Cameras · Head to head

Aqara Camera Hub G3 vs TP-Link Tapo C120

Full Smart Cameras comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and TP-Link sites.
2026 verdict
Is the extra hub functionality worth the trade-off?
For most buyers, no: the TP-Link Tapo C120 is the stronger camera overall, winning on price, rating, warranty, weather resistance, color night vision, RTSP, alerts, a built-in light, two-way talk and a privacy zone. That is a long list of wins for the Tapo C120 across both individual specs and broader feature categories. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 answers back with wider connectivity options, its role as a Zigbee hub, and gesture recognition, which matters if you want a camera that also manages other smart home devices. Anyone who wants a versatile, weather-resistant camera with color night vision and a dependable price should go with the Tapo C120, while shoppers who specifically want a camera that doubles as a Zigbee hub and reads gestures should consider the Aqara Camera Hub G3 despite its narrower feature set elsewhere.
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FeatureAqara Camera Hub G3TP-Link Tapo C120Winner
Price$119.99$31.99TP-Link Tapo C120
Rating4.24.4TP-Link Tapo C120
Warranty1 year2 yearsTP-Link Tapo C120
Weather ResistanceNOIP66TP-Link Tapo C120
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFiAqara Camera Hub G3
Color Night VisionNOYESTP-Link Tapo C120
RTSPNOYESTP-Link Tapo C120
AlertsMotion, People, Animals, Familiar FacesMotion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Glass breaking Sound, Baby Crying SoundTP-Link Tapo C120
HubZigbee Coordinator, Matter BridgeNoneAqara Camera Hub G3
LightNOYESTP-Link Tapo C120
Talk & ListenNOYESTP-Link Tapo C120
Privacy ZoneNOYESTP-Link Tapo C120

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aqara Camera Hub G3 or TP-Link Tapo C120?

The TP-Link Tapo C120 is the better overall pick. It wins on price, rating, warranty, weather resistance, color night vision, RTSP, alerts, a built-in light, two-way talk and a privacy zone, a broader set of wins than the Aqara Camera Hub G3, which counters mainly with connectivity, hub features and gesture recognition.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Camera Hub G3 and the TP-Link Tapo C120?

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is built to double as a Zigbee hub with wider connectivity and gesture recognition, while the TP-Link Tapo C120 is a weather-resistant camera with color night vision, RTSP support and a longer list of everyday features like two-way talk and a privacy zone, at a friendlier price and with a better rating.

Is the TP-Link Tapo C120 weatherproof?

Yes. The TP-Link Tapo C120 includes weather resistance, which the Aqara Camera Hub G3 does not, along with color night vision that produces a clearer picture after dark.

Can the Aqara Camera Hub G3 work as a smart home hub?

Yes. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 offers hub functionality and wider connectivity options that the TP-Link Tapo C120 lacks, plus gesture recognition, making it useful for buyers who want a camera and a Zigbee hub in one device.

Who should buy the Aqara Camera Hub G3?

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 fits buyers who want a camera that also functions as a Zigbee hub for other smart home devices, along with gesture recognition and broader connectivity, and who are comfortable trading off price and weather resistance for that flexibility.

Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo C120?

The TP-Link Tapo C120 suits buyers who want a weather-resistant camera with strong color night vision, RTSP support, two-way talk and a privacy zone, all at a more affordable price with a stronger rating than the Aqara Camera Hub G3.

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