For a budget pick, the Wyze Cam v2 1080p makes a very solid case for itself. Its high-quality images, fantastic price tag, reliable motion sensor, and extra tech can be everything lots of people look for in an indoor camera. Despite a few shortcomings, it’s still well worth the price.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Great features
- Reliable performance
- No cloud subscription fees
- Has continuous recording
- Highly customizable settings
- Has smoke and carbon dioxide alarm alerts
- Very easy to set up
- Alert scheduling
- Great video quality
Cons
- Limited scheduling functionality
- Some software issues
- Records in 10fps
Read real customer reviews on Amazon here.
Tech products that are extremely affordable are very easy to dismiss as they always come with the threat of getting what you pay for. This is why the ones that over deliver are always considered as fantastic finds since no one really expects them to.
This is the case of the Wyze Cam 1080p. With its very affordable price tag, its performance comes as a shock to many. While it’s not perfect, all of its features are available for free, unlike other popular indoor cams. So with this, it can already be a great pick for many households.
If you’re interested in getting one, we can help you get to know the Wyze Cam 1080p better with our review below.
A Detailed Review of the Wyze Cam 1080p v2 (WYZEC2)
Design and Features
‘Cue’ would be our choice of word to describe the Wyze Cam 1080p. It’s small, measuring approximately 2 inches tall and 2 inches wide. It’s basically a white square block with black details in front where the lens, sensor and microphone are. It’s reminiscent of a toy, in our opinion, making it an adorable addition to your decor.
We also like the hinge and swivel design of its magnetic base. It will allow you to adjust its height and turn the camera to face different angles. With its construction, you can also mount it on any metal surface with ease.
With its price, you might not expect it to do a lot. However, it has features that are similar to cameras that are a couple of times more than its price tag. Its high-resolution video and night vision are pretty standard but its local storage, sound detection, and time-lapse functionalities are definitely not.
Wyze Cam v2 Setup and Usage
Installing the Wyze Cam 1080p is also very simple, as expected from a highly-rated DIY camera. You only need to connect it to the Wyze app and your wireless network which the app will help you out with. The instructions are even illustrated, so if the terms they used aren’t too clear, the visual aids will surely simplify the process for you.
Setting up the camera in your house is also very simple. You can place it on any flat surface and adjust its angle and that’s it. Its magnetic material will also help you secure it on metal surfaces as it helps secure the device in place.
As for the actual use of the camera, it’s also very simple. You’ll need to do most of the setting selection on the app so you don’t really need to fiddle a lot with the unit itself. The most you’ll need to do is to insert the SD card during set up or adjust the camera’s angle from time to time.
Since this is a plug-in device, you’ll need to position the camera near a power outlet. Its cord is 6 feet long, though, so you don’t really have to place it right next to the socket.
Video Quality
Again, with its price tag, many will be surprised at how well it performs. It has the standard 1080p resolution that most of its kind have but its resolution is great, unlike some of its other competitors. You can toggle the resolution from HD to SD and vice versa on the app while viewing the live feed so you can further customize your viewing experience.
As the camera has a 110-degree field of view, it can also cover a large area in one go. Image distortion isn’t a problem as well.
The only concern some people have with this camera is the fact that it records videos in 10fps. Some of the latest cameras in the market record in 30fps, as a result, it doesn’t deliver smooth clips and can be a bit disorienting for some.
As a bonus, the Wyze Cam also has a time-lapse mode. This helps make it more versatile as some folks end up using it for other filming and recording applications instead of just for home surveillance.
Track and Zoom
There’s no tracking in this camera, as is expected from very affordable devices of the sort. However, it has an 8x digital zoom, so when you view the live feed, you can close in on the details with ease.
Audio Quality
Another great detail about this item is that it has decent sound quality. Its output sounds better than other more expensive security cameras, may it be on recordings or through the 2-way talk. With this, you’re guaranteed to do more with it.
Motion and Sound Detection
As for its motion and sound detection, there are a few items worth noting. First is its responsive motion detection. It doesn’t fail to catch movements within its field of view, day or night and its sensitivity can be adjusted through the app.
Once it detects motion, it will automatically start recording a 12-minute clip. 6 seconds of it is pre-buffered content and the other 6 seconds will show what triggered the recording. It’s a rather short window.
The sound detection of this camera is also notable as lots of affordable options do not have the ability to detect sounds. For the Wyze 1080p Battery cam, however, it’s specifically crafted to detect smoke and CO2 alarms. So in case something is in the air of your home, you can immediately know no matter where you may be with the help of your tiny indoor camera.
Cloud Storage Costs
The Wyze Cam 1080p comes with multiple storage options that don’t cost extra. For starters, it has local storage so you definitely do not need to shell out for storage. You can just set up the camera to record on the microSD card and that’s it. You can still access it through the app as long as it’s connected to your wireless network.
Then, there’s the free, rolling 14-day cloud storage in the AWS cloud every purchase comes with. So if you do not want to work with an SD card, this is a solid alternative.
Smart Home Compatibility
Its compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant makes is easy to use. If you have such environments set up at home, accessing this device through voice commands and using other items is possible.
Wyze Cam v2 Apps and Web Portal
The app is another great bonus for this security camera. It might not be the most modern out there but it’s so easy to use and navigate. Because of this, you won’t have a hard time tweaking its settings and using the camera to the exact purpose you have in mind.
Multiple users can also access the camera at any given time. Your household members just need to download the app and join the main app to do so.
You can find the apps here:
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hualai&hl=en
App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wyze/id1288415553
You can also use the tiny cam pro app.
Unfortunately, Wyze doesn’t have a web portal, so if you prefer tweaking stuff on your PC, you can’t do that with the Wyze Cam.
FAQs
What is WYZE Cam v2?
Wyze Cam V2 is an inexpensive 1080p home security camera that is small in stature but big on features.
Does WYZE Cam require a subscription?
No. This camera is one of the few home security devices that do not require a cloud subscription to work.
Can I use WYZE Cam without an internet connection?
Yes, you’ll be able to use this device even without a wireless connection if you have an SD card installed in the unit. You will need to set it up for local storage recording, however, if you don’t intend to connect it to your wi-fi. Also, don’t expect to access its live feed through the app if the camera is not connected to the web.
Can I view WYZE cam on my PC?
The Wyze Cam isn’t directly accessible through the PC yet as it doesn’t have a web portal. The manufacturer said that they are working on one but hasn’t given a timeline or an estimated time of completion. You can, however, use emulators to use the smartphone app on your PC.
How many WYZE cameras can you connect?
You can connect up to 3 different Wyze cameras in a daisy chain.
What is the difference between WYZE Cam v1 and v2?
The main differences between the Wyze cam v2 and v1 is on the following:
- Improved image quality
- Improved sound quality
- Improved motion tagging capability.
- Has a glossy finish to reduce reflection
Is there a monthly fee for WYZE Cam?
Wyze cam lets you review several days of footage without charging a subscription.
Is the Wyze cam v2 available in black color?
Not really. However, a while back it was offered in limited edition. You can check if its still available here.
Can WYZE camera v2 be used outside??
The camera is not really designed to be outside. There are outdoor mounting kits that you can buy for the cameras that will help protect it if outside, which will protect it from any weather.
Conclusion
A closer look at the Wyze Cam 1080p made us realize that with its cheap price and solid basic components, this camera is certainly a steal. While there are a few weaknesses, it’s pros still outweigh its cons heavily. Its shortcomings are easily made up for by its strengths and with its price tag, it is already be a great pick for many as seen in these customer reviews.
