ConsFirst / Video doorbells / Compare
TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera vs Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on app & reliability, ongoing cost. Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) wins on easy install.
The biggest complaint about the TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera is bulky with a fish-eye look; for the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) it's subscription needed to see recordings. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera | Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in video doorbells | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Battery or wired | Battery or wired |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 19% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.7 |
| Video quality | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Smart alerts | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| App & reliability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Ongoing cost | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Easy install | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $80 · $$ $80–180 · $$$ over $180. 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 D225 Video Doorbell Camera
- Bulky with a fish-eye look
Wirecutter calls it 'chonky' and less attractive than its other picks. Its 180-degree view has a distorted fish-eye effect. PCMag notes it's bulkier than the Arlo.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Battery and connection gripes
Wirecutter needed to recharge it every four months, half of TP-Link's 8-month claim. The battery isn't removable, so the whole doorbell comes down for up to five hours of charging. Amazon's summary says some owners report connection issues and quick battery drain.
- Weak color night vision, 2.4GHz only
Wirecutter found color night vision hit or miss, often worse than black-and-white, and notes there is no 5GHz Wi-Fi. PCMag says color night video lacked vibrancy, the microSD card isn't included, and there's no HomeKit support.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
- Subscription needed to see recordings
PCMag says local storage isn't an option, and you need an Arlo Secure plan to view recordings and unlock smart alerts. Consumer Reports says there's no free cloud storage and many smart features need a plan. Walmart 1-star reviewers complain about subscription charges.
- Connection, pairing and battery failures
Amazon's summary says some owners report frequent internet connection issues, faster-than-expected battery drain, and units that stopped working after a few weeks. Low-star Walmart reviews describe failed pairing, random disconnects, a battery that wouldn't charge, and no luck with an existing chime.
- Weak privacy, no color night vision
Consumer Reports gives it top marks for security but calls its privacy weak. PCMag notes there's no color night vision and no Apple HomeKit support.
Source: Consumer Reports, PCMag review
Who should pick which
Pick the TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera if
Avoiding monthly fees (free microSD storage)
Homes without doorbell wiring
Alexa, Google and IFTTT users
Skip it if: You want a slim doorbell; You need 5GHz Wi-Fi or Apple Home; You don't want to take the doorbell down to charge it
Pick the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) if
Easy wire-free install
Fast, accurate person and package alerts (with a plan)
Alexa, Google, IFTTT and SmartThings homes
Skip it if: You won't pay a monthly fee; You want color night vision; Privacy is your top priority
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