Video Doorbell V2

Wyze Video Doorbell V2 Review in 2025

Have you ever missed an important package delivery or felt uneasy not knowing who’s at your door? The growing need for home security has transformed video doorbells from luxury gadgets into essential protective tools. The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 promises impressive features at a budget-friendly price point – but does it deliver performance that matches premium competitors?

This comprehensive review unpacks everything you need to know before adding this affordable 2K doorbell to your home security setup. From installation challenges to video quality assessments, you’ll discover whether this doorbell deserves a permanent spot at your entryway.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Before diving into performance details, let’s examine what the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 offers on paper:

FeatureSpecification
Resolution2K (2048 x 1536 pixels)
Frame Rate20 FPS (daytime) / 15 FPS (night vision)
Field of View135° horizontal, 103° vertical
StorageLocal (microSD up to 256GB) + Cloud option
PowerWired (16-24V AC)
Weather ResistanceIP65 rated
Special FeaturesStarlight sensor for color night vision
SubscriptionOptional (Cam Plus)
Smart HomeCompatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Price$79.99

What’s in the Box: Unboxing the Wyze Video Doorbell V2

Upon opening the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 package, you’ll find everything needed for installation:

  • The doorbell camera unit
  • A unique three-wire chime controller (differs from competitors’ typical two-wire design)
  • A plastic wall mounting plate
  • A 30° angled wedge mount for adjusting viewing angles
  • Installation hardware including mounting screws, wire nuts, extension wires, and plastic anchors

The doorbell itself features a camera lens, microphone, doorbell button, status light, and speaker. On the side, you’ll notice a rubber flap covering the microSD card slot (a design choice we’ll discuss later). The back houses a setup button and two terminal screws for connecting your existing doorbell wires.

Installation and Setup: Wiring Your Way to Better Security

Installation Process

Installing the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 requires moderate DIY skills and follows these steps:

  1. Turn off power to your existing doorbell circuit at the breaker box
  2. Install the chime controller in your chime box:
    • Connect the black wire to your front terminal wire using the provided wire nut
    • Connect the white wire to the front terminal
    • Connect the red wire to the transformer terminal
    • Note: Unlike most competitors, the chime controller is bulky and may not fit inside some chime boxes
  3. Mount the wall plate at your door using the included screws
  4. Connect doorbell wires to the terminals on the back of the Wyze unit
  5. Attach the doorbell to the wall plate by aligning it with the tabs, pushing it in, and sliding down until it locks
  6. Restore power to your doorbell circuit
  7. Complete setup through the Wyze app

App Setup Experience

Setting up the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 through the app proves straightforward:

  • Open the Wyze app and select “Add Device”
  • Choose “Wyze Doorbell Version 2” from the camera options
  • Follow the prompts to connect to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
  • The app generates a QR code that you’ll need to show to the doorbell camera
  • Wait for connection confirmation
  • Configure your preferences and settings

The entire setup process takes approximately 15-20 minutes, including physical installation and app configuration.

Video and Audio Quality: Seeing and Hearing What Matters

Daytime Performance

The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 records daytime footage in 2K resolution (2048 x 1536 pixels) at 20 frames per second. In practice, the video quality appears sharp and detailed, providing clear images of visitors and packages.

The 135° horizontal field of view offers good coverage of your entryway, though it’s not as expansive as some premium competitors that provide 160° or wider views. The 103° vertical field of view, while improved from the previous model, still struggles to capture packages placed directly below the doorbell—an important consideration depending on your specific porch layout.

Colors appear accurate and natural during daylight hours, with good contrast that helps identify important details like faces and clothing.

Night Vision Capabilities

When darkness falls, the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 automatically switches to infrared night vision mode, reducing the frame rate to 15 FPS. The doorbell utilizes six barely visible infrared LEDs that illuminate your porch without drawing attention.

The standout feature here is the Starlight sensor, which enables color night vision when ambient light exists (such as porch lights or street lamps). This provides significantly better detail than standard black-and-white infrared footage, helping you distinguish visitors more easily.

