Wyze vs Eufy: Which Budget Security Camera System Actually Protects Your Home?

Based on expert reviews from Security.org, SafeWise, Tom's Guide, and real user experiences from forums and Trustpilot

The short answer: Eufy wins for most users. While Wyze offers unbeatable prices starting at $35, Eufy delivers higher video resolution (up to 4K), free AI detection without subscriptions, and Apple HomeKit support. You'll pay more upfront for Eufy ($40-140), but you'll save on monthly fees while getting smarter, more capable cameras. Get Eufy Indoor Cam C120 on Amazon for $43 →

The Fighters

	Wyze	Eufy
Price	$35 on Amazon	$43 on Amazon
Best For	Budget buyers who want maximum features per dollar	Users who refuse to pay subscriptions
Resolution	2.5K QHD	Up to 4K (2K standard)
AI Detection	Requires $2.99/mo subscription	Built-in, no subscription
HomeKit	No	Yes

Wyze Cam v4 security camera on white background

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Video Quality

Both cameras capture footage sharp enough to identify faces and read license plates in good lighting. The Wyze Cam v4 records in 2.5K QHD (2560x1440) with a 116-degree field of view, delivering crisp footage that Tom's Guide called "the new king of budget security cameras." Eufy counters with cameras ranging from 2K to full 4K resolution on premium models like the EufyCam 3, with the Indoor Cam C120 offering a slightly wider 125-degree field of view. For pure resolution, Eufy's 4K options can't be matched—you'll see every detail when zooming in on footage.

Wyze	Eufy
7/10	8/10

Round 1 Winner: Eufy — 4K resolution options give Eufy the edge for users who need maximum detail.

Score after Round 1: Wyze 7 | Eufy 8

Round 2: Night Vision

Here's where it gets interesting. Wyze's Starlight CMOS sensor absorbs 40% more light than standard sensors, enabling full-color night vision up to 25 feet—a standout feature at this price point. Eufy takes a different approach: most cameras use black-and-white infrared with impressive 32-foot range thanks to 8 IR LEDs. Premium Eufy models offer color night vision via dual-light systems, but only reach 16 feet. According to Eufy's own comparison, their cameras "tend to lead in providing clearer and more detailed night imagery due to high-resolution options and sophisticated infrared technology"—but Wyze's color capability at night often matters more for identifying intruders.

Wyze	Eufy
8/10	7/10

Round 2 Winner: Wyze — Color night vision at 25 feet beats longer-range black-and-white for most security needs.

Score after Round 2: Wyze 15 | Eufy 15

Round 3: AI & Smart Features

This round isn't close. Eufy handles all AI processing on-device—human detection, pet detection, package detection, and even facial recognition—without requiring any subscription. That means faster alerts (no cloud round-trip) and zero monthly fees. Wyze offers basic person detection free, but Security.org notes that advanced features like person, pet, package, and vehicle detection require Cam Plus at $2.99/month per camera. Over three years with three cameras, that's $323 in subscription fees versus $0 for Eufy. The on-device AI also means fewer false alarms—Eufy can instantly tell the difference between your dog and a delivery person.

Wyze	Eufy
6/10	9/10

Round 3 Winner: Eufy — Free on-device AI with faster, more accurate detection demolishes Wyze's subscription-locked features.

Score after Round 3: Wyze 21 | Eufy 24

Eufy Indoor Cam C120 security camera product photo

Round 4: Storage & Subscriptions

Wyze shines here with flexible microSD storage up to 512GB and support for true 24/7 continuous recording when wired. You get 14 days of free cloud storage for events, with Cam Plus extending that to unlimited clips. Eufy's storage situation is messier. The HomeBase offers 16GB expandable to 16TB, but standalone cameras like the SoloCam S340 have just 8GB of non-removable storage—Wyze's blog points out this "significantly limits your capacity and prevents you from viewing or saving footage directly by removing the card." For power users who want weeks of continuous recording, Wyze's approach is clearly superior.

Wyze	Eufy
9/10	6/10

Round 4 Winner: Wyze — 512GB microSD support with 24/7 recording beats Eufy's limited built-in storage.

