Wyze Video Doorbell Pro Review: Smart alerts for less - Reviewed

2022-05-28 04:53:21 By : Ms. Aillen Liu

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro (available at Amazon for $99.98) is an upgraded version of the Wyze Video Doorbell + Chime, offering more flexible installation methods, smarter AI, and a wider, clearer front door view at both day and night—all for less than a Benjamin. A paid subscription unlocks advanced security detection for packages, people, and pets—a rarity for a doorbell under $100—including Ring’s most affordable video buzzer. Wyze’s doesn’t emerge as a frontrunner design-wise, and there are some usability quirks when it comes to recharging the battery, but it still is one of the best deals on a video doorbell you can find right now.

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About the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro

What we don’t like

Should you buy the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro?

Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro comes with everything you need to install a smart doorbell at home.

Setting up the Wyze Video Doorbell is a simple and quick process. Plan to spend more time if you go the hardwired route, as sometimes the install can take longer depending on the state of your electrical wires. The process is even simpler if you go the battery-powered route, as there won't be any wires to fiddle with. The doorbell comes with a slight charge right out of the box, but best to plug it in for a full battery before installing it on your home. To charge the doorbell, plug the included micro USB cable into the back of the doorbell.

Also included in the box are back plates, 3M tape, screwdriver, wire nuts, several bracket screws, and extension wires. The doorbell also comes with a plug-in chime.

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, which can be charged via a micro USB cable. Or, you can hook it up it to your existing doorbell wiring via the two screws on the back.

Dual-install methods continue to be one of the most common threads among video doorbell releases in recent memory—including the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro. The device can be hooked up to your existing doorbell wiring or you can use the included rechargeable battery.

Given that the OG Wyze doorbell only supports hardwired installations, it’s nice to see that the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro can run on battery power, in addition to connecting with your existing wiring. When it comes to home security, flexibility is key, allowing you to put your devices where you need the most protection.

Renters, and anyone who doesn’t want to make any permanent holes on the front of their home, will appreciate the inclusion of 3M adhesive tape for an extra-sturdy stick.

This is what the daytime and nighttime views looks like from the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro.

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro records in 1440 HD video, a small but noticeable improvement from the 1080p HD view of the Wyze Video Doorbell + Chime. The view from the Pro is bright, clear, and easy to see during daylight, though it is occasionally hindered by minor artificating.

The digital zoom is 8X, allowing you to zoom in on faraway objects. This is the same you’ll find on Wyze’s basic video doorbell model, but better than the 6X digital zoom found on one of the best buzzers, Google’s Nest Doorbell (Battery).

At night, the doorbell uses six night vision LED lights to help you see what’s going on. In a dark room, the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro shows faces and features clearly up close.

The doorbell captures motion events like packages, people, and animals when enrolled in Wyze’s Cam Plus Plan starting at $1.25 per month. Without the paid plan, you’re limited to only general motion alerts and there's a five-minute cooldown period between each one.

The doorbell’s motion sensitivity settings can be adjusted between low and high in the Wyze app. This is also where you can define a detection zone to block certain areas from the camera's view, like your front yard flag blowing in the wind, to prevent false notifications.

You can view the doorbell's live stream on a smart display like the Amazon Echo Show 10 (pictured) or Google's Nest Hub Max.

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro works with Alexa and Google Assistant and can be added to the Amazon Echo and Google Home ecosystems. You can’t see the camera’s live view from these apps respectively, but you can pull up the live view on compatible smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 10 and second-gen Google Nest Hub. I had trouble getting this feature to work properly when I tested the Wyze Doorbell + Chime, but had no issues this time around with the Pro version. The live view for Wyze doorbell does not automatically appear onscreen for either ecosystem's displays (as it does with Ring and Nest doorbells), so you'll need to call up the view yourself.

I wasn't able to get any of my Google Nest speakers or displays to do this, but Amazon Echo smart speakers and smart displays double as chimes, extending the reach of your current buzzer sound. This is especially helpful if you live in a large or two-story home where the sound of your doorbell doesn't carry to every room. It can also be helpful to those who are hard of hearing and need additional chimes placed throughout. (And don’t forget a plug-in chime comes with the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro.)

The doorbell also works with Alexa Routines, a handy, home automation feature, but you’ll need to pay for Wyze’s Cam Plus plan in order to use it. An example routine might trigger on your outdoor smart lights and bolt the front door smart lock when the doorbell detects motion at night.

