Wyze Security Cameras Review

We spent dozens of hours researching and testing Wyze cameras to notice out why they deliver on the cheap.

Wyze is the best value in security cameras thank you to its cameras that match the features of more than expensive (or even average-priced) brands like Arlo, Ring, and Google Nest. Chief amidst these is the Wyze Cam v3 , which offers excellent night vision and a design that works inside and outside your domicile.

Indeed, Wyze cameras aren't nearly every bit avant-garde—they lack 5GHz Wi-Fi support, don't work with large microSD cards, and don't support as many smart abode platforms. But what Wyze lacks in advanced features, information technology makes upwards in reliability at a fantastic price.

Compare Wyze cameras

Camera

Listing cost*

Field of view

Video storage

Weatherproofing

Power source

Learn more than

Best value

Wyze Cam v3 Wyze Cam v3

130º Deject,
microSD card

Icon Yes  Light IP65

USB adapter
Best wireless camera

Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Bundle Wyze Cam Outdoor

110º Cloud,
microSD card

Icon Yes  Light IP65

Bombardment,
USB adapter
Best indoor camera

Wyze Cam Pan v2

120º (lens)
360º (pan)
Deject,
microSD carte

Icon No  Light Indoor just

USB adapter
Best for front door

Wyze Video Doorbell Wyze Video Doorbell

120º Cloud just

Icon Yes  Light IP65

Doorbell wiring

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject area to alter. Read full disclaimer.

Wyze cameras similarities

Wyze Cam core features

Regardless of which Wyze camera you lot cull, they all come with the same core features:

  • The Wyze app is your portal to set up up, view, and control these cameras using a smartphone.
  • Ii-fashion audio gives y'all the option to talk to people through the cameras and hear their replies.
  • Move and audio detection let the cameras to capture important events without continuously recording. The Wyze Video Doorbell is the only model that doesn't back up sound detection, but nosotros recall that'southward a practiced option that respects visitors' privacy at your door.
  • Infrared nighttime vision allows the cameras to tape videos in consummate darkness, though the Wyze Cam v3 and Wyze Cam Pan v2 have better nighttime vision than other Wyze cameras.
  • 1080p HD video quality captures plenty detail to show what's happening in front of the cameras.
  • Time-lapse recordings tin can compress several hours of video footage into brusk clips for piece of cake review.
  • Compact, minimalist designs mean the cameras blend into their surroundings without taking as well much space.
  • Fume and CO alerts allow the cameras to transport you a push button notification if they detect the sound of a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm.

Some of these features—like the mobile app, 2-style audio, 1080p video, move detection, and nighttime vision—are standard fare for most security cameras. But Wyze stands out for offering time-lapse videos and smoke alerts without a subscription when companies like Google Nest† and Arlo charge actress.

Wyze Cam cloud storage

All Wyze security cameras include free cloud storage that stores video clips online for upwards to 14 days. While this free storage is handy for folks who want to skip a monthly fee, information technology comes with two heavy recording restrictions that can reduce its effectiveness.

Video clips can't be longer than 12 seconds, which might not be enough fourth dimension to capture vital information well-nigh what'southward happening in your home. The brusque video clips aren't terrible on their own, but a mandatory five-minute cooldown betwixt recordings amplifies the problem.

In short, you accept to be incredibly lucky for Wyze's free cloud storage to make a difference during a security event. But at that place are iii means you can get effectually the event:

  1. If you don't want to pay a dime, you can adjust the photographic camera'southward sensitivity and create detection zones to limit recording triggers. While changing the movement or sound sensitivity tin can work in many cases, we prefer using detection zones that trigger only when there's activity at a specific door or window.
  2. An easier choice is buying a microSD card for the photographic camera since the photographic camera can record all move to the card without a paid cloud storage subscription.
  3. Paying for a Wyze Cam Plus storage plan removes the 12-second limit and recording cooldown.

Wyze cloud storage plans

Price per camera

Length of video prune or movement alert

Recording/warning cooldown

Sound, smoke alarm, and CO alerts

Premium features*

Acquire more than

Bones Plan 12 seconds five minutes

Icon Yes  Light Yes

None
Cam Plus Unlimited None

Icon Yes  Light Yep

Event fast forwarding,
person detection

Info current every bit of mail date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*Wyze plans to add together the following premium features in the hereafter: face recognition, package detection, pet detection, vehicle detection, and event insights.

