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Deal.ai › TP-Link › Surveillance Cameras
TP-Link
TP-Link Tapo C500

TP-Link Tapo C500

4.5(609 ratings)

Best price now

$39.99at AmazonObserved at 11:48 PM

20% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

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Our take on the TP-Link Tapo C500

The Tapo C500 is TP-Link's budget outdoor security camera: a 1080p dome that pans 360 degrees and tilts, runs on AC power and connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. It is IP65 rated for rain, has a built-in mic and speaker for two-way talk, and records to a microSD card or Tapo Care cloud. At $39.99 at Amazon as of November 8, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent range across 6 stores.

Best forRenters and first-time camera buyers on a tight budgetCovering a driveway, yard or back door with one panning cameraPeople who want local microSD recording without a subscriptionGoogle Home or Alexa households
Pros
  • 360-degree pan and tilt covers more ground than a fixed camera
  • 1080p video with night vision and motion alerts
  • IP65 weather rating suits outdoor mounting
  • Local microSD storage works without a cloud plan
  • Two-way audio through built-in mic and speaker
  • Low price: $39.99 at Amazon as of November 8, 2026
Cons
  • Only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi; no 5GHz band
  • 1080p at 15fps, not smooth or sharp by current standards
  • Needs an AC outlet, so mounting spots are limited by cable reach
  • Person and motion detection features lean on the Tapo Care subscription
  • No battery backup; a power cut takes it offline

TP-Link Tapo C500 prices at every store

  • nextronyNew

    In stock

    $39.99Free shippingObserved at 11:48 PM
    Visit nextrony
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $49.99Free shippingVerified
    Visit Newegg
  • Zaytoun SolutionsNew

    In stock

    $62.55Free shippingObserved at 11:48 PM
    Visit Zaytoun Solutions
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $45.00+ $35.00 shippingObserved at 11:48 PM
    Visit eBay
  • TransparentNew

    In stock

    $54.23+ $106.94 shippingObserved at 11:48 PM
    Visit Transparent
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $39.99Free shippingObserved at 11:48 PM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

TP-Link Tapo C500 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $39.99 on Nov 8 at nextrony. Tracked across 6 stores since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

  • 4.5 / 5609 ratings

Owners rate the C500 well, around 4.5 out of 5 across 609 ratings, and most praise the pan range and the price. Complaints center on the 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi, the 15fps video and subscription-gated features.

What people mention
  • Pan coveragePraisedOwners like that one camera can sweep a wide area instead of needing several fixed units.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers say pairing with the Tapo app and adding it to Wi-Fi takes only a few minutes.
  • Video qualityMixedDaytime 1080p looks fine, but the 15fps frame rate and soft night video draw complaints.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedThe 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi is blamed for dropouts and slow live view on busy networks.
  • AlertsMixedMotion notifications work, but owners say they fire on wind and rain and can arrive late.
  • SubscriptionCriticisedPerson detection and richer cloud features require Tapo Care, which some buyers resent.

Specifications

Built-In Speaker
YesSource
Indoor/Outdoor Use
OutdoorSource
Power Source
AC MainsSource
Storage type
Cloud Storage, Memory CardSource

Questions and answers

Is the Tapo C500 worth it at $39.99?
At $39.99 at Amazon as of November 8, 2026, it is a cheap way to get a panning 1080p outdoor camera with local recording. If you need sharp night video or 5GHz Wi-Fi, spend more.
Does the Tapo C500 need a subscription?
No. It records to a microSD card and streams live without Tapo Care. Person detection and cloud storage need the paid plan.
Can it run on battery?
No. It runs on AC mains power, so you need an outlet near the mount and should check the cable length before installing.
Is it weatherproof enough for rain?
It carries an IP65 rating, which handles rain and dust. Mount it under an eave where possible and keep the power connector dry.
Does it work with Google Home and Alexa?
Yes. It links to Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice control and live view on compatible displays.
What is in the box?
One camera, a power adapter and cable, mounting screws and a quick start guide. A microSD card is not included.
Where is the TP-Link Tapo C500 cheapest?
At Amazon, for $39.99, 20% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the TP-Link Tapo C500?
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 609 ratings.
Where can I buy the TP-Link Tapo C500?
6 stores we checked sell it, including Newegg, nextrony, eBay, Transparent, Zaytoun Solutions.

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Stores we've priced the TP-Link Tapo C500 at

  • Newegg deals and prices

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Sensor Format
1/3"Source
Smart Home System
Google Home, Amazon AlexaSource
Codec
H.264Source
Video Resolution
1920x1080 (Full HD)Source
Weight (oz)
14.1Source
Voice Assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon AlexaSource
Features
Motion Sensor, Outdoor UsageSource
Max. Frame Rate (fps)
15Source
Built-in Microphone
YesSource
Compatible Memory Cards
microSDSource
Bundle
NoSource
IP-Class
IP65Source
App Control
YesSource
Color
WhiteSource
Network Connection
Wi-FiSource
Motion Sensor
YesSource
Number of Cameras per package
1-PackSource
Camera Type
DomeSource
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b)Source
Voice Control
YesSource