In complete darkness, the standard infrared vision works adequately, though details become less distinct beyond 10-15 feet from the camera.

Two-Way Audio

The doorbell features full-duplex audio communication, meaning both parties can speak simultaneously without cutting each other off. Audio quality proves clear and sufficiently loud when testing near the doorbell, though some performance issues emerge:

  • The Wyze app doesn’t record the phone side of conversations
  • When connected to Alexa for doorbell press notifications, the two-way audio becomes broken and unclear
  • Occasional delays occur between pressing the talk button and audio transmission

While functional for basic communication with visitors, the audio capabilities lag behind premium doorbell offerings in overall quality and reliability.

Smart Features: Intelligence at Your Doorstep

Motion Detection

The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 offers adjustable motion sensitivity settings, allowing you to fine-tune detection based on your specific environment. The doorbell includes:

  • Motion sensitivity adjustment (low to high)
  • Customizable detection zones using a grid interface
  • Motion tagging that highlights moving objects with a green box
  • 3-6 seconds of pre-recording buffer to capture activity leading up to motion events

The grid-based detection zones help reduce false alerts, though some areas remain grayed out and unavailable for customization, limiting precise control over monitoring zones.

AI Detection Capabilities

With a Cam Plus subscription, the doorbell provides AI-powered detection features:

  • Person detection: Performs reliably, accurately identifying human visitors
  • Package detection: Shows mixed results, sometimes missing deliveries
  • Vehicle detection: Struggles with accuracy, often triggering on passing cars despite customized zones

The doorbell also includes a unique motion warning feature that can play an automated message when someone approaches: “You are currently being recorded.” This serves as both a deterrent and notification to visitors.

Response Options

When someone rings your doorbell, you can choose from pre-programmed quick responses:

  • “Can I help you with something?”
  • “I’ll be at the door shortly”
  • “Hello, please leave the package by the door”

These responses save time when you’re unable to engage in a full conversation with visitors.

Storage and Subscription: Local vs. Cloud Options

Local Storage Analysis

One of the Wyze Video Doorbell V2’s standout features is its ability to record locally to a microSD card (up to 256GB), eliminating mandatory subscription fees. The wired power connection enables 24/7 continuous recording, giving you complete timeline coverage rather than just motion events.

However, the microSD card slot positioning raises significant security concerns. The slot sits on the side of the doorbell, covered only by a rubber flap, making it accessible to anyone. This design oversight means someone could easily remove your recordings by taking your memory card—a serious flaw for security-focused users.

For optimal security, you’ll need to consider both local and cloud storage options.

Cam Plus Subscription Value

While the doorbell functions without a subscription, Wyze offers their Cam Plus service with these pricing tiers:

  • $3/month per camera (or $20/year)
  • $10/month for unlimited cameras ($100/year)

The subscription adds:

  • AI-powered notifications (person, package, vehicle detection)
  • Elimination of the 5-minute notification cooldown period
  • Cloud storage of event recordings

If you rely on the doorbell primarily for security rather than convenience, the subscription significantly enhances functionality and addresses the physical vulnerability of the microSD card by keeping backup recordings in the cloud.

Smart Home Integration: Playing Well With Others

Alexa Integration

The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 works with Amazon Alexa, allowing:

  • Doorbell press announcements through Echo devices
  • Video viewing on Echo Show displays
  • Voice commands to show your doorbell feed

However, testing revealed issues with the doorbell-to-Alexa connection, particularly degraded audio quality during two-way conversations when Alexa notifications were enabled.

Google Home Compatibility

While advertised as Google Assistant compatible, the doorbell’s Google Home integration proves problematic. Testing showed consistent “doorbell offline” messages in the Google Home app despite functioning perfectly in the Wyze app.