Wyze Cam smart home compatibility

Wyze supports three major smart home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT (If This Then That). While the support isn't particularly deep compared to brands like Arlo, information technology'southward a welcome bonus for budget products like Wyze. In general, security cameras don't offer every bit much benefit to a smart dwelling every bit they would to a security system. Withal, it's overnice to see Wyze making an effort.

With Alexa and Google, y'all can view live video streams from your Wyze cameras on a compatible smart display, similar an Amazon Echo Show or a Google Nest Hub, past using a simple voice control. Merely we couldn't find any other means to use Wyze cameras with these digital assistants, so you tin can't start recordings or even turn off cameras.

IFTTT has more options for decision-making your cameras and linking them to smart dwelling house devices beyond Amazon and Google smart hubs. But IFTTT recently introduced a paid subscription model that limits what users tin can do for gratis.

Wyze cameras differences

Wyze Cam local video storage

Aside from the Wyze Video Doorbell, all of Wyze's security cameras tin can record video locally on a microSD card—and support a maximum of only 32 GB of storage. This is because the cameras use a FAT32 file structure that doesn't work as reliably on larger cards.

A 32 GB bill of fare isn't huge compared to the 128 GB cards you can buy for less than $20, but Wyze says it's enough to agree upwards to ii days of continuous HD video or eight days of SD video. If you want to maximize your card storage, you can use the "Record events just" setting to record 1-infinitesimal clips whenever in that location's movement.

Although the Wyze Video Doorbell's lack of local recording is more pronounced, the Wyze Cam Outdoor too approaches local storage differently.

In this example, the Cam Outdoor and its base of operations station each take microSD slots. Any microSD bill of fare in the base station is a duplicate of the card in the Outdoor Cam, making it easier to access recordings without grabbing a ladder. Unlike other Wyze cameras that support microSD, the Cam Outdoor doesn't have the option to record continuous video, which helps prolong its bombardment life.

Wyze Cam video frame rates

There are different frame rates among Wyze'southward security cameras, with the newer models generally recording a college number of frames per second (fps) for a smoother video that captures more detail. The individual cameras take different frame rates depending on the time of 24-hour interval, with lower frame rates at night allowing for longer exposure times to business relationship for low-light conditions.

Daytime frame rate

Nighttime frame charge per unit

Wyze Cam v3,
Wyze Cam Pan v2,
Wyze Video Doorbell
twenty fps 15 fps
Wyze Cam Outdoor 20 fps 10 fps
Wyze Cam Pan,
Wyze Cam Black (v2)
15 fps 10 fps

Wyze Cam weatherproofing

Wyze's three newest cameras have weatherproofing, then you can use them in outdoor weather—Wyze Cam v3, Wyze Cam Outdoor, and Wyze Video Doorbell. This adds a lot more flexibility than the Wyze Cam Pan and Wyze Cam v2, which aren't big fans of rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations.

Even though the Wyze Cam v3 works outdoors, yous need to use an outdoor power adapter. Unfortunately, this adapter isn't available nonetheless, which keeps the photographic camera indoors for at present. We'll update once we discover out a house release date.

Wyze Cam installation

Near of Wyze's cameras have a unproblematic, metallic mounting plate that yous adhere to the wall using a screw or adhesive tape. The metallic plate provides a firm surface for magnets in each camera's base of operations to hold on to.

Just the Wyze Video Doorbell doesn't use a magnetic mountain. Instead, it comes with a mounting plate that you screw to the wall. This is a reasonable choice that helps prevent someone from walking away with your doorbell on a whim.

Wyze Cam ability sources

At that place are three power sources for Wyze cameras that let them to work in different environments:

  • Indoor cameras like the Wyze Cam v3 and Wyze Cam Pan use simple USB adapters.
  • The Wyze Outdoor security camera relies on a battery then y'all can place it far from power outlets. Information technology besides uses a base station indoors (USB adapter) to connect to Wi-Fi and extend its bombardment life.
  • The Wyze Video Doorbell connects directly to existing doorbell wiring, giving it continuous power so you can see visitors on your porch.

Wyze security camera reviews

ane. Wyze Cam v3: All-time value

The Wyze Cam v3 is the highlight of Wyze's unabridged security camera lineup. It improves on the Wyze Cam v2 in every manner while still costing less than $30.

