Wyze vs. Kasa Camera: Which Is Best For You?

Wyze and Kasa are two big names in the home security industry, so homeowners cannot understandably decide which brand to choose when considering their home security. 

You’ve come to the right place if you are a homeowner in this category. In this article, we will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each camera and help you make a more informed decision about which brand to choose.

Wyze At a Glance

Wyze is a standout name in smart home technology, offering top-notch security cameras at affordable prices. The company’s lineup, including the original Wyze Cam, the Wyze Cam Pan, and the Wyze Cam Outdoor, proves that you don’t have to spend much to get excellent quality. 

These devices come with sharp 1080p HD video, clear two-way audio, and excellent night vision—everything you’d expect from a smart camera, but at a much lower cost.

The company began in 2017 with the Wyze Cam v1. What started with a product that reviewers called “too good to be true” has become a philosophy for the company. This idea has driven Wyze to continually challenge itself, pushing beyond limits to offer more than 70 products that enhance the safety and smartness of homes everywhere.

Wyze is a brand that believes in offering high-quality and innovative products at prices that everyone can afford. Through this approach, Wyze has made a name for itself in the market and redefined what it means to be a smart home brand.

Overview

At the heart of Wyze is the belief that innovation doesn’t have to be expensive. The company strives to exceed expectations, innovate, and provide unique experiences without the premium price. 

Wyze has revolutionized smart home technology by focusing on creativity and paying attention to the little things.

Wyze Cameras

Wyze Cam V2

The Wyze Cam V2 is a budget-friendly smart camera that impresses many with its high-quality features, such as clear 1080p HD video, two-way audio communication, and night vision capabilities, all for $19.99. 

It is easy to use and offers cloud or memory card video storage. However, it isn’t without its flaws. It cannot directly integrate with other smart home devices or use EFT, and it is primarily designed for indoor use.

However, it’s important to note that the Wyze Cam V2 is not readily available anymore. According to consumer reports, it either isn’t available or has minimal distribution. 

According to TechHive, as of March 2022, Wyze is not providing security updates for the Wyze Cam V2 due to the camera’s limited memory capacity. 

While the camera offers many great features for its price, the lack of security updates might be a significant drawback for those who prioritize ongoing security enhancements.

• Rating: 4/5
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Subscriptions: Offers free cloud storage; additional subscription services are unnecessary for core features.

Wyze Cam V3

The Wyze Cam V3, priced at an affordable $35.98, represents the pinnacle of budget-friendly home security cameras. It offers 1080p video quality, color night vision, and cloud and local storage options, providing exceptional value. 

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use with its weatherproof design, the V3’s versatility shines. It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, supporting Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. However, its lack of HomeKit compatibility and the need for a subscription to unlock advanced features may be drawbacks for some users.

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
• Subscription: Some advanced features require a subscription

Wyze Cam V3 Pro

The Wyze Cam V3 Pro, priced at $49.99, epitomizes budget-friendly yet feature-rich security cameras. With a sharp 2K video resolution, built-in spotlight, and siren, it outshines competitors in its price range. 

The camera’s 116-degree field of view, color night vision, and support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT enhance its versatility. It offers local and cloud storage options, ensuring flexibility based on user preferences. 

However, users should be mindful that some advanced features require a subscription. The V3 Pro’s IP65 weatherproof rating ensures reliable performance indoors and outdoors.

• Rating: 4.5/5 
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
• Subscription: Some advanced features require a subscription

Other Wyze cameras to consider:

• Wyze Cam Pan v3- Offers panoramic views and versatility.
• Wyze Video Doorbell Pro- Ideal for enhanced home security.
• Wyze Battery Cam Pro- Wireless convenience with Pro features.
• Wyze Cam Floodlight ProIlluminates and secures your surroundings.
• Wyze Cam OG- A reliable original with essential features.
• Wyze Cam Pan v2- Provides flexible and dynamic surveillance.
• Wyze Cam Floodlight (v1)- Brightens your space while monitoring.
• Wyze Video Doorbell (Wired)- Wired doorbell solution for heightened security.
• Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 with Base Station- Designed for outdoor monitoring.
• Wyze Lamp Socket- Smart lighting control for your home.
• Wyze Garage Door Controller- Effortless control of your garage door.
• Wyze Cam Outdoor v1- Outdoor surveillance with essential features.
• Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) + Wyze Bundles- Bundles for a more thoughtful home experience.
• Wyze Cam v3 Security System Bundle- Comprehensive security system for your home.

Our Verdict

Looking at Wyze cameras, you have options based on your needs. If you want something affordable and suitable for inside and outside your home, go for Wyze Cam V3 or Wyze Cam Pan V3. Need outdoor security? Wyze Cam Outdoor V2 with a Base Station is a solid choice. For top-notch video quality, Wyze Cam V3 Pro gives you super clear footage.

