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Tapo, one of TP-Link\u2019s two smart home brands, is continuing to expand its footprint in the home security camera space with the launch of the $39.99 Tapo C120<\/a>. This pint-size smart home camera fits in the palm of your hand and can be used indoors or out, thanks to IP66 weatherproofing rating.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Small smart security cameras aren\u2019t new \u2014 Wyze and Bink both have offerings of a similar size for under $100 \u2014 but TP-Link\u2019s new camera crams a lot of features into a small package for under $40. A wired camera, it has 2K video, local storage with an onboard microSD card, free AI-powered person detection, and an easy-to-use magnetic mount. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Blink\u2019s outdoor cameras cost start at $99 for 1080p video<\/a>, local storage requires additional hardware, and you have to pay for person detection; they are battery-powered. Wyze has battery and wired outdoor options with onboard storage (up to 512 GB), but anything with 2K is over $55<\/a>, and unless you pay for a subscription, Wyze\u2019s recording options are limited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n All of this makes the new Tapo camera an intriguing option for anyone looking for a versatile budget security camera that doesn\u2019t rely on the cloud (although there is an option for cloud storage.) <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Other features of the C120 include adjustable dual spotlights that can be triggered for different events and a starlight sensor for color night vision. Full duplex two-way audio lets you talk to and hear anything going on in your home, and an alarm system allows you to record your own audio. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n An invisible IR night vision mode and baby crying and pet alerts make the C120 a good option for use indoors as a pet cam or baby monitor. Free AI-powered smart alerts for people and vehicles also translate to a useful outdoor camera for monitoring a front door or driveway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n As with Tapo\u2019s other recent launch, the Tapo Wire-Free MagCam<\/a>, this camera has an adjustable magnetic mount. This is something I find really handy for security cameras, as it makes mounting them \u2014 and moving them if you want to monitor somewhere else \u2014 much easier. A 9.8-foot power cord is also a useful addition, although the plug isn\u2019t weatherproof.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The camera works with the Tapo smart home app and is compatible with Alexa and Google Home to live-stream footage to smart display. The Tapo C120 is available now on Amazon<\/a>; according to TP-Link, the MSRP is $39.99, although Amazon is currently listing it for $42.67.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n