22 Jan
Blog

Wyze Scale S review: Highly functional and affordable

The Wyze Scale S provides numerous health metrics at every weigh-in.

Wyze Scale S review: Highly functional and affordable

RRP $18.99

"The Wyze Smart Scale S offers a full range of health-related metrics at an affordable price."

benefits

  • Payable

  • Easy to use and set up

  • Tracks a variety of health information

  • Allows multiple user profiles

disadvantage

  • Only works with a few third-party applications

  • Does not always record measurements

It's January and that means thousands of people are trying again to reach their goal weight. It also means that Libra isn't always your friend. After a strict diet, waking up before dawn to go for a run, and all the other steps you take to shed those pounds, you step on the scale hoping you've shed a few numbers.

The problem is that exercising isn't just about weight loss — you're building muscle at the same time, and muscle weighs a lot more than fat. Did you know that a bodybuilder can technically be "overweight" despite being in better physical shape than 90% of other people?

The Wyze Scale S provides numerous health metrics at every weigh-in.

The Wyze Scale S can help you more accurately measure your actual body composition, not just your weight. I tried it for a couple of weeks.

More than just a scale

As with most smart scales, the Wyze Scale S requires you to stand barefoot on its four sensor points. It takes several seconds before you get a display that not only shows you your weight, but also your body mass index (BMI) and muscle mass. This is the standard tariff for most smart scales, but the Wyze Scale S takes it a step further with a lot more information, including:

  • body fat
  • muscle mass
  • body water
  • lean body mass
  • bone mass
  • protein
  • visceral fat
  • BMR
  • metabolic age

The scale provides an incredibly detailed breakdown of key readings about your body. But while this information is useful, it's also not entirely accurate. These measurements are all estimates based on algorithms. You would need an actual medical device to give you accurate readings of this information, but the Wyze Scale S can give you a rough idea of ​​your current fitness level.

Every time you step on the scale, your numbers are automatically recorded in the app (assuming your phone is within Bluetooth range). The app creates a graph of your weight history over time.

You would need an actual medical device to give you accurate readings of this information, but the Wyze Scale S can give you a rough idea of ​​your current fitness level.

When you select body fat, muscle mass, or another metric, it explains what each term means and also shows your own measurements on a color-coded chart. It shows where you are on the chart using terms like average, below average, or above average, which is helpful when you're not exactly sure what the numbers mean or what a healthy range is.

The features don't just stop at the scale, however. The app itself also includes some useful tools – like the ability to measure your heart rate. The way it does that is kind of interesting too. You will be prompted to cover your phone's rear camera with one finger and then cup the phone with your other hand so that the light reflects towards your finger.

The Wyze Scale S companion app automatically tracks your weight every time you step on the scale.

Your phone's camera measures the pulsation under your skin and is fairly accurate. I tested it with a high-end fitness tracker at the same time and got the same result. If you want to quickly check your heart rate during a workout (and the old method of pinching your fingers to your neck and counting just doesn't work for you), the Wyze app can pull through in a snap.

However, in my opinion the best feature is the pet/kid mode. Have you ever wondered how much your pet weighs? This mode allows you to step on the scale empty-handed, then step on the scale with your pet and calculate the difference in weight, giving you an accurate measurement for your pet (or child).

Spoilers: My chunky cat weighed 14.9 pounds and strongly refused to be weighed.

If you want to quickly check your heart rate during a workout, the Wyze app can come through in no time.

The main problem I've encountered with smart scales is that they tend to focus on a single user. The Wyze Scale S allows you to have more than a single user and track each one's measurements separately. You can also set up a guest measurement if someone wants to weigh themselves without affecting your tracking.

setup and installation

Setting up and working with the Wyze Scale S was as easy as pulling it out of the box and connecting it via the app. The only real requirement is that you place the scale on a hard surface. Carpet interferes with the sensors, so you'll need to place it on tile or hardwood for it to work properly.

I have found that weight measurements are not recorded correctly if your phone is too far from the scale. If I left my phone in the living room and stepped on the scale in the bathroom (about 25 feet away), it didn't record the measurement on the app.

There are a few additional options available to you in the app. For example, you can set a specific weight goal to work towards. This will appear every time you open the app. You can also choose to display weight in imperial or metric units, and you can authorize Wyze to work with third-party apps like Apple Health and Fitbit. Those are the only two options I've found, which is a bit disappointing – I'd have liked to see the inclusion of other big fitness trackers like Garmin.

The Wyze Scale S has a reflective surface that captures footprint.

You can export your health metrics to your email for a specific week, month, year or any other time period. If you keep records or use the measurements for medical purposes, this can be useful information for your doctor.

Our opinion

The Wyze Scale S strikes an excellent balance between affordability and functionality. It even has an athlete mode for those who train more than 10 hours a week for more accurate tracking. It's one of the best smart scales I've worked with and has become my favorite way of measuring myself.

Is there a better alternative?

For the price, the Wyze Scale S is hard to beat. At around $20, you won't find a more functional scale. If you want more functionality with a far greater selection of fitness apps, Withings Body+ offers 100+ different apps and integrations for $100.

How long it will take?

This is a scale, so it gets a bit abused. Between kicks, accidental kicks and bumps against the wall, you can expect the Wyze Scale S to take a little damage here and there – but it's well made and comes with a one-year warranty from date of purchase. I expect it will last for many years with proper care.

should you buy it

Yes, without a doubt. If you're looking for a smart scale to help you track your fitness goals, you can't go wrong at this price point.

Editor's Recommendations



07 Oct
Blog

Wyze Light Strip Pro Review: Bang-for-the-Buck Light Shows

Wyze Light Strip Pro in pink.

Wyze light bar Pro

RRP $ 32.00

advantages

  • Cheap price

  • No bridge required; connects to WiFi

  • Can be cut to any length

disadvantage

  • Color saturation could be better

If there is one thing I love about smart lighting spaces, it has to be that they are more affordable than ever. There has been a sudden shift with many more players offering ultra-affordable smart lights that cover the full range. One of them is Wyze, who released its Wyze Bulb Color earlier this year, which I have called the most worthy cheap smart light bulb.

Well, the company hasn't missed a beat with the upcoming release of two new lighting offerings – the Wyze Light Strip and Light Strip Pro. Affordable pricing is the focus here again, starting at $ 27 and $ 32 respectively, but with so much competition in the room, they really need something special to stand out at this point. I will mainly focus on the Wyze Light Strip Pro for this test, as it can deliver up to 16 colors per strip – while the standard Wyze Light Strip can only produce one color at a time.

Installation and setup

Setting up the Wyze LED light strips was pretty straightforward, especially when the underside of the strips is covered with a tacky adhesive that makes it easy to attach to surfaces. In the end, I sketched my headboard and parts of my bed frame. Both the Wyze Light Strip and Light Strip Pro come in 16.4- and 32.8-foot options, but the Wyze Light Strip Pro is epoxy-coated – while the standard Wyze Light Strip is not and is not exposed. While I don't plan on using them outdoors, the Wyze Light Strip Pro seems to hold up better in the long run.

