TP-Link Tapo C325WB in the test: house and yard in full color at all times

Many of you probably associate the name TP-Link with routers and WiFi amplifiers. The Chinese manufacturer now also offers numerous products for the smart home – including the “Tapo” brand surveillance cameras. One of the newest models here is the Tapo C325WB, which, with a price of around 120 euros, is in the middle segment between inexpensive alternatives such as the Blink Outdoor Camera (99 euros) and the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (229.99 euros).

1. Processing, scope of delivery, assembly

2. Furnishings

3. Features

4. service

5. recognition

6. Integration into the smart home

7. Conclusion

Despite the comparatively low price, the camera promises a lot on paper – such as color images at night and high-resolution 2K photos of potential intruders – optionally without a cloud subscription. Sounds tempting, you can find out below whether the camera delivers what it promises in the test.

Processing, scope of delivery, assembly

The Tapo C325WB is only available in white. Maybe not the best color for an outdoor camera, as dirt and grime can be quickly seen on the camera. However, the appearance of a security camera is certainly not the highest priority for most of you. Overall, the workmanship makes a good impression. The plastic housing appears robust and is dust and waterproof according to IP66.

The Tapo camera is connected to a plate via a ball joint, which can be used to attach the model to the wall. The joint moves smoothly, but doesn’t give the impression that the camera is about to leave the holder. That’s how it should be. The manufacturer also thought of recesses for routing the cable. The scope of delivery includes a quick guide, a power supply as well as screws and dowels for mounting the Tapo C325WEB on the wall.

Power supply not weatherproof

Before you start, you need to find a suitable location where there is both a power connection and an Internet connection, either via WiFi or Ethernet cable (not included). TP-Link does not offer the option of operating the camera using a battery or solar energy – not even using paid accessories. A pity!

Please also note that the TP-Link power supply is not weatherproof, but is only suitable for an indoor socket. The 2.50 meter long cable must therefore be led through an opening in the wall to the camera. Here it is then plugged into a weatherproof socket.

To assemble the Tapo C325WB you will definitely need a drill and screwdriver. Unlike the Blink Outdoor Camera, there is no option to easily set up the camera. TP-Link expects you to screw the camera to the wall. A suitable drilling template is included in the scope of delivery.

Even if you simply place the camera in a flower pot, contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendation, you won’t be able to do without tools entirely. In order to insert a memory card into the camera, a cover on the bottom must be loosened with a Phillips screwdriver. This is also necessary if you ever need to reset the camera. The button required for this is located next to the card slot. So when attaching the camera, make sure that you can still easily reach the bottom.

Furnishings

The setup itself is quick and is largely automatic with the exception of a few clicks. It can be done either via the TP-Link app or via the browser. However, it is mandatory to create a free account with the manufacturer, even if you want to use the camera without the provider’s cloud subscription. We find that annoying.

You should also have your WiFi password available during the setup process. If you have forgotten this, our tips from the special “Forgotten WiFi password: How to read it” will help you.

Features

The C325WB offers all the important functions for a security camera. You can access a live image, take photos and videos with the camera and, thanks to the loudspeaker and microphone, also communicate with people standing in front of the camera. If desired, the camera sounds an alarm when certain events occur, using light and sound.

If you want, you can also exclude certain image areas from monitoring. These are then faded over with a black bar. This is particularly useful if the camera unintentionally captures part of the neighboring property or the street. Simply filming these is not allowed in Germany. The C325WB does not offer practical additional features such as the bird’s eye view known from Ring cameras.

service

You access the camera and its functions via the Tapo app, which is largely self-explanatory. Unlike, for example, the battery-operated Blink cameras, you can access the live image permanently. After five minutes without input in the app, TP-Link deactivates the live broadcast for the time being.

The camera’s stream can be displayed in a maximum of 2K, but the camera throttles the quality to HD at the factory for reasons of efficiency – in our opinion this is manageable. The image quality is okay both day and night. In the dark, the alarm LEDs can be switched on, then the Tapo C325WB illuminates the immediate surroundings and can even display them in color. This worked very well in the test. If the colored status LEDs on the device bother you, you can hide them during operation.

recognition

If something happened in front of the camera, the Tapo C325WB informed us in almost real time in the test. The camera distinguishes between simple movements, people, vehicles and animals. In the settings you can set the sensitivity for each category and also deactivate it if, for example, you do not want notifications about animals in the garden.

Alternatively, you can also define zones in the camera image for each type of movement. Then the Tapo C325WB will only inform you if something is detected in this area. For example, you can exclude areas with trees from motion detection so that not every leaf blowing in the wind is reported to you. In addition, the camera can warn you of manipulation and you can set a line in the image. If an object crosses this line, you will also be notified immediately.

Operation only with cloud subscription or SD card

With many surveillance cameras, however, the full range of functions is only available to you in the long term after taking out a subscription, for which additional monthly costs are incurred. TP-Link also offers such a subscription. It goes by the name Tapo Care and offers the following additional functions compared to use without a subscription:

As you can see, these are not vital functions. The biggest advantage is that your recordings are stored in the cloud. How long? That depends on which version of Tapo Care you choose. There are two subscription models to choose from in this country: “Basic” and “Premium”.

Recordings are available for 7 days in the basic subscription and for 30 days in the premium subscription. While the basic subscription covers up to 5 cameras, the premium plan allows you to cover up to 10 cameras. Prices start at 2.99 euros or 3.49 euros per month. They depend on the number of cameras and the method of payment. Anyone who takes out an annual subscription saves up to 20 euros.

If you want to use the C325WB without a subscription, you need a memory card. TP-Link recommends a Class 10 or higher microSD card. Cards with a capacity of 8 to 512 gigabytes are supported. According to TP-Link, 512 gigabytes are enough to store around 680 hours of video material in the highest quality (2K).

If you neither insert an SD card nor take out a cloud subscription, you only have access to a few basic functions.

Integration into the smart home

Integration into the smart home can be done in several ways. TP-Link supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung Smart Things and IFTTT. Apple’s Homekit is not officially supported. However, there are tinkering solutions online to get the camera working.

TP Link Tapo C325WB

Editorial rating 7.7 Reader Ratings

5 reviews

Operation and functionality

8.0

Design and workmanship

6.0

Smart home compatibility

8.0

NETZWELT may receive a commission from the retailer for links on this page. More info.

Transparency note: The test device was loaned to Netzwelt by TP-Link for several weeks and was returned after the test.

Don’t agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? We have an extensive list of TP-Link Tapo C325WB alternatives ready for you in our surveillance camera overview.

TP-Link Tapo C325WB: data sheet

Here you can find the technical data for TP-Link Tapo C325WB. You can easily compare size, weight and other properties with other products.

Location	Outside
Operation	Electricity
resolution	2K
Viewing angle	127 degrees
Night vision	✔ Yes
voice control	✔ Yes
Cloud subscription	optional

View all technical data❯