Is The Wyze Outdoor Security Camera Worth It? Here's What Reviews Are Saying

Wyze used to be regularly featured in home-tech recommendation lists for security cameras. However, Wyze's cameras have recently come under scrutiny by their customers and industry experts. Once considered a high-quality, yet somewhat affordable security camera option, many might be questioning whether Wyze cameras are truly worth it, particularly the Wyze Cam Outdoor v2. 

On the Wyze website, close to 70% of Outdoor v2 reviewers say they would recommend the camera, even though 44% of total reviews rank it three stars or below. In fact, 89 reviewers believe it's actually a one-star product, and overall the camera has a 3.6 rating. Citing quality concerns and "surprise" pricing, reviews from across retailers show a fair dose of customer skepticism, but also a fan base. However, customers may be switching away from Wyze, and experts are distancing themselves from the company due to, ironically, security issues.

While some homeowners and renters may opt for a DIY route like repurposing an old smartphone to use for enhanced home security, others seek the reliance that high-tech cameras provide and are willing to spend on system. Therefore, it's important to research user reviews to ensure that the product, and its price point, are a good fit for your home.

Wyze's range of systems is diverse and includes everything from battery-powered systems, floodlight add-ons, and camera-enabled doorbells. Pricing varies by retailer, but products consistently range from an affordable $30 for their original model to $150 for the Floodlight Pro Security Camera. However, Wyze cameras do require a subscription service for additional features in their app. Particularly for Wyze's higher-priced cameras, consumers are disappointed by this added fee.

Amazon customer Andrew Reynolds commented the Outdoor v2 camera and floodlight duo was "almost worthless without the subscription" while GARRO56 added that they "dislike recurring charges to unlock features," some of which were "basic features ... like video and alert." GARRO56 also cites video lagging concerns in their review. On Wyze's product page, critical, two-star reviewers highlighted battery-life issues and the camera's poor quality, ultimately saying that they did not recommend the product. On the Wyze user forums, a particularly colorful review from Samk warned, "Don't waste your time and money ... THEY ARE A WASTE OF $$$."

Industry experts are wary of Wyze's systems, as well. In a 2022 case study conducted by cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, Wyze's data security is vulnerable to unauthenticated access. Since 2019, Wyze has suffered several data breaches including showing thousands of customers images from others' cameras. Tech publications are rescinding their previous recommendations of Wyze's cameras. Detailing the company's data issues and slow reaction time, experts caution against Wyze's products.

While experts may be turning sour on Wyze's performance, there are positive reviews that paint an unconcerned customer picture. Many glowing reviews were made after the major data issue took place, suggesting that these security vulnerabilities may not affect purchase decisions as much as poor product quality or the hassle of a subscription might. Amazon customer Mr. G praises the image quality and motion detection features. He even figured a work around for those expert-identified security issues and needing the subscription for certain features — installing a microSD card for storage rather than using the cloud. There's less chance of hacking, and no need to pay for cloud storage. 

Overall, positive customer reviews applaud Wyze systems' installation and video quality, and many seemingly don't mind the subscription. Wyze may still be a viable option if you can overlook the company's potential data security issues and prioritize picture clarity. However, if hardware quality and data security are more important to you, looking elsewhere for your home security needs may be wise.

Of course, practice diligence and monitor all aspects of your home security, not just the effectiveness of cameras. Change your locks regularly – you likely aren't replacing your locks as often as you should — and if you're a renter, try reinforcing your front door. Good safety habits and thorough research on security cameras make for a safer environment.