Wyze Vs. Ring: Which Is Best For You? (2024)

Editor’s note:Since this article was originally published,The Vergereported complications with Wyze home security cameras, including customers being able to see into other customers’ homes when accessing live video. Wyze has also reportedly failed to address the issue transparently with its customers. If you currently use or are contemplating purchasing a Wyze system, we recommend you take this into consideration. The Forbes Home editorial team is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate the company’s standing.

Wyze is a reasonably new company, founded in 2017 by three former Amazon employees. They offer shockingly low prices for home security systems. As a DIY home security system company, they don’t provide monitoring services, which helps avoid contracts and forgo monthly fees.

Pricing

Wyze products are very affordable. The starter kit comes with three sensors for $19.99. The complete home system starts at only $99; the kit includes:

• One Wyze Cam
• Three Wyze Wyze Bulbs
• Two Wyze Plugs
• One Bridge
• Two Contact Sensors
• One Motion Sensor
• One MicroSD Card

Professional Monitoring

Wyze doesn’t offer professional monitoring. Instead, you can monitor your cameras from your phone.

Home Security Products Offered

Overall, Wyze now offers a wide range of home security products, all at affordable prices:

• Cameras
• Home monitoring systems
• Floodlight cameras
• Video doorbells
• Entry sensors
• Motion sensors

Installation

Wyze doesn’t offer professional installation services. However, all systems are designed to be easily installed by anyone in a few minutes.

Home Automation and Smart Home Features

Wyze sensors connect with IFTTT. In addition, the cameras also work well with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also connect your Wyze products to improve home automation.

Other Benefits

Wyze offers a home security system with 24/7 professional monitoring services for an additional service. The most significant benefit of Wyze is that regardless of the system size you choose, it’s always $9.99 a month.

Fine Print

All products have a 30-day return period starting from when you purchase them. Only products bought directly from the Wyze App or website will be allowed for the warranty.

Ring is by far the most popular home security product. Ring, owned by Amazon, manufactures home security systems and surveillance cameras for comprehensive home security. Most Ring products are easy to install and have cloud subscriptions available.

Pricing

Overall, Ring cameras have higher prices, but they also offer higher performance. All Ring cameras can be used indoors and outdoors. Ring cameras start at $99.99 and can go up to $199.99. The Everyday Kit package includes a video doorbell and two floodlight cameras, starting at $597.99; the doorbell camera kit costs $349.

Professional Monitoring

Ring doesn’t offer a professional monitoring service on its Basic or Plus Subscription Plans. If you want to access 24/7 professional monitoring services, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of $20 for the Protect Pro plan.

Home Security Products Offered

While Ring started as a doorbell company, today it offers a wide range of smart security devices, including:

• Video doorbells
• Security cameras
• Alarm systems
• Glass breakage sensors
• Motion sensors

Installation

While Ring doesn’t offer professional installation, they are now partnered with OnTech Smart Services to provide installation services on select Ring products. Nonetheless, most Ring products are easy-to-install and designed to be installed without needing a technician.

Home Automation and Smart Home Features

Ring is one of the few home security systems with tons of home automation and smart home features. Right now, most Ring products connect to Google Home, Alexa and HomeBridge to connect with the Apple HomeKit. It also connects with IFTTT and is constantly launching new connectivity opportunities.

Other Benefits

With some connectivity options, you can lock and unlock doors from the Ring app, manage and monitor keyless entries and control and monitor your garage. Ring users also have access to an app called Neighbors that works like a digital neighborhood watch. People can connect in the hub to discuss crimes in the area, report suspicious activity, and share best practices for staying safe.

Fine Print

Ring devices come with a one-year limited warranty. There are additional offers to purchase an extended warranty if you subscribe to a protection plan or buy the warranty before purchasing the product. Still, Ring offers lifetime theft protection on all products.

Subscription Plans

Wyze has a limited free plan available on all cameras, while Ring only has a basic plan that starts at $3 per month.

Pricing

Wyze products are significantly cheaper than Ring ones. They also offer more affordable cloud storage solutions and subscription plans.

Storage Options

While Wyze products have cloud storage options; some also offer local storage via microSD that is sold separately. Ring cameras only support cloud storage.

Streaming Quality

Both Wyze and Ring have HD resolution that support 1080p image quality.

Night Vision

Wyze and Ring cameras come with LED lights allowing night recording. Ring cameras also feature night vision.

Two-Way Voice

These cameras have integrated mics and speakers to enable two-way audio communication. They also have motion-activated recording features.