Latest news with #Tapo
CNET
20-07-2025
- CNET
I Test Home Security Tech for a Living. Here Are the Best Ways to Mount a Camera at Home
I've discussed the best spots to install your security camera as well as the worst places to put cams, but there's another important decision home security adopters must make. What sort of mounting option --how you attach and position the cam -- is best? Security cameras need to stay where they are somehow, and as a result, I've tested models that come with screws, sticky tape, wires and more. Some even give you a few choices for mounting, so I'm going over all the different kinds of mounts and bases, and which I think are best. So, which camera mount is best? Magnetic mounts are some of my favorite camera installations. Chris Monroe/CNET The best camera mounts remain versatile while offering reliability in all kinds of conditions. My personal favorites are screw-in or wire-in mounts that use magnetic connectors for the camera so you can easily adjust or remove it. That includes Google Nest options, custom Arlo magnetic mounts and certain Tapo cams. However, traditional screw-in bases have their advantages, and wireless shelf mounts have a versatility that's hard to beat. However, if you're using an adhesive mount or light bulb socket mount, I've found these options are much more limited in where they can go. I'll take each choice one at a time so you can see what I mean. Screw-in wall bases The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Screw-in bases use a couple of screws to attach a camera base to a wall, so users can then attach the camera to the base and angle it. It's a no-nonsense approach that's very reliable for outdoor camera installation, especially wireless cameras (they work on indoor walls, too). You don't have to worry about the base falling down in a windstorm and they're pretty hardy against other elements. The only trick with screw-in bases is that you need to find the right spot and material to screw them in. That can be harder than it sounds. Screwing into stucco, for example, doesn't work well without specialized components and may damage the stucco. And my house has fiber cement siding, which you can't drill through, so many prime locations for security cameras are off limits. These cases require a little creativity, like finding siding, eaves or a fence post that you can screw into safely -- preferably non-structural wood. Screw-in base with Magnetic mount Magnetic mounts make cams easy to adjust and charge. Chris Monroe/CNET Another type of screw-in mount uses a magnetic base instead of a physical latch-on design to attach the camera. Nest's outdoor floodlight is one example of how these magnetic bases work, but Tapo and many other brands also have them. This is my favorite version of screw-in mounts. The cameras are so easy to pop off and clean, or make small adjustments to the angle to get them just right. The only issue is that wind or time can somewhat dislodge them, so you may need to course-correct after a while. Wired-in mounts Wired-in cams need a junction box but make great options for floodlights. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I prefer wireless cameras outdoors, simply because of the options they open up for placement. But there's another popular type of camera mount, a wired-in solution where the camera is directly connected to the home's electrical system. This is more common with floodlight cameras, larger dome security cameras, any PoE (Power over Ethernet, which requires a cable connection) camera and similar models. On the plus side, you never have to worry about battery issues with these cameras. However, they may fail if your home loses power. Also, they're a bit of work to install. You'll need to replace the base, plus strip and connect three wires, which not everyone is comfortable with. Also, it requires a junction box or similar wired opening, which limits these cameras to spots where lights or cams are already installed. Overall, I liked wired-in solutions for any camera with big light panels, which don't usually play well with battery models. Plug-in shelf mounts (indoor) The Blink Mini 2 offers shelf and wall mounting options, but you'll need an outlet connection. Tyler Lacoma/CNET The quintessential indoor camera is a simple plug-in model that requires a nearby wall outlet, usually with a cable that's around 4 to 6 feet long. No work involved here, just plug and play -- as long as you have a handy shelf or table to put the camera on. This is a strictly indoor mounting option unless you have specialized outdoor-safe cables. It's a simple, cheap choice, but I recommend picking the exact outlet and spot on a shelf where you will use a security camera first. Many of these plug-in models have pan/tilt features, so they can fit in an out-of-the-way place. Wireless shelf mounts Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end pricewise, but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch the kids wherever they are. