Wyze Home Monitoring Review

We tested how Wyze Home Monitoring compares with other DIY security systems—spoiler alert, it's a sweet deal.
Best budget pick
WYZE
Wyze Home Monitoring
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Affordable equipment
  • pro
    No contract
  • con
    No cellular backup
Monitoring plan
Price
Monthly
Annual

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

John Carlsen
Apr 06, 2023
Icon Time To Read10 min read

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

Is Wyze Home Monitoring right for you?

Wyze Home Monitoring has the most affordable professional monitoring of any security system on the market. We're also big fans of Wyze's sensors and security cameras, which do their jobs well for far less money than other brands. There's no cellular backup or third-party smart home compatibility, but that's a worthwhile tradeoff for monitoring that costs less per month than most streaming services.

Keep reading to learn how Wyze Home Monitoring performed during our tests and what else we like about the DIY security system.

pro
Pros
pro Most affordable monitoring
pro Free starter kit with Annual Plan
pro No contract
pro 10-hour battery backup
pro Cheap security cameras
pro Includes cloud video storage for one Wyze camera
con
Cons
con No cellular backup
con Doesn't come with a camera
con Short warranty
con Weak smart home support

How Wyze Home Monitoring stacks up

Wyze has the cheapest monitoring and equipment prices of any home security system, but its selection is pretty limited compared to more established brands like Abode, Ring Alarm, and SimpliSafe. Ultimately, it comes down to what you're willing to give up for a Wyze system.

Brand
Best for
Monitoring price
Equipment price*
Smart home compatibility †
Learn more
Read review
Ultra-budget security systemAmazon Alexa,
Google Assistant
Best budget security systemAmazon Alexa,
Z-Wave
Best sensorsAmazon Alexa,
Google Assistant
Best for smart homesAmazon Alexa,
Apple HomeKit,
Google Assistant,
Z-Wave, Zigbee
Best monitoringAmazon Alexa,
Google Assistant

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
†Some Wyze products (like cameras) are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but Wyze Home Monitoring is not. Read the smart home section of this review for more details.

All of these DIY systems have sensors similar to Wyze, and all are standalone systems with options to dodge mandatory monthly fees. Still, SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Abode all offer cellular connections to connect to the monitoring station when the internet goes down—unlike Wyze. Still, none of these systems comes close to Wyze in price. But Wyze falls short when it comes to smart home compatibility.

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Wyze monitoring prices

With Wyze monitoring, professionals will reach out to you when something triggers your system. You also get Cam Plus cloud storage for one camera.

Wyze can offer low monitoring fees because it doesn't use a cellular connection like most security systems. There's no backup if both the internet and power go out, but this is uncommon for most people.

By paying $9.99 for monitoring every month, you also need to shoulder the equipment costs up front (starting around $75 for the Wyze Sense Hub, a 3-pack of entry sensors, and a keypad). But, if you choose the annual plan, you get the $29.99 hub for free and save about $20 per year on monitoring.

Considering Wyze's low prices, this is more attractive than other DIY security systems like SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm—their least expensive starter kits cost around three times as much.

Still, we think the annual plan is the better deal since you can cancel your monitoring subscription after the first 30 days without returning the equipment—you break even with the monthly plan after 60 days. This means you have longer to decide if professional monitoring is right for you.

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Wyze Cam Protect

Wyze now offers Wyze Cam Protect, which adds professional monitoring to compatible Wyze cameras for $3.99 a month. It's an entry-level plan for folks not needing a full security system—it isn't compatible with Wyze Home Monitoring.

Self-monitoring with Wyze

You have limited options if you want to self-monitor your equipment without a recurring fee. Non-subscribers lose access to arming modes and the keypad. (You can use Test Mode for self-monitoring with every feature—but it requires a paid plan.)

Instead, you must manually configure automation rules and notifications for each sensor, which isn't ideal for arming on the fly when you leave the house. We recommend checking out another self-monitored security system.

Wyze Home Monitoring equipment

No other security system offers equipment that's even close to Wyze's value. It's not just the sensors either—all of Wyze's equipment (including its security cameras) delivers high quality for a low price. 

There are two ways to get Wyze Home Monitoring equipment, but both involve signing up for a monitoring plan. You can choose between monthly and annual monitoring plans.

Wyze used to include the Core Starter Kit with the annual plan, but the company switched to an à la carte approach. But you do get the Wyze Sense v2 Hub (about a $30 value) for free with the annual plan. Wyze includes a three-month monitoring trial with your kit.

