Wyze Doorbell Pro Review: Budget Smart Choice with Caveats
The Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro (Chime Included) has earned a reputation as one of the most affordable smart doorbells with premium-like features, but digging deeper into user reports reveals a split verdict. Scoring a conditional 7.5/10, it impresses with its ultra-wide head-to-toe view and easy installation, yet struggles with motion detection reliability and inconsistent battery life. For tech-savvy homeowners on a budget, it can be a strong contender—if its quirks don’t interfere with daily use.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Best for budget-conscious buyers who value wide-angle coverage and don't mind occasional software hiccups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price compared to competitors | Motion detection zones often fail |
| 1440p head-to-to-toe view | Battery drains faster than advertised for some users |
| Easy 30-second wire-free install | Live stream freezes reported |
| Included dual-band Wi-Fi extender chime | Firmware update and app inconsistency |
| Works wired or wireless | False positives in package detection |
| Integration with Alexa & Google | Battery non-removable; recharge requires full removal |
Claims vs Reality
Wyze markets the Doorbell Pro as offering “up to 6 months of battery life”. While some users confirm strong battery performance when detection settings are conservative, others report drastically shorter lifespans. Reddit user feedback includes one example where “camera has been up since 5 hours ago and has already lost 8%… at this rate, it will only last two weeks before needing a recharge”. This gap between the advertised maximum and real-world results appears tied to sensitivity settings and frequency of motion events.
Another core claim is its “customizable motion detection zones”. Multiple Reddit threads contradict this, with one buyer stating “the detection zone feature is a great idea but simply does not work… even if I leave only a single square selected”. Others note the sensitivity setting resets itself to high, flooding them with alerts for passing cars rather than porch activity.
Wyze also promotes “fast dual-band notifications” via the included chime extender. While users appreciate the concept, some note the live stream performance undermines responsiveness: “video freezes every 3 seconds… recordings seem fine but the live streaming sucks”. This suggests while the notification may arrive quickly, real-time monitoring can be frustrating for certain setups.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, the head-to-toe 1440p view receives consistent applause. One Reddit user wrote: “I have a shallow doorway… never able to see the floor for packages… this little guy gives me exactly what I need!”. For homeowners with narrow entries or who frequently receive deliveries, this framing captures both visitors and parcels clearly.
Installation ease is another standout. The 3M adhesive plate allows renters and those averse to drilling to mount it in under 30 seconds. A verified buyer on eBay highlighted “effortlessly mount… in under 30 seconds”, while others noted screw options for secure mounting. This flexibility benefits both temporary setups and permanent installations.
The included chime also garners praise. Trustpilot reviewers describe it as “tiny but loud enough to hear all over the house” with adjustable volume and multiple tones—including novelty sounds like a dog bark. The extender function improves signal strength for homes with tricky Wi-Fi coverage.
Common Complaints
Motion detection reliability is the most frequent frustration. Reports of detection zones resetting, failing to ignore street traffic, or missing people entirely are widespread. One Reddit user shared: “It detects and records every car that goes by, but doesn’t record people on my porch”. This inconsistency undermines its advertised AI-powered alerts.
Battery performance under heavy usage also disappoints some. While officially rated for 3–6 months, high motion activity can drain it in weeks. The non-removable battery means recharging requires removing the entire unit—leaving users without a doorbell temporarily. In climates with frequent events, this becomes an operational hassle.
Connectivity issues appear sporadically but severe when present. Firmware updates sometimes fail, leading to disconnections. One Reddit user recounted: “Firmware update failed… after that it was disconnected from Wi-Fi… countless attempts to reset failed”. These incidents suggest occasional instability in software rollout.
Divisive Features
Two-way audio divides opinion. Some praise its clarity, noting they can “hear people in my foyer and living room from the doorbell itself”. Others find it mediocre compared to competitors, citing slight delays or echo.
Package detection receives mixed reviews. While Trustpilot praises its accuracy in ignoring traffic and focusing on people, Tom’s Guide testing found “a large number of false positives… notifying me there was a box when there was only my doormat”. Its utility appears dependent on environmental factors and firmware version.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and long-term Reddit users reveal both durability and lingering concerns. Those with months of use report steady performance after firmware fixes—especially in AI filtering. “It’s very good at ignoring traffic and recording people… never records unless a person walks between my door and 20–30 feet out,” wrote one satisfied owner.
On the flip side, early adopters faced missing hardware components in kits and inconsistent documentation. Missing mounting plates and lack of stucco accommodations were frequent complaints. While these are one-time purchase issues, they can sour first impressions.
Alternatives
The most frequently mentioned competitor is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). Ring offers richer colors and HDR for challenging lighting but costs slightly more and requires separate chime purchase. Blink Video Doorbell is cheaper upfront but lacks package detection and relies on non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Several users who tried Blink found Wyze’s motion AI superior, despite Wyze’s quirks.
For those invested in Google’s ecosystem, the Nest Doorbell Wired earns praise for near-instant integration with Nest Hub displays and free Nest Aware perks. However, it lacks the battery option that gives Wyze flexibility for renters or non-wired setups.
Price & Value
Current pricing hovers around $89–$99 new, with certified-refurbished units on eBay at ~$51. Resale trends show decent value retention due to strong feature set at low cost. Community buying tips include waiting for Wyze site restocks to avoid inflated third-party prices and ensuring firmware is updated immediately on arrival.
For budget-conscious buyers, the inclusion of the chime and dual-band Wi-Fi support makes it competitive even against higher-end models. Subscription costs for full features are among the lowest in the category ($1.99/month or less annually).
FAQ
Q: Does the Wyze Doorbell Pro work with existing mechanical chimes?
A: No. It uses the included external chime box. Existing chimes act only as electrical surge buffers and transformers.
Q: Can I mount it on textured or stucco walls?
A: Yes, but Wyze doesn’t include specific accommodations. Users report success using heavy-duty screws or aftermarket double-sided “nano tape” for uneven surfaces.
Q: How long does the battery last in real-world use?
A: While rated for up to 6 months, high activity or sensitivity settings can cut this to weeks. Conservative motion settings extend life significantly.
Q: Does package detection require a subscription?
A: Yes, along with person, vehicle, and pet detection. Without Cam Plus, recordings are limited to 12 seconds with 5-minute cooldowns.
Q: Is the battery removable?
A: No. Charging requires removing the entire unit from its mount.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious homeowner or renter who values wide-angle coverage and easy installation, and can tolerate occasional software quirks. Avoid if instant, flawless motion alerts are mission-critical for your security. Pro tip from community: Lower motion sensitivity and update firmware immediately to improve battery life and detection accuracy.