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This is a rare type of shelf and table mount that supports a wireless, battery-powered camera. Only a few brands offer this option. Nest's indoor/outdoor cam has a compatible cam stand that can charge it, but you don't have to plug it in when the camera is charged, which makes it more maneuverable. More versatile is the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus, previously called the Ring Stick Up Cam, which has shelf/table mounts and a built-in battery. I like this option because you can move these cameras around, taking them from a playroom to an entryway to a backyard, whatever you want to keep an eye on. They also have more permanent mounting options. Adhesive sticker mounts Adhesive mounts work well in some scenarios, but aren't a great fit for many security cameras. 3M Some cameras come with bases similar to screw-in models, but with two-sided adhesive stickers to attach the cam. I'm not going to knock these adhesive pads much: They're usually 3M stickers designed for outside use and they're seriously powerful. But they aren't a great fit for security cameras. Security cams, especially outdoor models, tend to be heavy and a single adhesive strip doesn't, in my experience, hold for very long before the weather and weight lead to cameras falling. There's also another issue -- these adhesive stickers require a smooth, flat, very clean surface to work well. That means you can't use them on siding, concrete or any type of wood or stone. They're mostly limited to metal and glass outdoors, so people may have a hard time finding a spot. Only choose this option for small, lightweight security cams. Many cams with adhesive options still include a screw-in alternative. Light bulb mounts Eversecu's budget model is a cheap way to add a security camera but limited in placement. Eversecu Light bulb mounts, like they sound, are used for special security cameras that screw into light bulb sockets, like a socket above your porch or entryway. That sounds convenient, and it absolutely can be in the right situations, but this is probably my least-favorite mounting option. Light bulb cameras are cheap, but they're usually very limited and lack the quality or extra features that other security cams do. You also lose a light in an important spot for a not-as-useful spotlight instead. And while these cams can usually rotate, they are limited to what they can see from a light socket, so you have very few placement options. It's a fun idea, but rarely practical in the real world. I do recommend them for small, out-of-the-way additions for those who don't want to add a bunch of complex home security. What about solar panel add-ons? If you're mounting a wireless outdoor camera, you also have the option of adding a compatible solar panel to most brands. That means you don't have to worry about replacing the rechargeable battery -- but you will need to install the solar panel at the right angle or find a model with a solar panel built in. The process takes extra work and placement, and won't be as effective in every climate. But if you are getting a wireless outdoor camera for the right sunny spot, it's certainly worth considering. Since you're here, why not stop by my guide to the best DIY home security systems, too?
CNET
14-07-2025
- CNET
My Smart Home Is Much Safer After These 5 Vital Password Changes
Password management is key for the smart home -- and also a major security vulnerability if passwords get bad or lazy. It can be easy to make password mistakes when first setting up new devices, but it's also very effective to go back and make some upgrades. Are you ready for your smart home password checkup? Here are the best password improvements I've learned to make while testing smart devices. They'll make your home safe and your device use faster, so it's all winning with these improvements. Read more: New Reports Say Smart Device Cyberattacks More Than Doubled In 2024: Should You Worry? Upgrade lazy passwords for new devices The login screen for the Tapo smart home app. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Many people received new smart home gadgets for the holidays or various new year's resolutions (like fitness tech). I know from personal experience that when trying to set up your new device, it's easy to just choose a quick, simple-to-remember password for your account and move on. You may even promise yourself that you'll change it later. That rarely happens. Now is the perfect time to review the smart home devices that you've got in the past year and make sure that each app and account you sign up for has a strong password. This is a key line of defense for every device in your home and you don't want new devices to be vulnerable, especially if you recently got a security cam or something similar. If you didn't turn on available two-factor authentication options for your login, now is also the time to enable this important security feature. Replace