Tapo C402 SolarCam Kit vs Arlo Essential Security Camera 3rd Gen

The Tapo C402 Kit is the easier camera to live with: the included solar panel keeps it charged with no outlet and no recharging trips, and person detection is free. The Arlo Essential 3rd Gen has the sharper sensor and a built-in siren, but its best features (60-day cloud history, package and vehicle detection) need a paid Arlo Secure plan after the trial. Owners rate the Tapo higher (4.8 vs 4.2), though some report units that fail to connect or charge. Buy the Tapo for a set-and-forget outdoor camera; buy the Arlo if you want 2K detail and will pay for the subscription.

• Choose the Tapo C402 Kit if you want a wire-free outdoor camera that stays charged by sunlight and gives you person alerts without a subscription.
• Choose the Arlo Essential 3rd Gen if you want sharper 2K video, a built-in siren and smart alerts for packages and vehicles, and you are willing to pay for an Arlo Secure plan.