Do you have to spend hundreds of bucks to monitor your property? No, you really don’t. We now have plenty of affordable security cameras on the market today. And in this review, we’ll be comparing Zmodo vs Wyze to see which will be more worthwhile to have.
The two brands only deal with standalone WiFi wireless security cameras that you can grab from as low as under $50. So, either could be an excellent pick if looking for a CCTV that’s affordable and easy to use.
Nonetheless, the Wyze Cam has far more perks and fewer drawbacks compared to the Zmodo camera.
6 Reasons Wyze is our Favorite Security Camera
- Wyze Camera has a slot for MicroSD
- Wyze Camera can record 24/7 for FREE
- Wyze Camera can record footage with audio
- Wyze Camera has up to seven A.I. detection
- Wyze Camera can record colored night vision
- Wyze camera also has 850nm & 940nm night vision
Zmodo vs Wyze: A Quick Peek on the Features & Specs of the Wireless Security Cameras
Both Zmodo and Wyze have a variety of security cameras to choose from for your property. But in this review, we’ll primarily focus on the Zmodo ZM-W0002-4 and Wyze Cam V3.
1. Should I Get the Zmodo security camera:
Are you looking for a great security camera deal to grab? The Zmodo ZM-W0002-4 here could be an excellent pick if you won’t mind the analog-looking design. It comes with a camera bundle of four devices, and all have sturdy metallic housing with IP66 protection for outdoor applications.
Further, the security camera records in the standard 1080p resolution with full color during the day. And the lens also has twenty 850nm around it to ensure you can still see who’s trying to sneak into your property at nighttime.
Other pros & cons of the Zmodo security camera are:
Pros:
- It delivers decent, colored videos
- Has multi-channel viewing options
- Easy to pair & use with Alexa devices
- Offers a free basic cloud recording plan
- It supports motion & continuous recording
Cons:
- It lacks audio functions
- Motion detection isn’t always reliable
- It requires a subscription for 24/7 recording
2. Should I Get the Wyze Security Camera?
Do you need a budget CCTV you never have to pay for the cloud? The Wyze Cam V3 is one of the best continuous recording security cameras with built-in MicroSD support. Then, there’s also a free 14-day cloud (for 12-second clips) that you can get on the newly-released Cam Plus Lite plan.
In the EZVIZ vs Wyze review, we also saw Cam V3 has both the basic and advanced intelligent detection features. Then, you can activate the built-in siren to deter potential burglars.
Speaking of deterrence, you could get the add-on spotlight for your Wyze Cam V3 camera. Thus, making it possible to record colored footage even in total darkness.
Pros:
- It captures vibrant pictures
- Includes a wide field of view
- Has audio recording & two-way talk
- Supports discrete (940nm) night vision
- It also supports hands-free control with Alexa
Cons:
- It doesn’t work with 5GHz WiFi
- AI programs require a subscription
- The fast-forward update is still tricky to use
Zmodo vs Wyze: Comparing the Features & Capabilities of the Wireless Security Cameras
The Fans Favorite
While the two are some of the bestsellers in the market, Wyze takes the point for the favorite security camera. At the time of writing, the V3 Cam had a 4.5/ 5 rank from over 46,000 global ratings on Amazon (alone). And don’t forget this is the model that came out in late 2020.
On its end, Zmodo, as a company, has been a little longer in the market- since 2009. Our reference 1080p camera is also a little older as it has been on the market since 2015. And that should explain its adoption of the housing design from the analog cameras.
As for the customer base, the Zmodo security camera is also a favorite of many, including here in the US. Yes, not as many as the Wyze, but it does have 20,000+ recommendations on Amazon.
Winner: The Wyze camera has the most and highest ratings on the American market
The Best Pricing & Accessories
As was mentioned earlier, both Zmodo and Wyze cameras here are priced under fifty dollars. The former, of course, comes as a bundle of four where you’ll pay about $140 for the whole batch. But the price per camera is still $35 on average as the Wyze model.
Another thing, the pair is a standalone wired camera that you’ll need to plug into power to operate. So, there are no many accessories since your smartphone will be the viewing device and the WiFi for video transmission.
Winner: Both as they sell under $50 and have limited accessories
The best Video Quality
Again, the two security cameras will be taking the point here as they have about the same video quality. True, the starlight sensor on the Wyze should capture a better image than the regular sensor. But it doesn’t make very much difference, which is probably because of its wide viewing angle.
Further, the Zmodo and Wyze security cameras can only record at a speed of up to 20fps. And that means the video won’t be as smooth as the Eufy or Arlo camera that captures more frames at 30fps.
Winner: Bothas they record at the standard 1080p quality and a frame rate of 20fps
The Best Night Vision
Wyze is no doubt the winner in this part. It utilizes the Starlight sensor that continues to capture detailed images even in low-lighted conditions or with ambient lighting.
If there’s no lighting where you’d wish to mount your camera, the Wyze Cam V3 also has an add-on spotlight you can purchase separately. Thus, making it possible to capture the intruders in detail even in total darkness.
Better yet, the Wyze Cam supports both the 850nm and 940nm infrared night vision. So, you could even use it in the nursery if you don’t have a baby monitor for the task.
