If you’re in search of a budget-friendly home surveillance camera that offers high-quality video along with smart features, take a closer look at the TP-Link Tapo C120. Priced at $24.99 (down from $39.99), it significantly undercuts many rivals while still providing impressive 2K video resolution, color night vision, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

This device is compact, measuring just slightly more than two inches in width and featuring a sleek design that can easily blend in on a shelf or be mounted on an outdoor wall. With its magnetic base and IP66 weatherproof rating, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use without concern for weather damage. Although it requires plugging in with a supplied 10-foot USB-C cable and is not battery-operated, this means you won’t have to worry about constant recharging.

The TP-Link Tapo C120 excels in essential functionalities. Its 4MP sensor provides a clear video feed with a 120-degree field of view. The camera is equipped for full-color night vision, utilizing its Starlight sensor along with built-in spotlights, allowing it to operate effectively even in low-light conditions. If illumination is undesirable, users can switch to black-and-white infrared mode through the app. The motion detection feature is adjustable, permitting notifications only for human or vehicle movements to minimize redundant alerts. Additionally, users can opt for local clip storage using a microSD card (up to 512GB) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage, starting at $3.49 per month, which enhances clip history and sorting options.

Despite its strengths, the camera does not integrate with Apple HomeKit or support IFTTT, as noted in a PCMag review. Google Assistant and Alexa perform reliably for streaming feeds to smart displays, but the automation capabilities are somewhat limited. Two-way audio functionality is available, although users must press a button within the app to communicate, which could be cumbersome for frequent use. Nonetheless, the quality of footage—especially in nighttime situations—surpasses expectations for a camera priced under $30.