Arlo Pro 5S 2K vs TP-Link Tapo C120

The TP-Link Tapo C120 for most buyers, because it is wired and always ready, records 2K with excellent colour night vision, stores to microSD with no subscription and offers RTSP, all for less. The Arlo Pro 5S 2K wins only where there is no outlet, thanks to its battery and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Power and storage. The Arlo Pro 5S 2K runs on a removable battery and needs a paid plan for clips, while the TP-Link Tapo C120 is wired, records to a microSD card with no subscription and adds RTSP.

Yes. The TP-Link Tapo C120 is rated IP66 for indoor and outdoor use and runs on a wired connection. It is the same 2K indoor/outdoor class as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K, which is also built for outside use.

The TP-Link Tapo C120 does not: it records to a microSD card and streams over RTSP with no plan. The Arlo Pro 5S 2K has no local storage, so saving clips and getting smart alerts on the Arlo Pro 5S 2K requires an Arlo Secure subscription.

Anyone who needs a wire-free camera where there is no outlet, values dual-band Wi-Fi and colour night vision, and is willing to add a solar panel and pay for an Arlo plan.

Buyers who want a cheap wired indoor/outdoor 2K camera with standout colour night vision, subscription-free microSD recording and RTSP or ONVIF for a NAS or NVR.