See it in action in our total review of the v3.

In particular, the camera excels at nighttime recording thanks to a starlight sensor and two types of infrared LEDs—resulting in total-color video and a brighter flick after the sunday goes down. Despite these improvements, yous'll get ameliorate videos during the day, like with most security cameras.

Different the Wyze Cam v2, this photographic camera is resilient plenty to use indoors and outdoors, making it a wired alternative to the battery-only Outdoor Wyze Cam. There'south a grab, though—you need an outdoor ability adapter for the photographic camera to work safely outdoors, but Wyze isn't selling it nonetheless. This smart security camera will exist difficult to peak with a proper outdoor power supply.

It as well has a built-in siren, which yous won't find on other Wyze cameras. Although it's non something you'll use every day, it'due south a potent way to deter would-be trespassers.

On the whole, the Wyze Cam v3 is probably the all-time value among affordable security cameras. Its thoughtful features and powerful night vision are hard to pass up at such a compelling price. Other budget security cameras similar the Ring Indoor Cam and Blink Mini can't keep upwardly.

2. Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Parcel: All-time wireless photographic camera

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is the company's outset truly wireless camera, thank you to built-in rechargeable batteries that last 3–6 months on a accuse. This is Wyze's most expensive security camera, but the $seventy starter kit is still nearly half the toll of entry-level outdoor cameras from brands like Ring and Arlo.

Correct away, yous'll notice that this Wyze camera system requires a base of operations station. It handles the power-hungry net connection (using Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and so the camera tin can use its battery more finer. Unlike Arlo'south overly expensive base stations, this is one that we similar.

Each base station supports up to four cameras with Wyze Cam Outdoor Add together-On Cameras costing around $lx a slice. We also like the local storage redundancy yous get from having an SD carte in the camera and i in the base of operations station that gives you easy access to recordings.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor's local video storage lacks a continuous recording option and then it can save on bombardment life, which is probably for the best. But you can set the outdoor photographic camera to record on schedule if motility-triggered recordings aren't enough.

While the Wyze Cam Outdoor has more powerful infrared night vision than the Wyze Cam v3, it doesn't offer total-color video, which might be a downside for some folks. Yet, this Wyze wireless camera is ideal for watching over your k at whatever time of day.

3. Wyze Cam Pan v2: Best indoor camera

The Wyze Cam Pan v2 might more than expensive than the Wyze Cam v3, merely we recall it's the ameliorate option if you desire a versatile indoor security photographic camera. Its pan and tilt motors requite information technology practically unlimited coverage of any room since you can reposition the lens for a better view using the Wyze app.

1 of the best parts of the Wyze Cam Pan's pan and tilt is a characteristic Wyze calls Pan Scan. Pan Scan essentially allows you to gear up up to four waypoints for the photographic camera to patrol automatically. It fifty-fifty follows moving subjects to go along them in the frame so you don't lose rail of what's happening in the family room.

When nosotros tested the v1 unit for our Wyze Cam Pan Review, we plant that the camera's speaker had occasional sound quality issues with two-manner audio. These issues weren't enough to deter us from recommending it. Nosotros'll update our reviews once nosotros have a take a chance to test the new model.

Although this is the largest Wyze photographic camera by size, it'southward still quite meaty—non much larger than a stick of butter. The original Wyze Cam Pan remains one of our favorite budget security cameras, even if the Wyze Cam v3 recently stole our hearts. Time will tell if the Wyze Cam Pan v2—and its colour night vision—can live upwards to its predecessor.

4. Wyze Video Doorbell: Best for front door

The Wyze Video Doorbell is ane of few video doorbells under $100, and so it's in uncharted territory. We hold with many online reviews that say it doesn't agree up to $100 competitors in the aforementioned way that other Wyze cameras do, merely it's still a good option for the price.

We're glad to run across that the Wyze Video Doorbell opts for a 4:3 aspect ratio, which works meliorate for the front end porch than the widescreen 16:9 standard found on Ring'south doorbells. Nonetheless, the camera'south field of view is narrower than what you discover on a typical doorbell camera, affecting how much you tin run across.

Wyze uses a hardwired connection, which is more work than sticking upwards a battery-powered doorbell, but simple plenty for most DIYers to install. Unfortunately, information technology doesn't actually control your existing doorbell like standard video doorbells. You demand the Wyze Chinkle too.