Wyze cameras are great because they’re not expensive. They offer features like motion tracking, color night vision, and voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant. They can also connect with other smart devices.

However, they don’t work with Apple’s HomeKit, and some extra features might require a subscription, which could increase the cost. 

Pros

• Affordable options
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Features like motion tracking, color night vision, and voice control
• Integration with other smart devices
• Good video quality with options like Wyze Cam V3 Pro

Cons

• Lack of compatibility with Apple’s HomeKit
• Additional features may require a subscription, adding to the cost.

Kasa At a Glance

In 2015, Kasa Smart made a significant debut by introducing a revolutionary smart plug. Formerly recognized as TP-Link Research America in Silicon Valley, Kasa Smart served as TP-Link’s hub for smart home innovations. 

Entrusted with exploring the smart home market, they aimed to develop customer-centric, reliable, high-quality products.

Since introducing the initial smart plug, Kasa Smart has expanded its offerings to encompass smart bulbs, light switches, cameras, and a diverse range of smart plugs, including outdoor variants. 

Beyond hardware, they developed the Kasa Smart app, which empowers users with centralized control. Today, the app boasts one of the highest ratings (4.8 on the App Store/4.7 on Google Play) and provides users with seamless management of their connected homes. 

Overview

With over 20 years of TP-Link’s Wi-Fi device expertise and Silicon Valley’s creativity, Kasa Smart offers an immersive and genuinely connected smart home experience. Kasa Smart provides a diverse range of products, which include smart plugs, bulbs, switches, and cameras.

Kasa Cameras

Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (KC410S)

The TP-Link Kasa Spot Pan Tilt (KC410S) is an affordable indoor security camera that offers a 360-degree view of your space. 

With sharp 2K video quality, mechanical pan, tilt controls, and support for local and cloud storage options, it caters to users seeking reliable surveillance. 

The camera’s motion tracking and voice control features enhance its usability. However, like Wyze, it lacks compatibility with HomeKit and has limited IFTTT integrations. While its pan and tilt movements are somewhat sluggish, it still competes well in the budget-friendly range.

The camera’s design includes a motorized base that allows for a horizontal 360-degree view and a vertical 113-degree angle of view. 

Its 2K video captures detailed footage, and infrared LEDs provide black-and-white night vision. The Kasa Spot Pan Tilt works seamlessly with other Kasa devices, such as Alexa and Google Assistant. 

Despite some drawbacks, it is a cost-effective choice for those already invested in the Kasa ecosystem.

• Rating: 4/5
• Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT but doesn’t support HomeKit.
• Subscription: Kasa offers Kasa Care Plus at $3/month or $30/year for one camera, providing 30-day video history, manual clip recording, video sharing, and activity notifications. The $10/month Premium package supports up to 10 cameras, unlocking all Plus features.

Kasa Spot 24/7 Recording (KC400)

The Kasa Spot 24/7 Recording (KC400) is an affordable indoor security camera that delivers sharp 2K video, robust local and cloud storage options, and person detection. 

It is priced at $44.99 and provides excellent day and night video quality with a wide 106-degree field of view. 

Its compact design includes tilt and swivel adjustments for flexible placement. Thankfully, the camera supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, enhancing user convenience. 

However, some advanced features necessitate a subscription, and it lacks compatibility with Apple HomeKit. But despite the limited third-party support, it seamlessly integrates with other Kasa devices, offering a budget-friendly option for Kasa users seeking a high-definition surveillance solution. 

If broader third-party compatibility is desired, the $51.99 Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is an excellent alternative to this camera. 

Although it’s slightly pricier, however, it’s a feature-rich alternative. Also, for an affordable indoor/outdoor choice, the Wyze Cam V3 is an excellent alternative with extensive features under $40.

• Rating: 4/5
• Compatibility: It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Still, it is incompatible with Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT integration is restricted.
• Subscription: A Kasa Care Plus subscription costs $3 per month or $30 per year for one camera and provides 30 days of video history, manual clip recording, video sharing, and activity notifications with screenshots. 

The premium package, which costs $10 per month, supports up to 10 cameras per account and unlocks all features from the Plus package.

Kasa Cam KC120

The TP-Link KC120 Kasa Cam offers crystal-clear image quality, customizable motion detection zones, and Amazon’s Echo Show integration. It lacks a zoom option and requires a subscription fee for cloud storage. 

This security camera, priced at $130, stands out with its advanced features, user-friendly app, and Echo Show compatibility. 

The design is reminiscent of the original Dropcam/Nest Cam, providing a 1080p lens with a 130-degree field of view. The Kasa Care subscription plans offer options for varying storage capacities and durations. 

The setup process is relatively straightforward through the Kasa app, offering near-instantaneous access to the live feed. The Kasa Cam is impressive, with sharp images, effective motion, sound detection, and quick connection times. 