This inconsistent smart home performance may disappoint users heavily invested in these ecosystems, limiting the doorbell’s utility as part of a comprehensive smart home strategy.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Wyze Doorbell V2

What You’ll Love

  • Affordable price point at $79.99, significantly undercutting competitors
  • High-resolution 2K video provides clear, detailed footage
  • Local storage option eliminates mandatory subscription fees
  • Starlight sensor enables color night vision with ambient lighting
  • Minimal notification delay ensures you’re promptly alerted to visitors
  • Pre-recording buffer captures crucial seconds before motion events

Room for Improvement

  • Exposed microSD card slot creates security vulnerability
  • Easy removal without tools raises tampering concerns
  • Limited vertical field of view may miss packages at doorstep
  • Inconsistent AI detection for vehicles and packages
  • Integration issues with Google Home and audio problems with Alexa
  • Bulky chime controller doesn’t fit in some chime boxes

Comparison Table: How Does It Stack Up?

FeatureWyze Video Doorbell V2Ring Video Doorbell 4Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Resolution2K (2048 x 1536)1080p HD1080p HD
StorageLocal + CloudCloud onlyCloud only
PowerWired onlyBattery or WiredBattery or Wired
Field of View135° horizontal, 103° vertical160° horizontal145° diagonal
Subscription$3/month or optionalRequired ($3/month)Optional ($6/month)
Price$79.99$199.99$179.99

Final Verdict: Is the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 Worth It?

The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 delivers impressive value considering its budget-friendly price point. You’re getting 2K video resolution, local storage options, and reliable core functionality that rivals devices costing two to three times more.

However, several design oversights—particularly the exposed microSD card slot and easy removal—create legitimate security concerns. The doorbell performs its primary functions well but falls short of premium competitors in field of view, smart home integration, and AI detection accuracy.

Who Should Buy It

The Wyze Video Doorbell V2 makes an excellent choice if you:

  • Prioritize budget-friendly pricing
  • Prefer local storage options
  • Need good video quality without premium pricing
  • Already use other Wyze ecosystem products
  • Have a standard doorbell placement with clear front-door visibility

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Consider alternative options if you:

  • Worry about physical security of your recordings
  • Need wider field of view for comprehensive coverage
  • Require seamless Google Home or Alexa integration
  • Depend on flawless AI detection
  • Have an unusual doorbell placement requiring extreme viewing angles

For most homeowners seeking improved entryway security without breaking the bank, the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 offers remarkable value despite its limitations. Its combination of 2K resolution, local storage, and competitive pricing makes it worth considering for your home security setup.

Ready to upgrade your home security with an affordable yet capable video doorbell? Check the current price of the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 and compare it with your other options before making your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 work without a subscription?

Yes, the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 functions without a subscription when using local storage via microSD card. However, without the Cam Plus subscription, you’ll miss AI notifications and experience a 5-minute notification cooldown period between alerts.

Can the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 record continuously?

Yes, being wired-powered, the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 supports 24/7 continuous recording to a microSD card (up to 256GB). You can alternatively choose motion-only recording if you prefer to conserve storage space.

How secure is the local storage on the Wyze Video Doorbell V2?

The microSD card slot location on the doorbell’s side, protected only by a rubber flap, presents a security vulnerability. Anyone can access and remove your recordings without tools, making cloud backup advisable for security-critical installations.

Does Wyze Video Doorbell V2 work with existing doorbell chimes?

Yes, the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 integrates with your existing doorbell chime using the included three-wire chime controller, compatible with standard 16-24V AC systems. The controller’s bulky size may require external mounting in some installations.

How does the Wyze Video Doorbell V2 perform at night?

The doorbell combines standard infrared night vision with a Starlight sensor for color footage when ambient lighting exists. This dual approach provides better nighttime visibility than conventional doorbells, capturing more detail in low-light conditions.

Author

  • Thomas P. Lupton is a seasoned tech journalist with over a decade of experience dissecting the latest in AI, cybersecurity, and consumer gadgets. A storyteller at heart, he blends technical expertise with a knack for translating complex innovations into digestible insights for readers worldwide.

    View all posts

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