Winner
$24.99
Updated October 2026
Data from the official TP-Link site.
2026 verdict
The TP-Link Tapo C100 wins on price, RTSP and alerts against the TP-Link Tapo C500, so the cheap indoor camera takes this Tapo matchup on features per dollar.
It costs far less, streams RTSP into Home Assistant or a network video recorder, and detects baby crying as well as people, while keeping free microSD recording with 24/7 and offline history, a light, a siren, motion and privacy zones and the same 2-year warranty. The TP-Link Tapo C500 is better rated and is the one built for outside, IP65 sealed with a motorised head that pans 360 degrees and tilts 130, plus color night vision from its light, but it has no RTSP and detects people only. Both work with Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant and IFTTT. Buy the TP-Link Tapo C100 for cheap indoor coverage with RTSP, and the TP-Link Tapo C500 when the camera must live outdoors.
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| Feature | TP-Link Tapo C100 | TP-Link Tapo C500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $35.99 | TP-Link Tapo C100 |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 | TP-Link Tapo C500 |
| Weather Resistance | NO | IP65 | TP-Link Tapo C500 |
| Color Night Vision | NO | YES | TP-Link Tapo C500 |
| RTSP | YES | NO | TP-Link Tapo C100 |
| Alerts | Motion, People, Baby Crying Sound | Motion, People | TP-Link Tapo C100 |
| Light | NO | YES | TP-Link Tapo C500 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | Tie |
| PoE | NO | NO | Tie |
| Solar Charging | NO | NO | Tie |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Storage | MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud | MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud | Tie |
Winner
$24.99
- + Price: $24.99
- + RTSP: YES
- + Alerts: Motion, People, Baby Crying Sound
- - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.5
- - Weather Resistance: NO vs IP65
10% OFF
$35.99
$39.99
- + Rating: 4.5
- + Weather Resistance: IP65
- + Color Night Vision: YES
- - Price: $35.99 vs $24.99
- - RTSP: NO vs YES
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: TP-Link Tapo C100 or TP-Link Tapo C500?
The TP-Link Tapo C100 wins overall on price, RTSP support and baby-crying detection. The TP-Link Tapo C500 is better rated and is the only one of the two that can be mounted outdoors, with color night vision and pan and tilt.
What is the biggest difference between the TP-Link Tapo C100 and the TP-Link Tapo C500?
Indoor versus outdoor. The C500 is IP65 sealed with a motorised head and colour night vision for driveways and gardens, while the C100 is a cheap fixed indoor camera that adds RTSP.
Which one can stream to a local recorder?
The TP-Link Tapo C100, which exposes RTSP for Home Assistant or a network video recorder. The TP-Link Tapo C500 does not offer RTSP, so it stays inside the Tapo app and its supported assistants.
Do both record without a subscription?
Yes. Both keep 24/7 and event history on a microSD card at no cost, with free cloud options, so neither requires a plan for basic recording.
Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo C100?
Buy the TP-Link Tapo C100 if you want the cheapest indoor camera with free microSD recording, RTSP, a light, a siren, motion and privacy zones and people and baby-crying alerts.
Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo C500?
Buy the TP-Link Tapo C500 if you need outdoor coverage, with IP65 sealing, 360-degree pan and tilt, color night vision, a light, a siren, free microSD recording and a 2-year warranty.
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