Overall, the Wyze Video Doorbell could benefit from a wider field of view, but the photographic camera'south video quality is probably good enough for most folks. Still, don't expect it to outperform pricier doorbell cameras like Arlo, Google Nest, and Ring.

Check out our full Wyze Doorbell Review.

Wyze security camera accessories

Wyze Home Monitoring Service

The Wyze Home Monitoring Service is Wyze'south outset DIY security organisation with professional monitoring. Every bit you lot might expect, it can piece of work in tandem with Wyze security cameras and even includes Cam Plus deject storage for a unmarried camera as part of the $five monthly price. Acquire more in our Wyze Habitation Monitoring review.

Wyze smart dwelling devices

Dissimilar the monitoring service, Wyze'due south smart home devices might not provide as many immediate benefits when you pair them with a Wyze security photographic camera. But you can control them with the same app as your cameras and create rules for them to work together—like having a light bulb plough on when a camera detects move.

Wyze'south smart home devices:

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary past location and are field of study to change. Read full disclaimer.

Final word

Wyze security cameras are an unlikely pairing of price and substance. While they don't have the well-nigh advanced engineering science, they manage to keep up with pricier competitors. Nosotros're especially fond of the Wyze Cam v3 and its color night vision that works in any environment inside or outside. But the company's other cameras definitely hold their ain.

Overall, we recommend Wyze security cameras to anyone who wants an affordable security pick or for folks with larger budgets who want to amass a fleet of cameras.

Caput over to our review of the best cheap security cameras to run across how Wyze fits into the sub-$fifty category.

We wanted to provide a comprehensive expect at Wyze's security cameras, and then we focused on its four most recent models. Nosotros didn't review the Wyze Cam v2 because it's like to the new v3, which costs the aforementioned, though we briefly discuss it in the Wyze Cam v3 review in a higher place.

After choosing which cameras to review, we highlighted shared features and differences between the products before delving into cursory reviews of the individual cameras. This arroyo allow u.s. compare Wyze as a whole to other security camera brands while emphasizing model-specific strengths.

Our enquiry for these Wyze security camera reviews looks at specifications, online reviews, and personal experiences with Wyze's cameras and other products—some on the SafeWise squad own and apply Wyze gear in their homes. Consider reading our review methodology if you want to larn more about how we test and rate products.

Wyze cameras FAQ

According to Wyze, it achieves low costs past partnering with efficient manufacturers, selling many products directly to consumers on its website, and non aiming for a high turn a profit margin.ane

There are no monthly fees to use Wyze cameras or the Wyze app. But you lot can subscribe to a Cam Plus plan to expand the features and remove the recording restrictions of Wyze's costless cloud storage.

Most Wyze security cameras crave Wi-Fi to set up simply can record without Wi-Fi after that equally long every bit you insert a microSD carte du jour. The only Wyze photographic camera model without a microSD slot is the Wyze Video Doorbell.

We couldn't find a limit to the number of cameras you tin can connect to your Wyze account. But you can only designate up to five security cameras every bit function of the Wyze Home Monitoring service. A "designated security camera" shows upwards equally a live stream in the Wyze app. The service limits you to five simultaneous live video streams to salve on internet bandwidth.

Indirectly—y'all tin use an adapter to connect the camera's microSD bill of fare to your reckoner to scout videos. Simply you must use the Wyze mobile app to sentry live video streams and video clips in the cloud.

All internet-continued devices are vulnerable to hacking, including Wyze—and the visitor even had at least ii major security breaches in Dec 2019.

Wyze investigated the breaches—which happened due to an employee mistake—and improved security:

  • Added multi-factor authentication
  • Reviewed internal security policies
  • Implemented better employee training and standards
  • Created a way to study vulnerabilities on its website

In general, you can prevent hacking by changing the default password out for a stronger one and by using the Wyze app's built-in two-cistron authentication feature.

How we reviewed Wyze cameras

Related articles on SafeWise

Sources

  1. Wyze Labs Inc., "Our Story - Wyze," Oct 2017. Accessed January 14, 2022.

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of postal service date and are subject to change. Whatever price and availability data displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to alter or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

John Carlsen

Written by

John Carlsen

John is a technology announcer specializing in smart dwelling devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over nine years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Habitation Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise equally a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism accent from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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