What's in the Core Starter Kit box

  • Wyze Sense v2 Hub
  • Wyze Sense Keypad
  • Wyze Sense v2 Motion Sensor
  • Wyze Sense v2 Entry Sensor (2)
  • Window decals (2)
  • Mounting screws
  • Power adapter
  • Ethernet cable
  • Quick start guide
Wyze Home Monitoring items that come in the box

Wyze Sense Hub v2

The hub manages the sensors and sounds a siren when something triggers an alarm. It also connects to the internet to enable the Wyze mobile app and Noonlight monitoring.

Wyze Sense Keypad

The keypad controls the system's arming status and allows users without mobile app access to disarm the system.

Wyze Sense Motion Sensor v2

The motion sensor uses infrared light to spot people moving through a room.

Wyze Sense Entry Sensor v2

The entry sensor uses magnets to tell if the door or window it's attached to is open or closed.

Additional sensors

Regardless of the plan you choose, you can buy additional equipment during the checkout process for your system. This is currently the only way to purchase the hub—Wyze sells extra sensors separately on its website and Amazon.

You pay upfront for any extra sensors bought alongside your starter kit, but they all cost less than a pair of movie tickets. (Amazon prices shown.)

  • $24.98 for an extra Wyze Sense Keypad
  • $39.14 for a three-pack of extra Wyze Sense Entry Sensors (about $13 per sensor)
  • $29.98 for a three-pack of Wyze Sense Climate Sensors
  • $14.98 for an extra Wyze Sense Motion Sensor
  • $39.89 for a three-pack of Wyze Sense Leak Sensors, which includes one Wyze Sensor Probe

When you consider the average cost for keypads (about $63 each), motion sensors (about $38 each), and entry sensors (about $27 each) in a security system, Wyze is the most affordable option on the market by a huge margin. It's easy to outfit every door, window, and main room in your house, even on a limited budget.

Wyze security cameras

Our Wyze camera pick

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

You can also buy security cameras for your Wyze Home Monitoring system during checkout. These are readily available in the Wyze shop and at other retailers, so you can hold off until later to save on your order. Still, we recommend getting at least one Wyze security camera (especially since they're so cheap) for this security system to take advantage of the included cloud storage plan.

Wyze Home Monitoring works with the following Wyze cameras:

Check out our Wyze security cameras review to learn more about the brand's home security camera offerings. We also have in-depth reviews of the Wyze Cam v3, Wyze Cam Pan, Wyze Video Doorbell, and the Wyze Cam Outdoor.

Bell
Designated security cameras

You can designate up to five of your Wyze security cameras to work with Wyze Home Monitoring. Designated security cameras have a higher priority for triggering notifications than normal ones. You can also simultaneously livestream all five designated cameras together in the Wyze app.

Wyze smart home devices

Wyze makes many smart home devices that may eventually work directly with Wyze Home Monitoring—like a smart lock and video doorbell. Until then, you can use the devices below in the Wyze app as you would any other Wyze product:

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

Wyze setup and installation

Setup

To set up your Wyze security system, you first need to activate it using a code that Wyze delivers via email. Then, install the hub and connect it to the internet using the Wyze app. After that, the app walks you through the rest of the process. Here's a quick overview of the steps from the Wyze support website:

  • Pair the keypad and sensors.
  • Add contact information so Noonlight monitoring can reach you during an alarm event.
  • Set up alarm triggers so the system knows which sensors to use in the Home and Away modes.
  • Set up a PIN code for disarming or canceling the alarm.
  • Set up an entry/exit delay to reduce false alarms.
  • Add Wyze security cameras to your system.
  • Set up a safe word for canceling an alarm after Noonlight calls you.
  • Set notification preferences.
  • Enter Test Mode before activating the live monitoring service.
Notepad
Set up sensors first

It's easier to set up all of the sensors before you install them in their final places. This saves time by not having you run back and forth. It also allows you to test if a sensor works in the intended location before removing the adhesive backing.

Installation

Installing the starter kit was a breeze. It took only about 15 minutes to set up all three sensors, the hub, and the keypad—nice and simple. The hub connects to your home network using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. (Wyze recommends using Ethernet if possible—wired connections are generally more reliable.)

The keypad and sensors all come with batteries installed, so you need only to remove a plastic tab to turn them on. They also have a peel-off adhesive backing that makes them easy to attach to any surface. The motion and entry sensors run on replaceable AAA batteries while the keypad trades up for AA batteries.

We like that the batteries are readily available in stores, unlike the specialty batteries that some other brands use. Both the motion and entry sensors are a bit larger than Wyze's first-generation versions but benefit from larger batteries that last longer (up to 18 months) than the older sensors' coin batteries (up to 12 months).

