Home security hub that centralises cameras, sensors and on-device AI for local recording, Tapo H500 Smart IoT Hub. Peace of mind follows from face recognition and no monthly subscription, ideal for households who want control of their footage. Is local-only storage and on-device AI a better fit than cloud-based alternatives?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Local Storage & AI: Built-in 16GB eMMC with expansion via 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD, plus on-device face recognition and AI detection
- • Best for: Homeowners and small business owners who want local, subscription-free surveillance
- • Not ideal for: Users who prefer cloud-only backup and remote vendor-managed archives
Expandable local storage supports long-term footage retention. On-device AI sorts and tags events while supporting up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors.
Reliable local recording - with expandable 16GB eMMC and 2.5" SATA support
A 16GB eMMC stores footage locally and a 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD slot allows added capacity for long-term retention. Local storage operates independently of cloud services, keeping data on the home network.
Secure on-site archiving eliminates monthly subscription dependency and keeps footage under homeowner control.
Fewer false alarms - with precise on-device face recognition and AI detection
On-device AI recognises and tags strangers, family and friends, supports face tracking and event retrieval, and classifies person, pet and vehicle movement. Events are categorised at source to reduce irrelevant triggers.
More accurate alerts cut down nuisance notifications and make it quicker to find relevant incidents.
Smart home centrepiece - with Matter support and 3D dashboard visualisation
Matter compatibility enables interoperability with other Matter-capable devices, while the hub supports up to 16 Tapo cameras and 64 Tapo sensors. A 3D dashboard builds a map of the home for intuitive device placement and monitoring.
Centralised management simplifies daily control, tablet monitoring shows multiple live feeds, and two-way doorbell audio helps handle visitors remotely.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Tapo H500 Smart IoT Hub
- Camera Scalability - Connect up to 16 cameras, cover whole house without compromises
- 110dB Alarm - Loud audible alert for immediate attention during security events
- Matter Support - Seamless interoperability with other Matter smart home devices
- 3D Dashboard - Visualise device layout and monitor multiple feeds on a tablet
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Home Improvement
- Brand: Tapo
- Model: H500 Smart IoT Hub
- Storage: Built-in 16GB eMMC, expandable via 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD
- Max Cameras: Supports up to 16 Tapo cameras
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a monthly subscription required for storage?
A: No, local storage is provided via built-in 16GB eMMC and can be expanded with a 2.5" SATA HDD or SSD, avoiding monthly fees.
Q: How many cameras and sensors can be connected?
A: Up to 16 Tapo cameras and up to 64 Tapo sensors can be connected to build a smart home ecosystem.
Q: Does the hub support two-way audio and alarms?
A: Yes, a built-in microphone and speaker enable doorbell voice calls, and a 110dB alarm delivers audible alerts when unfamiliar faces are detected.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for homeowners and small business owners who value local control, accurate alerts and integration with a wider smart home. On-device face recognition combined with expandable local storage and Matter support makes for a capable security and automation hub. While initial outlay may be higher than basic hubs, avoidance of subscription fees and local archiving deliver clear long-term value.
