Hey there, security-conscious peeps! We're diving deep into the world of affordable security cameras today with a review of the Kasa Smart 2K QHD Outdoor Security Camera.
Now, let's be real, most of us aren't rolling in dough like a tech billionaire, so a camera that's both effective AND budget-friendly is a dream come true. Kasa promises to deliver just that, boasting features like crystal-clear 2K video, impressive night vision, and a surprisingly snazzy two-way audio system. But is it all hype or a real-deal game-changer? We're about to spill the tea!
Before we dive into the juicy details, let's talk about the elephant in the room: price. This bad boy is typically priced under $50, making it a steal compared to some of those fancy-pants, name-brand security cameras that cost a small fortune.
But cheap doesn't always mean good, right? That's where our review comes in. We tested this camera inside and out, putting it through the paces with a variety of scenarios, because, let's face it, we want to know it can handle anything Mother Nature throws at it (or any potential intruders, for that matter!).
First things first, let's talk about the setup. It was seriously a breeze, folks! Plug it in, wait for the light to blink, and boom! You're connected to the app in no time. This thing practically sets itself up, which is a huge win in my book.
Now, let's get into the real meat and potatoes of the review: performance.
Night Vision: The night vision is one of the things that really impressed us. It's super clear, capturing details even in low-light conditions, making it a serious contender for those of you who want to keep an eye on your property after dark.
Motion Detection: This camera does a great job of picking up motion, sending you alerts when it detects something suspicious. The cool part is you can actually set up specific zones for motion detection, so you're only alerted for areas you care about (like your front porch, not your neighbor's cat!).
Two-way Audio: Talk about a game-changer! You can actually chat with whoever's at your door through the camera, using the built-in speaker and microphone. Imagine the possibilities! This could be a lifesaver for those times when you're not home and a delivery driver needs to drop something off, or when your dog is barking at the mailman.
Storage: You've got options here! You can store your recordings on a microSD card or opt for a cloud-based plan (which is pretty affordable compared to other brands). So, whether you're a DIYer or prefer the convenience of a cloud solution, you're covered.
Here's what some real users have to say about this camera:
- SMcClure: "We use Kasa smart bulbs in our house and love them. I didn't realize Kasa made cameras, so when I needed an outdoor camera for security, I went with another brand. While it 'worked', the alerts were endless as it couldn't differentiate between a person, a dog, a car, or a sparrow. So, I decided to try this brand. AND I LOVE IT. Set up is a breeze, plug it in, wait for the light to blink, press the + in the app and the camera was linked to the app. I love that I can use the same app that I already have on my phone, it remembers the WiFi password set for the network, I can easily access from my Echo Show to see what's going on (a plus as I work from home and am on my phone constantly thru the day), and I have the choice of a reasonably priced cloud storage plan or use of an SD card. The only downside I have found so far is the power supply - it's a type C cord that plugs into a pronged block (like what's used with a cell phone). These are "outdoor" cameras and if they were to be plugged in outside, I can't imagine that they would be waterproof or safe with this type of connection. We use them on the outside of our buildings for security, but run the cords to interior outlets, so they work for us, but would much prefer a weather safe connection if needed. Will be purchasing a couple more for outside and replacing our inside cameras with this brand as well."
- Ryan: "I have a slew of the Kasa smart outlets and they’re excellent. Cheap and just work. I watched these cameras for a long time before trying a couple. I’m glad I did. I got them on a good sale, around $42 each. My buddy who is a professional security camera installer is blown away at their picture for a camera at 1/4 of his pro cam cost. The night vision is incredible. The picture is crisp and clean when night vision is on. What is even more impressive is the cameras ability to use what light it can pickup at night and keep color and clarity. I will say, I run these on 1080 as I don’t see any real difference at 2k. But just remember, it depends on the screen you’re viewing it on. For me, 1080 is plenty. Motion sensing: Pretty slick, you can set a irregular squares to areas of interest you want notifications. For example. One cam captures the street, but I only want my walkway. So I set that section to only alert if movement is noticed in that area. Even nicer, you can set up to 4 different sections. Install is straight forward. Mount anywhere 110v is within the 10’ reach of the cord. I bought a 50’ USB extension cable to power one of these cameras where 110v is not nearby and it’s flawless. Can probably power sufficiently with even longer USB extension. Ending thoughts. If you’re interesting in an inexpensive but high quality camera, look no further."
- Scott: "As a professional security camera installer, have been asked to install them for homeowners. Came across this camera and specs looked really good for personal use. So to Plus the cost is affordable for most; especially if you can find it on sale. The video can be displayed on both Alexa and Google Home devices for easy monitoring as well. For these reasons, I have recommended and installed this camera for several home/personal clients. The app is easy to use and set cameras up. The downside to this camera is power! Only wish the cable was NOT ATTACHED to the camera. Because it's attached permanently I've had to drill large holes for a USB-A fitting to passthrough. Would have been nice if the power cable was a USB-A to USB-C because then the hole only has to be big enough for the USB-C end. There are a few times the motion sensor is too sensitive or not sensitive enough."
- Lisa Marie: "Camera is great absolutely love it. Does offer SD card for storage or monthly cloud that is less than $5 a month for one camera or $10 for two or more cameras. Spotlight and siren works as should. Color video at night is nice and clear. Will buy again."
Okay, so it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Let's talk about a couple of minor drawbacks:
- Power Cable: The power cable is permanently attached to the camera, which can be a bit of a pain if you need to run it a long distance or if you want to mount the camera in a place where there isn't an easy outlet access. It's a minor inconvenience, but something to keep in mind.
- Motion Sensitivity: Some users have reported that the motion sensor can be a bit too sensitive, leading to unnecessary alerts. Fortunately, you can adjust the sensitivity levels in the app, so you can fine-tune it to your liking.
Overall: The Kasa Smart 2K QHD Outdoor Security Camera is an incredibly impressive camera that delivers big-time features for a budget-friendly price. It's packed with features that most of us would expect in a much more expensive camera, making it a real contender for anyone looking for an affordable yet effective home security solution.
Ready to up your home security game without breaking the bank? Check out the Kasa Smart 2K QHD Outdoor Security Camera. You won't be disappointed! [Buy On Amazon]
Remember, this is just a sample review. Feel free to adjust it to fit your unique writing style and add your own personal insights and opinions. Be sure to link to the product page on Amazon using your affiliate link.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. As an amazon affilater, if you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.