TP-Link Tapo C120

For anyone testing the water or covering a spare corner of the property, the Tapo C120 is outstanding value. Despite costing a fraction of our top picks, it delivers a sharp 2K QHD image (4MP), full-colour night vision, motion and person detection, two-way audio and an IP66 weatherproof rating for indoor or outdoor use. Video records free to a local microSD card (up to 512GB), with optional Tapo Care cloud if you want it, so there is no obligation to subscribe. The trade-offs are the usual budget ones: it is mains-powered via a 5V adapter rather than battery, so it needs a socket within reach of its 3-metre cord, and the smart features are less refined than the premium brands. As a first camera or a cheap way to add coverage, little else comes close at the price.