Wyze has been in the home security camera business for almost a decade now, taking the top spot for budget-friendly cameras that are easy to install, monitor, and use. But is the lower price of its cameras and smart home gadgets worth it? Learn what Wyze offers and what to expect from its products.
Get A FREE Home Security Quote Now
Wyze Company Overview
Wyze was founded in 2017 in Seattle, Washington, by three former Amazon workers with the intent to make smart home products more accessible and affordable to the masses. The first product — the Wyze Cam — launched at just $19.99, nearly $200 less than many competitor cameras at the time.
Pros
- Affordable security cameras and smart home products
- Easy to set up, generally
- Color night vision
- Free one-year warranty on Wyze products
Cons
- Cloud storage requires a subscription
- Wyze does not currently connect with Apple HomeKit
- Some users have reported router connectivity issues
Today, Wyze cameras are a bit higher in price, but not much. The most affordable security camera is $24.98, and even the highest-priced cameras cost less than $200, proving that Wyze has continued to create products the everyday user can afford.
Wyze was named one of Time’s most influential companies in 2022, thanks to its budget-friendly gadgets and expanded lineup that includes everything from video doorbells to robot vacuums. However, it’s also been the headline of some security concerns, including a widespread issue in 2024 where 13,000 users mistakenly saw thumbnails from other Wyze users’ cameras.
For more information about what Wyze has and is doing to protect your data and security, visit: https://www.wyze.com/pages/security-trust.
Is Wyze Worth It?
Wyze is one of many smart home companies that creates products like security cameras and smart lighting to upgrade your home. At first glance, it may not seem that much different than other brands leading the industry.
But here’s why we like Wyze: The company focuses on affordability. It wants its customers to have options for home security and convenience, even if they don’t want to spend $200+ per device to build their smart home system. If you’re not interested in having the best tech features in the industry and simply want a cheaper way to monitor your home when you’re there or away, Wyze can be a good option for you.
On the other hand, if you’re an Apple HomeKit user, know that Wyze doesn’t currently support this system. You also might not find its products worth the lower cost if you prioritize features and the best resolution for your cameras. In that case, cameras from companies like Arlo or Reolink might align more with what you’re looking for.
Wyze Products and Services
Wyze offers a range of security cameras, smart home, and lifestyle products for consumers, including smart light bulbs, alarms, and robot vacuums. The company also sells security plans that help you connect to and make the most of your Wyze camera system.
Cameras
Security cameras are Wyze’s main offering, so we’ll start here. You can find cameras of all types from Wyze, from wireless and wired cameras to indoor and outdoor-rated systems, to boost the security of your home. The cameras connect to the Wyze app for live monitoring, video playback, and real-time alerts when a camera detects human or pet motion.
Model | Type | Price | Features | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wyze Cam OG | Wired Power | $29.98 | 1080p, motion detection, IP65 rating | Basic indoor monitoring |
Wyze Cam v4 | Wired Power | $34.98 | 2.5K Quad HD, Wide Dynamic Range | Outdoor security |
Wyze Battery Cam Pro | Wireless (Battery) | $89.98 | 2.5K HDR, two-way audio, color night vision | Portable monitoring |
Wyze Video Doorbell Pro | Wireless (Battery) | $99.98 | Head-to-toe view, 2K resolution, wireless | Entryway security |
Wired Cameras
Wyze’s wired security cameras range from $24.98 for a basic indoor camera to $34.98 for a more high-tech outdoor floodlight camera. These cameras require access to a power outlet. Wyze crafts its outdoor cameras with IP65 weather and dust resistance to protect them from the elements. And, with included mounting kits designed for various mounting angles, you can place your cameras wherever you need for the best views.
The differences between various models, like the Wyze Cam OG and the Wyze Cam v4 mostly lie in video resolution: Wyze Cam OG and Wyze Cam v3 offer 1080p, Wyze Cam v3 Pro has 2.5k, and Wyze Cam v4 features 2.5k with Quad HD and Wide Dynamic Range.
- Wyze Cam OG
- 1080P video, color night vision
- IP65 indoor/outdoor use
- Motion and sound alerts
- Cloud or microSD storage
- Two-way audio communication
- Wyze Cam v4
- 2.5K QHD clarity
- Indoor/outdoor, IP65
- Color night vision
- Spotlight, siren, voice warning
- Clear audio, cloud/local storage
Wireless Cameras
Wyze currently has just one wireless camera available for purchase: Wyze Battery Cam Pro, which starts at $89.98. You can purchase it as a single camera or in 2- or 3-packs. It’s also available with an extra battery pack or solar panel to keep it charged reliably.
