I just saw TP-Link’s security camera of the future — and it basically turns your home into Fort Knox

Close-up of the new TP-Link Tapo C665G smart security camera with connected solar panel at MWC 2026 in Barcelona Spain
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

There are smart security cameras, and then there’s the new TP-Link Tapo C665G. I just checked out the latest home security solution from TP-Link at Mobile World Congress, Europe’s largest tech show, and it pretty much has every peace-of-mind feature I could dream of… and then some.

Offered in two variations, one with a bundled solar panel and one without, this weatherproof security camera can pan, tilt, track subjects, and much more. Here’s everything you need to know about the new TP-Link Tapo C665G smart security camera.

There’s no word yet on what the new TP-Link Tapo C665G will cost. However, based on the price of prior solar-powered, outdoor camera bundles from the brand, I would expect it to be on the affordable side (under $200), though you’ll need to shell out a little more for cloud storage (~$35 a year) or rely on a MicroSD for storage. TP-Link reps say the camera should begin shipping in the next few months.

Close-up of the new TP-Link Tapo C665G smart security camera with connected solar panel at MWC 2026 in Barcelona Spain

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

While nearly all modern security cameras allow you to check the feed via WiFi, the C665G also supports 4G connectivity. Simply pop in a 4G SIM card (not included) and unlock peace of mind that you’ll be able to check in on your home turf, even when the WiFi is out.

Video quality is 4K, which should provide more than enough detail for most users. The camera also offers a black-and-white night mode, as well as built-in flood lights for enhanced nighttime viewing.

Capture is continuous 24 hours a day and seven days a week. To save battery, the camera records at 1 fps unless a subject is detected, at which point the frame rate jumps to a standard 30 fps capture.

Speaking of subject recognition, the TP-Link Tapo C665G handles all of its AI-powered processing within the device itself, rather than sending it to the cloud. This ensures maximum privacy for your footage.

According to TP-Link, the subject recognition algorithm is smart enough to discern between people, pets, vehicles, and more. It’s also tuned to avoid false motion alarms, like tree branches swaying in the wind.

Close-up of the TP-Link Tapo C665G security camera

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

Battery life is good for up to half a year (assuming ten motion activations a day), but for those wanting to ‘set it and forget it,’ the solar panel bundle is probably the move. Once hooked up, the TP-Link Tapo C665G needs just 45 minutes of sunlight a day for 24 hours of recording power.

While this might be an issue during the winter months in Seattle, Washington, where I live, and the sun doesn’t shine for weeks upon weeks, I imagine that in most other outdoor locations, it’ll be able to garner enough UV to keep on humming all year long.

Meanwhile, an IP65 rating ensures ample protection from the elements, while pan, tilting, and zooming functionality all add to the security camera’s versatility.

Lightweight and mountable with two standard screws, the new TP-Link Tapo C665G is ultimately nothing short of a no-brainer, feature-wise, when it comes to an outdoor smart camera security solution.

Close-up showing the key features of the TP-Link Tapo C665G outdoor security camera at MWC 2026

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

TP-Link has been churning out high-performance, well-priced outdoor (and indoor) security cameras for a long time now — the TP-Link Tapo C246D is our current pick for the best outdoor dual camera solution in 2026 — and the TP-Link Tapo C665G is a welcome addition to the brand’s portfolio.

Stay tuned for a full review of the TP-Link Tapo C665G outdoor smart security camera bundle as soon as samples become available. In the meantime, what do you think? Is this a product you’d buy to protect your home, office, or business? Let me know in the comments below.


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Dan Bracaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables

Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others. 

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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