Camera Comparison · UK 2026
Aqara Camera E1 vs Tapo C260

Specs, pros and cons compared side by side

Both the Aqara Camera E1 and the Tapo C260 are security cameras. This head-to-head sets them side by side using the specs, pros and cons from our full reviews. Aqara specs come from our Aqara review, checked against Aqara’s own pages; Tapo specs come from Tapo’s own product pages.

Quick verdict

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Aqara Camera E1

Pick it for: HomeKit Secure Video (the C260: no HomeKit)

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Tapo C260

Pick it for: Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz only) · 4K 8MP video (the E1: 2K, 2304 x 1296)

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Quick comparison

Spec Aqara Camera E1 Tapo C260
Resolution 2K (2304×1296) 4K 8MP
Power Plug-in (USB-C, 5V 2A adapter not included) Plug-in (5V USB-C, 3 m cord)
IP Rating Indoor only Indoor use
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 Dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz
Storage microSD up to 512GB microSD up to 512GB
Apple HomeKit Yes ✅ (HomeKit Secure Video) No
Subscription Not needed for microSD recording Optional (Tapo Care)
Smart home Aqara Home, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT Alexa, Google, SmartThings
Aqara Camera E1

Pros

  • 2K pan and tilt in a small body
  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • microSD up to 512GB
  • Shelf, wall or ceiling mounting

Cons

  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
  • Not a Zigbee hub
  • Power adapter not included
  • Indoor only
Tapo C260

Pros

  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Local face recognition
  • Lens hides for privacy
  • USB-C power

Cons

  • Indoor use only
  • No HomeKit
  • 4K fills microSD cards faster

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Which should you buy?

Why choose the Aqara Camera E1

  • HomeKit Secure Video (the C260: no HomeKit)
Why choose the Tapo C260

  • Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz only)
  • 4K 8MP video (the E1: 2K, 2304 x 1296)

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