Score after Round 4: Wyze 30 | Eufy 30

Round 5: Smart Home Integration

Eufy holds the trump card: Apple HomeKit support. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, this is the only choice—Wyze doesn't support HomeKit at all. Both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and Wyze adds IFTTT compatibility. But AppleInsider praised Eufy for being one of the few affordable HomeKit Secure Video options, noting it "defies the notion that HomeKit-compatible cameras are typically pricey." For Android and Alexa households, it's a tie. For iPhone users, Eufy wins by default.

Wyze	Eufy
7/10	9/10

Round 5 Winner: Eufy — HomeKit support makes Eufy essential for Apple users; Wyze can't compete here.

Score after Round 5: Wyze 37 | Eufy 39

Round 6: Reliability & Long-Term Value

Both brands have reliability concerns. Wyze forum users report cameras dropping offline, delayed alerts, and water ingress after outdoor use—one user noted "2 stopped working after 5-6 years, 1 can't recognize SD card anymore." Eufy cameras also go offline periodically, requiring app restarts. However, CameraFitter testing found Eufy's IP67 weather resistance "consistently outperforms competitors, particularly during harsh winter conditions." Eufy's battery cameras last up to 12 months per charge versus Wyze's 6 months. For long-term outdoor reliability, Eufy has the edge—but neither is perfect.

Wyze	Eufy
6/10	7/10

Round 6 Winner: Eufy — Better weather resistance and battery life give Eufy the slight edge in longevity.

Modern living room with smart home technology setup

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Eufy	46/60	WINNER
Wyze	43/60

The Winner: Eufy

Eufy wins this death match with a 46-43 victory, but it's closer than the final score suggests. Eufy's subscription-free AI detection is the real game-changer—you get human, pet, and package detection that actually works without paying $2.99 per camera per month forever. The 4K resolution options, HomeKit support, and superior battery life seal the deal.

That said, Wyze put up a strong fight. Its color night vision technology is genuinely impressive, the microSD storage flexibility is better for 24/7 recording, and at $35 for the Cam v4, nothing else comes close on pure value. If you're a budget-conscious shopper who doesn't mind a subscription, Wyze delivers premium features at fast-food prices.

Both brands have had privacy controversies—Wyze failed to disclose a security flaw for three years, while Eufy was caught sending "local" footage to the cloud unencrypted in 2022. Both claim these issues are fixed, but security-conscious users should research current policies before committing.

Ready to buy the winner? Get Eufy Indoor Cam C120 on Amazon →

When the Loser Actually Wins

Wyze isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're on a strict budget: At $35 for the Cam v4, Wyze costs less than half of comparable Eufy cameras
You need 24/7 continuous recording: Wyze's microSD support up to 512GB with wired recording beats Eufy's limited storage options
Color night vision matters: Wyze's Starlight sensor delivers full-color footage at night up to 25 feet
You don't use Apple products: Without HomeKit needs, Eufy loses its biggest differentiator

Wyze might be right for you: Check Wyze Cam v4 on Amazon for $35 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart home security monitoring on tablet device

Do Wyze or Eufy cameras require monthly subscriptions?

Eufy works fully without subscriptions—AI detection, local storage, and all core features are included. Wyze offers basic functionality free, but advanced AI features like person, pet, package, and vehicle detection require Cam Plus at $2.99/month per camera or $19.99/year.

Which is better for outdoor use?

Eufy's IP67 weather resistance outperforms Wyze's IP65 rating, especially in extreme weather. The EufyCam 3 earned a 4.75/5 rating from SafeWise for outdoor performance. Wyze Cam v4 works outdoors but users report more weather-related failures over time.

Can I use Wyze or Eufy with Apple HomeKit?

Only Eufy supports Apple HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video. If you're an iPhone user who wants native iOS integration, Eufy is your only option between these two brands.

How long do the batteries last on wireless models?

Eufy leads with battery life up to 12 months on the EufyCam 3 (with built-in solar). Wyze Battery Cam Pro lasts approximately 6 months per charge. Both offer solar panel accessories for extended runtime.