By Taylor Bennett 
Tapo Door Sensor Mini (T110) Review: Smart Home Security Simplified
In today’s interconnected world, home security is paramount. Today, we’re reviewing the Tapo Door Sensor Mini, Requires Tapo Hub, Long Battery Life w/Sub-1G Low-Power Wireless Protocol, Contact Sensor, 15mm Wide Gap Allowed, Real-Time Notification, Smart Action (T110), a compact and feature-rich device designed to enhance your peace of mind. This smart sensor promises real-time alerts, seamless integration with other Tapo devices, and impressive battery life, all while operating on a reliable Sub-1G wireless protocol. Let’s dive into a detailed examination of its capabilities and see if it lives up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The Tapo T110 aims to provide simple yet effective door and window monitoring. The core functionality revolves around detecting when a door or window is opened or closed, and immediately sending a notification to your smartphone via the Tapo app. Setup is straightforward, although it’s crucial to remember that this sensor requires the Tapo Hub H100, which is sold separately. This hub acts as the central communication point for the sensor, utilizing the Sub-1G Low-Power Wireless protocol. This protocol is a key advantage, offering a longer range and better battery life compared to Wi-Fi-based sensors. The claimed battery life of up to 2 years, with typical usage of less than 30 triggers per day, is quite impressive and reduces the hassle of frequent battery replacements.
One of the standout features is the “Smart Action” functionality. This allows the T110 to trigger other Tapo smart devices. For example, you can configure it to turn on your Tapo smart lights when a door is opened at night or activate a Tapo security camera to record activity when a window is breached. The Tapo Hub’s 90dB ringer, with its 19 selectable tones, can also be programmed to sound an alarm in response to a breach, adding an extra layer of security. The hub’s ability to execute Smart Actions even without internet connectivity is a significant plus, ensuring reliable operation in case of network outages.
The sensor’s compact size and 15mm wide gap allowance make it suitable for a variety of installations, not just doors and windows. You can use it to monitor cabinets, refrigerators, mailboxes, and other items that open and close. Installation is simplified by the included 3M adhesive, making it easy to mount the sensor on almost any surface.
However, the dependence on the Tapo Hub is both a pro and a con. While the hub offers benefits in terms of range and battery life, it also adds to the initial cost and introduces a single point of failure. Users must also ensure that the Sub-1G band used by the devices is compatible with their region. The setup process also necessitates a secured 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network connection for the hub to operate properly.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long battery life (up to 2 years) | Requires Tapo Hub H100 (sold separately) |
| Real-time notifications | Limited to Tapo ecosystem |
| Smart Action integration with other Tapo devices | Dependent on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network for hub setup |
| Sub-1G Low-Power Wireless protocol for extended range | Sub-1G frequency band compatibility must be verified for your region |
| Easy installation with included 3M adhesive | Hub acts as a single point of failure for the sensors |
| Can be used on various surfaces and objects beyond just doors/windows |
Excellent Alternatives
While the Tapo T110 offers a compelling package, here are some alternatives to consider:
Aqara Door and Window Sensor: A popular Zigbee-based sensor known for its reliability and compatibility with various smart home platforms.
Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor: A versatile sensor that can detect open/close states, vibration, and orientation, offering broader functionality.
Wyze Sense Entry Sensor: A budget-friendly option that integrates seamlessly with the Wyze ecosystem, known for its affordable smart home products.
Final Verdict
The Tapo Door Sensor Mini T110 is a solid choice for those already invested in the Tapo ecosystem or looking for a simple and reliable door and window monitoring solution. The long battery life, extended range thanks to the Sub-1G protocol, and Smart Action integration are significant advantages. However, the requirement for the Tapo Hub and the potential limitations of being locked into a single ecosystem should be considered before making a purchase. If you need broader smart home integration or prefer a hub-less solution, exploring alternatives like Aqara or Samsung SmartThings might be beneficial. Overall, the Tapo T110 provides a good balance of features and affordability, making it a worthy contender in the smart home security market.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5