Wyze Video Doorbell v2 vs Wyze Video Doorbell v1: What's New?
By Naila Syifa
Updated January 2024
Wyze released an upgrade to its original wired Video Doorbell, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2. With significant improvements to the design and features, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an even more powerful security device for your home. However, if you already own the original Wyze Video Doorbell, you may be considering whether it's worth upgrading to the v2 model.
In this article, we'll take a look at the new features and improvements of the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 compared to the v1 model to help you decide whether the upgrade is worth it for you.
Key Takeaways
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is better than v1 in terms of its elegant design, higher 2K resolution, and new features like free local storage and color night vision. The v1, on the other hand, only has 1080p resolution, standard night vision, and subscription-based cloud storage.
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
Clearest and Most Capable
✓ 2K Video with Color Night Vision
✓ Head-to-Toe View
✓ 24/7 Continuous Recording
✓ AI Notifications
Wyze Video Doorbell
Simple and Affordable
✓ 1080p Video with Night Vision
✓ IP65 Weather-Resistant
✓ Instant Notifications
✓ Motion-Activated LED
#1 Price
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
As an upgraded model, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is more expensive than the original Wyze Video Doorbell. However, the price difference is not that big and the v2 is still very affordable compared to other video doorbells on the market.
The v2 costs US$39.99 for a doorbell and a chime controller included, and it is available as a bundle with a 128 GB microSD card for US$54.99. The v1, on the other hand, costs US$29.99 for the doorbell only and US$34.99 for the doorbell and chime bundle.
#2 Design
Wyze Video Doorbell
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 comes with a new black color and glossy finish that makes it look more elegant and modern compared to the v1 model. This new design is more similar to video doorbells from Ring, featuring a circular button with a blue LED ring around it that will be illuminated when the button is pressed or when motion is detected. This makes the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 more noticeable, leaving visitors in awe of its high-end look while also alerting potential intruders of its presence on your property.
The Wyze Video Doorbell v1, on the other hand, can be more discreet and lowkey. It is much smaller than the v2 and comes in a plain and simple white body with a rectangular button at the bottom. It looks more traditional, but this shouldn't be a problem if the function is all that matters to you. Especially, just like the newer v2, the original Wyze Video Doorbell is IP65-rated, meaning it is weather-resistant and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
#3 Video Camera Quality
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 stands out with its crystal clear 2K (2048 x 1536) resolution, making it the perfect choice for those who want to capture high-quality video footage. It also offers a wider field of view of 103° vertically and 135° horizontally, providing a more complete view of your front porch and surrounding areas compared to the v1 model.
At 1080p video resolution, the Wyze Video Doorbell v1 offers a good quality video, but it falls short when compared to the v2. Its 3:4 aspect ratio and 120° vertical x 88° horizontal field of view also provide enough head-to-toe coverage of visitors, but it is still more limited than the v2's camera viewing capabilities.
You may be able to bear the specs that the original v1 offers, but one big advantage that the v2 has over the v1 is its Color Night Vision, which allows you to see better in color in low-light conditions, while the standard Night Vision on the v1 only provides black and white footage.
#4 Smart Features
Wyze Video Doorbell
The Wyze Video Doorbell v2 has many of the same basic smart features as the original v1 model, including live view, motion detection and alerts, two-way audio, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. If you subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus, both models also offer 14-day video cloud storage and AI detection. This means you'll be notified of people, packages, pets, and vehicles, instead of just any motion detection.
Other than these basic features, the v2 also comes with some advanced smart features such as motion-activated voice deterrence, which plays a voice prompt to alert visitors that they are being recorded, and pre-roll video, which records 4-6 seconds of video before a motion event is detected, ensuring that you don't miss any important moments.
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
Quick responses can also be set up on the Wyze Video Doorbell v2, allowing you to answer visitors with pre-recorded messages when you're not available to talk. In addition, the v2 model offers free local storage with a microSD card of up to 256 GB, so you can record 24/7 without having to subscribe for cloud storage.
However, the v2 model doesn't come with a chime and is not compatible with the Wyze Chime that the v1 is compatible with. This chime allows you to hear the doorbell ring inside your home, and you can customize the chime sound and volume to fit your preferences.
#5 Installation
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
In terms of installation, both the v2 and v1 are similar in that they are hardwired and can only connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and not the 5 GHz networks. All the hardware and installation guide is included in the package, making it easy to install for most DIYers.
However, one difference is that the v2 also comes with a 30° Corner Kit that allows you to adjust the angle of your doorbell to capture the best view of your front porch, which is not included in the v1 model.
Another thing to note is that while the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 can work with your existing mechanical chimes, the original Wyze Video Doorbell bypasses your mechanical chimes, so you'll need to install the Wyze Chime for the doorbell to sound inside your home. This makes the v2 more suitable for people who already own a mechanical chime, while the v1 is more suitable for those who need a new customizable chime.
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 vs Wyze Video Doorbell v1
Final Thoughts
Wyze Video Doorbell
Overall, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an impressive upgrade to the original v1 model, with improved camera quality, a wider field of view, and advanced smart features. Its elegant and modern design also makes it stand out from its predecessor. While it is more expensive than the v1, the price difference is not significant and it is still very affordable compared to other video doorbells on the market. If you're looking for a high-quality, reliable, and feature-rich video doorbell, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is definitely worth considering.
However, if you already own the original Wyze Video Doorbell, upgrading may not be necessary unless you highly value the new design and key features like free local storage, pre-roll, and motion-activated voice deterrence.
If you like to read more about Smart Doorbell Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 vs Pro
Wyze Video Doorbell v2 vs Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera vs Google Nest Doorbell
The Best Smart Doorbell Cameras of 2024
Best Smart Doorbell Cameras without Subscription & with Local Storage
Best Wireless Smart Doorbell Cameras (without Existing Doorbell)
4 Best Apartment Doorbell Cameras for Renters (No Screws, Drilling, or Wiring)
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