Tapo D235 2K 5MP Doorbell Camera Wireless 180°DFOV Ultra-Wide Video Doorbell Wireless or Wired,Battery 210 Day,Ring Chime Included,Head-to-Toe View IP66,TP-Link Free AI Detection,Alexa,No Monthly Fee

There are so many doorbell cameras to choose from these days it can be a daunting process to find the right one. If you want functions and features without the cost of a subscription then having tested this one, I can honestly say this one will be hard to beat.You get so much for your money like up to 500GB of storage and 24/7 recording; these features are very often only available if you're prepared to pay a subscription.I tried a couple of other doorbell camera systems before deciding on the Tapo D235. I was so impressed by its video quality, 180° horizontal field of view(FOV) with 140° head to toe view and ease of navigating playing back video clips of captured events. I have decided to tell you about some of the key things that have impressed me and features/functions that others may not have mentioned in their postings.[The Tapo app/ User guide]. I use the Android version of the app and it allows me to not only control my Tapo D235 doorbell camera but my Tapo security camera (model C325WB) and my Tapo dimmable lights as well with the same app. The installation process is simple and intuitive with step by step guidance. If you are a person who is not so confident with SSID’s and passwords etc. then there is an alternative install method referred to as the Amazon Frustration-Free Setup (FFS) method available in the very comprehensive 38 page Tapo downloadable PDF user guide available from the Tapo website.[Alexa and Google compliant] I mention this because for those that might not be aware it is possible to get announcements/ ringtones on a compliant smart speaker as well as live views on an Amazon or Google compliant smart display. You can also view this Tapo D235 doorbell camera on a Smart TV or on a normal TV using an Amazon Fire Stick.[Chime unit] The chime unit is a 3 pin plug top device that connects to your doorbell camera and WiFi Network and gives access to a choice of 11 individual doorbell ringtones. It is possible to cycle through the ringtones on the plug top unit to select your choice or adjust the volume of the ring which is loud enough for most people. You can of course select the ring tones and adjust ringtone volume within the Tapo app. You can also purchase an extra Chime/Hub to provide a doorbell chime in different rooms if required. Don't forget you can make use of an Amazon or Google smart speaker to give a doorbell ring and announcements in other rooms.[AI Artificial Intelligence] Most other doorbell camera systems that offer AI do so only when you subscribe to their subscription cloud storage system. The Tapo D235 doorbell camera system offers you this by default. You can also assist the Tapo AI feature to improve its accuracy of detecting trigger events by reviewing recorded events and editing the detection type to include for example motion, person, pet, vehicle or package detection if missed on the playback clip.[Local Storage (micro SD)/ Event Detection] The Tapo D235 system allows the user to insert a micro SD memory card in the camera body. You can fit a micro SD card from as small as 8GB to massive 512GB (half a terabyte) of storage whereas many systems only offer 8GB to 250GB of local event storage. The doorbell camera can be configured to record an event caused by any or all of the following event types; Motion, Person, Pet, Vehicle or Package detection. Again many other systems require you to subscribe to their subscription cloud system to get this level of saficuation. Also you can set individual detection zones for each of the detection types thus maximising the ultimate control of your doorbell cameras event detection and record function. You can even set multiple detection zones for any of the event types giving you a more accurate event capture.[Build quality/ Battery and Fixing kit] The doorbell camera unit feels sturdy but is a bit larger than most other doorbell camera units measuring 150mm (H), 50mm (W) 38.4mm (D). This is because it houses a 10000mA (10 amp) Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Most other doorbell camera systems do not offer such a large capacity battery but the advantage is that you can get up to 210 days of event backup, equal to nearly 7 months if you set your event detection sensitivity carefully. I connected a 240 volt plug top 24 volt AC power supply to my system so that it will keep the battery charged. The Tapo battery charging circuitry within the doorbell camera ensures the battery is not over charged so it may pause charging when it gets to 80 or 90 percent of full charge; a nice feature to help prolong the battery life.The doorbell camera mounting kit comprises of a self adhesive mount strip along with a raised flat spacer, a wedge shaped spacer (if you need the doorbell camera unit to tilt up or down) and a thin back plate for the camera. The spacers are a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the doorbell camera build but they seem to do the job just fine.[Privacy Mode/Zones] This doorbell camera system not only supports the basic Privacy Mode setting where in the app you can disable recording and streaming (video and audio content) to other devices on your WiFi network. You can manually set Privacy Mode On or Off from within the Device Settings menu of the app.[Privacy Mode Zoning] this is a far more sophisticated setting that is available in the app's Video & Display menu. It is possible to select sensitive areas of your doorbell cameras display to mask off areas such as neighbours or friends property so that video content will not be recorded in these areas thus making private their comings or goings. You can even set multiple zones for the zoning screen so that you can more accurately mask off key areas from being monitored or recorded. And finally you can even set the days of the week and times when Privacy Mode Zoneing takes place; what a fantastic feature you get and without paying for this cloud support.[Customised Announcement]I think the good people at Tapo must have been listening to their customers' feedback because they have even provided the ability to record a customised message (auto response) to add to its list of pre-recorded messages. I can now choose my own message to play if I am away from home. I was able to record a short message requesting the parcel delivery person to “please leave the package inside the porch”. You can even set the period of time after the doorbell has been pressed before the message will play. One slight error in the advert, the Tapo D235 does not offer voice changer functionality.I hope this review will give you the confidence that this is one of the best function and feature rich doorbell camera systems on the market at present for a reasonable price.

