapo to overwrite after 30 days.
• Secure Mounting: Ensure cameras are tightly mounted to avoid misalignment from wind or vibrations.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Wyze: Offers similar pricing to Tapo but includes free AI detection and IFTTT support. However, Wyze’s app is less polished, and past security breaches raise concerns.
• Arlo: Provides superior video quality and a 160° field of view but requires a subscription for most features, unlike Eufy’s free AI.
• Ring: Known for seamless Alexa integration but feels invasive with its cloud-heavy approach. Tapo and Eufy offer better local storage options.
• Blink: Budget-friendly like Tapo but lacks advanced AI and has shorter clip lengths. Eufy’s longer battery life makes it a stronger outdoor choice.

My Real-World Testing

I put both brands through their paces in my suburban home. The Tapo C120 watched my front porch, catching every delivery driver and stray cat. Its magnetic mount made repositioning a snap, but I had to swap out the microSD card when it filled up after a busy week. The EufyCam 3, paired with its HomeBase, covered my backyard and garage. Its battery lasted months without a recharge, and the AI nailed identifying my dog versus a neighbor’s kid.

One hiccup with Tapo was a brief Wi-Fi dropout that left a gap in recordings. Eufy’s HomeBase kept things stable, but its higher upfront cost made me wince. For a small apartment, Tapo’s affordability and ease won me over. For a larger property, Eufy’s robust ecosystem felt more reliable.

Privacy And Security Considerations

Privacy is a big deal for me, and both brands have had their moments. Eufy faced backlash in 2022 for unencrypted cloud uploads and misleading privacy claims, which made me question their trustworthiness. Tapo hasn’t had major scandals, but its parent company, TP-Link, is also China-based, raising similar concerns for some users. Both offer two-factor authentication, which I enabled immediately. If you’re paranoid about cloud storage, stick to local storage with either brand to keep your footage private.

Which Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your priorities. If you’re on a tight budget and want a plug-and-play camera with excellent night vision, Tapo’s your best bet. Its $20–$40 price range and free AI detection are hard to beat for small setups. If you need a long-lasting, feature-rich system with HomeKit support and don’t mind spending more, Eufy’s ecosystem delivers. For my home, I mix and match: Tapo for indoor pet monitoring, Eufy for outdoor coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Choosing between Tapo and Eufy comes down to what you value most. I’ve loved Tapo’s affordability and vibrant night vision for keeping tabs on my home without breaking the bank. Eufy’s advanced AI and long battery life have given me confidence in covering larger areas. Both brands have quirks, but they’re solid choices for different needs. Weigh your budget, smart home setup, and privacy concerns, and you’ll find the right fit to keep your home safe and secure.