In today's connected home, the humble doorbell has evolved into a sophisticated security device. Let's compare two popular options: the $169 SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and the $79.99 TP-Link Tapo TD25.
Video doorbells have come a long way since Ring introduced their first model in 2013. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro launched in late 2018, bringing professional security integration to the market. The newer Tapo TD25 represents the latest generation, with higher resolution and more flexible power options.
Today's smart doorbells offer features that would have seemed like science fiction a decade ago: AI-powered person detection, package alerts, and full-color night vision. But with these advances comes complexity in choosing the right device for your needs.
Both doorbells record in HD, but there's a notable difference in resolution. The SimpliSafe offers 1080p with HDR (High Dynamic Range, which helps balance bright and dark areas in the same scene), while the Tapo TD25 steps up to 2K resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels). In practical terms, this means the Tapo can capture more detail, especially useful when you need to read package labels or identify faces from farther away.
The SimpliSafe provides a 162-degree field of view, while the Tapo TD25 boasts a wider 180-degree diagonal view. This difference might seem small, but those extra degrees can help you see packages left right next to your door.
Both doorbells use advanced motion detection, but their approaches differ:
SimpliSafe employs a dual-sensor system:
Tapo TD25 uses AI-powered detection for:
The Tapo's newer AI system generally provides more specific alerts and better false-positive prevention.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires hardwiring to your existing doorbell system (8-24 VAC), which means professional installation might be needed for some homes. It's designed to work with mechanical chimes but isn't compatible with digital ones - an important consideration for newer homes.
The Tapo TD25 offers impressive flexibility with its dual-power approach:
This flexibility makes the Tapo TD25 much easier to install, especially in homes without existing doorbell wiring.
Here's where the two products really diverge:
SimpliSafe:
Tapo TD25:
The Tapo's local storage option could save you hundreds of dollars over the device's lifetime.
SimpliSafe focuses on security integration:
Tapo TD25 offers:
In practical use, both devices handle core video doorbell functions well, but their strengths emerge in different scenarios:
SimpliSafe excels at:
Tapo TD25 stands out for:
Both devices are designed for outdoor use and can handle typical weather conditions. The SimpliSafe has been proven reliable since 2018, while the Tapo TD25's newer design incorporates lessons learned from earlier generations of video doorbells.
At less than half the price of the SimpliSafe, the Tapo TD25 offers impressive value:
However, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro justifies its higher price for users who:
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Choose the SimpliSafe if:
Choose the Tapo TD25 if:
The smart doorbell market continues to evolve rapidly. While the SimpliSafe represents a solid, security-focused approach from 2018, the Tapo TD25 shows where the technology is heading - higher resolution, more AI features, and flexible power options.
The good news is that both devices receive regular firmware updates, keeping them current with security patches and occasional new features. However, the Tapo TD25's newer hardware platform likely provides more room for future improvements through software updates.
For most users, the Tapo TD25's combination of advanced features and lower price makes it the better choice, unless SimpliSafe security integration is specifically needed. Its dual-power approach and lack of required subscription fees make it both more flexible and more economical in the long run.
| SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro | TP-Link Tapo TD25 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment cost | |
| $169 | $79.99 |
| Video Resolution - Determines image clarity and detail | |
| 1080p HD with HDR | 2K (2560 x 1920) 5MP |
| Field of View - How much area the camera can see | |
| 162° horizontal | 180° diagonal with head-to-toe view |
| Power Options - Affects installation flexibility | |
| Wired only (8-24 VAC) | Dual power: 10000mAh battery or hardwired |
| Storage Options - Impacts ongoing costs | |
| Cloud only ($5-10/month) | Local (microSD up to 512GB) + optional cloud |
| Night Vision - Quality of after-dark monitoring | |
| Standard IR night vision | Full-color night vision with customizable spotlights |
| Motion Detection - Affects alert accuracy | |
| Dual sensor (PIR + image classification) | AI-powered with person/pet/vehicle/package detection |
| Smart Home Integration - Ecosystem compatibility | |
| SimpliSafe ecosystem only | TP-Link ecosystem, voice assistants |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Professional monitoring integration, HDR imaging | Pre-roll capture (when wired), customizable activity zones, Ring Call feature |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| N/A (wired only) | Up to 8 months on battery |
| Weather Resistance - Durability | |
| Weather-resistant | Weather-resistant |
| Subscription Requirements - Long-term costs | |
| Required for recording ($5-10/month) | Optional (local storage available) |
For most users, the $79.99 TP-Link Tapo TD25 offers better value with higher 2K resolution, flexible power options, and local storage. However, the $169 SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is better if you need SimpliSafe security system integration.
The Tapo TD25 offers superior 2K (2560 x 1920) resolution compared to the SimpliSafe's 1080p, though the SimpliSafe Pro does include HDR for better handling of bright and dark areas.
The SimpliSafe requires hardwiring and might need professional installation. The Tapo TD25 can be installed by most homeowners since it offers battery power option with no wiring required.
The Tapo TD25 features full-color night vision with customizable spotlights, offering better nighttime clarity than the SimpliSafe Pro's standard infrared night vision.
The SimpliSafe requires a $5-10 monthly subscription for recording. The Tapo TD25 can store recordings locally on a microSD card with no subscription needed.
Neither doorbell directly integrates with home theater systems, but both can display video feeds on smart TVs. The Tapo TD25 offers broader smart home integration options.
The Tapo TD25 features newer AI-powered detection for people, pets, vehicles, and packages. The SimpliSafe Pro uses a dual-sensor system that's reliable but less specific in its detection categories.
The Tapo TD25's 10000mAh battery lasts up to 8 months between charges. The SimpliSafe Pro is wired-only with no battery option.
Both doorbells can display video on smart TVs through their respective apps. The Tapo TD25 offers more compatibility with various streaming devices.
The SimpliSafe Pro has HDR technology that handles bright sunlight well. The Tapo TD25 compensates with higher resolution but might show more glare in extreme lighting.
The Tapo TD25 works with popular voice assistants including Alexa and Google Home. The SimpliSafe Pro has limited third-party integration, focusing mainly on its own ecosystem.
The newer Tapo TD25 with its higher resolution and more advanced features represents better long-term value compared to the SimpliSafe Pro from 2018, especially considering its lower price point and regular firmware updates.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: trustedreviews.com - jeffgeerling.com - security.org - support.simplisafe.com - security.org - simplisafe.co.uk - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - support.simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - safehome.org - trustedreviews.com - community.tp-link.com - community.tp-link.com - bestbuy.com - tp-link.com - tp-link.com - youtube.com - manuals.plus - tp-link.com - tapo.com - community.tp-link.com
