Tapo C246D Duo
#50
Tapo

Tapo Tapo C246D Duo

Rating

Model: Tapo C246D
$69(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-09
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Product Overview

The Tapo C246D Duo is a versatile indoor/outdoor security camera featuring dual 2K lenses for wide coverage and precise zoom. It offers 360° pan, free person/vehicle detection, and flexible storage options (SD/Cloud). The camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Home, providing a comprehensive surveillance solution with AI-powered detection and synchronized smart tracking. Its IP65-rated design ensures durability in various weather conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

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Product Specifications

Screen Size
-inches
Resolution
2K 3MPpixels
Refresh Rate
-Hz
Response Time
-ms
Panel Type
-
Brightness
-cd/m²
Contrast Ratio
-
HDMI Ports
-
DisplayPort
-
Built-in Speakers
Yes

Size & Weight

Weight
9.92 ounces
Hight
4.21 inches
Width
3.02 inches
Depth
3.07 inches

Features

Built-in Speaker Function

The built-in speaker allows for clear audio transmission, ensuring that you can hear sounds and communicate through the camera. The volume is adjustable via the app, providing flexibility for different environments. This is essential for two-way audio communication.

Blue Light Reduction Function

This camera does not include a blue light reduction function, as it is primarily designed for surveillance and monitoring rather than prolonged screen viewing. Blue light reduction is more relevant for devices like monitors and smartphones used for extended periods.

Height Adjustment Function

The camera unit does not have a height adjustment function. You need to adjust the height by physically placing the camera on different surfaces or using the provided mounting bracket. This may require some manual effort to achieve the desired viewing angle.

Tilt Adjustment Function

The tilt adjustment function allows you to angle the camera for a better view. The pan and tilt can be remotely controlled via the app, providing flexibility in adjusting the viewing angle. This ensures that you can monitor the desired area effectively.

Pivot Function

The camera does not have a pivot function. To change the view horizontally, you need to pan it by remote control. The pan function provides 360° coverage, which compensates for the lack of a pivot function, allowing for comprehensive monitoring.

USB Hub Function

This camera does not have a USB hub function, meaning you cannot connect additional USB devices directly to the camera. All connections must be made directly to your computer or other devices. This is a common limitation for security cameras focused on core surveillance features.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Score

#50
Ranked #50 out of 99 products in Category
3.1
Overall Rating

The Tapo C246D Duo offers good value with its dual-lens system and AI detection. However, it lacks advanced features like continuous recording and may have limited AI detection effectiveness. It's a budget-friendly option for basic surveillance needs.

Image Quality and Resolution
4.2
The 2K 3MP resolution provides clear images suitable for monitoring. The dual-lens system allows for both wide-angle and zoomed-in views, enhancing the ability to capture details. Night vision is also available, though clarity may be reduced in very low light.
Range and Stability of Wireless Connection
3.8
The camera uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which may experience interference in crowded networks. The range is adequate for most homes, but thick walls can reduce signal strength. A wired connection is available for more stable performance.
Battery Life
0.0
This camera is corded electric and does not have battery capabilities. It requires a constant power source to operate, which limits its portability and use during power outages.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) Functionality
4.5
The PTZ functionality allows for remote adjustment of the camera, providing a comprehensive view of the monitored area. The 360° pan and 114° vertical range offer extensive coverage, minimizing blind spots and enhancing surveillance capabilities.
Two-Way Audio Communication
4.0
The two-way audio communication is clear and effective, allowing you to interact with people remotely. The built-in microphone and speakers ensure that you can hear and be heard with good clarity, enhancing its utility as a security device.
Temperature Monitoring
0.0
This camera does not have temperature monitoring capabilities. It cannot provide information about the ambient temperature of the monitored area, which may be a limitation for some users.
Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0
TP-Link is a reputable manufacturer known for producing reliable networking and smart home products. While specific warranty details were not provided, their established brand provides some assurance of product quality and support.
Cost Performance
4.6
Considering its features and performance, this camera offers excellent value for its price. The dual-lens system, AI detection, and PTZ functionality make it a cost-effective solution for basic security and monitoring needs.

