Tapo MagCam, 2025 Wirecutter Best Outdoor Security Camera & PCMag Editors’ Choice, 2K, Battery, Magnetic Mount Wireless Camera, 150° FOV, SD/Cloud Storage, Person/Vehicle Detection

I am not an expert (and have only owned this camera for a year), but it seems to be well made and the solar panel works well. Well enough, that I just ordered two more Tapo cameras with solar panels to replace my Google/Nest (wireless but non-solar) camera.The one I have, works well and I will update this post if that changes.I added a photo TO SHOW the size difference between the single Tapo solar panel and the smaller one that is included in the all-inclusive kit. I haven't installed the it yet, but the C425 with the large solar panel works great and stays fully charged. I am hoping for the same from this smaller panel/kit that I also purchased. One great advantage to buying the Tapo "kit" is that it comes with a Tapo C425 camera! That is the same one I have owned that works great!I believe these previous "kits" came with lesser cameras like a C320 or something. So, I was glad to receive another C425 camera.The smaller kit comes with a smaller solar panel, but I think it will still supply enough power for the C425 to never need to be charged manually. This smaller kit is NOT the bundled offer of the C425 with the larger solar panel... it's the one that shows the the camera and small panel connected... one you could install as one unit in one location.The bundled C425 and larger solar panel are two completely separate boxes (but sold as a bundle, and are designed so you can have the solar panel in one location (aimed at the sun), and a wire that runs to the camera at another location.The kit does allow you to separate (and mount) the solar panel away from the camera, and comes with extra wiring if you choose to so that.I will also be posting this review under the combined kit (and possibly the C425 camera).I will update this in the future with any new details, after I have installed and tried out this all-inclusive kit.

I have several brands of wireless cameras and by far this camera is the best. It has excellent clarity. Connectivity to my network is great even though it is a bit far from my residence. The magnet is very powerful and after about 4 months of use there have been no issues. I don't have the cloud plan but the micro SD card is fine. The app is the best security app I have ever used and I have used many. The app works with many of Tapo's wireless items not just the cams. There has been zero issues with the app and the ads are non intrusive which is more than acceptable. I have intentionally purchased a product from an ad on the app to support the app.

The camera was easy to install with the hardware and the app saw it and I added it to both WiFi and the TAPO app immediately.I am very happy with the angle of view and all the different things you can turn and off. The speaker is excellent.The camera does everything as described and I will order and install one for my driveway by the end of this year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The installation process is super easy, which makes it perfect if you move often or just want to change its location. The battery lasts a long time, and the long-range signal works wonderfully. My wife and I went on a 10-day trip, and it gave us complete peace of mind while we were away. I truly recommend it and would definitely buy it again.”

Battery powered cameras are severely limited. I knew this going in. It was cheap, it was easy to put up, it works well. It definitely lags around 3-4s from reality due to the WiFi-only connection. It’s not possible to record these to an NVR since they only record when they detect something or your battery would die quickly.By far the biggest problem with every battery powered camera is that every recording inevitably starts with the subject well into the frame (in the best case scenario). A wired camera will record all the time, keeping 5-10s of footage in its memory. Then if it detects something, it can save that past 10s of video data so you can see the entire event. This one does seem to work better than the Reolink Argus 2/3 I had, where the entire recording would be the back of the subject leaving the frame. I feel like this wakes up quicker. But a fast moving person or animal could still easily run thru without being captured, if they knew it was there. Mine is high up with a broad view which reduces that issue but seems to cause a different one.The app warned me today “my battery is draining too fast”. I just have this up in my back yard and there have been a few people walking around back there. I guess I’m supposed to point it at the ground rather than out across a wide area? Reviewing the footage, there aren’t any false positives at all so I don’t really want to dial down the sensitivity. my options seem to be either reduce the coverage or ignore the warning and charge it more often. Neither seems ideal.The battery life is still at 98% tho and it’s been up and recording for 3 1/2 days. That’s pretty great. Hopefully it lasts at least a few years before the battery starts failing.Obviously a battery powered camera is ultimately a disposable item since the battery will degrade and it can’t be replaced. not that it would be especially difficult technically, but finding an exact match would be tough. Any change whatsoever (chemistry, amps, volts, etc) could render it dangerous to charge. Dont really want to risk a lithium fire inside for a $45 camera.I really like the Tapo camera’s “AI” (probably not) detection. It is really configurable and works well. However, it works better and has more functionality on the wired cameras AND they’re cheaper. Also the app keeps warning me that using the detection features uses a lot of battery.The magnetic grip is strong! It comes with a plate to mount it but I just stuck it to my garage (metal). Seems sturdy enough. If not moved I’ll use the plate, and the cameras attachment to that thing feels strong enough to withstand a hurricane. Super powerful magnet there, that’s really nice. However, I don’t see any mechanism to keep someone from pulling it down and taking it with them. Nothing you can really do either way, but some locking mechanism might be nice.If you want to get a camera, do everything in your power to wire them. POE works best. My most important cameras are POE and that’s all I’d use for anything critical. But if you MUST have a battery powered camera, this is the best one I’ve used! Just be aware of the considerable drawbacks with any battery security camera. You’re trading ease of installation for greatly reduced reliability, functionality, and ultimately you have to put in more work later to take it down and charge it, etc.

Great product. Just as described and very substantial construction.Just installed this camera so I have to reserve my full impressions for later. It is working well now. Great resolution and detail in the images. No latency, great range and picks up motion every time. App easy to use. I have already purchase some KASA/Tapo items and happy that they get integrated in the new App.I'll follow-up with a full interview after a few weeks of use.