Here are some top features:
- 2.5k HDR
- Two-way audio
- Connectable to Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
- Radar and PIR motion detection
- Built-in spotlight
- Color night vision
- Removable battery pack to easily swap out and charge the battery
- Wyze Battery Cam Pro
- 2K video, color night vision
- Two-way communication
- Spotlight and siren w/ motion alerts
- Rechargeable battery
- Wyze Solar Panel compatible
Cameras with Lighting
When you want to monitor the perimeter of your home with some additional security from motion-detection-activated lights, consider one of Wyze’s lighting cameras or add-on lights. They can be helpful in dark areas where night vision doesn’t give you the visuals you need and to deter unwanted visitors at night.
Wyze’s lineup includes wired floodlights and wireless cameras with plug-in mounts to save battery power. Some of its basic indoor and outdoor security cameras also have built-in spotlights.
- WYZE Floodlight Camera
- 2K HD, color night vision
- Wide-angle, PIR detection
- Custom motion zones
- Local microSD recording
- Two-way talk, loud siren
Video Doorbells
Keep an eye on who visits your home with a Wyze video doorbell, with models available as wired and wireless.
With a wireless video doorbell, you won’t be able to connect to an existing doorbell chime, although Wyze offers a separate chime for this.
Model | Type | Price | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 | Wired | $44.98 | 2K video resolution, color night vision, two-way audio, real-time alerts, motion activation, pre-roll recording |
Wyze Duo Cam Doorbell | Wireless | $89.98 | Two built-in cameras, 2K video resolution, color night vision, two-way audio, real-time alerts, motion activation, standalone chime included |
Wyze Video Doorbell Pro | Wireless | $99.98 | Head-to-toe view, 2K video resolution, color night vision, two-way audio, real-time alerts, standalone chime included |
- Quick install
- 1440x1440 clarity
- Chime with 20 tunes
- Cam Plus optional upgrade
- Versatile mounting options
Wyze has three current models:
- Wyze Video Doorbell v2: Priced at $44.98, this is the most basic video doorbell from Wyze. It features a wired connection, 2K video resolution with color night vision, two-way audio, real-time alerts, motion activation, and pre-roll recording.
- Wyze Duo Cam Doorbell: This wireless model costs $89.98 and includes two built-in cameras, ideal for capturing views of large porches or spacious backyards. Otherwise, you’ll get many of the same features as the Video Doorbell v2. It connects to a standalone doorbell chime, which is included in the kit.
- Wyze Video Doorbell Pro: The Video Doorbell Pro is a wireless model priced at $99.98. It’s the only Wyze video doorbell with head-to-toe views. Your kit will come with a standalone chime to connect the doorbell to.
Camera Accessories
Wyze doesn’t leave you hanging with your cameras. If you need any accessories to go along with your security camera system, you can buy them through Wyze. Some of the more popular options are mounting kits, plug-in mounts, a garage door controller, and a battery charging dock for battery cameras.
You can also get Wyze yard signs and stickers to deter intruders, connection and extension cables, and a solar panel to keep your battery cam charged by the sun.
Wyze accessories range from $1.99 to $22.99.
Security Plans
Make the most of your Wyze security cameras by subscribing to a security plan. The company currently offers two security plans with different features and pricing, with one highest-tier plan on the way. There’s also a professional home monitoring plan you can opt into.
Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Cam Plus | $2.99 | $19.99 | Unlimited event recordings, motion alerts, live streaming |
Cam Unlimited | $9.99 | $99.99 | Facial recognition, self-monitoring, critical alerts |
Cam Unlimited Pro | $19.99 | $199.99 | 60-day recordings, AI-powered search, descriptive alerts |
Home Monitoring | $9.99 | $99.99 | 24/7 professional monitoring, alarm system integration |
Note that you don’t need to subscribe to a security plan to use Wyze cameras. You can do so for free, but you’ll be restricted from certain features, like back-to-back motion event recording and home monitoring summaries.
Cam Plus – from $2.99 /month
Cam Plus helps you monitor a single camera per subscription fee, so it’s ideal for people living in apartments or small homes with, say, one Wyze outdoor camera for front door security. The plan includes live streaming via the app or web, 14 days of unlimited event recordings via cloud storage, and motion and sound alerts for people, packages, and vehicles. It also lets your camera record back-to-back events rather than having a 5-minute delay between motion recordings, as is the case with a free plan.
This plan costs $2.99 per month, per camera, or $19.99 for a full year.
