As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Is a $25 Wyze camera worth it for security? Let’s test and see. In this article, we’re going to compare Wyze cam V1 vs V2 vs V3 and see which one will be convenient and reliable. We’ll compare only the essential features, including image quality, recording, storage, and intelligent video surveillance technology if there are any.
Regardless, the second improvement, Wyze Cam v3, is our best pick of all three.
The 5 Reasons Wyze Cam V3 is the Best security camera system
- Wyze Cam V3 delivers smoother videos at 20 fps
- Wyze Cam V3 has a Starlight sensor for clearer images
- Wyze Cam V3 includes a built-in siren to ward off burglars
- Wyze installed V3 with 850nm and 940nm Infrared system
- Wyze Cam V3 can connect with a spotlight kit for colored night vision
Wyze cam V1 vs V2 vs V3: Comparing the Features and Capabilities of the Security Cameras
Wyze Cam V1 Review:
This is the original or else first-generation Wyze Cam that the tech company introduced in late 2017. While it was for only indoor applications, the device picked up so well and quickly in the competitive market. Why?
Unlike many brands here in the U.S., Wyze Labs operates at a low price-point, which, no doubt, is more than convincing. At the time, the Wyze Cam was the most affordable wireless security camera as it sold under $20. However, the pricing wasn’t even the best factor so far, but the fact that the device could record in 1080p HD and free storage space.
For the latter, the camera has a 14-day free cloud storage space, plus a built-in MicroSD slot. The good thing with the SD storage is that it supports continuous recording. So, you could still have evidence of a whole incident, before, during, and after, even when the internet was down.
Wyze Cam V2 Review:
After the thrilling adoption of the first model, Wyze creators decided to bring their fan base more buzz to their home security. They released the Wyze Cam V2, which presumably would record sharper 1080p HD and capture better sound quality by reducing TDD interference and EMI. Plus, there’s intelligent motion tagging technology that detects and highlights objects in motion. Thus, making it easier to identify whatever has triggered the alerts.
Here’s a quick summary between Wyze Cam v1 vs v2 that highlights the other differences and likenesses between the two.
Wyze Cam V3 Review:
This is the most recent Wyze Cam upgrade, which came out just a few weeks before 2020 Christmas. We could say the company did this deliberately as at around this time folks were looking for gifts to share with their loved ones.
In any case, when you have Wyze Cam V2 vs V3 beside each other, you’ll notice the two share some structural aspects, but not all. The front of the camera is no longer smooth throughout, plus the face is square-like instead of round.
Another thing, Wyze cam v3 has an advanced starlight CMOS sensor and a larger (f/1.6 ) aperture. Thus, can see in low light environments much clearer and with sharper image quality.
As you can see in the table, Wyze Cam V3 has also introduced a mini siren that you can activate manually or by motion.
Wyze cam v1 vs v2 vs v3: The 7 Key Similarities and Differences between the Security Cameras
-
How’s the Video Quality?
When it comes to the video quality, all three Wyze Cam cameras record in 1080p Full HD. However, the cameras have varying image clarity as each employs a different kind of sensor.
For instance, Wyze Cam is utilizing a Sony Starlight CMOS sensor which is more sensitive to light. Thus, record sharper images during the day, as well as at nighttime. It also has a higher frame rate, 20 fps to be exact. Thus, gives you smoother video streaming and playback.
Meanwhile, Wyze Cam V1 takes the second point on image quality. Of course, the manufacturer claimed that the Wyze Cam V2 will have improved image quality, albeit quite a handful of users denied the fact. But if we can think of the CCTV device from a photography viewpoint, we could say the users were right.
Wyze Cam V1 had a 1/ 2.7” CMOS sensor, which is slightly larger than that of the 1/ 2.9” sensor in Wyze Cam V2. Since both devices have the same megapixels, this means the larger sensor pack slightly bigger size of these photosites. Thus, can gain more information for better imaging.
Even so, the company kind of removed the first-generation camera from the catalog. So, it now might be useless to dig deeper into something that might have been discontinued.
-
Can the Wyze Cam Record Color at Night?
The latest Wyze Cam V3 has a Sony Starlight image sensor, which brands like Reolink and Amcrest have been using for colored night vision. As such, you can watch your compound at night in greater detail, as long there’s ambient lighting. If you don’t have a porch light or street light in the area, this camera is compatible with a spotlight kit that’s available for only the model. You can sync up the lighting and set it to light up by motion or manually using the camera app.
When we also compare Wyze Cam v3 vs Wyze Cam v2 infrared technology, the former takes the crown again. It supports a dual IR feature, whereby you can choose to monitor with the 940nm LEDs (invisible but close-range) or 840nm LEDs (slightly visible but long-range).
More on that, The Wyze Cam V3 has an F1.6 (or f/1.6) aperture, whereas model V2 features an F2.6 (or f/2.6) aperture. If we could employ photography again, this means the V3 captures more light than the preceding models. So, it will have better footage, which is visible when you have the two recordings in the same conditions.
-
How Long does the battery last?
Originally, the Wyze Cam was for indoor use, which is why it never had an IP- ingress protection rating. As such, the company made the camera to use plug-in power, which of course, shouldn’t be a great deal with those all sockets inside the house.