old passwords with more complex versions Complex passwords are a must in today's digital landscape. While home hacking is very rare, it's more common (unfortunately) for devices to be invaded by roommates, family or exes who already know your old passwords or can guess them. And if a cybercriminal ever does try to hack into your home, they're likely to start with brute force methods of finding more basic passwords. Fix this problem by checking of all your older passwords, especially those you haven't thought much about in years. Replace old and simplistic passwords with complex versions that are well protected (no sticky notes on the computer, in other words). Bring the family together and hold the big password-updating event together if necessary. Remember, good passwords combine upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don't give into the temptation to use one of the most common and weakest passwords like "123456" or, yes, even "password." Create a robust Wi-Fi password TP-Link's router. TP-Link/CNET Your Wi-Fi network is the gateway to most of your smart home and home security technology and one of the easiest ways for someone to digitally sneak inside. Prioritize giving your Wi-Fi network a particularly robust password that's difficult to guess or copy. If you frequently have people over, create a guest Wi-Fi network with a password that you can share with them. Oh, and if you haven't checked your Wi-Fi settings in a while, dive in and make sure you're at least using WPA2 encryption for all devices and WPA3 for any that support it. This could be a good time to get a new router if necessary. Delete repeated passwords Repeat passwords are a dangerous practice for any home security. Hispanolistic via Getty It's especially easy to repeat the same password for smart home and home security devices to help keep everything organized and straightforward. But this common security mistake leaves your devices and accounts more vulnerable than ever. Guessing or forcing one password can give cyber trespassers access to many more devices. So as you review your password habits, change any smart home passwords that repeat. The same goes for keypad codes to gain access and home safe codes. Make sure everything login is unique. Adopt a password manager 1Password software is one of the better options for juggling multiple device logins. 1Password/CNET A password manager helps you complete all the other steps with minimal stress. It can generate and save passwords for you automatically when you set up new devices, replace old passwords with just a few seconds of work and give you suggestions on which of your passwords are repeats or too simple. They can also save any number of passcodes or emergency numbers and phrases. Many password managers are free, and those with subscriptions typically cost only a couple of dollars each month, making them a worthy addition to any home. Check out our guide to the best choices. Bonus tip: Check all devices for updates Review all your home smart home apps and devices. If there are any firmware updates available, apply them immediately. Many updates will load automatically, but sometimes, they can get blocked or require individual permissions. Firmware updates like these are vital to keeping security tight and helping your passwords stay effective. With your passwords taken care of, check out the top home security mistakes to stop making, the best security tips of you're living solo and important security suggestions before a vacation.
The Verge
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Verge
You can buy Tapo's terrific RV30 Max robovac for just $200 right now
Amazon has already slashed the pricing on several excellent robot vacuums for Prime Day, including high-end hybrid mopping models like the Dreame X40 Ultra and Narwal's Freo Z Ultra. Thankfully, if a $700 or $800 robovac is out of the question, Tapo's RV30 Max Plus is an impressive alternative that's currently on sale at Amazon with an auto-empty dock for an all-time low of $199.99 ($100 off). Our favorite budget-friendly robot vacuum offers high-end features, including room-specific cleaning, a capable mop, carpet boost, and smart navigation. It also features an auto-empty dock. Despite costing significantly less than the aforementioned premium models, the RV30 Max Plus doesn't skimp on features, which is why it's our favorite budget robovac. With 5,300Pa of suction power, it easily sucks up cereal, dust, and debris from hard floors. Its wide mop pad and large 300ml water tank also allow for solid mopping performance, while the vac's customizable, room-specific cleaning allows you to choose between five suction levels, three flow settings, and three adjustable mop rotations. Navigation is another area where the RV30 Max Plus punches above its weight. The robot vacuum's smart, lidar-based system enables it to map and navigate your home with precision, and Tapo's intuitive app allows you to set both virtual walls and no-go zones. Notably, you can even set the direction in which it cleans and store up to four distinct floor maps, which is something typically reserved for more premium models. Of course, given it's a relatively cheap robovac, there are a few features Tapo sacrificed to keep costs down. It lacks AI-powered obstacle detection, for example, meaning you'll need to pick up any stray cables, socks, and other objects that might get in the way while running it. Its 2,600mAh battery also isn't the most robust, and charging can take a while. Still, if you're looking to expedite your cleaning on a budget, the RV30 Max Plus is a solid value, especially with this Prime Day discount. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