Cam Unlimited – from $9.99 /month
If you have more than three Wyze cameras, Cam Unlimited is a better deal. It’s $9.99 per month for an unlimited number of cameras, or $99.99 for a year. In addition to including everything that comes with Cam Plus, you’ll benefit from facial recognition, a self-monitoring smart mode, and critical alerts that bypass your device’s Do Not Disturb mode.
Cam Unlimited Pro – from $19.99 /month
Cam Unlimited Pro is a plan from Wyze with more features for an unlimited number of cameras. For $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually, this plan allows up to 60 days of event recordings, an AI-powered video search to find the clips you need quickly, and descriptive alerts that provide summaries of event videos.
Wyze Home Monitoring – – from $9.99 /month
Wyze Home Monitoring is the best choice if you want whole-home, 24/7 monitoring by a professional security company. The service is powered by Noonlight, which sends you texts and calls once your system alarm sounds and contacts 911 if a representative can’t reach you.
When you sign up, you’ll get a discount on everything you need to complete your alarm and monitoring system, including sensors and an alarm keypad, although the Wyze Sense Hub is included for free. Wyze offers various mounts for each component to make sure they fit seamlessly into your home. Plus, you can connect your Wyze cameras directly to the system to keep everything working together.
Wyze Home Monitoring is $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually.
- Wyze Home Security System Sense
- 24/7 monitoring, emergency dispatch
- Subscription included w/ fast response times
- Easy DIY installation
- Supports 100 sensors
- Indoor/outdoor IP65 camera
How To Sign Up
You can subscribe on the service plans page or by logging into your account on the Wyze app. In the app, visit your account and click the “Services” tab. Then, choose the plan you’d like and confirm your in-app purchase. It’ll be ready to use immediately.
Smart Home
Build out your smart home with other products from Wyze that connect to the app to offer you more control over your home, even when you’re not there.
Power and Lighting
From color-changing smart light bulbs to smart plugs, Wyze has a solid selection of smart home devices to add to your home. Use the outdoor-rated smart plug to set a schedule for your outdoor lighting, for example, or add the Wyze floor lamp to a bedroom to control its lighting from an app. Or, use the colored LED light strips to set the mood in the game room or family den.
You can also buy night lights, light switches, and surge protectors from Wyze.
- 16M colors, tunable white, adjustable brightness
- Bluetooth/WiFi setup, no hub
- Voice control with Alexa/Google
- 90+ CRI for vivid colors
- Timers, schedules, group control
Home Access
Increase the security of your home with Wyze’s home access products, like lock bolts, gun safes, and garage door controllers. Wyze also offers a smart lock to add to any exterior door of your home. Control the lock with your voice using the app, and give virtual keys to trusted individuals so they can enter your home when you’re away without needing a set of spare keys. The smart lock and its required gateway cost $123.99, while other home access products range from $18.99 to $154.99.
- Fingerprint unlock
- Secure keypad, anti-peep
- Lock history in app
- Auto-lock enabled
- Easy deadbolt replacement
Home Environment
These products help you create the space you need and want in your home, all while staying connected to your other Wyze products. Purchase everything from a smart air purifier to a sprinkler controller to wireless internet routers. Wyze also offers a smart thermostat and affordable room sensors to keep your home cozy and comfortable throughout the year.
- DIY installation, C-wire included
- Remote app control
- Voice assistant compatibility
- 7-day customizable scheduling
- Energy tracking and insights
- Motion sensor, geofencing enabled
Vacuums
Wyze’s cordless, handheld, and robot vacuums range from $39.99 to $119.99, each designed to be powerful and easy to clean. Note that the Wyze Robot Vacuum is its only vacuum product that connects to the Wyze app, which allows it to map your rooms, run on a schedule of your choosing, and operate when you’re away from home.
- Precision LiDAR mapping
- Smart app control, No-go zones
- 2100Pa suction, 3 modes
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Self-charging, 110 mins runtime
Home Accessories
Maintain your Wyze smart home products by getting accessories you need to do so, straight from Wyze. The company sells air purifier filters, replacement vacuum parts, vacuum filters, charging cables, and more for its products. If you don’t need the specific replacement part you need, contact Wyze support.
Lifestyle
While not its main focus, Wyze sells a few lifestyle-focused products that are worthy of note:
- Digital scales: Wyze has four digital scales ranging in price from $17.98 to $34.98. They all connect to the Wyze app so you can check your progress and sync information from other fitness and health apps for a comprehensive look at your overall wellness. There’s even a feature to weigh pets and babies accurately when holding them.
