Aside from the Wyze Video Doorbell, all of Wyze's security cameras can record video locally on a microSD card—and support a maximum of only 32 GB of storage. This is because the cameras use a FAT32 file structure that doesn't work as reliably on larger cards.
A 32 GB card isn't huge compared to the 128 GB cards you can buy for less than $20, but Wyze says it's enough to hold up to two days of continuous HD video or eight days of SD video. If you want to maximize your card storage, you can use the "Record events only" setting to record one-minute clips whenever there's motion.
Although the Wyze Video Doorbell's lack of local recording is more pronounced, the Wyze Cam Outdoor also approaches local storage differently.
In this case, the Cam Outdoor and its base station each have microSD slots. Any microSD card in the base station is a duplicate of the card in the Outdoor Cam, making it easier to access recordings without grabbing a ladder. Unlike other Wyze cameras that support microSD, the Cam Outdoor doesn't have the option to record continuous video, which helps prolong its battery life.
There are different frame rates among Wyze's security cameras, with the newer models generally recording a higher number of frames per second (fps) for a smoother video that captures more detail. The individual cameras have different frame rates depending on the time of day, with lower frame rates at night allowing for longer exposure times to account for low-light conditions.
Wyze's three newest cameras have weatherproofing, so you can use them in outdoor conditions—Wyze Cam v3, Wyze Cam Outdoor, and Wyze Video Doorbell. This adds a lot more flexibility than the Wyze Cam Pan and Wyze Cam v2, which aren't big fans of rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations.
Even though the Wyze Cam v3 works outdoors, you need to use an outdoor power adapter. Unfortunately, this adapter isn't available yet, which keeps the camera indoors for now. We'll update once we find out a firm release date.
Most of Wyze's cameras have a simple, metal mounting plate that you attach to the wall using a screw or adhesive tape. The metal plate provides a firm surface for magnets in each camera's base to hold on to.
But the Wyze Video Doorbell doesn't use a magnetic mount. Instead, it comes with a mounting plate that you screw to the wall. This is a reasonable choice that helps prevent someone from walking away with your doorbell on a whim.
Read our guide to security camera installation for more information.
There are three power sources for Wyze cameras that allow them to work in different environments:
- Indoor cameras like the Wyze Cam v3 and Wyze Cam Pan use simple USB adapters.
- The Wyze Outdoor security camera relies on a battery so you can place it far from power outlets. It also uses a base station indoors (USB adapter) to connect to Wi-Fi and extend its battery life.
- The Wyze Video Doorbell connects directly to existing doorbell wiring, giving it continuous power so you can see visitors on your porch.