TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 Review: A Smart Doorbell Without the Subscription Hassle
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is making waves in the world of smart home security. With its impressive AI-driven features, excellent video quality, and flexible installation options, it stands out as a reliable choice for homeowners. But what really sets it apart? The fact that it offers top-tier features without the need for a subscription. Let’s dive into the details of this smart doorbell and see if it’s the right fit for your home.
Pros and Cons of the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235
Pros:
- Flexible mounting options (battery or wired)
- High-quality 2K 5MP video resolution
- AI-driven notifications for people, pets, cars, and packages
- No subscription required for core features
- Comes with a loud wireless chime
Cons:
- Doesn't support Wi-Fi channels 12 or 13
- Chunky design due to the built-in battery
- Battery life could be better in busy areas
Key Features of the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235
Flexible Power Options: The Tapo D235 can be powered either through your existing doorbell wiring or via its built-in 10,000mAh battery, giving you flexibility based on your home setup.
High-Resolution Video: With 2K 5MP recording and a nearly 180° field of view, the D235 captures everything happening outside your door in crisp detail.
AI-Powered Notifications: The D235 can differentiate between people, pets, cars, and packages, sending you accurate alerts without bombarding you with false alarms.
No Subscription Required: Unlike many competitors, the Tapo D235 doesn’t require a subscription for its AI features. You can store your recordings locally on a MicroSD card or opt for the Tapo Care cloud storage if you prefer.
Design and Installation
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is a bit bulkier than some of its competitors, largely due to its 10,000mAh battery. While it may not win any awards for aesthetics, its design is functional, and the camera’s wide field of view ensures that you won’t miss any activity at your front door.
Installation is a breeze. TP-Link provides various mounting options, including screws and sticky pads, as well as shims to adjust the camera’s angle. Whether you choose to go wired or battery-powered, the setup process is straightforward, and the app guides you through each step.
Battery Life and Power Options
TP-Link claims the D235’s battery can last up to seven months, but in busier areas, you may need to recharge it every seven to eight weeks. If you prefer not to worry about recharging, you can wire the doorbell to a transformer for continuous power.
Smart Features Without the Subscription
One of the standout features of the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is its AI capabilities. It can recognize and notify you about people, pets, cars, and packages, allowing you to filter out unnecessary alerts. You can also set up activity zones to focus on specific areas, such as your driveway or front porch, ensuring that you only get notifications that matter.
What’s even more impressive is that these features come without the need for a subscription. While TP-Link does offer a cloud storage option through Tapo Care, it’s entirely optional. You can store your recordings locally on a MicroSD card, which is a great cost-saving feature.
Performance and Video Quality
The Tapo D235 delivers excellent video quality, particularly during the day. Its 2K 5MP resolution ensures sharp and detailed footage, and the camera’s wide dynamic range handles various lighting conditions well. Even at night, the D235 performs admirably, switching between infrared and color modes depending on the available light.
Notifications are fast, and the AI features work reliably. During testing, the doorbell was quick to notify me of visitors, and its people and package detection were spot on. However, the vehicle detection feature was a bit overzealous, occasionally picking up passing cars even when they were outside the designated activity zone.
Smart Home Integration
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 integrates well with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa. You can use the doorbell to trigger other smart devices, such as turning on a Tapo smart bulb when someone rings the bell or when motion is detected. While it doesn’t support Matter or IFTTT, the available integrations should be sufficient for most smart home setups.
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich video doorbell without the ongoing costs of a subscription. Its AI-driven notifications are accurate, its video quality is top-notch, and the flexible installation options make it a versatile choice for any home. While it may not be the most stylish option on the market, its functionality more than makes up for it.
If you’re in the market for a smart doorbell that offers great value without the need for a subscription, the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is definitely worth considering.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 on Amazon by following this link:
TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235
For those interested in smart home integration, you might also want to check out the Tapo H100 hub or Tapo smart bulbs:
Tapo H100 Hub
Tapo Smart Bulb
FAQs
How is the Tapo D235 different from a Ring or Nest doorbell?
All three doorbells offer similar features, but the Tapo D235 stands out by offering its AI features without a subscription. Both Ring and Nest typically require a subscription for cloud storage and advanced features.
Is it easy to install the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235?
Yes, installation is simple. TP-Link provides both sticky pads and screws for mounting, and the app guides you through the process. Just make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong outside your front door.
How long does the battery last?
In busy areas, you may need to recharge the battery every seven to eight weeks. However, in quieter locations, it could last several months. Alternatively, you can wire it to a transformer for continuous power.
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D235 is an excellent option for those looking for a smart doorbell with great features and no ongoing subscription fees.
