Wyze Cam v3 Review
We spent over a week testing the Wyze Cam v3 wireless security camera. Watch our video to see footage and our favorite features.
The Wyze Cam v3 is a compact go-anywhere camera that costs less than a trip to the grocery store.
It has a standard laundry list of features that we look for like 1080p video, two-way audio, and a few easy ways to mount it to the wall or stick it to the shelf.
It works indoors and outdoors with weatherproof casing and a 6-foot cable. Thanks to those features, we were able to easily move it inside and outside to test it at home.
Wyze Cam v3 features
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Wyze Cam v3 vs. other wireless security cameras
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Product
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Price
|
Video resolution
|
Color night vision
|
Video storage options
|
Learn more
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for budget |
 |
$35.98 | 1080p |
 Yes |
Local/cloud | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best overall |
 |
$119.99 | 1440p (2K) |
Yes |
Local/cloud | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best for smart home |
 |
$187.51 | 1440p (2K) |
Yes |
Local/cloud | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best tech |
 |
$179.99 | 1080p |
 No |
Cloud | View on Google Store | Read review |
| Best for Alexa |
 |
$99.99 | 1080p |
No |
Cloud | View on Amazon | Read review |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Learn more about our top picks for the best wireless security cameras. We compare prices, features, and more.
Video and audio quality
Inside, outside, day, night, or any combination of the four, the Wyze Cam v3 delivered a crisp picture. It also has a sensitive motion tracker that follows any action on screen.
While testing the video, we captured motion from far away. We tested it in a home near a busy street, and it was able to detect cars going by and even alerted us to someone walking up the alley near the house. (Don't worry; it was our tester).
Katie McEntire, SafeWise
Audio quality
The audio on this camera is pretty fuzzy. You can make out words and even have a conversation, but it's certainly not high quality. The speaker is about 80 decibels—loud enough to catch someone's attention but maybe not loud enough to scare anyone off.
When we spoke through the camera, the recording audio was really muddled. Unfortunately, this is a pretty common weakness in cameras we've tested. Even our top picks like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro had the same problem.
Motion detection and alerts
The motion detection on the Wyze Cam v3 is pretty sensitive. Even with motion sensitivity set to a half setting, we got notifications from distant objects like passing cars or pets moving around the room. You can adjust the sensitivity and notifications easily, so it really boils down to your preferences.
The v3 also has sound alerts. If the camera detects a loud noise or commotion, you'll get a notification. One of these includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. So if you don’t have a smart smoke detector, you'll still get an alert if the device sounds.
Katie McEntire, SafeWise
Local and cloud storage
The Wyze Cam v3 works with local and cloud storage, giving you options for storing your videos. We’re fans of local storage as an extra layer of security for your footage. All you really need is a microSD card to save your videos and make time lapses.
You can also record video and stills in an album on the app too. If you want more from your camera, Wyze has a cheap subscription with bonus features.
Generally, yes. Or at least your footage is. Cameras like the Wyze Cam v3 still connect to your Wi-Fi, so they aren’t foolproof. The footage you store and record stays on the micro SD card inside, making it harder for snoops to see what you’ve saved.
Katie McEntire, SafeWise
Wyze Cam Plus subscription
If you have more than one Wyze Cam in your home, we recommend trying the Cam Plus subscription. With its $2/month price tag, it's worth it even for a single camera.
This is one of the cheapest subscription plans we’ve come across and has a long list of bonus features that really give you a bang for your buck.
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Motion alerts
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Sound alerts
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Fast forward recordings
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Person alerts
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Package detection
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Vehicle detection
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Animal detection
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without Cam Plus |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| With Cam Plus |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Our experience without this subscription wasn't bad, but it could be improved. When we got motion alerts (which was often), we had to watch through everything in real time only to see that the alert was a passing car or a pet. For $2/month, Wyze will be more specific with your alerts and let you cut to the action.
Final word
If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of security cameras and smart home gear, Wyze is a great brand to start with. Like all of the brand's products, the Wyze Cam v3 is affordable and effective.
For having standard 1080p resolution, the video quality on this camera is buttery smooth. We rarely encountered a lag and got motion alerts in real time.
The Wyze Cam v3 is a simple, low-stress security camera with customizable settings and a lot to offer. That said, the audio from and on camera needs some improvement. We also got a ton of notifications despite turning down the sensitivity. The addition of Cam Plus might help sort out those notifications by telling you what it’s seeing.
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