Exposed LED on the Wyze Light Strip Pro.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Depending on the project, you can adjust the length of the Wyze Light Strip Pro to any length you want for that custom fit. There are marks on the strip where to cut to make it easier to trim, but I've never been a fan of cutting strips of light. Before removing the cover for the adhesive, you should check beforehand that the entire strip is maximized.

Wyze Light Strip Pro in blue.John Velasco / Digital Trends

For harder surfaces where the adhesive on the underside is not enough to hold the weight of the entire strip, such as However, I would have liked screws for additional hold. That's because, in my experience, the glue on these clips tends to wear off. After all, it connects directly to Wi-Fi so I'm glad there aren't any additional bridges to connect with this setup.

Software and control

To interact with the LED light strips, you need to access the Wyze app – available for Android and iOS. It's largely divided into three main sections: design, scenes, and music. When designing, colors can be manually selected from the color wheel, scenes are preset color options, and music provides decent lighting effects that are controlled by music.

Speaking of lighting effects: A microphone is built into the controller on the light bar, which forms the bridge between the power supply unit and the actual light bars. To get the right response in music mode, I set the controller sensitivity to high – so that the effect matches the music properly. Setting it low doesn't do much good.

In addition to remote access to the intelligent LED light strips via the app, they support Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. I sometimes find it easier to just speak the command on my smart speaker or display.

power

Between the two, the Wyze Light Strip Pro offers more lighting effects, as it can display up to 16 colors at the same time. If you really want to spice up the decor in your home, go for the Pro for its advanced effects. You get some really nice color combinations painting rooms in rainbow colors, but I crave lights that are a little more saturated in tone. The saturation is decent but doesn't produce the same deep reds and blues that I get from other LED light strips.

I long for lights that are a little more saturated in tone.

Even so, the Wyze Light Strip Pro's brightness output isn't overly shoddy. It's powerful enough to be used for reading when the strip is exposed, as opposed to a discreet installation as an accent light. Even if the light strip with music mode shines in an explosion of colors, I wish that these special light effects could be switched on at any time – without having to play music. Honestly, a preset for these effects would be ideal, but it annoys me why it isn't offered because it's an easy addition.

Multi-color effect with Wyze Light Strip Pro.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Plus, it has the basic features I expect from smart lights – like the option to set sleep routines, timers, and scenes. It goes one step further with the vacation mode, which automatically turns the lights on and off, and Sun Match, which mimics natural sunlight all day long.

Our opinion

Wyze takes everything it's known for in space and delivers a decent set of smart LED light strips that aren't too expensive. Between the two models, I'd recommend the Wyze Light Strip Pro for the simple fact that it offers more color effects. Whichever you choose, they are both affordable for all budgets and a reasonable length for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

One of the most interactive smart LED light strips I've used, the Twinkly Line offers users custom lighting effects and superior color saturation. However, you pay almost double the cost with a shorter length to play around with.

For a simple smart LED light bar, Govees options are easier on the wallet – often in the $ 20 range for 16.4 feet in length.

How long it will take?

Between the two, the epoxy coating over the Wyze Light Strip Pro gives me confidence that it will withstand wear and tear better, as dirt and debris wouldn't interfere with the components. In any case, there is a 1-year guarantee for both LED light strips, which covers defects.

Should you buy it?

You bet. Wyze's intelligent LED light strips may not only excel in one area, but they are inexpensive and offer enough standard features to accentuate any room in the house.

Editor's recommendations



04 Jul
Blog

Wyze Cordless Vacuum Review: Packs a Budget-Friendly Punch

Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner

"Wyze sets the standard for what we expect from a budget-friendly cordless vacuum cleaner for the home."

  • Incredibly low price

  • Double motors ensure powerful cleaning

  • Light weight makes it easy to use

  • Surprisingly good filter system

  • Many functions are missing

  • Shorter battery life

The market for cordless vacuum cleaners has exploded in the last year and is no longer dominated by rigidities like Dyson, Shark, Bissel, Samsung or LG. New models from these renowned brands can typically cost anywhere from $ 350 to $ 500 or more. However, there are companies like Roborock and Tineco who are launching new models to take a piece of the pie – with affordable prices in the foreground.

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the latest in affordable cordless vacuum cleaner. It costs $ 150 but is currently available for pre-order for $ 119. There is a hard limit of 50,000 pre-order units, but at the time of writing, there are more than 29,000 available. While the Wyze Cordless Vacuum trades in more advanced features for a much lower price, it still scores admirably when compared to the competition and, as Wyze always has, fills a void in the budget market that makes it appealing to a wide range of users.

Design: light but powerful

The Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner weighs just 2.8 pounds and is light enough for almost anyone to pick up and use for long periods of time. Despite this low weight, it does not save on performance. A pair of motors delivers 150 air watts (AW) or 24,000 Pascal (Pa) suction power.

Wyze cordless vacuum cleanerWyze

The brushless motor design reaches 110,000 RPM and has less friction – resulting in longer battery life. An additional 9,500 rpm in the brush head provide additional cleaning power and have been specially developed to collect pet hair. As the owner of a cat who has lost so much hair that it should be bald, I have to agree. The cordless Wyze vacuum cleaner does a great job removing pet hair from the carpet and couch.

There are different performance modes, but the standard is Eco mode, which allows 50 minutes of cleaning time. If you buy a different battery, it can be swapped out in no time for longer cleaning sessions. Of course, the eco mode delivers less performance overall. Compared to other models, the run time is shorter, which can make it difficult to clean an entire house in one go. The eco mode offers the user a suction power of 7,000 Pa. Medium offers up to 15,000 Pa suction power and the turbo mode delivers the full, promised 24,000 Pa at the expense of battery life.

Accessories: a lot to do

A vacuum cleaner is only as good as its best accessories. After all, there is only so much you can do with a standard vacuum head. The good news is that the Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of different accessories that you can use to clean almost anywhere in your home or vehicle.

The light illuminates dust and dirt on your floor to make sure you don't miss a point.

The grouting tool reaches corners and crevices, just like under the kitchen cupboards. The brush tool loosens dirt and dust and sucks it directly into the vacuum cleaner. I found it particularly useful for dusting as the bristles are soft enough to remove dust from around the TV without scratching the screen.

The really standout accessory, however, is the primary brush head. Although it offers a lot of additional cleaning power, it also stands out for another reason: Six forward-facing LEDs in the head. This extra light will illuminate dust and debris on your floor to make sure you don't miss a point.

Wyze

This is ideal for vacuuming under furniture. All dust bunnies that gather under the recliner and couch are easy to see with these lights. Of course, that's not always a good thing – you might be shocked by how dirty some parts of your home are.

Performance: Better air quality

Vacuuming may make your floors a little cleaner, but it's practically useless if it pollutes your air quality. While many high-end vacuums offer incredible filtration systems, this isn't something you would expect from a budget model. This is how the Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner surprises.

Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner in charging station.