The Verge
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Verge
You can buy Tapo's terrific robot vacuum for just $200 right now
Amazon has already slashed the pricing on several excellent robot vacuums for Prime Day, including high-end hybrid mopping models like the Dreame X40 Ultra and Narwal's Freo Z Ultra. Thankfully, if a $700 or $800 robovac is out of the question, Tapo's RV30 Max Plus is an impressive alternative that's currently on sale at Amazon with an auto-empty dock for an all-time low of $199.99 ($100 off). Our favorite budget-friendly robot vacuum offers high-end features, including room-specific cleaning, a capable mop, carpet boost, and smart navigation. It also features an auto-empty dock. Despite costing significantly less than the aforementioned premium models, the RV30 Max Plus doesn't skimp on features, which is why it's our favorite budget robovac. With 5,300Pa of suction power, it easily sucks up cereal, dust, and debris from hard floors. Its wide mop pad and large 300ml water tank also allow for solid mopping performance, while the vac's customizable, room-specific cleaning allows you to choose between five suction levels, three flow settings, and three adjustable mop rotations. Navigation is another area where the RV30 Max Plus punches above its weight. The robot vacuum's smart, lidar-based system enables it to map and navigate your home with precision, and Tapo's intuitive app allows you to set both virtual walls and no-go zones. Notably, you can even set the direction in which it cleans and store up to four distinct floor maps, which is something typically reserved for more premium models. Of course, given it's a relatively cheap robovac, there are a few features Tapo sacrificed to keep costs down. It lacks AI-powered obstacle detection, for example, meaning you'll need to pick up any stray cables, socks, and other objects that might get in the way while running it. Its 2,600mAh battery also isn't the most robust, and charging can take a while. Still, if you're looking to expedite your cleaning on a budget, the RV30 Max Plus is a solid value, especially with this Prime Day discount. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
DON'T buy a Ring Doorbell this Prime Day - get a Tapo video doorbell instead
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Another Amazon Prime Day, another bunch of discounts on Amazon devices like Ring doorbells, but sometimes these deals aren't always as great as they seem. While the big headline discounts of nearly 50% sound great, buried more subtly in the product description is the need for a Ring Home subscription to make the most of your new doorbell. While you may save $70 by buying the Ring Doorbell Plus over Prime Day, you will need to spend another $99.99 a year to be able to receive doorbell calls and record video (which is the point after all). On the other hand a rival product like the Tapo Smart Doorbell has a more modest discount at the moment, but offers those features without the need for an ongoing subscription. It also comes with a chime, while with the Ring, you will either need to connect it to an existing doorbell system or opt for a package with the Chime Pro (an additional $40). You will need a microSD card to plug into the Tapo's chime to record video, but you can buy a 128GB card for just $11 (I'm currently running a Tapo doorbell on a 64GB card that provides more than enough storage). This means the savings for opting for the Tapo over the Ring in the first year are $78.94 and an additional $99.99 for every year after. You also should bear in mind that Amazon has raised the prices of its Ring subscriptions before, so this ongoing cost is likely to go up in the future. Even if you want a subscription based model with the videos stored remotely, the Tapo Care subscription costs a third of the Amazon version with a $34.99 yearly fee that can be used with up to 10 Tapo security cameras. I can vouch for the quality of the Tapo, having been recommended it by a very stringent product tester and after using the D230S1 model over the last 18 months with no problems - and all without a single subscription charge. If you're looking for a deal on a video doorbell that doesn't cost you more in the long run, the Tapo is the way to go.