The app allows customization of sensitivity settings and activity zones, enhancing its functionality. Overall, the KC120 Kasa Cam is a compelling and affordable choice for home security.

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Compatibility: The camera seamlessly integrates with Amazon’s Echo Show, allowing users to view the camera feed through this device.
• Subscription Plans: Kasa offers subscription plans under “Kasa Care.” The Free plan provides 1GB of storage with a two-day video history for up to three cameras. 

The Plus plan, at $4/month or $40/year per camera, includes 14GB of storage and 14 days of video history. 

The Premium plan, costing $7/month or $70/year per camera, offers 30GB of storage and 30 days of history. Each Kasa Cam purchase includes a 30-day free Kasa Care Premium Plan trial, with options to upgrade during the trial period through the Kasa companion app.

Here is a list of their other cameras:

• Kasa Spot Pan Tilt, 24/7 Recording
  • EC71
• Kasa Cam Outdoor 24/7 Recording
  • KC420WS
• Kasa Smart Doorbell
  • KD110
• Kasa Spot Pan Tilt, 24/7 Recording
  • EC70
• Kasa Spot, 24/7 Recording
  • EC60
• Kasa Spot Pan Tilt, 24/7 Recording
  • KC411S
• Kasa Spot, 24/7 Recording
  • KC401

Our Verdict

Kasa cameras are good because they give clear images and work well with other smart devices. They can detect motion and sound, and you can set them up to focus on specific areas. But there’s a catch – you must pay a fee to store videos in the cloud. Also, they don’t have a zoom option.

The Kasa Spot Pan Tilt, which has 24/7 recording, is a solid choice among all Kasa cameras. It’s affordable, works well, and fits into your smart home. So, if you want a decent camera without breaking the bank, go for the Kasa Spot Pan Tilt.

Pros

• Clear image quality
• Seamless integration
• Motion and sound detection
• Customizable focus

Cons

• Cloud storage fee: A subscription fee is required to store videos in the cloud.
• Lack of zoom option: Kasa cameras do not offer a zoom feature.

Key Differences

Camera Lineup and Features

Wyze: Offers a range of cameras, including Wyze Cam V2, V3, and V3 Pro. Features sharp 1080p or 2K video quality, color night vision, and cloud/local storage options. 

Varied models cater to different needs, such as panoramic views, doorbell solutions, and outdoor monitoring.

Kasa: Presents options like Kasa Spot Pan Tilt, Spot 24/7 Recording, and Kasa Cam KC120. 

It boasts advanced features like customizable motion detection, Amazon’s Echo Show integration, and precise image quality. It offers a variety of cameras for indoor and outdoor use.

Pricing

Wyze: Positioned as a budget-friendly brand, providing quality features at low costs. Prioritizes affordability for consumers.

Kasa Balances affordability with advanced features. It offers a cost-effective choice within the smart home ecosystem, ensuring competitive pricing.

Compatibility and Integration

Wyze Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT but is not compatible with HomeKit. Integration with other smart devices is available.

Kasa works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. It also has limited integration with HomeKit but is designed to integrate with other Kasa smart home devices.

Subscription Plans

Wyze offers free cloud storage for core features and optional subscription plans for advanced functionalities. Some features may require a subscription.

Kasa: Provides Kasa Care subscription plans for video storage, offering options like Free, Plus, and Premium. Subscription fees are applicable for extended storage and additional features.

Design and Build

Wyze is known for compact designs, user-friendly interfaces, and versatile placement. It focuses on delivering functional yet straightforward camera designs.

Kasa: Features cameras with distinct designs, like the Kasa Spot Pan Tilt with a 360-degree view. Prioritizes user-friendly setups and seamless integration within the Kasa ecosystem.

While Wyze excels in affordability and simplicity, Kasa is a comprehensive smart home ecosystem that balances advanced features and competitive pricing. 

The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the desired level of integration within the broader smart home environment.

Key Similarities

Affordability and Budget-Friendly Pricing

Wyze: Prioritizes providing affordable smart home technology, ensuring consumers can access quality features without high costs.

Kasa: Balances affordability with advanced features, offering cost-effective choices within the smart home ecosystem.

Video Quality and Imaging

Wyze: It delivers sharp video quality, with 1080p for Wyze Cam V2 and 2K for Wyze Cam V3 and V3 Pro. It focuses on providing clear day and night footage.

Kasa: Offers crystal-clear image quality, with the KC120 Kasa Cam providing a 1080p lens and advanced features for detailed surveillance.

Compatibility with Voice Assistants

Wyze: Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, facilitating voice control and integration with other smart devices.

Kasa: Seamlessly works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, enhancing user convenience and connectivity within the broader smart home environment.

Cloud and Local Storage Options

Wyze: Provides cloud storage for core features with optional subscription plans. Local storage options are available, ensuring user flexibility.