It offers a three-stage filter system that starts with the vacuum cyclone. This cyclone separates dirt based on particle size. Then a large metal sieve separates the larger particles such as dust and hair.

The final stage of the filtration process is a HEPA filter that removes up to 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This results in much cleaner air and helps reduce the amount of allergens that get kicked up when vacuuming. After you've finished vacuuming, you can empty the trash can with one finger by pulling the lever. You don't have to clean the vacuum cleaner every time, but you can increase the filter's longevity and effectiveness by cleaning it regularly.

Both the dust cup and the filter can be removed and cleaned. In fact, the entire Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner has a modular design that makes it easy to maintain. There's even a built-in filter brush that you can rotate to knock dust off the filter and into the bin.

Our opinion

The Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner is a solid purchase, especially at its discounted $ 119 price point. Even for the normal retail price of $ 150, it offers incredible value and performance. It might not have an app or a lot of extra features, but its powerful cleaning features and air filtration make it a worthwhile investment.

Are there any better alternatives?

From a budget point of view, nothing comes close to the Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner. It offers great performance at one of the lowest prices we've ever seen. If you are looking for an alternative, Shark Rocket cordless vacuum cleaner is a $ 200 option. If you're looking for a high-end option this is the Roborock H7 has a lot more features, longer cleaning time, and more accessories for $ 500.

How long it will take?

With its lower weight, the Wyze cordless vacuum cleaner feels more fragile than higher-priced models, but not cheap. As long as the vacuum cleaner is not stored in direct sunlight and is cleaned regularly, it should last for many years. At the very least, it comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers it for defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're looking for an affordable vacuum cleaner for small jobs around the house, it's hard to beat.

Editor's recommendations



08 May
Blog

Wyze Floor Lamp Review: Slick Design, Could Be Smarter

Wyze floor lamp desk

Wyze floor lamp review: Smooth design, could use more smarts

"It's not perfect, but the minimalist design and cost of the Wyze floor lamp make it a consideration."

  • Sleek looking minimalist design

  • Bright light source

  • Very affordable cost

Most companies usually clean up their product launches, but that's not how Wyze does things. In the past year, the company has played a role that is unparalleled in the smart home sector. While it has only been a few months since the Wyze Bulb Color was launched, the company is back with yet another new lighting solution – the Wyze floor lamp.

You may be wondering how Wyze's interpretation of a floor lamp can go beyond the obvious function of connecting. Let me say right away that the company is only charging $ 30 for this. That might be enough to make some people think about buying, but does it fall victim to the age-old adage, "You get what you pay for?"

This nifty, Ikea-like minimalist design

If there is one specific aspect of the Wyze floor lamp that immediately catches my attention, it has to be its minimalist design. Seriously, this thing looks like it was made by Ikea's designers. Setting up is also a breeze, as the three parts of the floor lamp only have to be twisted together after unpacking.

Wyze floor lamp light ton themeJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

By the time it reaches 5 feet (11 inches) in height when fully stretched out, it can easily soar over tables and desks – though it's worth noting that two feet of its length is reserved for its flexible, posable neck. It is still enough to comfortably tower over couches, couches, and even loungers. The base is reinforced with enough weight to prevent it from falling over, but thanks to its 0.5-inch height, it can fit nicely even with small spaces.

This thing seems to have been made by Ikea's designers.

While its design is more compatible with other modern decorations, its minimalism doesn't clash too much with other styles. Well, unless it's in Grandma's living room. Still, I really wish there were other color options besides black.

Semi-smart, needs more options

Speaking of options, technically there is a lightbulb that is supposed to work with it – the included Wyze PARB lightbulb, which the company calls a parabolic aluminized reflector. It's a lightbulb entirely contained in the cone-shaped case that screws into the socket to ensure that the minimalist design is maintained. It has a maximum brightness of 800 lumens, but is set so that it only emits at a color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin. This is wonderful if you always prefer natural daylight, but there are some people who prefer warmer color temperatures which are more ideal for nighttime use.

A special remote control is included in the scope of delivery of the Wyze floor lamp, which is coupled to the PARB lamp via Bluetooth LE 5.0. It has a magnetic base that allows it to be firmly attached to the metal base of the lamp or other surfaces. It's great to be able to control the intensity of the light with the button in addition to the Wyze mobile app. However, since it is powered by Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, it lacks the real remote control that other smart lights offer. When you are not at home, you cannot turn it on and off. There's a scheduling feature and smart dimming mode via the Wyze app, but none are as useful as the full remote or voice-activated operation that traditional smart lights offer.

As already mentioned, the remote control is only intended to work with the PARB lamp, so that other intelligent LED light bulbs offered by Wyze cannot work with this floor lamp. It's a bummer because it would have given the Wyze floor lamp significant versatility by giving users options for color, true wireless operation, and color temperature control. Hoping for at least one more PARB lightbulb down the street.

Focused lighting

If you are looking for a floor lamp that should focus the light in the smallest of spaces, the Wyze floor lamp is just right for you. There are a total of 15 individual condenser lenses that focus the light at an angle of 23 degrees. This makes it an ideal light to read or illuminate something you might be working on while at your desk. It's a strong light source that is a little harsh because it casts shadows.

Wyze floor lamp LEDsJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Since it is a focus light, it is not good to illuminate large rooms and spaces. It's just not meant for that, but it works well for highlighting murals and smaller decorative pieces. You could direct the light up to the ceiling, but it doesn't have the same diffusing effect to get full room coverage.

Our opinion

In all fairness, this is not what I would classify as your traditional smart light as it does not have the basic quality of being remotely controlled outside of the home. You still have local operation with the remote or mobile app, but I would prefer to control the voice assistant when I'm just too lazy to get up.

On the other hand, we don't often come across a floor lamp that offers a powerful source of light in a minimalist design like this one. There is certainly room for improvement, but there are some advantages to being a custom light – even more so if it only costs $ 30. That's cheaper than unplugged floor lamps that you can find at Target or Ikea. That alone is worth bragging about.

How long it will take?

I am convinced of the quality of workmanship of the Wyze floor lamp, as the base and the body are made of metal. The only unknowns is how well the joint neck will hold up over the long term, as well as the light bulb, which is designed to last for 25,000 hours. Fortunately, there is a three-year warranty on the lightbulb – while the stand and remote have a one-year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really in the floor lamp room, especially at this price point. There are other decorative smart lights and bulbs to consider, such as the Philips or Hue Iris Mi bedside lampboth of which glow in different colors to match the decor or mood.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's not often that you find a semi-joined floor lamp at this price point. In some cases, it's cheaper than a traditional floor lamp that you can find at a furniture store or retail store.

Editor's recommendations




13 Apr
Blog

Wyze Watch Review: A $20 Smartwatch With Faulty Connections

Wyze watch rating Leader03

Wyze Watch Review: A $ 20 Smartwatch With Faulty Connections

"The Wyze watch is beating above its weight class, but inconsistent connectivity is too insane to recommend."