Brand & Manufacturer Details

Tapo
Tapo provides smart home products, including security cameras, smart plugs, and lighting, designed for easy setup and reliable performance.

Key Highlights

  • Dual-lens system for wide and zoomed views
  • AI-powered person/vehicle detection without subscription fees
  • Affordable price point

Considerations

  • Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance
  • Regularly check SD card storage and cloud subscription status
  • Limited AI detection effectiveness on moving camera

Recommended For

  • Homeowners seeking basic security surveillance
  • Pet owners wanting to monitor their pets
  • Parents needing a simple baby monitoring solution

Not Recommended For

  • Users requiring 24/7 continuous recording
  • Those needing advanced AI features with high accuracy
  • Users who prioritize wired ethernet connection

Suitable For

  • Monitoring a front or backyard for basic security
  • Using the two-way audio to communicate with family members
  • Tracking pets or children playing in a defined area

Not Suitable For

  • High-security areas requiring advanced surveillance
  • Situations needing highly accurate AI detection
  • Areas with unstable Wi-Fi connectivity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.I'm looking for a camera to monitor both a wide area and zoom in for details. Will this camera work for that?
A.Yes, the Tapo C246D Duo features dual lenses: a fixed 2K lens with a 130° wide-angle view and a separate 2K pan/tilt lens with 6mm telephoto for zoomed-in details. According to staff confirmation, the ability to tag and tap to zoom is excellent.
Q.Can this camera be used outdoors?
A.Yes, the Tapo C246D Duo has an IP65-rated design, making it resistant to rain and dust for both indoor and outdoor use.
Q.Does this camera have AI detection, and do I need to pay extra for it?
A.The Tapo C246D Duo has built-in AI detection for people, pets, vehicles, and baby cries without requiring any additional fees. You can customize which detections trigger notifications.
Q.I need a camera that can track movement. Does this camera do that?
A.Yes, when enabled in the Tapo App, the pan/tilt lens automatically tracks motion detected by the fixed camera, providing comprehensive surveillance. One staff member mentioned that the tracking works well, and they liked how the fixed camera communicates with the PT camera to track something out of the PT's view.
Q.Can I see in color at night with this camera?
A.Yes, the Tapo C246D Duo offers adaptable night vision modes, including black-and-white IR, full-color with built-in spotlights, and a smart auto mode that switches to color when motion is detected.
Q.I want to be able to speak through the camera. Does it have two-way audio?
A.Yes, the Tapo C246D Duo has a built-in microphone and speakers for two-way audio communication.
Q.How do I store recorded video from this camera?
A.You can store video locally on a microSD card (up to 512GB, sold separately) or use Tapo Care cloud storage, which offers a 30-day free trial.
Q.I am concerned about privacy. Can I block off certain areas from being recorded?
A.Yes, you can set customizable privacy zones to prevent specific areas from being recorded.
Q.Does this camera work with smart home systems?
A.Yes, it integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, allowing you to view live streams on devices like Echo Show or Chromecast.
Q.I want to use this camera outside, but I don't have an outlet nearby. Can it be powered over ethernet?
A.The Tapo C246D Duo is Wi-Fi only and does not support Ethernet or Power over Ethernet (PoE). You'll need to use the included power adapter. A staff member noted that the power cord could be longer for outdoor installations.
Q.I need a camera that records 24/7. Does this camera support continuous recording?
A.According to staff confirmation, this camera does not offer 24/7 continuous loop recording. It primarily records when motion is detected.
Q.How well does the motion detection work?
A.While generally effective, one staff member noted that the AI detection on the moving camera can be inconsistent, and the fixed camera sometimes triggers false alarms. However, others have found the person/pet detection to work great.

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DisplayPort-Built-in SpeakersYes
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4.2Overall Rating
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Refresh Rate- HzResponse Time- ms
Panel TypeIPSBrightness- cd/m²
Contrast Ratio-HDMI Ports-
DisplayPort-Built-in SpeakersYes
Built-in Speaker FunctionBlue Light Reduction FunctionHeight Adjustment FunctionTilt Adjustment FunctionPivot FunctionUSB Hub Function
4.2Overall Rating
4.3Image Quality and Resolution
4.5Range and Stability of Wireless Connection
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