Cameras · Head to head

Aqara Camera E1 vs TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402

Full Smart Cameras comparison in 2026

Updated August 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and TP-Link sites.
2026 verdict
Solar charging changes the calculus in this security camera comparison, and it is one of several wins for the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 over the Aqara Camera E1. Beyond untethered power, the SolarCam C402 also costs less, carries a longer warranty, and adds weather resistance, color night vision, RTSP streaming, a wider range of alerts, a built-in light, customizable motion zones and a privacy zone, enough to make it the overall winner. The Aqara Camera E1 still wins on connectivity and sharper 2K video, both useful for indoor buyers who prioritize resolution or need to join a specific smart home network. Anyone who wants a weatherproof, solar-powered camera with strong night vision and privacy controls should choose the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402, while indoor-focused buyers who want the sharpest picture and broadest connectivity should stick with the Aqara Camera E1.
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FeatureAqara Camera E1TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402Winner
Price$63.46$47.99TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Warranty1 year2 yearsTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Weather ResistanceNOIP65TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Solar ChargingNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFiAqara Camera E1
2K VideoYESNOAqara Camera E1
Color Night VisionNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
RTSPNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
AlertsMotion, PeopleMotion, People, VehiclesTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
LightNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Customizable Motion ZonesNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Privacy ZoneNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aqara Camera E1 or TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 is the better overall security camera. It wins on price, warranty, weather resistance, solar charging, color night vision, RTSP streaming, alerts, a built-in light, customizable motion zones and a privacy zone, while the Aqara Camera E1 only pulls ahead on connectivity and 2K video.

What is the biggest difference between Aqara Camera E1 and TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

The biggest difference is power and placement: the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 runs on solar charging and adds weather resistance for outdoor use, plus a lower price, longer warranty, color night vision, RTSP streaming and privacy controls, while the Aqara Camera E1 is built for indoor use with broader connectivity and sharper 2K video.

Does the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 support solar charging?

Yes, the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 wins on solar charging, letting it run outdoors without a fixed power connection, an option the Aqara Camera E1 does not offer.

Is the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 weatherproof?

Yes, it also wins on weather resistance, making it suitable for permanent outdoor placement alongside its solar charging.

Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

Anyone who wants a weatherproof, solar-powered security camera with color night vision, customizable motion zones and a privacy zone should choose the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402.

Who should buy the Aqara Camera E1?

Indoor-focused buyers who want sharper 2K video and broader connectivity options should pick the Aqara Camera E1.

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