  • Premium hardware

  • Very affordable price

  • Nine days of battery life

  • Inconsistent connectivity

  • Lack of dial and variety of apps

  • No interactivity with notifications

  • No automatic tracking of anything but sleep

If you're the type who likes to put a dollar out, you are probably familiar with Wyze. The company has built its reputation on smart home devices, which offer around 80 percent of its competitors' offerings at around 30 percent of the price. From doorbells to cameras, Wyze has set a new price for a wide variety of smart home and wearable offerings. The latest is the Wyze Watch, a $ 20 smartwatch.

Buying a $ 20 smartwatch with nine days of battery life is a breeze. But along with that price tag comes an enormous number of lowered expectations. It's true that this watch doesn't have the same features that you'll find on most high-end smartwatches, but it does have a few. So let's get started.

Premium hardware

The first thing you'll notice about the Wyze watch is that it looks a lot like a high-end smartwatch. It is made of aluminum and has a silicone strap. There is a single button on the right side of the watch. On my 47mm device, you get a bright 1.75-inch TFT LCD touchscreen that runs on a 300mAh battery. On the back, in addition to the proprietary magnetic charger, are heart rate and blood oxygen sensors.

Wyze watch design and display

The watch comes with a comfortable silicone strap. You can also upgrade to a leather strap if you want. Overall, it looks like a premium watch, but unfortunately (and unsurprisingly) the premium feel stops there.

The performance is a bit sloppy. From lifting your wrist to see the time, to swiping the page to see your apps, there's just a little hesitation every time. It's barely noticeable and certainly not a deal breaker, but it's worth mentioning.

Mediocre software

The software on the watch is very simple. Most of the meaningful interactions take place in the app on the phone. This is the same app that you use to control your other Wyze smart home devices. Pairing the watch is crazy fast. Unlike most smartwatches and fitness bands I've used, just turn on the watch and launch the app. You add the clock to the app and you're done. You are done. It's amazingly quick and loved that part. This will require more smartwatches.

You can choose from just a few dozen watch faces, and apps are even more limited. There are only nine apps on the watch, including weather, shortcuts, blood oxygen, heart rate, and run tracking. You will also receive notifications on the watch from your phone. Notifications are decent in that you can read emails and texts, but there are no replies at all. There is also no microphone / speaker to take calls.

With the Shortcuts app you can control any other Wyze device that you have in your smart home. You can pause notifications on your doorbell or turn on the lights, all from the clock, which is really neat … assuming you have other Wyze hardware. If you're just starting out, your options are limited here. Wyze is really trying to build an ecosystem here, and it's not subtle.

The watch's connectivity is spotty at best and there is no WiFi. So you are limited to bluetooth connectivity. When the watch is plugged in, things work fine and quickly. However, as the day progresses, your watch suddenly receives a series of notifications at once, as if the watch forgot to feed on notifications all the time. If you rely on the watch to stay connected to your phone and keep in touch with notifications, look elsewhere.

Focus on the data

Now we come to one of the main reasons people buy smartwatches – fitness tracking and data. First, there is no automatic data collection of any kind other than sleep. If you want the watch to track your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, or exercise activity, you need to tell the watch to do so. It's not the toughest thing in the world, but it's something a watch is supposed to do on its own.

The Wyze watch is similar to a high-end smartwatch.

In terms of the data itself, the accuracy for step counting and training distance is around 10% to 15% less than that of a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. This means that while my Galaxy Watch 3 measures 6,000 steps, the Wyze watch measures 5,000 to 5,400. The sleep tracking is pretty accurate, although the app showed waking phases that I don't remember. That doesn't mean they didn't happen, but I don't remember them.

Accurate data is the best, but even inaccurate data can be useful if it is consistently inaccurate. In my case, I found that the data consistently does not match the information on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. You can use the data the watch collects to learn certain things about your day. You may not know exactly how many steps you took, but you can know that you took 25% more steps today than yesterday. It's certainly not ideal, but it can be useful depending on what you're trying to get out of it.

The good news is that most of the flaws in the Wyze watch are due to the software. What Wyze needs to bring to the table here is more types of exercise, better notification interactions, and more variety in the watch faces. The photo faces help, but even the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 offers more variety in the dials.

What worries me the most about the watch is connectivity. To say it's picky would be generous. It is absolutely bad. If you rely on your watch for notifications, you will be let down. Data like sleep and exercise data is synced with your phone when you connect, so you won't lose anything. It's a relief, albeit a small one.

Our opinion

The Wyze Watch is $ 20, and you get more than your money on this smartwatch – but not much more. Wyze claims the battery will last nine days, which is in line with my tests. Having just a nine-day smartwatch is tempting.

Where the experience falls apart is the lack of watch faces and apps, as well as the connectivity issues. Hopefully Wyze will continue to develop the watch so that its capabilities improve in the future. But for what it is right now, it's not the worst way to spend a single Andrew Jackson.

How long it will take?

The Wyze watch is solidly built and has a water resistance of up to two meters. There is no reason to believe that this watch will not last long. How well Wyze supports software development on the watch depends a lot more on its longevity than on the hardware, which is well built and doesn't feel cheap at all. There is a one year limited warranty against defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Naturally. This is the bottom of the barrel in the smartwatch department. That’s out of the question. Even your traditional fitness trackers cost more than this watch, which is so cheap that it's difficult to get comparable experiences in a similar price range. The best competitor I see is the Xiaomi Mi Band 6, which has just been announced and will be out later this year. This fitness band offers a similar experience in that it is nice but not great when it is above its weight class.

Should you buy it?

If you are serious about fitness or notifications, then this is not the place to be. This watch makes a lot of compromises en route to the $ 20 price range.

Connectivity is the deal breaker for me. I would be willing to accept any other compromise if I knew this watch would notify me. To its credit, it hasn't missed a notification yet, but sometimes it has delivered them much later – and about 20 at a time – which doesn't do me any good.

Editor's recommendations




10 Apr
Blog

Wyze Home Monitoring Review: Great Savings, Gaps to Fill

Wyze Home Monitoring Components

Wyze Home Monitoring Review: Big Savings, Bridge the Gaps

"Wyze comes at a compelling price for home security, but it takes more work to catch up."

  • Very affordable home monitoring plan

  • Inexpensive hardware

  • Option for wired or wireless connection with hub

  • No cellular backup connection

  • Limited selection of accessories

When it comes to making noise in the smart home space, nobody is doing it better lately than Wyze. The company has tirelessly expanded its portfolio over the past year, which surprisingly now includes vacuum cleaners, headphones and fitness trackers. The latest offering is Wyze Home Monitoring, a 24-hour home improvement security system designed to protect your home when you are there or not.

After a series of hits with its surveillance cameras, the Wyze Home Monitoring is pursuing the same strategy of being extremely affordable. At $ 5 a month, it's without question the lowest priced subscription. However, are there any compromises with such low cost?

Cover basics

First, let me explain what comes with the Wyze Home Monitoring System. The Core Starter Kit ($ 110 MSRP) is exactly what you'd expect. It consists of a 5-piece kit that consists of a hub, a keyboard, a motion sensor and two input sensors. What's especially important here is that this starter kit is almost a fraction of the cost of its closest competitors – between $ 150 and $ 200 – for packages from Ring, SimpliSafe, and Blue from ADT.

