TP-Link Tapo H500 Review: A Smarter Hub with Local AI for Up to 16 Devices

Hello, this is Itsuki (@saigalog).

When using several monitoring cameras, you start to notice situations where “I can see the footage, but managing them is cumbersome” or “There are too many notifications, which actually makes me anxious.”

I myself was a bit tired of switching between apps every time I checked, as each camera had separate settings and recording destinations.

What I felt after introducing the “TP-Link Tapo H500” is the sense that monitoring changes from a “point” to a “surface.”

Instead of cameras and sensors existing separately, consolidating them into a single hub dramatically reduces the stress of checking and managing them.

In this article, I will review the “Tapo H500” focusing on the decisive differences from using individual cameras and how the overall monitoring environment has changed after using it.

※This article was created with a product provided by the manufacturer.

Included Items of TP-Link Tapo H500

The packaging of the “TP-Link Tapo H500” features a simple design with a white base and blue accent color.

The back side lists the product features.

The included items are as follows.

A LAN cable is included for connecting to the router.

The specifications are listed on the side of the power adapter.

Four screws are included for securing the SSD/HDD.

Specifications of TP-Link Tapo H500

The “TP-Link Tapo H500” is a central hub that transforms monitoring cameras into a “management system.”

Main Features are as follows.

The main body specifications are as follows.

Product Name	TP-Link Tapo H500
Dimensions	98.82 × 160.20 × 83.21 (mm)
Weight	615 g
Local Storage	Built-in Storage: 16GB eMMC Expandable Storage: One slot for 2.5-inch SATA storage* *2.5-inch SATA storage is not included. The maximum storage recognized by the system is 16TB.
Frequency	5GHz Wi-Fi: (for router connection) 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: (for Tapo camera connection) Sub-1GHz: (for Tapo sensor connection)
Security	128-bit AES encryption via SSL/TLS
Interface	HDMI port ×1, DC power port ×1
Adapter Input	100–240V, 50/60Hz
Adapter Output	12V, 2A
Wired Port	10/100Mbps ×1 (for router connection)
USB Support	USB Port: USB Type-A ×1 (for data transfer), USB Type-C ×1 (for camera power)
Buttons	Reset ×1 Response/SYNC ×1 End/Mute ×1 Volume Up ×1 Volume Down ×1

Appearance

The “TP-Link Tapo H500” has a simple design with a white base.

You can open the tablet stand to place a tablet upright.

Here is how it looks from above.

There are various buttons in the center and an indicator on the right side.

Viewed from the side, it has a triangular shape.

By removing the side cover, you can install a 2.5-inch SSD/HDD.

There is a speaker on the back.

The bottom houses various ports.

It is used by connecting the power adapter to an outlet.

The bottom displays product specifications and various markings.

Size & Weight

The “TP-Link Tapo H500” measures 98.82 × 160.20 mm.

Height is 83.21 mm.

Here is the size comparison with a smartphone (iPhone 15 Pro).

Its compact size makes it easy to place anywhere.

Its weight is 615 g.

Functions

The “TP-Link Tapo H500” is an all-in-one security solution smart home hub.

It comes with large-capacity local storage that is safe and cost-effective.

Strong encryption ensures robust privacy and security protection.

High-precision facial recognition reduces false detections.

AI functionality is added to cameras to enhance recognition accuracy.

You can easily monitor multiple cameras at once.

Supports connection of up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors, allowing full smart home control.

Up to four live streams can be viewed simultaneously.

Alerts and doorbell voice call features provide comprehensive security.

Tapo Mobile App

Settings and management can be done through the Tapo mobile app.

The home screen allows you to check connected devices, storage, and play camera feeds.

You can view all connected devices.

You can check the contents of the storage.

You can register recognized people using AI facial recognition.

You can play back recorded footage.

You can output camera footage to HDMI-compatible TVs or monitors.

You can connect USB storage for backups and sharing.

You can view event logs.

Device settings allow you to check and configure detailed options.

You can set and check various items like device information and network connections.

TP-Link Tapo H500 Review Summary

This article covered “TP-Link Tapo H500 Review: Manage Up to 16 Devices! Local AI Provides Greater Peace of Mind.”

The “TP-Link Tapo H500” is not simply a device to add more monitoring cameras.

It is a hub that turns monitoring into a system you can manage.

Even if you add more cameras, it avoids chaos and prevents being overwhelmed by recordings or notifications.

As a result, you check footage less often and enjoy more peace of mind.

For those who want to operate multiple monitoring cameras seriously or feel uneasy about cloud dependence, the “Tapo H500” is a worthwhile addition.