Canary vs EZVIZ Cameras

If you want to upgrade your home security cameras, it's no surprise that you've come across EZVIZ and Canary.

Canary is a modern security provider launched in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Canary is known for offering all-in-one security systems that rely on one piece of kit.

EZVIZ is an excellent provider that specializes in wireless security cameras and provides comprehensive cloud storage via its dedicated platform, EZVIZ Cloud.

EZVIZ and Canary are two great providers with many similarities. They both focused on Wi-Fi cameras and were founded in 2013, but there are key differences too.

Canary vs EZVIZ: What do they have in common?

• Night vision: You can keep your home safe after dark, as Canary and EZVIZ have various night vision options, including color night vision.
• Flexibility: There's no need to sign up for a long-term contract with either provider.
• Voice control: Thanks to Amazon Alexa, you can control your system with voice commands.
• Weatherproof cameras: You can purchase weatherproof outdoor cameras.
• Pan-tilt zoom: You can adjust your view to look around better.
• Mobile app: EZVIZ and Canary have great apps that allow you to monitor your home security system, including receiving notifications if any motion is detected.
• Video doorbell: Doorbell cameras are growing in popularity; you can purchase them from EZVIZ and Canary.
• Two-way talk: You can use two-way audio to make it seem like you're home - even if you're not.

Canary vs EZVIZ: What are the differences?

• Viewing angle: Most Canary cameras have a 145-degree field of view, but EZVIZ has a 360-degree field of view.
• Smart home integration: EZVIZ offers a better variety of smart home products, including dedicated products. Canary isn't excellent for smart security solutions.
• Pricing: Canary is affordable, but EZVIZ is one of the cheapest providers.
• Local storage: EZVIZ offers more local storage options.
• Resolution: Canary has more HD resolution cameras than EZVIZ does.
• Smart lights: EZVIZ offers smart lights; Canary doesn't.

EZVIZ: What you need to know

EZVIZ launched as a flexible, low-cost provider that offers flexibility. EZVIZ cameras are affordable while offering fairly good protection and solid video quality. EZVIZ offers outdoor and indoor security cameras, including battery-powered cameras. Let's take a look at what EZVIZ offers you.

Installation

Everything you need to complete installation comes with your camera; most include a base to mount your equipment. Wireless and wired options have different methods, but they should be easy enough to install. The customer service line can provide excellent support and troubleshooting if you have problems.

Equipment

EZVIZ offers you a selection of options for your security camera system; several surveillance cameras are on offer, and they have decent specs. Approximately ten indoor cameras are available, and a dozen outdoor security cameras, including doorbell ones. The most affordable camera offered by EZVIZ is the CIC 730p camera, which is around $20. It provides decent enough picture quality and MicroSD card compatibility.

Equipment offered by EZVIZ includes:

• Indoor and outdoor cameras
• Air purifiers
• Smart lights
• Pet cameras

Home automation

EZVIZ doesn't have much to offer in this area. Amazon Alexa is the main integration. But EZVIZ does provide a decent line of its equipment, including smart lights, locks, purifiers, and thermostats.

Pricing

• Equipment costs: EZVIZ cameras are incredibly cheap, and the IP (internet protocol) cameras start at just $20.
• Monthly fees: If you use local storage, there are no monthly fees, but if you need cloud storage, you'll pay at least $5.99 per month.

Nerd pros

• Costs: EZVIZ is one of the cheaper providers.
• Flexibility: There are no contracts required for EZVIZ, giving you full flexibility.
• Motion sensors: Advanced motion detectors can be used to customize motion zones; they also offer accurate person detection technology.
• Variety: You'll have dozens of cameras to choose from, compared to Canary's offer of around three standardized cameras.

Nerd cons

• Reputation: EZVIZ has some poor online reviews for lack of quality customer service.
• Video storage limits: While they offer cloud storage, it will cost you (plans start at $5.99 a month), and there's no free cloud storage option (apart from a free trial). You can use an SD card, but they don't always provide enough storage.
• No professional monitoring: You can't access professional monitoring with EZVIZ.

Canary Security: What you need to know

Canary launched in 2013 as part of a successful Kickstarter campaign. Since its launch, they've become known for security packages, including popular features such as if This Then That (IFTTT) compatibility and built-in sirens. The Canary app lets you monitor a live feed in real-time and receive motion-activated alerts.

Installation

Wireless cameras are the simplest to install. You won't need to rely on POE (power over ethernet) or complete a complex installation. Installation is DIY only. It's a plug-in-and-go installation, and customers report that it's an easy process. You can contact the live chat for help. It takes less than an hour to get your system ready to go.

Equipment

Canary only offers a handful of mounts and cameras; most have weatherproof features, color night vision, and crisp 1080p HD resolution. The core types include:

• Canary View
• Canary Flex
• Canary Pro

You can also purchase a mount to install your system, including a stake, twist, or secure mount.

Home automation

Only core smart home devices are offered; there are no dedicated thermostats, smart lights, etc. Your mobile app will oversee your security equipment, including live view streaming and motion alerts; the app is available for iPhone and Android users. Available integrations include:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home
• Apple Homekit

Costs

If you're buying a new home security system, the core costs you consider include:

• Equipment: You'll pay for everything up front, and you can receive discounts for subscribing, but the system is low-cost; even the priciest camera comes in at $129.
• Monthly costs: You won't be forced to subscribe if you don't need to; if you want extra perks, such as add-on storage, you can upgrade for $9.99 per month.

Nerd pros

• Warranty: Canary's warranty lasts for 60-days; not all security providers offer a warranty.
• Price: The priciest Canary camera is the Flex, a $129 camera with weatherproofing; it's suited for outdoor use. Canary is one of the more affordable providers.
• HD video quality: Canary offers HD 1080p quality.
• Unique features: Canary provides advanced features, including two-way talk, climate monitors, and person detection.

Nerd cons

• No motion sensors: There are no door/window sensors, leaving your home vulnerable. You could mount a camera at each exit, but it's likely unaffordable.
• Activity zones: Canary doesn't offer customizable motion detection.

Canary or EZVIZ?

It's a close call between Canary and EZVIZ. If you're looking for the best home security camera and don't mind paying extra, Canary is an excellent option, with a better resolution and frame rate. But if you're searching for a more comprehensive security device with better smart home integration and viewing angles, you should consider EZVIZ. EZVIZ has more smart home options.