Wyze Home Monitoring KeyboardJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

For the price, you get the same basic components as the other home security systems. So in that regard, it's more for the money. However, a comprehensive selection of accessories is always an advantage when it comes to fully covering your home. With its current portfolio, Wyze lacks the depth of accessories that its competitors offer. While you can have additional motion and entry sensors for the system at a much lower cost than the competition ($ 20 for three entry sensors and $ 8 for one motion sensor), it comes down to the breadth of accessories you have still not close gonna find anywhere else.

However, if you are concerned that someone might be intruding on your home, hitting additional sensors can provide more security. While external threats are paramount, Wyze needs to add other accessories like carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors, and more to monitor other potential threats around the home.

Optimizations required with experience

Wyze's inexperience in this area will be exposed after I check out the app. The activation and deactivation of the alarm system can be done either physically via the keyboard or via the app. You can select a countdown to have enough time to activate / deactivate. There are three main arming modes: Home, Away and Disarmed.

This starter kit is almost a fraction of the cost of its closest competitors.

As you would expect when a system is armed, the hub will emit a loud siren when any of the sensors are triggered. If you have a Wyze surveillance camera, you can also set it up to automatically record when one of the sensors is triggered. For example, if the front door is opened while it is armed, you can have the Wyze Cam in your living room to automatically start recording. Oddly enough, cameras themselves do not trigger an alarm if movement is detected and the system is armed. Instead, you will receive an app notification.

While the basics are well covered here, some additional tweaking is needed before it can be compared to the major players in the field. In particular, the hub cannot emit any distinguishable noises each time a sensor is triggered – not even at home. Personally, I like being at home to hear a sound when the front door is opened. You don't have that option here.

What is even more puzzling is that the system continues to sound the alarm in home mode and also dispatches law enforcement agencies. Fortunately, I had it in test mode whenever it went off, but I would love to see a proper home mode where I can still have the sensors active but only send me notifications (or play a sound on the hub) when they are always activated. In disabled mode, everything is simply disabled so that there are no notifications or alarms.

24/7 surveillance with Noonlight

Wyze Home Monitoring offers 24-hour monitoring via Noonlight, which not only triggers alarms when sensors are triggered, but also emergency helpers who are on standby in emergency situations. When you consider that the service cost is $ 5 per month or $ 60 per year, it undercuts most other home security systems.

Wyze Home Monitoring HubJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, when it comes to protection, there are still some loopholes that need to be addressed in the future. Take the Wyze Hub, for example. I am happy to have the option of connecting it wired or wirelessly to my house's network and having my own emergency power supply in the event that the power fails. However, without an active internet connection at home, it will become unusable. Other systems, such as the base stations from SimpliSafe and Ring, have an integrated cellular connection as a backup. In Wyze's situation, no internet connection means there is a coverage gap.

Our opinion

It's a good start, but there is certainly still a lot of work to be done before Wyze Home Monitoring can deliver the same solid and complete home security service that its competitors offer. The accessories portfolio in particular does not make it quite as robust and experience requires additional optimizations and improvements. The cost is hard to miss, however, as you will not find anything that cheap remotely otherwise.

How long it will take?

All components of the system are made of plastic. It's enough, but the design and build quality is obviously a step behind what you get from names like SimpliSafe and Ring. There is a one-year limited warranty that covers the hardware components against defects.

Is there a better alternative?

SimpliSafe and Ring offer two of the most comprehensive home improvement safety systems on the market. Ring, in particular, has one of the deepest accessory rosters that can cover your home inside and out, while SimpliSafe offers impeccable service that goes above and beyond most – for example, the ability for a service dispatcher to access a camera, to review real threats.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you are in need of cost. I expect it will get better over time as more accessories become available and the experience improves.

Editor's recommendations




04 Mar
Blog

Wyze Bulb Color: The Worthiest Cheap Smart Light Bulb

Wyze Bulb color in lamp green

"It's so good and cheap that you may never return to Philips Hue."

  • Really bright edition

  • The colors are very saturated

  • Doesn't need a bridge

  • Ridiculously cheap

Anyone who has expressed an interest in upgrading to smart LED lightbulbs knows the Philips Hue brand. You could say it's the Apple of smart lighting based on the countless positive reviews of its lightbulbs and the brand loyalty that has been built over the years. However, the light bulbs can be expensive.

Because of this, I've enjoyed some cheaper alternatives over the past few years. Xiaomi's Yeelight picks up only $ 27This is a significant savings over the $ 50 you would pay for a single Philips Hue color changing bulb. Even better were the Sylvania Smart + lamps that I used in my bathroom. A 4-pack is only $ 35.

Now we have another new competitor in the room with the Wyze Bulb Color. After achieving success in a variety of areas of the smart home, Wyze is making a stir in the lighting category with its $ 35 worth of color-changing lightbulbs.

Shining bright

One of the biggest drawbacks of cheaper alternatives, similar to Xiaomi's Yeelight, is that they are typically not that bright. Fortunately, that's not a problem for the Wyze Bulb Color. In fact, there is no comparison in terms of peak brightness when compared to Yeelight and Sylvania Smart + – it is noticeably brighter.

Wyze Bulb paint on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

This is due to the 1100 lumens of brightness it can produce, making it a 75 watt equivalent lightbulb. For comparison: Sylvania Smart + and Yeelight are 60 watt equivalent light bulbs. If you place the three lamps next to each other, there is no question that the Wyze Bulb Color has the strongest light output. In addition to the colors, this also applies to all temperatures of the daylight colors.

It's cheap but powerful.

And what about the mighty Philips Hue A19 lamp that I've been using for years? Although the differences aren't that big, the Wyze Bulb Color is still lighter – if only with a narrow border.

No bridges are needed here

Ask anyone who has dealt with a wide variety of smart home devices and they will tell you how annoying it is to set up a bridge. In my particular situation, my router only has a few Ethernet ports available to install a bridge. So it's a relief that the Wyze Bulb Color doesn't require one. Instead, connectivity is limited to Wi-Fi.

Wyze Bulb Color Wyze AppJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Setting up with the Wyze app for Android is child's play. As a result, I had to briefly connect to the bulb's Wi-Fi network before I could automatically connect to my home's Wi-Fi network. The app is pretty straightforward and has controls for brightness, color modes, automation, and scene modes. If you prefer your favorite smart home ecosystem, you'll be happy to know that it has support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Voice controls work like a charm once they're set up through the Google Home app, so I can group them with other smart lights for room-by-room control.

Wyze Bulb paint on table greenJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The only flaw with this experience concerns the scene modes that Wyze offers. In contrast to the Philips Hue lamps, the scene modes provided by Wyze are uniform. That means you just set all the lights to the same color – while Philips Hue gives you some interesting color combinations that are more dynamic. Hopefully that will change as things move forward.

