Cameras · Head to head

Aqara Camera Hub G3 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
Even though the Aqara Camera Hub G3 wins more individual categories here, including connectivity, 2K video, alerts, hub functionality and gesture recognition, the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 still comes out as the stronger camera overall thanks to a lower price, a longer warranty, weather resistance, solar charging, color night vision, RTSP support, a built-in light, two-way talk and a privacy zone. The two make very different trade-offs: the Aqara Camera Hub G3 is the sharper, hub-capable indoor option, while the SolarCam C402 is the outdoor-ready, self-charging pick with a longer list of everyday features. Buyers who need an outdoor camera that never needs its battery swapped, with color night vision and local recording, should choose the Tapo SolarCam C402. Those who want the sharpest indoor video and a device that also functions as a Zigbee hub, and who value gesture recognition, will prefer the Aqara Camera Hub G3, even without weather resistance.
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FeatureAqara Camera Hub G3TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402Winner
Price$89.99$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 Hub G3
2K VideoYESNOAqara Camera Hub G3
Color Night VisionNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
RTSPNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
AlertsMotion, People, Animals, Familiar FacesMotion, People, VehiclesAqara Camera Hub G3
HubZigbee Coordinator, Matter BridgeNoneAqara Camera Hub G3
LightNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402
Talk & ListenNOYESTP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aqara Camera Hub G3 or TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 wins overall, thanks to a lower price, a longer warranty, weather resistance, solar charging, color night vision, RTSP support, a built-in light, two-way talk and a privacy zone. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 still wins more individual categories, including connectivity, 2K video, alerts, hub functionality and gesture recognition, but the SolarCam C402's broader everyday feature set gives it the overall edge.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Camera Hub G3 and the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is an indoor camera with sharper 2K video, more alert types and gesture recognition, plus the ability to work as a Zigbee hub. The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 is a weatherproof outdoor camera with solar charging, color night vision and a longer list of everyday features like RTSP, a light, two-way talk and a privacy zone.

Does the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 need to be plugged in or recharged?

No. The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 uses solar charging to keep its battery topped up, a feature the Aqara Camera Hub G3 does not have since it is a wired indoor camera.

Does the Aqara Camera Hub G3 have sharper video than the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

Yes. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 wins on 2K video, along with wider connectivity, more alert types and gesture recognition, features where it beats the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402.

Who should buy the Aqara Camera Hub G3?

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is the better fit for indoor use where sharp 2K video, richer alerts, gesture recognition and Zigbee hub functionality matter more than weather resistance or solar charging.

Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402?

The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 is the better fit for outdoor coverage, thanks to its weather resistance, solar charging, color night vision and lower price, along with everyday conveniences like RTSP support, a built-in light, two-way talk and a privacy zone.

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