TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 Review: A Smart, Subscription-Free Solution
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D230S1. It offers a wide range of features designed to enhance home security, including a larger battery, flexible mounting options, and advanced AI features—all without the need for a subscription. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the design, performance, and features of this impressive device.
Key Features
- Flexible Mounting Options: The Tapo D225 can be wired or battery-powered, offering flexibility in installation.
- 2K Video Quality: With a 2K resolution and a 180° diagonal field of view, the camera captures detailed footage of everything happening outside your front door.
- Subscription-Free AI Features: The D225 offers AI-powered detection for people, vehicles, pets, and packages—all without a subscription.
- Night Vision: The device uses infrared or visible illumination to record in low-light conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flexible mounting options (wired or battery-powered)
- Excellent video quality with 2K resolution
- Subscription-free AI features for detecting people, vehicles, pets, and packages
- Wide 180° field of view
Cons
- Struggles with vehicle detection in certain situations
- No built-in storage; requires a MicroSD card (up to 512GB)
Design and Features
The Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 is a bit on the bulky side, thanks to its 10,000mAh battery, which can last up to eight months on a single charge. However, it also offers the option to be wired for a continuous power supply, enabling 24/7 recording. The device is easy to install and comes with both adhesive options and screws, allowing for flexible mounting.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of a 15° horizontal shim and a 5° vertical shim, which help you adjust the camera’s angle for optimal coverage. The app is user-friendly, and the camera integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to monitor and control.
Performance
The Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 excels in its AI-powered detection features. It can differentiate between people, pets, cars, and packages, notifying you of specific events. While the AI is generally reliable, the vehicle detection feature struggled in certain scenarios, especially when it came to detecting cars entering or leaving driveways.
Video quality is excellent, with a 2K resolution that captures clear and detailed images. Night vision is also solid, with the option to choose between infrared and visible spotlights. However, the spotlight is not particularly bright, so it may not act as a strong deterrent for intruders.
Battery Life
In busy urban environments, the battery life may not last the full eight months as advertised, especially if the device is frequently triggered by motion. In testing, the battery dropped by 15% over five days, indicating that it would last just over a month in high-traffic areas. For more rural settings, the battery life should be significantly better.
Should You Buy It?
You Should Buy It If:
- You want a high-quality video doorbell with excellent AI features and no subscription fees.
- You need flexible mounting options (wired or battery-powered).
- You’re looking for a device with a wide field of view and good night vision capabilities.
You Shouldn’t Buy It If:
- You prioritize aesthetics, as the D225 is bulkier than some other models like the Nest or Ring doorbells.
- You need flawless vehicle detection.
Where to Buy the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225
If you’re interested in purchasing the TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225, you can find it on Amazon. Click the link below to check the latest price:
Buy TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 on Amazon
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera D225 is a well-rounded smart doorbell that offers excellent value for money. With its 2K resolution, wide field of view, and reliable AI features, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their home security without committing to a subscription. While it’s not the most stylish option on the market, its performance and flexibility make it a top contender in the smart doorbell space.
For more smart home products, check out our other reviews and recommendations!