Vibrant colors that burst

I was skeptical about saturation, mostly because most of the inexpensive lamps I've used didn't produce enough brightness and saturation to make colors pop. Here, too, the Wyze Bulb Color impressed me with the intensity of its color saturation. Blue and red are especially saturated and vibrant, so even a single lightbulb does a wonderful job of distributing enough saturation evenly wherever it goes.

Our opinion

Wyze's appetite to conquer the smart home never seems to end. The Wyze Bulb Color is a solid competitor in the field of intelligent lighting that dominates everything else in its price range. At $ 35 for a pack of 4, the Wyze Bulb Color is a fantastic way to light up your home without spending a fortune. It's cheap but powerful.

How long it will take?

The design of the Wyze color pear doesn't differ from anything else I've come across. It's mostly plastic, which is a good thing because, unlike traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that use glass, the plastic won't break as easily when the lamp is hit. Life expectancy is 25,000 hours, but there is a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really for the price. Wyze's name in the tech space is growing all the time, so I feel that their products are more reputable than other cheaper alternatives you can probably find online.

Should you buy it?

Yes, it's only $ 35 for a 4-pack. That's cheaper than just buying a single Philips Hue color-changing light for $ 50.

Editor's recommendations




20 Feb
Blog

Wyze Robot Vacuum Review: Efficiency Without the Pricey Cost

Wyze Robot Vacuum

"The Wyze Robot Vacuum offers efficient cleaning at an affordable price."

  • Efficient cleaning

  • Smart mapping and navigation

  • Easy to set up and use

  • Can set up virtual walls

  • There is no intelligent integration of assistants

  • Often catches cables

Wyze is known for affordable products that meet the same quality standards as much more expensive options. The company's security cameras compete against bigger names without breaking the bank, and the new Wyze Robot Vacuum is no exception. The Wyze Robot Vacuum may not have as many features as the iRobot Roomba i3 +, but it does offer efficient cleaning at an affordable price.

The Wyze Robot Vacuum is just the latest in a number of new additions to the robot vacuum market. The space has become increasingly competitive, especially in the lower section. Companies like iRobot and Roborock dominate the high-end market, but the mid and budget markets are flooded with third party companies and cheaper options from big companies. Even so, Wyze has a reputation for quality at a low price, and that reputation (combined with the functionality of this vacuum) sets it apart in a sea of ​​different vacuum cleaners.

Set up

For just $ 250, it packs a lot of features into the box. It comes with two spare brushes, the charging stand, an instruction manual and a quick start guide. Setup is just as easy. Just plug in the charging stand and leave at least 1.5 feet on either side of the vacuum and at least 4.5 feet in front of it. There is also a brush cleaner and small knife in the top cover of the vacuum cleaner itself that is used to cut the string around the main brush.

It needs to be charged for about two hours before running. Once it is fully charged, download the app and follow the on-screen instructions. From this point on, it should take less than five minutes for the vacuum to operate. The included quick start guide describes these steps in an incredibly easy to understand way. Once it is set up, you can start cleaning your floor.

A good choice for a first robotic vacuum

The Wyze Robot Vacuum is a bit barebones in terms of features, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Wyze robot vacuum cleaner is straightforward and simple to operate, making it an excellent choice for the first robot vacuum cleaner.

There are three separate cleaning modes, which are defined by the suction level: Quiet, Standard and Strong. Calm is self-explanatory; It's quieter than any other mode, but it also has the lowest suction power. This mode is ideal for hardwood or linoleum surfaces, but doesn't work as well on carpets. Standard is louder than Quiet mode but has more suction power, while Strong is the loudest of the three. Strong is also the most efficient and results in the deepest and most thorough cleaning of all modes. It took longer than the other modes, but the difference was visible – the carpet looked and felt cleaner.

Few robotic vacuums at this price point have lidar capabilities.

Cleaning is only done via the app. You can schedule them to be cleaned up automatically or instruct them to start a run manually. Voice control is not yet available for the Wyze Robot Vacuum. Alexa compatibility is expected to be available in the first half of 2021, however, along with other features like spot cleaning.

There are some drawbacks, however. While the vacuum did a great job of the actual cleaning, it picked up and carried cables that were inferior to any other vacuum I've ever worked with. This is not an isolated incident, but the Wyze Robot Vacuum captured everything it came across. I had to stop it and salvage four different cables – three power cables and one ethernet cable – before it ended a run. It also ran into the leg of the couch and got stuck due to interference with the lidar signal, the laser signal used to map the area.

Smart navigation and mapping

The Wyze Robot Vacuum navigates through a room using lidar technology and creates an intelligent map in the process. You can view this map on your phone to know exactly where the vacuum is at any given moment. You can also use it to create virtual walls or divide the map into different zones. This is important as few robotic vacuums offer lidar at this price.

At the bottom right of the card there is a small icon in the form of a box. If you tap on it, you can edit the map. You can create a virtual wall to close off certain areas. For example, if you want the Wyze Robot Vacuum to clean your bedroom but not the attached bathroom, create a virtual wall on the bathroom door. You can also divide the map into different rooms, even within the same room. An example of this would be a large living room that is divided into a den and a dining area. You can turn the den into one room, the dining area into a second.

Once the rooms are divided up, you can tap on any of them to tell the Wyze to only clean that particular room. If there are multiple rooms on the card, you can choose as many as you want to clean at once. If you don't select a room and just tap Clean, the entire room will be vacuumed.

A notable feature of the Wyze is the accuracy of its navigation. If it is picked up and moved, it learns its new location and its repositioning within the smart map in just a few seconds. It also stops just before most obstacles. During a test run, the vacuum was once applied directly to the side wall of a PC that was on the floor. The vacuum stopped within an eighth of an inch of the disk, turned, and continued on its way. It used its lidar reading instead of the shock sensor, although it does use the shock sensors when navigating along walls. It can also vacuum close to the edge of a staircase without falling over. Sensors at the bottom of the vacuum guarantee that it does not move over the edge.

Use and accessory tracking

In addition to the settings, the settings menu of the Wyze Robot Vacuum offers a wealth of valuable information. In this menu you can set up specific cleaning schedules, change the suction power and turn notifications on and off. You can also access clean records to measure when the last run was, how long it took, and how much space was covered. The map editor can also be accessed from this menu.

The standout option, however, is the Accessories menu. This lists the main brush, edge brush, and HEPA filter, and the time remaining for each of these parts before they need to be replaced. If you replace it, you can update the time by tapping the accessory and selecting "I replaced it". You also have the option to purchase another part. The main brush is designed for 300 operating hours, the edge brush for 200 operating hours and the HEPA filter for 150 operating hours.

In addition to the basic Wyze Robot Vacuum settings, you can set up rules that allow interaction with other Wyze devices, shortcuts that perform actions on the home screen, and schedules that set controls at certain times of the day.

Our opinion

Wyze Robot VacuumWyze / Youtube

The Wyze Robot Vacuum is by no means a bad investment. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles other robotic vacuums have, it does a good job of cleaning a room, provided you have the right vacuum level selected – a few runs over carpet in quiet mode left dirt on the floor. The mapping and navigation is on par with much more expensive models, however, and once more features are added that allow it to interact with intelligent assistants and perform spot cleaning, it will be quite a competitor.

Is there a better alternative?

At $ 250, there are few robotic vacuums that can match. If you put in just $ 50 more you could get one iRobot Roomba e5, a robotic vacuum cleaner that is great for picking up pet hair and has all of the advanced features of iRobot.

In the premium range, the iRobot Roomba s9 Plus offers enormous cleaning functions and a range of functions that you will not find anywhere else. That comes with a premium price of around $ 1,100, of course. There's no doubt that iRobot is the king of the hill, but you don't have to sell an arm or leg to pick up a robotic vacuum that does excellent cleaning.

If even $ 250 is too much, there are budget options like the Eufy Robovac 11S, which costs $ 30 less at $ 220. It lacks the efficiency of better vacuums, but it cleans your floor so you don't have to.

How long it will take?

The Wyze Robot Vacuum is designed for a long service life and depends solely on the estimated service life of the accessories. However, the vacuum can operate anywhere from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (although lower or higher temperatures in a house create a number of other problems). With proper care and maintenance, the Wyze Robot Vacuum will last for years to come. There is a one year limited warranty that protects it from defects.

Should I buy it?

Short answer: yes, if you are looking for a budget friendly robotic vacuum cleaner. At this price, only a few robotic vacuums have lidar functions. Although the Wyze Robot Vacuum does not yet offer voice control or spot cleaning, these functions are in preparation. It cleans your floor quickly and efficiently and will only get better over time.

Editor's recommendations




03 Jan
Blog

Wyze Video Doorbell Review: You Get What You Pay for

Wyze video doorbell rating lights on

“This doorbell is only $ 30. It's certainly not the best, but it beats its weight class well. "

  • The $ 30 cost is extremely affordable

  • Fun chime extenders included

  • Waterproof construction

  • Terrible field of vision

  • Building materials feel cheap

If you're interested in affordable smart home technology, there's a name to look out for. That name is Wyze. The company is on the rise with a variety of smart home products that are not only very good but also very inexpensive. That brings us to our review today – the Wyze doorbell, a $ 30 video doorbell. This is not a typo. I'm not missing a decimal place. It's $ 30.

In a world where video doorbells are $ 99 and up, $ 30 is incredibly affordable in this area. There are sure to be compromises. I also have to mention that I tested this device with a beta version of the Wyze app. That puts me in a difficult position as a reviewer. Isn't a feature set great because it's beta or because it costs $ 30? I'm pretty sure I cleared the two up, so let's get started!

A tiny plastic box

The Wyze doorbell camera is one of the smallest video doorbells I've ever seen, let alone worked. The inconspicuous hardware is a plastic box with a height of just eight centimeters, a width of four centimeters and a depth of almost two centimeters. It has a white case with a black camera module in the upper half and a rounded square button for the bell. The Wyze logo in between lights up when people approach, as does the bell icon on the button. It makes it very easy to know where to slide.

The bell also comes with a glockenspiel extender that can be plugged into any power outlet. This is important because the doorbell itself does not ring in the house. The doorbell rings to let your visitors know that it has rung. Then the doorbell rings in the house. It seems like an odd omission not to ring the mechanical chime it is connected to for power, but it's understandable since the chime extender comes with the package.

This won't be the last video doorbell you'll ever buy, but there's no reason it can't be your first.

This carillon extender is gorgeous. It creates a separate connection to the app within the doorbell settings. The glockenspiel extender offers 19 different sounds including normal chimes, door knocking and animal noises that drive my dogs crazy. It's pretty much fun. There is no noticeable delay between pressing the doorbell button and ringing the bell. The Glockenspiel Extender works wherever there is WiFi, so you can plug the Glockenspiel in wherever it's most convenient.

I ran into some problems setting up the carillon extender. Sometimes the change I made in the app didn't carry over to the carillon itself. Sometimes it was like that. It was very random. That could easily be a result of the beta app, or maybe less than ideal Wi-Fi. After a while, I managed to set up the right chimes and the problem never came back.

Restricted view

The camera itself has a very narrow field of view. You can see 120 degrees vertically and only 88 degrees horizontally. Wyze says this is because people are taller than they are wide. I understand, but these specs barely allow me to see an entire person horizontally or vertically. Compared to my normal Vivint Video Doorbell Pro, it almost feels like looking through a toilet paper tube. Did I mention this camera is $ 30?

What you can see is decent quality. You can set the camera to capture and stream in HD, SD, or 480p. During the day the picture is a bit washed out and you lose a lot of definition in cloudy clouds. It does a suitable job of identifying people and movement. At night, this time of the year is hard to tell as my front yard is filled with Christmas lights, making it difficult for the camera to decide whether or not to use infrared.

  • 1.
    Night, lights on
  • 2.
    Night, lights off
  • 3.
    During the day

The above Christmas lights are completely blown out and there are no details at all in the highlights. The camera does a good job and shows my front yard at night, which is reminiscent of the Panasonic Home Hawk camera I tested. However, this was due to the superior optics technology while this doorbell benefits from Griswold-grade Christmas lights.

Night vision, when not dealing with Christmas lights, still struggles to decide whether or not it wants to be on. The Wyze logo also lights up as a kind of mini flood light, which complicates matters. When this light is not on and there are no other light sources in the frame, night vision looks good. When you insert a light source, the doorbell freaks out a little.

installation

The installation is a little less than ideal. The doorbell comes with a mounting plate that you attach to the wall. Then attach the cables to the doorbell. The button slides down and clicks into place in the mounting plate. At first I worried about it. I was wondering if I could take the button off as the locking mechanism is in the mounting plate. As it turns out, the mounting plate is also pretty flexible (read: weak) and I was actually able to pull the doorbell out enough to get the clip back and slide the doorbell off. I don't know if it's supposed to work that way, but that's how it worked.

Wyze video doorbell mounted on the wall

Then you have to pair the doorbell with your WiFi. It uses the QR code method which is not one of my favorite implementations. If you're not familiar, connect the doorbell to your WiFi by entering your credentials into the app. This will generate a QR code that the camera will scan. It took well over five minutes to hold my phone at varying distances to the doorbell before I finally got a beep indicating everything was okay.

software

As I mentioned earlier, it's a beta, but overall, not much is missing here, despite being a beta product. Connecting to the camera is a little slow, but navigating within the app isn't slow at all. The clip memory is a little hard to find as you have to exit the device settings to get to the event list. I suspect this is an expectation of Wyze's larger home security system that they just released.

You can set times for the camera to record events or just keep recording motion events. You can subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus for a full 24/7 recording. You can share videos and save them locally. I couldn't find a place to take snapshots, which seems like a failure. Overall, however, the app performs well, especially for a beta.

When it comes to detection, it's a bit sensitive and I get bombarded by the notifications a lot. Smaller events trigger the Wyze video doorbell. So expect to see a preview of the footage, which is most likely filled with false warnings. Yes, it's obviously too liberal on surveillance, but I think that's better than completely missing out on an event.