- Smart Watches: Choose between the Wyze Watch 44mm for $29.99 and the Wyze Watch 47c for $33.99. They have basic fitness and health monitoring functions, like tracking your workouts and checking your oxygen saturation. You can also do some tasks right from your watch, like check email notifications and control your other Wyze devices that are connected to the Wyze app.
- Headphones and earbuds: Wyze offers gaming headsets, noise-canceling headphones, and earbuds that are relatively affordable compared to other name-brand options on the market.
- Accessories: If you need replacement parts, watch straps, charging cables, and other accessories for your Wyze lifestyle products, you can find them in the Accessories tab under the Lifestyle category.
- Wyze Ultra Smart Scale
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sync
- 13 body metrics w/ progress tracking
- Multi-user and modes
- Fitness app compatibility
Installation
Wyze products are generally designed to be easy to set up. In most cases, you’ll just need a source of power and a wired or wireless network connection to get your cameras and other devices working. Every smart product from Wyze connects to the Wyze app for straightforward setup.
When you buy a Wyze product, you’ll also get easy-to-follow instructions for installing it. The app also walks you through each step in the setup process, so you’ll get a visual guide as well. And, if you’re stuck, you can visit the Wyze YouTube channel for installation videos and troubleshooting guides.
Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
---|---|---|
SD Card Not Available | Incompatible SD card, improperly inserted SD card | Check SD card compatibility and ensure proper insertion |
Indicator Light Behavior | Indicator light settings disabled in app, outdated firmware | Enable indicator light settings in app, update firmware |
Live Feed Viewing | No indicator light on some models, light not configured in app | Verify light settings in app, consult manual for model specifics |
How To Contact Tech Support
There are several ways to reach Wyze tech support if you have a problem with the app or any of your Wyze devices:
- Help center: Browse help articles and troubleshooting guides in the online help center.
- Live chat: Type “Contact support” in the AI search bar in the online help center to be directed to a live chat agent who can help you.
- Phone: Call (206) 339-9646 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm PT Monday through Friday, and 8 am to 4 pm PT Saturday and Sunday.
- Community: Visit the Wyze Community to get answers to your questions from other Wyze users and Wyze experts.
- Social media: Wyze representatives can answer support questions through the company’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit channels.
Wyze App
The Wyze app is your key to connecting your Wyze devices and controlling them from one place. It’s available for Android and iOS devices. Be sure to turn automatic updates on in your app store to have the latest version on your device at all times.
From the app, you can view multiple cameras at once, watch recordings, favorite your most-used devices, set rules for notifications, and receive real-time alerts when your devices detect motion or another event. You can also integrate your smart home systems, like Alexa and Google Home, using the app to control your Wyze devices by voice.
How To Cancel a Wyze Subscription
Using Wyze without a subscription is completely possible. If you decide a Wyze security plan isn’t something you need, you’re free to cancel it at any time.
From the website, sign into your account. In the My Services tab, you’ll find your current subscriptions. Click the one you’d like to cancel and confirm the cancellation in the pop-up box. On the app, visit the Account tab, followed by Services. Tap on Edit Plan next to the subscription you want to cancel, then click the Cancel Subscription button and confirm your choice. You’ll keep your subscription until it’s set to renew rather than receive a refund for any unused portion.
Is Wyze a Good Choice for Security and Smart Home Automation?
With Wyze’s selection of security cameras, floodlights, and other smart home essentials, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to start building out a home security system. Indoor and outdoor cameras allow you to check in on your home when you’re away, and Wyze’s security plans make it easy to record motion detection and keep recordings in the cloud to refer back to when needed.
But for smart home automation, Wyze may not be the best choice. While it does have smart home products like lighting and thermostats, its options are limited compared to other companies that specialize in this space, like Google Nest and Phillips Hue. Still, it’s tough to beat Wyze’s affordable products, so it could be a good starting point if you’re looking to get a few basics.
FAQs
If your Wyze Cam says ‘SD card not available’, you may need to do a bit of troubleshooting. First, check that you have the appropriate size SD card for your camera, which you can double-check in the manual that comes with your camera. You can also try your SD card with another device to make sure it’s working properly.
Whether you can tell if someone is watching the Wyze Cam live feed depends on the camera you have. For example, the Wyze Cam v2 doesn’t have an indicator light to tell you if someone is viewing the live feed from your camera. However, the Wyze Cam v3 does include an indicator light that changes its color to red if someone watches the live feed. Make sure you have this indicator light on in your settings, which you can change from the Wyze app.
While you can purchase a security plan subscription for your Wyze Cam, it’s optional. However, a security plan lets you access additional features that aren’t available with a free plan, including cloud storage for recorded events and real-time motion alerts.
Continue reading: