Struggling to figure out if the latest Wyze Cam v4 is the right security camera for your home? You’ve come to the right place! Wyze has built a solid reputation for offering impressive smart home tech at prices that won’t break the bank, and the Wyze Cam v4 is their latest contender in the wired security camera arena. This isn’t just another incremental update. it packs some serious upgrades that could make it your next go-to for keeping an eye on things, both inside and out. Released in March 2024, it arrived with a bang, promising clearer video, enhanced night vision, and better connectivity, all while maintaining that famously low price point.
What we’re really looking at here is a security camera that punches way above its weight class. For a price typically around $35-$40, you’re getting features often found in cameras three times its cost. It boasts crisp 2.5K QHD resolution, significantly improved color night vision, and even a built-in spotlight and siren to deter unwanted guests. Plus, it’s ready for anything with an IP65 weather-resistant rating, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor placement. Now, keep in mind, to unlock some of the really smart AI features like person, vehicle, and package detection, you’ll likely want to consider their optional Cam Plus subscription. But even without it, the Wyze Cam v4 offers robust local storage options, allowing for 24/7 recording directly to a microSD card up to 512GB. If you’re currently in the market for a new security camera , this review will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What’s New with the Wyze Cam v4? Key Features
Wyze really went all out with the v4, packing in some significant improvements that truly enhance its security capabilities. If you’re used to older Wyze cams, you’ll definitely notice the difference.
Crystal Clear 2.5K QHD Video
First up, let’s talk about the video quality. The Wyze Cam v4 records in 2.5K QHD resolution that’s 2560×1440 pixels. This is a noticeable jump from the 1080p of the older Wyze Cam v3, giving you much sharper details. Seriously, it’s easier to make out faces or even license plate numbers if you zoom in on footage. It also features Wide Dynamic Range WDR, which means you get more vibrant colors and better image quality, especially in scenes with challenging lighting, like bright sun and deep shadows. No more washed-out areas or super dark spots where you can’t see anything.
Upgraded Color Night Vision
One of Wyze’s standout features has always been its color night vision, and with the v4, it’s gotten even better. Thanks to an enhanced starlight sensor and two white spotlight LEDs 72 lumens!, the camera can see in color even in extremely low light conditions. This isn’t just black and white infrared footage. you’ll actually get to see colors at night, which can be super helpful for identifying details that would otherwise be lost. The motion-activated spotlight also kicks in to bright up the scene when motion is detected, adding an extra layer of deterrence and improving color capture.
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Faster Processing and Local AI Person/Vehicle Detection
Under the hood, the v4 boasts faster processing. While Wyze cameras have always used cloud-based AI for advanced detection with a Cam Plus subscription, the v4’s improved capabilities contribute to quicker analysis and notification speeds. This means less waiting around for alerts when something happens. With Cam Plus , you get unlimited video length storage and advanced AI detection for things like people, vehicles, and packages, significantly reducing those annoying false alerts from swaying branches.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and Wi-Fi 6 Support
This is a bit of a nuanced one. The Wyze Cam v4 supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers better range, handles network congestion more effectively, and provides higher connection speeds. This is a nice future-proofing touch, especially if you have a modern router. However, it’s crucial to understand that the camera itself still only connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. So, while it benefits from a Wi-Fi 6 router’s overall network efficiency, it won’t connect directly to your 5 GHz band. This might be a point of confusion for some, but generally, 2.4 GHz offers better range and penetration through walls anyway, which is often more critical for security cameras. Wyze battery cam pro wire free security camera review
New Mounting Options / Design Tweaks
The v4 retains Wyze’s signature 2-inch cube camera design but introduces a few slick upgrades. It’s now available in either light gray or white with a smooth matte texture, giving it a more modern and less boxy look. The camera includes a versatile magnetic base that can stand or be mounted, and it also supports a standard 1/4″-20 threaded connection for even more mounting flexibility. For outdoor use, it carries an IP65 weather-resistance rating, meaning it can handle rain, dust, and extreme temperatures from -4°F to 122°F -20°C to 50°C. Just remember, the included USB power cable isn’t weatherproof, so you’ll need an outdoor power adapter if you plan to install it outside permanently.
Microphone and Speaker Enhancements
Nobody wants muffled two-way talk, right? The Wyze Cam v4 features upgraded audio technology, including a more powerful amplifier and an updated microphone. This translates to clearer two-way conversations with visitors or intruders and a significantly louder 99 dB siren to scare off unwelcome guests. This improved audio quality is a big win for overall communication and deterrence.
Wyze Cam v4 vs. Wyze Cam v3 Pro: Is it Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re already a Wyze user, especially if you have a v3 Pro, you might be wondering if the v4 is really worth swapping out your existing cameras. Let’s break down the key differences.
Video Resolution & HDR
Both the Wyze Cam v4 and the Wyze Cam v3 Pro offer 2.5K QHD resolution. So, on paper, they’re equal in terms of pixel count. However, the v4 brings an upgraded image processor that enables Wide Dynamic Range WDR, which leads to richer, more vibrant colors and better detail retention in mixed lighting conditions. While the v3 Pro’s image quality is still good, the v4 generally offers a slightly more refined and consistent picture, particularly when dealing with high-contrast scenes.
Night Vision Performance
Both models feature color night vision, a hallmark of Wyze cameras. But here again, the v4 gets an edge with enhanced Color Night Vision. This means brighter and more detailed low-light images thanks to improved hardware and a more powerful 72-lumen spotlight compared to the v3 Pro’s. In very dark scenarios, this enhancement can make a real difference in clarity. Anker soundcore liberty 5 review
AI Detection Differences
With a Cam Plus subscription , both cameras offer advanced AI detection for people, vehicles, and packages. The v4 introduces a “Smart Focus” feature in live view, which digitally zooms in on detected motion while still showing you the wider scene. This can be pretty handy for getting a closer look at what triggered an alert. Some users on Reddit suggest the v3 Pro might have slightly faster “edge AI” detection, but the v4’s overall processing improvements tend to balance that out.
Connectivity Wi-Fi
This is a clear win for the v4. While both connect via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the v4 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, while the v3 Pro relies on Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 6 means a potentially stronger, more reliable connection, especially if you have multiple devices on your network, and it’s more future-proof. It won’t give you a faster direct connection speed to the internet since it’s still 2.4 GHz, but it improves the camera’s ability to communicate efficiently on a crowded home network.
Price Comparison
The Wyze Cam v4 was launched at a competitive price, often around $35-$40. The v3 Pro, when it was new, started around $60, though it’s often on sale now. If you’re buying new, the v4 offers superior features for a comparable or even lower price than the v3 Pro’s initial launch price. If you already own a v3 Pro, the general consensus is that it’s not a mandatory upgrade unless you really crave the enhanced night vision, louder siren, or Wi-Fi 6 support.
Setting Up Your Wyze Cam v4: A Quick Guide
Getting your Wyze Cam v4 up and running is pretty straightforward, especially if you’ve set up a Wyze camera before. They’ve even made a small change to simplify the process.
Unboxing and Initial Steps
When you first unbox your Wyze Cam v4 , you’ll find the camera itself, a 6-foot micro USB to USB-A power cable, a power adapter, a metal plate with adhesive, and some mounting screws and anchors. Before you do anything, take a moment to download the Wyze app on your smartphone or tablet if you don’t already have it, and create an account. Nocfree lite wireless split keyboard review
App Installation and Account Creation
Once the app is installed, open it up. You’ll need to log in or create a new account. Make sure your app is up to date for the smoothest experience.
Connecting to Wi-Fi Bluetooth Setup
This is where the v4 introduces a slight change. Instead of solely relying on scanning a QR code with the camera, the v4 uses Bluetooth 5.2 for its initial setup process.
- Plug your Wyze Cam v4 into a power outlet using the included USB cable and power adapter. You’ll see a solid red status light, which will then start flashing red when it’s ready for setup.
- In the Wyze app, tap the ‘+’ sign in the top right corner, then select “Add Device” > “Cameras” > “Wired Camera” > “Wyze Cam v4”.
- The app will prompt you to press the “SETUP” button, which is usually located on the bottom of the camera under a rubber flap, next to the microSD card slot. The camera will then say “ready to connect”.
- The app will use Bluetooth to find your camera. Once found, you’ll select your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enter your password. Remember, even with Wi-Fi 6 support, the v4 only connects to 2.4 GHz.
- Follow any final prompts, and you’re good to go! The camera will confirm “setup completed”.
Finding the Best Mounting Spot
The Wyze Cam v4 is versatile. You can simply place it on a shelf indoors. For more permanent installation, you can use the magnetic base with the included metal plate and adhesive, or for a super secure mount, use the screws and drywall anchors. When placing it, think about your viewing angle and Wi-Fi signal strength. If you’re mounting it outdoors, remember you’ll need a weatherproof power solution, as the included cable is for indoor use. For unique outdoor power solutions, consider accessories like the Wyze Lamp Socket which can power your v4 from an existing light fixture.
Performance in the Real World: What to Expect
Let’s talk about how the Wyze Cam v4 actually performs day-to-day. After all, specs are one thing, but real-world usage is what truly matters.
Day and Night Video Quality
During the day, the 2.5K QHD resolution really shines. Footage is clear, detailed, and the Wide Dynamic Range helps balance bright and dark areas, which is great for outdoor shots where shadows can often obscure details. You’ll get a frame rate of 20 FPS during the day. Health blender review
When night falls, the enhanced color night vision kicks in. In dimly lit areas, you’ll still see colors, offering a much more informative view than standard black-and-white infrared. If it’s truly pitch black, the camera uses its IR LEDs, but the built-in 72-lumen spotlight can be activated by motion, brightening the scene for better color capture and acting as a deterrent. The night vision frame rate is 15 FPS.
Motion Detection Accuracy and Speed
Out of the box, the v4’s motion detection is sensitive. It’ll pick up movement, but without a Cam Plus subscription, you might get a lot of alerts from things like swaying leaves or shadows. This is where the Wyze Cam Plus subscription really pays off. It unlocks advanced AI detection person, vehicle, pet, package, which significantly reduces false positives. You can also set custom detection zones within the app to focus on specific areas and ignore others, which helps refine alerts. Notifications are generally quick, often appearing on your phone within about five seconds of an event.
Audio Quality Two-Way Talk
The improved microphone and more powerful 99 dB speaker on the v4 make a noticeable difference. Two-way audio is clearer and louder than previous generations, making it much easier to communicate with someone at your door or to activate the siren to scare off potential intruders. Some users have noted that audio is dramatically better even in noisy environments, like during rain. If you do experience audio issues, common fixes include checking for obstructions, cleaning the mic/speaker holes, updating firmware, or adjusting app settings.
App Experience and Notifications
The Wyze app is generally intuitive and easy to use. You can view live feeds, access recorded events, and adjust settings like detection zones and night vision modes. Notifications are pushed to your phone when motion or sound is detected, and with Cam Plus, these notifications are smarter, telling you exactly what was detected e.g., “Person detected”. The app also allows for customization of the motion warning feature, letting you choose between a tone or a voice prompt like “Hi, you are currently being recorded”.
Storage Options Cloud vs. Local SD Card
The Wyze Cam v4 offers flexible storage options. Rolling Percussive Massager Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Next-Level Muscle Relief
- Local Storage: This is a big one for many users. The v4 supports microSD cards up to a whopping 512GB. This allows for 24/7 continuous recording, which is perfect for ensuring you don’t miss a thing. When the card fills up, it automatically overwrites the oldest footage. To enable this, you need to insert a microSD card Class 10 is recommended and then go into the camera’s “Advanced Settings” in the Wyze app to toggle on “Local recording to microSD card” and select “Continuous recording”. A 256GB card can give you about two weeks of recording, while a 128GB card offers about seven days.
- Cloud Storage with Cam Plus: Without a subscription, Wyze typically offers 12-second event recordings with a 5-minute cooldown period for some cameras. However, to get full-length event recordings, advanced AI detections, and cloud storage without cooldowns for the v4, you’ll need a Wyze Cam Plus subscription . This also enables features like viewing your cameras in a web browser.
Addressing Common Wyze Camera Concerns Security & Privacy
It’s natural to have questions about the security and privacy of any smart home device, especially cameras. Wyze has faced some scrutiny in the past, so let’s address these concerns head-on.
Are Wyze Cameras Secure?
Wyze continually works to improve the security of its devices. They use industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage to protect your video footage. While no system is 100% foolproof, Wyze aims to provide a secure environment for your data. They often push firmware updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance overall security. It’s always a good practice to keep your camera’s firmware updated and use strong, unique passwords for your Wyze account.
Can Wyze Cameras Be Hacked?
Like any internet-connected device, Wyze cameras can potentially be targeted. However, Wyze implements measures like end-to-end encryption for cloud-stored footage to mitigate risks. The biggest risks often come from weak user passwords or unpatched firmware. Staying on top of firmware updates is crucial, as these often contain security fixes. If you have concerns, you can also look into general home security solutions that offer additional layers of network protection.
Data Encryption and Cloud Storage Security
When you use Wyze Cam Plus for cloud storage, your recorded footage is uploaded to Amazon Web Services AWS with end-to-end encryption. This means that the data is encrypted when it leaves your camera and remains encrypted when it’s stored in the cloud, and only you, with your Wyze account credentials, can access it. Wyze emphasizes user control over privacy settings within the app, allowing you to manage who has access to your camera feeds.
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User Control over Privacy Settings
The Wyze app gives you control over various privacy settings. You can enable or disable motion and sound detection, set detection zones, and control notifications. You can also manually turn off the camera’s microphone and speaker. For those who want maximum privacy, utilizing local microSD card storage means your footage never leaves your home network unless you manually download it or choose to use cloud services.
Pros and Cons of the Wyze Cam v4
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Wyze Cam v4 is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown to help you weigh your options.
The Good Stuff
- Sharp 2.5K QHD Video: The resolution upgrade means much clearer and more detailed footage, especially useful for identification.
- Enhanced Color Night Vision: Seeing in color at night is a huge advantage over traditional black-and-white, and the v4’s version is even better than before.
- Affordable Price: It delivers features comparable to much more expensive cameras, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice.
- IP65 Weather Resistance: This makes it versatile for both indoor and outdoor placement, offering good protection against the elements.
- Loud 99 dB Siren & Improved Two-Way Audio: Effective deterrence and clearer communication are big plusses.
- Wi-Fi 6 Support: Future-proofs your connectivity and improves network efficiency, even if it’s still 2.4 GHz.
- Generous Local Storage: Support for up to 512GB microSD cards for 24/7 continuous recording without a subscription is a standout feature.
- Easy Setup: The new Bluetooth setup process is quick and user-friendly.
- Smart Focus: In live view, it can zoom in on detected motion for a closer look.
A Few Niggles
- Wired Only: It’s not battery-powered, so you always need a power outlet nearby, which can be a challenge for outdoor placement.
- Outdoor Power Adapter Sold Separately: While IP65 rated, the included USB cable isn’t weatherproof, so you need to buy an additional Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter for safe outdoor installation. This feels a bit misleading, as the camera is advertised for outdoor use right out of the box.
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Only Connection: Despite Wi-Fi 6 support, it doesn’t connect to 5 GHz networks. While 2.4 GHz has better range, 5 GHz can be faster and less congested in some homes.
- Cam Plus for Full Features: While the local storage is great, to get advanced AI detection, full-length cloud recordings, and no cooldowns, a paid subscription is essential.
- Potential for False Alerts without Cam Plus: The basic motion detection can be overly sensitive to environmental factors.
- No Wyze Home Monitoring Service Compatibility: For those with Wyze’s professional monitoring system, the v4 doesn’t integrate.
Wyze Cam v4 Pricing and Subscription Plans
Understanding the cost goes beyond just the camera itself, especially with smart features often tied to subscriptions.
Camera Cost
The Wyze Cam v4 is incredibly affordable, typically retailing around $35 to $40 USD. This price point makes it one of the most accessible 2.5K QHD security cameras on the market. Sometimes, you can even find bundles that include a free 32GB microSD card, making it ready for local recording right out of the box.
Cam Plus vs. Free Plan What You Get
Wyze offers different ways to manage your recordings and smart features: Ulefone armor mini 20 pro and mini 20t pro small rugged smartphones review
- Free Plan Local Storage: You can use the Wyze Cam v4 without any subscription fees by relying on local storage via a microSD card. If you insert a microSD card up to 512GB, you can enable 24/7 continuous recording, which will overwrite the oldest footage when full. This provides a solid backup and continuous footage, ensuring you don’t miss any moments.
- Wyze Cam Plus: This is Wyze’s paid subscription service, and it significantly enhances the camera’s capabilities. For around $2.99 per camera per month, or a more cost-effective $9.99 per month for unlimited Wyze cameras, Cam Plus unlocks:
- Full-length event recordings: No more 12-second clips with cooldowns. You get the entire motion event recorded to the cloud.
- Advanced AI detection: This includes smart alerts for people, vehicles, pets, and packages, drastically reducing false alarms.
- Web View: You can view your camera feeds directly in a web browser, not just on your phone.
- No cooldown period: Event recordings trigger instantly, one after another, as long as motion continues.
For many users, especially those with multiple Wyze cameras or who want the peace of mind of intelligent alerts and cloud backup, the Cam Plus subscription is well worth the extra cost. It transforms the v4 from a great budget camera into a truly smart and powerful surveillance tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Wyze Cam v4 compare to the Wyze Cam v3?
The Wyze Cam v4 is a significant upgrade from the original Wyze Cam v3. While the v3 offers 1080p resolution and color night vision, the v4 steps up to 2.5K QHD resolution and enhanced color night vision, providing much sharper and more detailed images, especially at night. The v4 also includes a built-in motion-activated spotlight 72 lumens and a louder 99 dB siren, which were absent or required separate accessories for the v3. Connectivity is also improved on the v4 with Wi-Fi 6 support, offering better network efficiency, even though both still connect via 2.4 GHz. Overall, the v4 offers a superior experience in video quality, night vision, and deterrence features.
Do Wyze cameras record 24/7?
Yes, Wyze cameras, including the Wyze Cam v4, can record 24/7 if you install a microSD card up to 512GB for v4 into the camera and enable the “Continuous recording” option in the Wyze app’s settings. When the microSD card fills up, the camera automatically overwrites the oldest footage, ensuring you always have the most recent recordings. Without a microSD card or a Wyze Cam Plus subscription, you typically get short, event-based cloud recordings though the v4’s behavior without Cam Plus isn’t explicitly detailed as having a free 12-second cloud option like older models, it focuses on local storage or Cam Plus.
Is there a monthly fee for Wyze Cam v4?
A monthly fee is optional for the Wyze Cam v4. You can use the camera for free by relying on local storage via a microSD card for 24/7 continuous recording. However, to unlock advanced features like AI-powered person, vehicle, and package detection, full-length cloud event recordings, no cooldown periods between events, and web browser viewing, you’ll need to subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus . This subscription typically costs around $2.99 per camera per month or $9.99 per month for unlimited Wyze cameras.
Is the Wyze Cam v4 waterproof?
The Wyze Cam v4 is weather-resistant with an IP65 rating, which means it’s protected against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction. This makes it perfectly suitable for outdoor use in most weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F -20°C to 50°C. However, it’s important to note that the included USB power cable is not weatherproof, so if you plan to install it permanently outdoors, you’ll need to purchase a separate Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter for safe and reliable operation. Nothing phone 3a review
What kind of internet connection does the Wyze Cam v4 need?
The Wyze Cam v4 requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi internet connection. While the camera itself supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers benefits like better range and handling of network congestion, it will not connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network directly. Most modern routers are dual-band, meaning they broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. When setting up your Wyze Cam v4, simply ensure your smartphone is connected to your home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, and the Wyze app will guide you through connecting the camera to the same network.
Can I use the Wyze Cam v4 outdoors?
Yes, you can absolutely use the Wyze Cam v4 outdoors. It’s designed for both indoor and outdoor placement and comes with an IP65 weather-resistance rating, meaning it can withstand various environmental elements like rain and dust. This makes it durable enough for most exterior home security needs. However, as mentioned before, the standard USB power cable that comes in the box is intended for indoor use. For a safe and permanent outdoor installation, you will need to purchase the Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter separately, which is designed to protect the power connection from the elements.
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