Our opinion

What to watch out for here is the price. For $ 30, you can buy three of them, have two spares, and still not pay as much as the closest competitor. This video doorbell is so cheap that I should reach out to Wyze to make sure they are okay. If this video doorbell had only worked properly, I would have been amazed. The fact that it is actually good at this price is so amazing that I'm glad I had to sit down to write this review. This isn't the best video doorbell in the world, but I'd estimate you can get a $ 75 doorbell here for $ 30.

Is there a better alternative?

Sure! The field of view is ridiculous. The video quality isn't the best, and at night the sensor has to pick a track and stay in it instead of switching back and forth between IR and normal vision. The next cheapest alternative, however, costs more than three times as much. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is one of those alternatives for $ 100.

Wyze is here to make its products as affordable as possible. This means plastic mounts, inexpensive buttons, and camera sensors that perform poorly.

How long it will take?

The doorbell feels cheap. As for the wear and tear, I'm not particularly optimistic that you will be working on this doorbell for years. The doorbell is weatherproof to IP65 and has an operating range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicago winters are getting colder, so that's another problem. I suspect that more durable building materials could bring operating temperatures into a more comfortable operating range. But that would likely add to the cost as well.

In the event that something goes wrong, there is a one-year limited warranty that covers any defects.

Should I buy it?

Yes. It's $ 30. It's an extra trip to the ATM. Basically, you should almost buy it. Keep a few in your car as last minute gifts. It's crazy cheap. If that doorbell cost $ 75 or more, I'd say no. For a slightly larger investment, you can purchase a product that is likely to last longer and work better, like the Arlo video doorbell. However, at $ 30, this is almost a training video doorbell to see if you're ready for a real video doorbell. This won't be the last video doorbell you'll ever buy, but there's no reason it can't be your first. Remember, this is a $ 30 doorbell.

Editor's recommendations




31 Oct
Blog

Wyze Cam V3 Review: A Benchmark for Inexpensive Cameras

Wyze Cam v3 on table side profile

Wyze Cam v3 review: A new benchmark for inexpensive cameras

"It's almost unbelievable that Wyze has packed so much into something so cheap."

  • It costs $ 20

  • Works both indoors and outdoors

  • More details with colored night vision

  • Tons of security checks

The attack continues! Wyze has been on the move in the last few months, announcing a number of new smart home devices that seem to have diversified its portfolio overnight. However, the latest announcement is a continuation of one of the most popular devices. Going back to its roots, the Wyze Cam v3 aims to seduce consumers not only because it works both indoors and outdoors, but also because it is feature rich and costs less than $ 20.

Iconic design for outdoors

The iconic design of the original remains a staple with the Wyze Cam v3 as well. The cube-shaped design is made entirely of plastic. For a surveillance camera, it is undoubtedly compact enough to be discreet wherever it is placed. The camera itself can be rotated around its base and tilted to almost any angle for the best viewing angle. In contrast to its predecessors, it is now equipped with an IP65 construction to cope with nature – and therefore more versatile than before.

Wyze Cam v3 power cordJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, if there's one aspect of the design that I'm not keen on, it has to be the dangling power cord. There is a short 8-inch cable that ends with a micro-USB socket which then plugs into a standard micro-USB cable. Since this short 8-inch cable is permanently attached to the camera and the camera is accidentally damaged or damaged on its own, the entire device requires maintenance instead of just replacing a micro-USB cable like other cameras.

There is definitely cause for concern, but I also understand that it is likely a necessary change to make it weather resistant. Even so, the design is an upgrade as it can be used either indoors or outdoors for more versatility than before.

Ambient lighting helps with colored night vision

Security cameras provide a lot of information with their recordings. The Wyze Cam v3 has an improved camera with a wider 130-degree field view, 20 FPS recording, a Starlight CMOS sensor and an aperture of 1: 1.6. While like the v2 it still has 1080p resolution, every other aspect of the camera is vastly improved.

For starters, the wider field of view captures more of the scene, which is useful if you place it in a corner for the greatest possible coverage. The Starlight CMOS sensor is probably the figurehead here, as it enables the v3 to see much better in the dark and to draw details – and at the same time provide the conversation with colored night vision.

The 1080p video it produces is adequate in detail and quality, although its dynamic range can be challenging in contrasting lighting conditions, generally overexposing the highlights. Still, I can see other small details from the footage and it proves its worth when the sun goes down with its colored night vision.

Colored night vision without question coughs up details that you cannot find.

While standard night vision in black and white makes it easier to see in almost pitch black conditions, the additional advantage of color vision offers more details – for example the ability to distinguish the color of a person's shirt. This is invaluable information in emergency situations. So it's fantastic that night vision colors are offered. If you compare the footage side by side, colored night vision undoubtedly highlights details that you cannot find with standard night vision. However, there still needs to be some level of ambient lighting in the scene for it to work effectively. If there aren't, colors are hard to tell.

Two-way conversation is also enjoyable: it produces clear voices through the app and a decent volume through the speaker.

Broader security features

As a rule, cheap cameras are rather elementary. With the Wyze Cam v3, this is far from the truth. This proves to me that my home is safe when I'm not around. First of all, Wyze has the controls necessary to address my needs. From being able to record based on motion or sound detection, setting detection zones to minimize false positives, to adding custom schedules and automated operations, there are a number of options to choose from. There's even a chance to detect smoke and carbon monoxide sirens which will then send a notification.

Wyze Cam v3 on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

All of this shows that the brand has a better understanding of users' security and privacy needs. Although there is 14 days of cloud storage that saves 12 second clips, I appreciate that there is the option for local storage via the microSD card slot. I would recommend using the microSD card as, just like the Wyze Outdoor Cam, it can record time-lapse recordings of almost any length.

It's there to protect my home when I'm not around.

The offer is rounded off by two-factor authentication, an integrated siren that can be activated via the app (rather weak), and an option to switch off the camera electronically via the Wyze app.

Our opinion

The Wyze Cam v3, at a ridiculously low cost of $ 20, sets the standard for what it means to be an entry-level surveillance camera these days. You will not find anything nearby that offers the same safety features, versatility indoors and outdoors, and colored night vision that offers more detail than normal night vision.

How long it will take?

Aside from the concern I mentioned about the proprietary dangling cable, it's solidly constructed. Since it is made of a sturdy plastic housing, its light weight helps prevent damage from falls. A 1 year limited warranty applies in the event something goes wrong internally due to a defect.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're ready to get a little more out of it, cameras like the Ring Indoor Cam and Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan And Tilt are top contenders as they aren't overly expensive. The former benefits from leveraging Ring's diverse ecosystem, while the latter has useful 360-degree pan and tilt functionality. There is even the Wyze Cam Outdoor to consider, as it is very similar, but has an internal battery with which it can be operated offline without being connected to a power source.

Should you buy it?

You shouldn't just buy it, you should probably buy a few and build a decent security camera system in your home for a fraction of the price you would pay for other complete systems.

Editor's recommendations




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