Ring vs Wyze Cameras

An easy way to increase your home security is to purchase some security cameras or a more comprehensive security system. You'll have plenty to choose from if you've decided to buy a new system. Two robust options are Ring and Wyze.

Ring disrupts the home security industry, with around ten years in the business. They started with their famous video doorbell and expanded rapidly into other offerings. Wyze is an affordable security provider with some of the cheapest indoor home security cameras. Let's take a look at what they can offer you.

Ring vs Wyze: What do they have in common?

• Smart motion detection: Advanced motion detectors can be set up to give motion-activated notifications if it sees something or hears something, such as a smoke alarm, etc.
• DIY installation: You'll need to be keen at DIY to use either system, as you'll need to install everything yourself.
• Video quality: 1080p HD quality is offered by Wyze and Ring cameras.
• Two-way audio: Two-way talk is a helpful feature that lets you act as if you're home - even if you're not.
• Mobile app: Each provider offers a mobile app that you can use to monitor your home security system; apps can be downloaded from the Android and iPhone app stores. You can also pan, tilt and zoom your view to better look at the footage.
• Professional monitoring: Ring offers professional monitoring for just $10 per month, and Wyze offers basic monitoring via Noonlight for $5 monthly.
• Voice control: Via compatibility with Amazon Alexa, you can control your system with your voice.

Ring vs Wyze: What are the differences?

• Price: Wyze cameras start from just $19.99 each, an unbeatable price. While Ring is affordable, nothing can top that.
• Cloud storage: Wyze offers some free cloud storage - around 14-days worth. Ring doesn't provide any free cloud storage.
• App quality: The Ring app is more polished and has better reviews than Wyze's does.
• No outdoor cameras: Wyze only offers indoor cameras, aside from the Wyze video doorbell.

Ring: What you need to know

The Ring brand launched in 2013 with a video doorbell; they've gone from strength to strength since and can offer you a comprehensive security system, including compatibility with smoke alarms and environmental sensors.

Installation

Installing your new Ring camera will be a DIY process; how difficult depends on your chosen system.

Most Wi-Fi installations are a simple plug-in and go, but wired installations can be complex, with drilling and hardwiring required. It's a good idea to consult your tradesperson if you're not confident with DIY; Amazon may be able to offer a quote for this, depending on your location.

Equipment

Ring offers various equipment types, plus compatibility with Honeywell Security products. Equipment you can use with Ring includes:

• Smart locks
• Video doorbells
• Indoor and outdoor cameras
• Panic buttons
• Lighting

The base package includes:

• Base station
• Keypad
• Five contact sensors
• Two motion detectors
• Range extender

Home automation

You can incorporate Ring into a smart home ecosystem with smart lights, window sensors, smoke alarms, and other compatible equipment. But there aren't many third-party integrations. Ring offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa.

Pricing

• Equipment costs: An alarm system will set you back less than $200, more expensive kits are also available. You can buy an individual camera or ring video doorbell for around $100.
• Monthly fee: You can purchase professional monitoring for $100 a year or $10 a month.

Nerd pros

• Cameras: Ring provides outdoor and indoor cameras. Most cameras are weatherproof and have color night vision.
• Professional monitoring option: If you want professional monitoring, you can purchase it for $10 per month.

Nerd cons

• Video storage fees: If you need cloud storage, you'll need to pay for it. Wyze offers abundant free cloud storage.
• Monthly fees: Ring charges monthly fees and puts many features behind a paywall. Wyze allows for free access to two-way talk and some cloud storage.

Wyze: What you need to know

Wyze was started by coworkers who met while working at Amazon; they provide competitively priced cameras (starting at under $30) with an array of excellent features, including adjustable motion sensitivity. Let's take an in-depth look at what Wyze can offer you.

Installation

Wyze installation is similar to Ring - you will be responsible for your installation. You can install wireless cameras in minutes, but some hardwired cameras will be more challenging to install. You can hire your tradesperson, but professional installation isn't offered. Typically, you won't need this as you'll connect the camera to a power outlet and wait 20 seconds before holding the setup button. From there, voice prompts to walk you through the setup.

Equipment

The security cameras available from Wyze include indoor cameras and a video doorbell. Wyze offers other equipment, such as robotic vacuums, garage door controllers, smart locks, a gun safe, and more.

If you purchase one of the Home Monitoring kits (starting from $60 for a base hub, keypad, and three sensors) you can access professional monitoring via Noonlight.

When the alarm is triggered, Noonlight will send you an SMS asking you if the alarm is a genuine emergency. If it is, you’ll enter your pre-programmed “safe word,” and Noonlight will contact the relevant authorities on your behalf.

Home automation

The Wyze app is a great way to receive motion alerts and monitor your doorbell camera, but Wyze offers additional smart home devices. You can build a smart home ecosystem comprising your Wyze cam, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit (and other IFTTT equipment) in addition to robotic vacuums, smart thermostats, and other convenient home accessories offered by Wyze.

Pricing

• Monitoring: Wyze offers professional monitoring via Noonlight for $5 per month if you purchase one of the home monitoring kits.
• Equipment: Equipment pricing varies, but Wyze is highly competitive. Wyze's cameras start from around $20.

Nerd pros

• Pricing: Wyze cameras are cheaper but extremely feature-packed. What Wyze offers for $30, a competitor may charge $100 for.
• Free cloud storage: Wyze provides plenty of free cloud storage and a live stream via the app. Ring makes you pay extra for all cloud storage.
• HD video: Wyze cameras offer crisp, clear video recordings.
• Smart home products: Wyze offers a decent smart security system with good specs, as you can slot it into an incredible smart home ecosystem.
• Professional monitoring: Professional monitoring is available from Wyze and Ring for $5 and $10 a month respectively.
• Customizable motion sensors: Your motion zones and sensitivity are customizable.

Nerd cons

• Indoor cameras: Wyze doesn't offer weather-resistant outdoor security cameras.
• Mobile app: The mobile app has poorer reviews than Ring’s app.

Ring or Wyze?

You should consider Ring first if you're looking for a subscription plan and professional monitoring. Ring uses cloud storage over local storage and has excellent equipment and indoor/outdoor cameras with low-cost monitoring. If you're looking to save money and don't need such a comprehensive security system, Wyze is hard to beat, with cameras starting at around $20.