Because Wyze equipment installs without screws or hardwiring, it's one of the best security systems for renters.

Checklist
Wyze mobile app

In addition to helping you set up the system, the Wyze app also gives you access to other Wyze devices and settings. As it relates to Wyze Home Monitoring, you'll mostly use it for checking on notifications, arming and disarming your system, and watching videos from your security cameras. Overall, we found it pleasant and easy to use during our testing.

Wyze smart home features and compatibility

The Wyze DIY security system doesn't offer third-party compatibility with other smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT (even though other Wyze products support them). This means you can't control the system with voice commands or other apps.

But there is one smart home service that Wyze Home Monitoring supports: Alexa Guard Plus.

Alexa Guard Plus

Alexa Guard Plus is a paid subscription (about $5 a month) that allows Amazon Echo smart speakers and displays to detect specific sounds (like smoke alarms and glass breaking), act as a deterrent to scare away intruders, and help you connect with first responders in an emergency.

When you link Wyze Home Monitoring with Alexa Guard Plus, you'll receive Alexa Guard alerts in the Wyze app. This is helpful because you get improved sound detection and deterrence tools with Wyze's professional monitoring.

Personally, we don't see much benefit from adding Alexa Guard Plus since it increase your monthly costs—and Wyze security cameras already offer similar sound detection. Still, it might be worth it if you value the extra deterrents and the emergency helpline feature.

Wyze customer service and support

Wyze Home Monitoring has extensive self-serve customer support resources on the main Wyze support website. We found it easy to look up setup instructions, FAQ articles, and troubleshooting guides whenever we had a question (making our job much simpler). You can also contact Wyze directly through the helpful live chat tool, though we didn't see a phone number if that's something you prefer.

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Wyze user community

One of our favorite things about Wyze support is its vast user community spread across various platforms like the Wyze forum, Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube. Social media accounts like these are one of the best ways to learn about common problems, cool new features, and compare experiences with other customers—even if they're not always as direct as a customer support page.

Wyze contract and warranty

There's no contract with either Wyze monitoring plan—you can cancel anytime without penalties. The only difference is for annual subscribers, where you must return your starter kit if canceling within 30 days of shipping. This cancellation policy is similar to that of Ring Alarm, while SimipliSafe's trial period is 60 days.

Among DIY security companies, Wyze has one of the shortest warranties—only a single year. The company won't replace defective equipment after that. Although one year is shorter than the average DIY security system warranty, Wyze's equipment is much more affordable to replace compared to the sensors, cameras, and hubs of other brands. This helps balance out the short warranty.

Final word

Wyze Home Monitoring is an easy, inexpensive option for keeping tabs on your home while you're away. It won't give you the cellular backup or equipment selection of a pricier security system, but competitors can't match its rock-bottom monitoring and equipment prices. Plus, it's an excellent companion to Wyze's security cameras. In short, it's discreet and easy to use, it functions well, and the price is hard to beat.

For more information on how Wyze Home Monitoring holds up against its security system rivals, check our review of the best cheap security systems.

Wyze Home Monitoring FAQ

You can use the Wyze app to request a downloadable Noonlight Monitoring Certificate to share with your insurance company. From there, the availability and amount of a discount depend on your insurance company.

While you can still use older Wyze Sense v1 equipment with the Wyze app, it's not compatible with the Wyze Home Monitoring systems that use Wyze Sense v2 devices.

Switching from a monthly Wyze plan to an annual one results in Wyze refunding the cost of your Core Starter Kit. Both the monthly and yearly plans cost $59.88 per year, so it's mostly a matter of saving on the equipment and if you want to spread out the costs over time.

Wyze doesn't yet offer devices for detecting smoke or carbon monoxide. Still, Wyze security cameras have sound detection features to alert you with a push notification if the camera detects a smoke alarm in your home.

Yes, but you might need to replace the adhesive. We recommend getting some Command strips if you need to reattach sensors to a new surface.

How we reviewed Wyze Home Monitoring

We tested the Wyze Home Monitoring Core Starter Kit in a small apartment for a few days. Since it was new to us, we kept to Wyze's recommendations and used the system in Test Mode, which disables the connection to the monitoring center. (No need to summon the police accidentally.) Here are some things we looked at during our tests:

  • Setup and installation
  • Mobile app controls
  • System arming modes
  • Sensor responsiveness
  • Noonlight terms and conditions
  • Wyze security camera integration

Our simple (yet effective) setup for testing Wyze Home Monitoring in a small apartment

To find out more about how we test and review products, read our full methodology.

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Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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