The Tapo D235 is an outstanding video doorbell that exceeds expectations in every way. The 5MP resolution is crystal clear, capturing sharp, detailed footage both during the day and at night with its excellent infrared and colour night vision capabilities. It’s a significant upgrade from other models I’ve tried, with no compromise on image quality.I particularly appreciate the flexibility of its local storage options—512GB is plenty for my needs—and the optional monthly cloud storage plan is very reasonably priced, offering 30 days of recordings. Installation was straightforward, and the mobile app is intuitive and responsive, allowing seamless two-way audio and real-time notifications.What sets the D235 apart is its robust build and reliable performance. The motion detection is accurate without being overly sensitive, and the ability to customise detection zones helps reduce unnecessary alerts. Overall, it’s a fantastic blend of affordability, quality, and functionality.If you’re looking for a high-quality video doorbell that doesn’t break the bank, the Tapo D235 is an excellent choice!

Moved over from Ring. This is a great doorbell, easy to setup, packed with features and the AI works well. The included chime is a bonus too.My only criticism and why I didn't give it a 5 Star is the battery. It has a10000 Mah but it drains really quick and I live on pretty quiet cul-de-sac and even adjusted all the settings to boost battery life. I have had a builder outside the last couple of days but the battery shouldn't drop from 100% to 70% in a couple days as the ring never did with it's 6000mah battery

I spent a long time researching doorbell cameras before deciding to buy the Tapo D235. Having installed and used the camera for a few days, I'm delighted by the product. The stand-out combination of features which set it apart from any others available are as follows:1. Can operate as a wired or battery doorbell. The D235 has a big battery so can be used for months using battery power, but I happened to have an existing mains-powered doorbell so am using it wired. The D235 accepts 8-24V AC so will work with a wide range of doorbell transformers. Apart from never having to worry about charging it, in wired mode the camera operates continuously. That means that when movement is detected the clip includes 4 seconds BEFORE it's triggered so you don't miss the start of the action;2. The camera accepts a 512GB micro SD card so can record video without an expensive subscription. Tapo does offer a cloud-based storage service (which is cheaper than others) if you want it, but you have the option of storing locally for free;3. The camera has built-in AI without extra charge which can categorise the type of movement recorded as Person, Pet, Vehicle, Package or other movement. I have lots of vehicles driving past my house, so I can set the camera to only notify me if it sees a Person or a Package (left on the doorstep);4. The camera has a very wide angle of view (nearly 180°). That means I can see anyone approaching my front window and side gate as well as the front door;5. The Tapo app is very flexible and intuitive to use so setting the doorbell up the way you want it is easy;6. The package includes a wireless chime which works well but the doorbell also integrates with smart speakers (Amazon Echo in my case) so the speaker announces when someone is at the front door.Overall it's a great package for the price. I also like the tall/slim design which fits well at the side of my door.