ConsFirst / Pet cameras / Compare
TP-Link Tapo C120 vs Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
TP-Link Tapo C120 ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on alerts & app, ongoing cost. Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) wins on video & night vision, reliability.
The biggest complaint about the TP-Link Tapo C120 is wi-fi drops for some owners; for the Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) it's not very useful without a plan. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| TP-Link Tapo C120 | Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in pet cameras | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $ | $$ |
| Type | Camera | Camera |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 7% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Video & night vision | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Treat tossing | — | — |
| Alerts & app | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ongoing cost | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
TP-Link Tapo C120
- Wi-Fi drops for some owners
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is mixed, with some owners saying the camera won't stay connected to Wi-Fi.
- Security firmware fix needed
Wirecutter advises TP-Link camera owners, including C120 owners, to install a firmware update that fixes a recently announced security vulnerability.
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera) - Outdoor use is risky
Despite an IP66 rating, the plug failed after a few weeks when Wirecutter's smart-home expert used it outdoors.
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera)
Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
- Not very useful without a plan
Wirecutter says the free tier gives only 10-second preview clips kept for six hours; longer clips and history need Google Home Premium at $10 or $20 a month. Some Amazon owners find it expensive.
- No local storage, no sensitivity setting
There's no microSD option, and unlike the Tapo you can't set motion sensitivity (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (best pet camera) - Mixed app connectivity
Amazon's review summary says connectivity with the Google Home app gets mixed reviews.
Who should pick which
Pick the TP-Link Tapo C120 if
Pet alerts on a tight budget
Knowing when a dog barks or a cat meows
No monthly fee
Skip it if: You want to toss treats; You need to pan around a room; You're wary of TP-Link security issues
Pick the Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) if
Google Home households
Rambunctious pets that knock things over
A wide 152-degree view
Skip it if: You won't pay monthly; You want local storage; You want to adjust motion sensitivity
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