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Tapo H500 Review

16 cameras + 64 sensors  |  16GB + 2.5-inch drive bay  |  Face recognition  |  HDMI out  |  Ethernet

Overview

The Tapo H500 (CentralHub) is Tapo’s most capable hub. Tapo says it connects up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors, with 16GB of built-in storage and a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay for up to 16TB. It adds face recognition and person, pet and vehicle detection, and an HDMI output for viewing cameras on a TV.

It runs on a 12V 2A adapter with 10/100 Ethernet. Tapo’s setup guide says it connects to the router on 5GHz Wi-Fi, while it talks to cameras on 2.4GHz and to sensors on sub-1GHz (868MHz).

Key Features

✓Up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors
✓16GB eMMC plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay (up to 16TB)
✓Face recognition; person, pet and vehicle detection
✓HDMI out
✓Ethernet (10/100)
✓5GHz to the router; 2.4GHz for cameras; 868MHz for sensors
✓12V 2A power

Pros & Cons

Pros

+ Large local storage
+ Face recognition
+ HDMI out to a TV
+ Up to 16 cameras

Cons

− Needs 5GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet
− Drive is extra
− Tapo has tested drives only up to 8TB

Setup & Installation

Connect it with an Ethernet cable or to 5GHz Wi-Fi. Tapo’s drive guide says to use a 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD (5V, under 10W).

Update the hub and camera firmware before adding cameras.

Common Problems & Fixes

Running into issues? Our Tapo H500 troubleshooting guide covers step-by-step fixes taken from Tapo’s own guides, including won’t connect to Wi-Fi, cameras won’t connect, hard drive not detected.

Who Should Buy It

Anyone building a larger Tapo camera system who wants local storage and face recognition.

Verdict

The H500 turns a set of Tapo cameras into a proper local system, with a drive bay, face recognition and HDMI out.

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