Kasa: Offers Kasa Care subscription plans for video storage, with options like Free, Plus, and Premium. Supports both local and cloud storage preferences.

Integration within the Smart Home Ecosystem

Wyze Integrates with other smart devices and offers a range of cameras for various needs, including panoramic views, doorbell solutions, and outdoor monitoring.

Kasa: Designed to seamlessly integrate within the Kasa smart home ecosystem, ensuring connectivity with other Kasa devices.

User-Friendly Interfaces and Setups

Wyze: Known for compact designs, user-friendly interfaces, and straightforward camera setups. Focuses on delivering functional and accessible devices.

Kasa: Also prioritizes user-friendly setups and interfaces, ensuring ease of use for consumers invested in the Kasa ecosystem.

Focus on Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Wyze: Embodies a continuous challenge and innovation philosophy, pushing beyond limits to offer more than 70 products that enhance smart home safety and functionality.

Kasa: Leverages over 20 years of TP-Link’s Wi-Fi expertise and Silicon Valley’s creativity to provide a diverse range of smart home products, constantly evolving for customer-centric solutions.

Both Wyze and Kasa are committed to affordability, delivering high-quality video imaging, compatibility with voice assistants, storage options, and more. They also focus on continuous innovation to enhance the overall smart home experience.

Our Take: Kasa Camera vs. Wyze

Select Kasa if you’re looking for:

Seamless Ecosystem Integration:

Kasa offers a cohesive smart home ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration with other Kasa devices. If you’re already invested in the Kasa ecosystem, choosing Kasa cameras enhances overall connectivity.

Crystal-Clear Imaging and Advanced Features:

The KC120 Kasa Cam stands out with crystal-clear image quality and advanced features like customizable motion detection zones. Kasa’s offerings excel if you prioritize detailed surveillance and robust security features.

Reliable Motion and Sound Detection:

Kasa cameras provide reliable motion and sound detection, including the Kasa Spot 24/7 Recording (KC400) and Spot Pan Tilt (KC410S). If accurate alerts and responsive surveillance are your essential requirements, Kasa delivers.

Variety of Subscription Plans:

Kasa offers flexible subscription plans under “Kasa Care,” catering to different storage needs. Kasa provides varied plans if you prefer customizable subscription options for video storage and additional features.

Affordable Options with Decent Features:

Kasa cameras balance affordability and features, making them a solid choice for users seeking cost-effective, reliable, intelligent security solutions.

Select Wyze if you’re looking for:

Budget-Friendly Smart Home Solutions:

Wyze positions itself as a budget-friendly smart home technology provider. If you’re looking for quality features at affordable prices, Wyze cameras, such as the Wyze Cam V3, cater to cost-conscious consumers.

Diverse Camera Options for Different Needs:

Wyze offers a diverse range of cameras, including Wyze Cam V3, V3 Pro, Cam Pan, and others, addressing various surveillance needs. Wyze provides options if you’re looking for specialized cameras for specific purposes.

Integration with Multiple Smart Devices:

Wyze cameras support integration with multiple smart devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Wyze is a suitable choice if you want cameras that seamlessly connect with various smart home devices. 

Innovative Features at Affordable Costs:

Known for innovation, Wyze delivers advanced features like motion tracking, color night vision, and voice control at affordable costs. Wyze cameras meet the criteria if you value innovation without a premium price tag.

Flexibility in Storage Options:

Wyze provides flexibility with both cloud and local storage options. Suppose you prefer choices in storing your video footage and want optional subscription plans. In that case, Wyze cameras offer some level of versatility.

Your choice between Kasa and Wyze depends on your specific preferences and requirements. If you prioritize seamless ecosystem integration, crystal-clear imaging, reliable motion detection, varied subscription plans, and affordable yet feature-rich options, you can opt for Kasa. 

But you can choose Wyze if you lean towards budget-friendly solutions, diverse camera options, integration with multiple smart devices, innovation at affordable costs, and flexibility in storage options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Wyze and Kasa’s cameras be used for indoor and outdoor surveillance?

Both Wyze and Kasa offer different cameras suitable for indoor use. Similarly, while Wyze provides the Wyze Cam V3 for outdoor surveillance, Kasa also has an outdoor option with the Kasa Outdoor Cam.

Which camera brand is more compatible with other devices?

Wyze and Kasa’s cameras are excellently compatible with other devices supporting Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. However, Kasa has an edge with its seamless ecosystem integration.

Who makes Wyze cameras?

Wyze cameras are made by Wyze Labs, a company known for providing affordable smart home technology.

Who makes Kasa cameras?

Kasa cameras are made by Kasa Smart, a brand that emerged from TP-Link Research America, situated in Silicon Valley, with over 20 years of Wi-Fi device expertise.