Best Outdoor Security Cameras without a Subscription or Monthly Fee

When discussing the pricing of security cameras, it is advisable to consider the monthly subscription fees. Many brands charge for smart AI detection, video storage, monitoring, or extra features. It's depressing to pay for your equipment, only to incur additional monthly costs to unlock full functionality.

Fortunately, the subscription trend hasn't extended to TP-Link Tapo cameras. With Tapo outdoor security cameras, you can access features such as Local Storage, Motion Detection, AI (Person/Pet/Vehicle) Detection, Two-way Audio, Activity Notifications, and more, all without annoying monthly fees.

Tapo Care cloud storage service requires a subscription after a free trial, but even then, there are alternatives for storing your videos.

1. Local microSD Storage: Tapo outdoor security cameras can store up to 512 GB of video on a microSD card. The microSD card is not included, but it costs much less than subscription fees.

2. PC/NAS/NVR: Tapo outdoor security cameras support the standard ONVIF protocol (Profile S) as well as the RTSP protocol, so they can work with NVR or NAS devices that also support the RTSP/ONVIF protocol and third-party clients on PC like VLC Player and iSpy. If you have multiple outdoor cameras and plenty of video footage to store, a NVR or NAS device can do the job.

3. HomeBase: Tapo will launch the brand-new Smart HomeBase soon for centralized management of all smart home devices, enhancing convenience, security, and compatibility. The HomeBase comes with 16GB eMMC, expandable up to 16 TB via an extra HDD/SSD drive (2.5“), delivering massive, secure local storage that can hold up to 1,100 days of video, the perfect local storage solution for multiple cameras.

Tapo offers the best smart features in outdoor security cameras without subscription fees other than the optional paid Tapo Care plans. Assess your needs and objectives for an outdoor security camera, and choose one that aligns with your specific criteria.

FAQs

What is Tapo Care? Is there a free trial?

Tapo Care is a comprehensive service with Unlimited Cloud Storage, Rich Notifications with Snapshots, and some advanced features. Features may vary from model/version. Tapo Care includes a free trial of features including several days of cloud video history, Activity notifications with snapshots, and Smart Sort. After a free trial, you have to subscribe to enjoy. If you cancel your free trial, you will lose access to all the advanced features unless you subscribe.

How to view Tapo cameras on PC/NAS/NVR?

First, create a separate camera account on the Tapo app. Set a highly secure and complex username and password.

Second, add your Tapo camera to your PC/NAS/NVR. You can find the Tapo camera’s IP address on the host router’s DHCP list or the Device Settings page in the Tapo app.

For detailed instructions, you can refer to

https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/2680/.

Is there any recommended Tapo outdoor security camera without a subscription or monthly fee?

Tapo C325WB: It is the first outdoor camera to adopt TP-Link’s innovative ColorPro Night Vision technology. In pitch-black settings, the ColorPro camera captures vivid full-color images with unparalleled details, without the need for floodlights or spotlights. This breakthrough technology enables the camera to deliver superior monitoring and image quality, setting a new standard for home security systems.

Tapo C520WS: Smart AI identifies people, pets, and vehicles, notifying users as needed. All are provided for free. 360° Visual Coverage provides 360° horizontal & 130° vertical viewing range, enabling you to focus on more vital areas and eliminate blind spots. Additionally, the integrated starlight sensor and full-color night vision enable clearer night vision, ensuring the protection of your home at all times.

Tapo C501GW: Backed by TP-Link's 4G networking expertise, Tapo C501GW reliably connects through 4G LTE networks, ideal for locations like garages, vacation homes, warehouses, and farms where constant Wi-Fi is unavailable. Simply plug in a 4G SIM card (not included) for an easy, hassle-free internet setup.