As a continuation of the sequel, the V2 and V3 also come with plug-in power requirements. Thus, neither qualifies if you needed a battery-powered security camera that you can mount in locations inaccessible to cabled power.
Even so, the newly-released Wyze Cam Outdoor has a built-in rechargeable battery set. So, you can check it out if you want an all-Wyze smart home ecosystem.
-
Can I Mount My Wyze Cam Outside?
That depends on which model. If it’s the recent Wyze Cam V3, the design is IP65 weather resistant. So, you can use it outside without worrying about dust or water damage. However, we wouldn’t advise mounting your camera in a place where it’s completely exposed to heavy downpour to guarantee durability. IP65 rating is relatively lower than IP66 and IP67, both of which can handle significantly higher pressurized water.
On their end, Wyze Cam V1 and V2 don’t have protection ratings. So, you shouldn’t mount in an open environment. However, you can still keep an eye on your car across the street by amounting your camera such that it sees through the window. But again, this method will do impair the motion sensor function by sending many false alerts.
-
Which Wyze Cam has better IVS technology?
This should be a win for all Wyze cameras since you can get motion capture detection, person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection. However, customizable detection is the only free feature at the moment after the others were pushed to the Cam Plus cloud plan.
Regardless, Wyze Cam V2 wins in this one as it has a grid pattern that you can set multiple areas to include/ exclude for detection. The model V3 has only one rectangular zone that you can use for a single detection area. However, we’re hoping the company will provide a better solution for it in future updates.
Another reason Wyze Cam V2 takes the points in this one is because of motion tagging technology and Wyze Sense compatibility. In the former, the camera detects and outlines the moving object, thereby making it easier to identify whatever has triggered the alerts.
On the other hand, the Wyze sense feature allows you to link your camera with your motion sensors. So, you can receive a notification and recording when these sensors are opened. The feature is currently available on Wyze Cam V2 (and V1) as the camera has a USB port to hook up the Wyze Sense bridge module. The model V3 didn’t come with a USB port as the team is in the process of innovating its standalone Wyze sense hub.
-
Does My Wyze Cam Need Cloud Subscription?
All the three Wyze Cam cameras have a built-in MicroSD and free, rolling 14-day cloud storage. The SD card allows the device to continue recording when the internet is down, as well as enable CVR (continuous video recording). So, you won’t miss anything that has happened on your property as long it’s plugged in.
On the other hand, Cloud recording will allow you to stream and playback captured footage from anywhere, anytime. The free plan, though, only records a 12-second event clip (triggered by sound or movements), after which it then sleeps for about five minutes.
But if you had the Cam Plus cloud plan, your wye camera can continue recording until the motion stops. It also doesn’t have a cooldown period, plus you can minimize false alarms by enabling IVS features.
-
What about AI Alexa integration?
This is yet another feature Wyze Cam V1 and V2 and V3 share to bring you a fun and hands-free monitoring experience. The cameras are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTT devices. So, you can even set your camera to announce when someone is at your front door.
Quick Questions:
Is WYZE Cam v3 waterproof?
Unlike Wyze Cam V1 and V2, Wyze Cam V3 has a new face and IP65 protection rating. Therefore, you can mount the camera in an open environment without having to worry about sun, dust, or water damage.
What is the difference between WYZE Cam V1 and v2?
While the manufacturer claims Wyze Cam V2 to be sharper than Wyze Cam V1, the results and even the science behind it are quite the opposite. According to the provided manuals, V1 has a slightly larger image sensor, which should capture clear images. Nevertheless, V2 does have a motion tagging feature that V1 lacks, plus you’ll feel the sound quality is a bit higher.
What is the difference between WYZE Cam v2 and v3?
Even though the maker used 1080p HD in both, Wyze Cam V3 is more like a whole different series. First, the front of the camera has some unique touches and a rectangular face, which is different from that of Wyze Cam V2. The new model also has a Sony starlight sensor that can capture detailed (colored) videos even in low-light conditions. And in the event of a potential break-in, the device has a mini siren to scare away the offenders.
Does WYZE Cam v2 need WiFi?
Although not many quit under it, Wyze Cam V1 and V2 and V3 necessarily don’t need internet to function. Yes, for the remote viewing part, you must have WiFi so that the camera can communicate with your smart device (smartphone/ tablet). In case the internet is down, though, the camera can continue to record to the MicroSD card.
However, you won’t be able to access the data on the card remotely. So, you’ll have to remove the card first so that you can view it on your computer.
Final Thoughts:
If seriously you don’t want to spend huge bucks on a CCTV system, Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam V3 are both great to try. We can’t recommend Wyze Cam V1 right now as it’s no longer available in many retail stores, including even the manufacturer’s official website.
But, anyway, the two available, models V2 and V3, both capture in 1080p HD and you can record to cloud for 14 days at no charges. The SD card integration is also a big take as it means you can still have recordings when the WiFi is unavailable.
Regardless, the recent Wyze Cam V3 is a much better choice if you won’t mind parting with the thirty dollars. Not only does it have crispier videos during the day and night but also can work outside the house without spoiling.
Furthermore, model V3 has a built-in siren and a spotlight attachment that you can activate to ward off potential burglars. However, we hope the company will work on the update of the motion zone fast, plus bring to the party the standalone Wyze Sense Hub.