At the time of publication, the doorbell does not work with Apple HomeKit. This is the case for most Wyze smart home devices, but the company is pledging support for Matter, a smart home protocol aimed at unifying ecosystems and devices. Perhaps we could see Siri support for Wyze devices in the future as a result.

Looks are everything when it comes to a video doorbell—both on the inside and outside. While the view from the camera looks good, the doorbell itself does not. The design is chunky, plain, and uninspiring. The doorbell is only available in one color and does not come with interchangeable faceplates.

For comparison’s sake, the Nest Doorbell (battery) comes in several shades and has a modern-look to it, and most of Ring’s video doorbells, like the Ring 4, are compatible with Ring’s faceplates, offered in a variety of colors. Your outdoor security devices should (ideally) complement the rest of your home—not cheapen the look of it.

One gripe I took with the Wyze Doorbell + Chime is the so-so build quality. If there’s an upside to the Wyze Doorbell Pro’s hefty design, it’s that it feels sturdier and more durable than the previous model did.

The doorbell’s battery is built into the device itself, which means you need to take it down and bring it inside to charge for a full charge. While this may not seem like a huge deal, I prefer a video doorbell, like the Ring Video Doorbell 4, which has a removable rechargeable battery.

Oftentimes the appearance of a home security device like a video doorbell may be enough to scare off porch pirates—even if it’s not actually recording. When the doorbell isn’t there for extended periods of time, it can leave your home more vulnerable than it was before. The front of your home looks a bit bare without your favorite camera buzzer in place. Not to mention, you’ll have to install it again after it’s done charging, as opposed to simply popping the battery back into the compartment.

A removable battery also gives you the option to have a back-up at the ready your current one zonks out.

The doorbell lasted about two weeks for me under normal settings. This is quicker than most other video doorbells I’ve tested, but I also live on a busy street. Some Wyze Video Doorbell Pro owners on Reddit note that the battery life does not last anywhere near Wyze’s 180-day estimate. Similar complaints appear on Amazon and Wyze’s website.

Your mileage will vary based on the number of events the doorbell detects—the more events, the quicker the battery will drain. However, the battery should last longer than a week or two. If you’re having trouble, reach out to Wyze about a replacement.

You can control the volume and tone settings for the Wyze Chime (pictured) in the Wyze app for iOS and Android.

One thing I quickly discovered is that the included chime is an integral part of the doorbell’s functionality. In fact, if the chime gets unplugged, you won’t be able to access the livestream of your doorbell at all. The chime helps extend the range of your wireless network to the doorbell. Considering that the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro doesn’t work with mechanical chimes, you may add a few smart speakers or additional Wyze Chimes around your house. There are 20 chime tones to select from (including a dog barking) and eight sound levels to help you hear across the house.

Wyze claims to use symmetric and asymmetric encryption to protect user information. The Wyze app also offers two-factor authentication through either text message or the authenticator app to help keep your smart home safe and secure. In the Wyze app, you can also turn off audio and video recording for the doorbell. When motion is detected, a blue ring lights up around the doorbell press button. The light will continue to glow blue, letting someone know they are being recorded.

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro is one of the best smart doorbells you can buy right now.

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro has a wide view that shows faces clearly at day and night, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it offers multiple installation options, making it an ideal fit for any front door. The drill-free installation is enticing to renters who don’t want to create holes in their apartments, as well as homeowners who want to place the doorbell in a non-traditional spot, such as a second entrance, like a side door.

There are a few quirks to keep in mind, like the varying battery life and the fact that you have to take the whole doorbell down to recharge it. For comparison’s sake, the more expensive Ring 4 Video Doorbell has a removable rechargeable battery, giving the appearance that your camera is on the lookout even when it’s not actually on. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro isn’t the most attractive doorbell either and is limited to a single color and design. For something more stylish, we like the modern look and color options offered on the more expensive Nest Doorbell (battery).

But for a smart video doorbell under $100 that delivers package, people, and pet alerts without skimping on a detailed view, the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro is a value-packed choice.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Rachel Murphy covers smart home for Reviewed. She lives in an actual smart home home full of smart plugs, smart lights, and smart speakers equipped with voice assistants Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Murphy holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida and has over a decade of experience reporting and writing. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer for Business Insider, Mashable, Elite Daily, and other major publications. Prior to her work in online journalism, Murphy worked as an associate editorial producer for ABC News' Good Morning America in New York City.

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