TP-Link Tapo H500 CentralHub

The H500 Hub offers centralized storage (for relatively recent cameras), so you don't have to insert microSD cards into each individual camera. If you do, you can configure the card to serve as backup storage if the connection to the hub is lost.

You can only store 16GB of internal memory on the hub. I purchased a 2TB SSD, so I don't have to worry about storage capacity. There's room for that 2.5" SSD (or HDD, if you prefer) in the hub housing. Neat.

So you don't need a cloud subscription to store your footage securely and centrally. Thieves can't steal your footage by stealing your SD card. This could be useful in the event of a burglary where they want to cover their tracks.

In addition, the hub offers additional AI-driven features that aren't (yet) included in the camera software, such as facial recognition (which can be disabled, of course).

Since not all older cameras can be connected to the hub, it's best to check this page to see if the cameras you already own are compatible. Pay attention not only to the model number (e.g., C200), but also to the hardware version. V1 is not compatible with the C200, while higher versions are. A firmware upgrade will be released for other cameras, such as the C320WS V1, in the coming months. So check first. To avoid disappointment.

One final point: you can also easily connect the hub to a monitor or TV via an HDMI cable, allowing you to display a multi-camera image from all your cameras (4 per screen) in a carousel.

This year, a successor (H900) will be released, which will be equipped with a tablet on which you can display this multi-camera view. You can place this on a built-in stand. The H500 also includes a stand, but you'll need to provide your own tablet.

I bought the H500 in combination with several C560WS units and a doorbell. I purchased the hub to store my camera footage. According to the TP-Link website, you need to purchase a 2.5" SATA drive for this. It is supposedly expandable up to 16TB. Unfortunately, such a drive does not exist. The most extensive memory I could find (without spending 1,000 euros) is 2TB. Additionally, TP-Link recommends a number of drives on their website that have proven to be "tested and compatible." However, 80% of the described drives are 3.5" and therefore do not fit in the hub. Contacting TP-Link doesn't leave you much wiser, as they themselves don't really know the full story.

So, keep this in mind if you are purchasing this for storing camera footage. It only fits a 2.5" hard drive, and those are hard to find.

Otherwise, it works properly (owned and connected for a week now). Installation is quick, cameras work smoothly, and storage is perfect. Completely satisfied! The options are endless, as you can fine-tune a tremendous amount to your own preferences.

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