As for the Zmodo camera, you’ll only have the 850nm night vision, which isn’t the best for discrete monitoring. Then, the recordings will all be black & white as it doesn’t have the Starlight sensor or add-on spotlight.
Winner: Wyze camera as it can record colored night vision and also with invisible LEDs
The Best Audio Features
When we compare Wyze vs Zmodo on Audio capabilities, the former still takes the lead as it supports all functions. And that includes recording videos with sound, as well as a two-way talk feature if you wanted to tell your deliveryman where he should leave your package.
Furthermore, the Wyze camera has a built-in siren feature that you can activate to scare off the potential burglar. It’s not the loudest, that’s for sure but can scare the opportunistic thieves off their pants.
Still, the Wyze camera can use the built-in mic to detect certain sounds, then push an alert or start recording. And that’s something the Zmodo camera can never do, considering it even doesn’t have the basic audio functions.
Winner: Wyze camera as it has a built-in mic and speaker for various audio functions
The Best Smart A.I. Detection
Well, Wyze is also the lead security camera and our recommendation if you want something that can only monitor what matters. Sure, we’re not happy with how they have been pushing their best features behind the paywall.
The said smart features include motion activity zones, plus person-detection, package-detection, vehicle-detection, pet-detection, and facial recognition algorithms. So, you’ll have the option to customize the device to send alerts that matters while ignoring the rest.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Wyze Cam can send alerts after detecting noises of a certain level. And that includes even the beeping noise from smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
Meanwhile, the Zmodo camera’s also smart, albeit not intelligent enough. In the mobile app, you can only set the activity zones where you’d like the camera to detect motion.
But as some users have said on community forums, the Zmodo motion sensor can be too sensitive and there’s no adjustment bar.
Winner: Wyze Camera as it has multiple motion-detection and sound-detection features
The Best Free Storage options
On the Wyze community forum, you’ll come across many angry fans after the company pushed the free 14-day cloud plan behind a paywall. However, the company had already issued an alert through email on this matter. And even then, the free basic cloud plan is still available.
But to access it, you’ll need to register for the Cam Plus Lite plan, which allows you to dictate the price you wish to pay, including $0. It’s more of a Go-Fund plan, but it does give you back the person detection that they have previously removed.
Here’s a summary of the various Cloud plans available for the Wyze camera.
| Cam Plus Lite Plan | Cam Plus (original) Plan | Cam Plus Pro Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Cost/ when billed Monthly | Custom price | $1.99/ month per device | $3.99/ month per device |
| Plan Cost/ when billed Annually | N/A | $1.25/ month per device | $3.33/ month per device |
| Event Recordings | 12-second clips (5s delay btw events) | Full-Length clips (unlimited) | Full-Length clips (unlimited) |
| Person detection | YES | YES | YES |
| Package detection | NO | YES | YES |
| Vehicle Detection | NO | YES | YES |
| Pet detection | NO | YES | YES |
| Facial Recognition | NO | NO | YES |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | NO | NO | YES |
| Sound Detection | YES | NO | YES |
If you opt to use your Wyze Cam without either of the plans, you can still get alerts and recordings. However, the event recordings will be a snapshot picture, unless you insert a MicroSD card in the available slot.
Speaking of the MicroSD, you could even set the Wyze camera to record on the card continuously (24/7).
As for the Zmodo WiFi camera, there’s no slot to insert the MicroSD card. You’ll have to either opt for the free basic 12-hour cloud or the renewable 7-day/ 30-day plan. See below.
| Zmodo Basic Cloud Plan | Zmodo 7-Day Plan | Zmodo 30-Day Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Cost/ when billed Monthly | $0/ month | $4.99/ month per device | $9.99/ month per device |
| Plan Cost/ when billed Annually | N/A | $$49.99/ year per device | $99.99/ year per device |
| Event Recordings | 10-second clips (12-hour history) | 10/ 15-second clips (7-day history) | 10/ 15-second clips (30-day history) |
| Continuous Recording | NO | YES (7-day history) | YES (30-day history) |
| Person Detection | NO | NO | NO |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | NO | NO | NO |
Winner: Wyze camera as it has MicroSD support, plus more affordable monthly/ annual cloud rates
Quick Common Questions
Is Zmodo going out of business?
Zmodo today marks twelve (12) years of operation. The company has a large customer base globally from its affordable security cameras. But it might end up going out of business soon if they don’t improve on their security technologies like Eufy or Wyze.
What camera can record for 24 hours?
Technically, both Wyze and Zmodo can record for 24 hours if you don’t want to miss any moment. But the Wyze camera records continuously on the MicroSD card, which means you won’t need to pay for the cloud fees.
Final Thoughts:
Even when shopping for a budget product, it’s always great to look for something that will provide a better experience. And in our Zmodo vs Wyze review, there’s no denying the V3 has bested its counterpart in all aspects.
However, as you buy a Wyze security camera today, do remember going without a Cam Plus account will only give you snapshots of event recordings. Else, you can subscribe to the Cam Plus Elite plan if you wish to continue with the free 14-day cloud plan.