Wyze vs YI Cameras

If you’re looking to upgrade your home security system, there are various ways to accomplish this. Security cameras are one of the best investments, allowing you to keep your home or business safe.

Wyze and YI offer excellent security equipment; Wyze is a modern security provider launched in 2017 by ex-Amazon employees.

YI was launched in 2014 and sells various equipment under its primary brand 'YI' and sub-brand, 'Kami'. YI provides security cameras, dash cams, and more. Let's take a look at what each provider can offer.

Wyze vs YI: What do they have in common?

• Cloud storage: You’ll rely on Cloud storage with YI and Wyze cams.
• Night vision: Wyze and YI video doorbells offer color night vision.
• Mobile app: You’ll be able to monitor your security system thanks to motion-activated notifications. The app is available on iOS and Android.
• Voice control: You can control your system with voice prompts thanks to compatibility with If This Then That (IFTTT) equipment such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
• Video quality: Wyze and YI camera systems have similar resolutions and frame rates. 1080p HD resolution is available with most cameras.
• Two-way audio: Two-way talk is an excellent feature with most security cameras - you can make it seem like you're home, even if you're not.
• Customizable motion detection: Your motion zones are customizable, which is an excellent feature.
• Pricing: YI and Wyze offer similarly priced cameras.

Wyze vs YI: What are the differences?

• Baby monitors: One of YI’s best offerings is the baby monitor range, including features like crying detection. Wyze doesn’t offer that.
• MicroSD Cards: All YI home security cameras (apart from the doorbell camera) are compatible with local storage options such as Micro SD cards.
• Professional monitoring: Wyze offers professional monitoring via Noonlight. YI doesn’t.
• Customer support: Wyze has better reviews concerning customer service.
• Outdoor security cameras: YI offers an extensive range of weatherproof outdoor cameras. Wyze doesn’t.

YI: What you need to know

YI launched in 2014 to offer advanced, intelligent, and affordable technology, including an array of HD video quality security cameras for homes and businesses. YI also offers baby monitors and dashcams. Let’s take an in-depth look at YI’s offerings.

Installation

Installing your YI camera is effortless; everything comes in the package. But the customer support team is hard to reach, which is disappointing if you need assistance troubleshooting your system.

All cameras are wireless, except the Kami wire-free outdoor camera - which still needs to be plugged into a power outlet, which is something to remember during installation.

Equipment

YI offers a range of equipment compatible with the YI Home app. Popular equipment includes:

• Baby monitors
• Indoor cameras
• Outdoor cameras

YI cameras are wireless, with a live feed and motion-activated video recordings. Most are plugged in, except battery-powered cameras. Battery life is an area that could do with improvement. Most YI cameras have a 110-degree field of view; compared to Wyze’s 130+ degree field of view, this is an area in which they could improve.

Home automation

YI cameras offer some smart features, including human detection and motion tracking, but they lack meaningful third-party integrations.

The only important integration offered is Alexa compatibility with some indoor cameras.

Pricing

• Equipment costs: The YI Home cameras are pretty cheap; the cheapest is the YI 1080p home camera which starts at just $24.99. The YI Dome Camera is $59.99 but has more features. Either way, you’ll get an excellent camera without paying too much.
• Monthly costs: YI will keep 6-second clips. When motion triggers, it’ll record video clips. But if you want additional cloud storage, you'll need to subscribe to one of three YI cloud plans.
  • The Entry plan is $5 per month and covers a single camera with seven days of history.
  • The Standard subscription plan is $12 monthly and covers five cameras with a 15-day history.
  • The Plus plan costs $19 monthly and covers five cameras with a 30-day history. You may be able to access a discount for paying yearly.

Nerd pros

• Cost: YI cameras offer some of the cheapest indoor security cameras in the industry, starting from $24.99.
• User-friendly: YI cameras are easy to use and install.

Nerd cons

• Quality: YI cuts corners in some areas, such as frame rate and customer service, to help lower their prices.
• Professional monitoring: There's no professional monitoring offered

Wyze: What you need to know

Wyze was created in 2017 by ex-Amazon employees who wanted to provide affordable cameras with advanced features. Wyze cameras are cheap with advanced features, including adjustable motion sensors. Let's look at what Wyze can offer you.

Installation

Wyze's installation process is effortless, particularly for wireless security cameras. You could hire a tradesperson to install your system, but it’s very simple to DIY install. You only need to plug in your camera, wait a few seconds, and hold the setup button. From there, you'll be walked through the setup. You can troubleshoot via the app, and customer support are responsive.

Equipment

Wyze offers video doorbells and various indoor cameras, plus other equipment, including:

• Robotic vacuums
• Garage door controllers
• Smart locks
• Smart lightbulbs
• Wire-free cameras

If you're buying home security equipment, you should consider one of their security bundles. The cheapest security kit is $60, including:

• Keypad
• Basestation
• Three entry sensors

Wyze cameras have pan-tilt-zoom features, good field of view, and color night vision. There’s no 4k resolution; most cameras are 720 or 1080p HD.

Home automation

Wyze offers good smart home potential. The Wyze app is an excellent addition to any monitoring system, and you can enjoy add-ons such as If This Then That (IFTTT) equipment, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Wyze also has a dedicated range of smart home equipment, including smart thermostats, locks, vacuums, etc.

Pricing

• Monthly fees: Wyze has partnered with Noonlight and can monitor your system for $5 a month.
• Equipment: Equipment costs vary depending on what you buy, but Wyze cameras start at $20, and packages start from $60.

Nerd pros

• Pricing: Wyze cameras are some of the cheapest available, but they're also feature-packed.
• Smart home products: Your security cameras can form a crucial part of your smart home.
• Free cloud storage: Wyze provides several options, including free cloud storage.
• Professional monitoring: Professional monitoring is available via Noonlight.
• Customizable motion sensors: You can customize your motion sensor ranges and sensitivity, receiving motion alerts via the app.

Nerd cons

• Mobile app: The mobile app has some bugs and other issues.
• Professional installation: You can't access professional installation.
• Local storage: YI offers more local storage via MicroSD cards.

Wyze or YI?

Wyze and YI are similar, and there are some negative reviews about both, with customers complaining that corners are cut to achieve the low prices they are famous for. But, they are excellent and affordable too.

Regardless of your choice, you’ll receive a comprehensive mobile app (available on iPhone and Android), live streaming, motion alerts, and quality equipment. But if you’re looking for more smart home products, you might want to try Wyze first. YI offers additional equipment, such as baby monitors, but the cloud services are pricier.